23 Aug 2021
Lake Aiguebelette, the smallest of the four lakes is quieter, mainly because motorboats aren't allowed on its waters. It is a good place to practise rowing, paddle boarding and kayaking. The three other lakes offer all kind of water sports: kite surfing, windsurfing, water skiing, etc.
Tours of the lake on e-boats are available on the four lakes.
The lakes are just by the mountains which means it is easy to go for a walk and admire the autumn colours. There are many vineyards by the lakes and most of them open to the public for tours and tastings.
Savoie Mont Blanc has 37 Michelin star restaurants and many of them are by the lakes.
In the last two years, several beautiful hotels have opened near Annecy and Le Bourget, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing and luxurious stay.
Chateau Brachet
Between Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy, in the village of Grésy-sur-Aix, Chateau Brachet is a grand house that has been transformed into an eco-friendly hotel. In the 19th century, this beautiful building was owned by Doctor Brachet, who was known as 'the doctor of the kings'. Each of the hotel's 15 bedrooms features a famous person from the 19th century who has stayed in the Chateau, such as Queen Victoria and the King of Greece. Surrounded by a park of five hectares, the hotel has an outdoor pool, a small golf area, a spa and a gastronomic restaurant.
From €160 for a night for 2. Breakfast costs €23 per person.
L'Incomparable
Overlooking Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, l'Incomparable is a historic building that has been transformed into a luxury hotel. It boasts 11 rooms and four suites, a wellness area with a pool, a Jacuzzi, a steam room and treatment rooms. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and tennis courts. The L'Incomparable restaurant opens for lunch and dinner and has a beautiful terrace with stunning views over the lake.
L'Incomparable is part of the Lodge & Spa Mountain group, which also includes the Koh-I-Nor in Val Thorens and the Taj-I-Mal in Les Arcs.
Prices for a double room for two with breakfast start at €230.
https://hotel-lincomparable.com/
Le Pelican
The group PVG – which has several prestigious hotels, including the Imperial Palace in Annecy and Au Coeur du Village in La Clusaz – is opening a new four-star hotel in Annecy called Le Pelican. The main building is the town's old hospice building, which dates from 1820. It has been renovated in an ecological way. The hotel is located in an area of Annecy that can use the water from the lake for heating and cooling. The water from a depth of 12m is used. At this depth, the water always has the same temperature and can be used to heat the hotel in the winter and to cool it down in the summer.
Le Pelican will have 103 bedrooms and suites and a gastronomic restaurant with a panoramic terrace.
https://www.hotel-lepelican.fr/
The hotel is a member of 1% for the Planet: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org
Le Mouton Bleu
Le Mouton Bleu is a new four-star hotel with a chic but relaxed atmosphere, situated in the picturesque village of Talloires-Montmin, on the shore of Lake Annecy. It has 15 bedrooms, all with views of the lake, as well as a spa, a pool and an honesty bar. All rooms are with breakfast (or brunch at the weekend).
Le Mouton Bleu organises yoga retreats.
Villa Caroline
Villa Caroline is a new hotel by Lake Annecy, in the picturesque village of Duingt. With its beautiful and peaceful decor – and surroundings – Villa Caroline is the ideal place for a relaxing break.
Each room has a balcony or terrace overlooking Europe's purest lake. The hotel has a large selection of books and films in French and English that guests can borrow, as well as a spa and a wonderful garden with trees that are centuries old.
Villa Caroline organises various packages:
Fasting package: 3 days and 2 nights for €2,400. It includes a massage, access to the spa and fitness room, bike hire, a paddle on the lake and access to a private beach (plus herbal tea and broth are available all day).
Detox package: 3 days and 2 nights for €2,600. It includes the same as the fasting package, but with meals (1,200 calories max per day)
Both Annecy and Chambéry are easily accessible by train (Paris to Chambéry takes 2 hours and 50 minutes by TGV), plane (Geneva and Lyon are the closest airports) and car.
