Sports and leisure activities Haute-Savoie

A mountain peak between 1,500 and 1,700 m with 360-degree panoramic views. Easily accessible by car or public transport in season, just 20 minutes from the center of Annecy, the Semnoz resort offers a privileged natural setting for skiers and hikers. This medium-altitude resort boasts a varied, affordable ski area with 18 alpine runs, 1 freestyle snowpark and 35 km of cross-country ski trails in 3 sectors (forest, petit plateau, grand plateau). Signposted walks and other activities in summer and winter.

Mountain guide Martin Herdewyn offers mountain bike and e-bike tours, as well as hiking, snowshoeing and skiing in the Alps, with small groups in France, Switzerland and Italy. Whether in summer or winter, these adventures offer an exceptional experience, from bivouacs at altitudes of over 2,000 meters to technically challenging routes. These stays, lasting from three to eight days, are supervised by mountain professionals.

Surf'in Annecy with V-Boat. The V-Boat is the place that brings together all the means to enjoy yourself while sliding on the waters of the lake in complete safety. Rental of boats without a licence, pedal boats with or without a slide for a refreshing swim, water skiing and wakesurfing with Alex who is passionate about sliding, water skiing and wakeboarding in summer or snowboarding in winter (some of which are serious) or the latest and most popular paddle board, to stand on his board. And the less adventurous can rent cars, sorry pedal boats, to sail on the water. An essential address.

Café-cycliste, a category we didn't include in our guide! In the old Duingt railway station, along the cycle path that circles the lake, it's impossible to miss Le Bon Wagon. A multi-faceted venue with one common denominator: bicycles. Terrace and refreshment room with a café - delicious small dishes, quality coffees, craft beers, cold drinks - a boutique (everything for bikes), a bike rental service and a host of services to help you get back on your bike with peace of mind, such as a tool kiosk and an inflation station.

Three small artificial lakes in a family-friendly leisure park. They are dedicated to fishing, swimming and windsurfing respectively. At the end of the last lake, a bird observatory is available for walkers. In summer, the three lakes are a popular local cool spot, with bar-restaurant and evening entertainment. This multi-sport site features a fitness trail on the imperial road leading to the lakes, a nearby climbing spot and themed trails to discover the local flora and fauna.

This is the public beach on the east side of the lake, much appreciated by residents of Annecy for its green setting and high-quality environment. Just a stone's throw from the town center and close to the Impérial, this beach is one of the most renowned in the area. With its 12,000^m2 of fine sand, clean water, diving boards and waterslides, sports fields and play areas, the spacious beach, planted with flowers, offers a family atmosphere that is much appreciated by bathers and strollers alike. Showers, changing rooms, bar and self-service restaurant. So, as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, don't hesitate to head for the beach! Numerous restaurants nearby.

Right in the heart of the village, with gently sloping access for children, this first ecological lake open to bathing in France is untouched by concrete architecture. Water at between 19° and 26°C, heated by the sun, aquatic plants that filter the water, a water jet and a small cascading stream ensure impeccable water quality. This 100% ecological lake is one of the most beautiful in the Alps, preserving the beauty of the natural environment! Cold water swimming is also available in winter. Reservations recommended (website).

To reach the summit of the Grandes Platières and hike up to the Désert de Platé, simply take the DMC gondola, which lifts you up to 2,480 meters in twelve minutes. As you exit the gondola, a memorable panorama awaits you: the Fiz chain in the foreground, followed by the highest peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif. On a clear day, you can also admire the Aravis massif, the Dents Blanches, Belledonne, Vercors and Jura, but it's important to note that the cable car may close in the event of unfavorable weather conditions, so check before you come if in doubt.

In summer, the possible presence of snow requires adequate preparation. Experienced hikers will find numerous marked trails in the heart of the magnificent Désert de Platé, a limestone plateau dotted with lapiaz, fissures and potholes sculpted by glacial meltwater. This lunar landscape offers breathtaking views, but it's essential to be well equipped, as some of the rocks can be sharp.

To take the family back down to Flaine from the cable car, simply follow the signs for Tête Pelouse and skirt the slopes of Balacha. If you're lucky, a few chamois and marmots may turn up. In winter, the Cascades trail offers a tempting option: a 14-kilometer blue run to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval!

The downhill ski area covers the village of Grand-Bornand and the high-altitude hamlet of Chinaillon. Lifts leave from Le Lachat (lower village or Grand-Bornand) and from La Floria and Le Maroly (upper village or Chinaillon). Accessible by TandemSki, a wheelchair adapted for people with reduced mobility and driven by a qualified instructor. Don't hesitate to extend your ski pass to the Aravis ski area, with the resorts of La Clusaz, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt (211 km of pistes), where ski-bus connections are available throughout the day. You can buy your ski pass online, without waiting. New snow sports enthusiasts are not forgotten either, with the SnowparkGB regularly ranked as one of France's top facilities. You can record your run on the VideoparkKGB (Airbag) video zone and view it at the park hut or on your cell phone. Downhill enthusiasts can take to the Dénivel'Maxx, a 3 km non-stop descent with a 1,100 m vertical drop. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the Charmieux chairlift is in operation and the slope is lit up from 5pm to 9pm for night-time descents. New sensations on skis, yooner, paret, snow-coot, véloski and fatbike! The Rosay site is ideal for beginners, with a world-record 230 m-long, fully-covered Alpage Express carpet for a wide range of descents. Don't miss the superb Grandborama gondolas, like a contemporary art gallery suspended in mid-air.

Certainly one feels like in a jar with its bay windows which open onto the shopping centre but once inside this 1,600 m² room with one hundred and sixty paths for all levels - 3 to 8 - and a 250 m² block, one quickly concentrates on its outlets. Lit thanks to the natural light, under a dome with a daring architecture of wood and glass, the pool area of 4,500 m² is the second attraction for Annéciens. For relaxation: you can enjoy in the 500 m² balnéoforme heated to 32 °C with swimming against the current, fountains, benches with a whirlpool bath etc. are at your disposal. For sports fans, the 25 m pool is ideal for swimming lengths. In the summer season, “the oasis of greenery opens its 10,000 m² for the joy of all. But the pleasures of sport and well-being do not stop there because we are still waiting for the terrains dedicated for racket sports - squash and badminton -, the gym rooms and their teachers, the fitness centre with all the pleasures of saunas, hammams, the original roman Irish course, and a choice of aqua gym courses.

Access to this renowned and formerly private beach is now free. Close to Le Pâquier and L'Impérial, this grassy, supervised beach is directly accessible from the bike path, and is a great place to meet up with family - supervised beach - and friends. There are plenty of facilities to make the most of a day by the lake, with your feet in the water: slides (depending on the lake's water level, which can be too low in high season), inflatable games, mini-golf, a paddling pool for the little ones, beach volleyball and badminton courts for sports enthusiasts, and a lawn for relaxing sunbathing. Are you in California? The Impérial beach is just as good!

The Richard Bozon Sports Center is home to a multitude of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The skating rink offers a covered Olympic track and an outdoor rink in winter. As for the swimming pool, it is composed of indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a hammam, a whirlpool, ideal as an après-ski. In the summer, you can enjoy the outdoor Olympic pool, the rapid rivers, the water garden with massaging jets and the slide.

Created in 1904, the course, slightly hilly, is located between lake and mountain. The majestic trees of various species, combined with water hazards and white sand bunkers, make it a very pleasant course to the eye but very technical. Particularly noteworthy is hole 10, a long par 5 of 525 meters with a slight dog-leg right, difficult because of its slope and a green with several plateaus whose attack is blind. Hole n° 15 is a magnificent par 3 of 149 meters, very spectacular with a plunging view on the lake of Geneva.

Tucked away in the heart of the village, this open-air skating rink operates equally well in summer and winter. Its generous 1,000^m2 ice surface is protected by a sturdy roof, while the bleachers are easily accessible to blade enthusiasts. A pleasant setting for family entertainment, including introductory sessions and sliding lessons led by a qualified instructor, field hockey introductions, afternoon fun activities and evening sessions.

Wonderful! In the middle of winter, you can enjoy the indoor pool, but also a heated outdoor pool with a view of the snowy mountains. The space is accessible, summer and winter, with a view on the Aravis mountains. There are many areas for children. The aquatic area has a fitness area with sauna, hammam, fitness room and UVA. To quench your thirst or have a snack, a friendly café area is set up on the wooden terrace and offers take-away sales. Courses.

Of all the public and municipal beaches lining Lake Annecy, let's start with one of the closest and most accessible from the town center (by bike path and public transport): the Plage des Marquisats. Every effort is made to ensure the comfort and safety of users, with lifeguards on hand to supervise swimming. Floating wheelchairs are available for people with reduced mobility to facilitate their access to the water. Sanitary facilities and snack bar on site.

On the edge of the lake, a wooded area of 3 hectares is equipped with heated pools (4 pools including an Olympic pool of 50 meters), a paddling pool with a play area, a water slide of 100 meters, diving boards from 1 meter to 10 meters, a restaurant, a rental point and sailing lessons, a multi-games area (beach volleyball ...). You can also swim directly in the lake thanks to a special access. This leisure center is located near the port of Rives.

In the thermal park of Fayet, we now move from tree to tree, balance and family (for younger children as early as 4 years). In this unique frame, two long Tyrolean to send to the air!

The Espace Diamant ski area comprises 6 village resorts, including the charming Praz-sur-Arly, with a skiable area stretching from 1,000 to 2,069 meters above sea level, between the Beaufortain massif, the Val d'Arly and the Mont-Blanc region: 192 km of downhill skiing, 170 runs, 82 lifts, 123 km of Nordic skiing, as well as 5 snowparks and 3 boardercrosses make up this vast winter sports area that rivals the biggest in the Alps. Situated 4 km from Megève, the Praz-sur-Arly ski area focuses on family activities accessible to all: downhill and Nordic skiing, new glides. Nostalgic skiers will appreciate an introduction to the yooner, the modernized version of the paret, a toboggan with one runner, or ski joëring, pulled by a horse. The ski school runs a "snow garden" area for ages 3 and up. From the age of 8, snowshoeing is the perfect way to discover animal tracks. More unusual and for all ages, a hot-air balloon flight over the Alps for an unforgettable day. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground and watch the majestic ballet of the balloons, the "montgolfiades" bring the resort to life every January. In summer, the Espace Diamant opens its trails to mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers, who enjoy a unique panorama of the Mont-Blanc chain. A sparkling, multi-faceted area, like a Diamond, an exceptional outdoor playground for vacations in all seasons.

Tobogganing isn't just a winter sport. It's also a summer sport among the spruce trees! Here's the setting: 650 m downhill on meadows, 7 bends, in a very slippery stainless steel tube. Whether you're an adult on your own or accompanied by a child under 1.25 m tall, you'll quickly learn how to brake in the bends, which you'll hurtle down at an average speed of 7 m per second. Thrills and fun for the whole family. An original activity in the heart of the mountains.

In the heart of the charming village, Les Gets' open-air skating rink invites you to skate all day long, whether under the sun or enjoying the spectacle of sunset after a busy day on the slopes! If you're looking for a romantic, moonlit skating experience, mark your calendar for the "Ice Party" evenings, organized once a month, with sled rentals available for younger guests. Put on your skates and take up the challenge for a chance to win fabulous prizes!

Alpine skiing in the Contamines-Hauteluce area is possible thanks to the 25 ski lifts located between 1,200 and 2,500 meters of altitude, giving access to 48 runs over 120 km. 3 secured Xzones dedicated to new glides. This ski area is part of the larger Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area. For Nordic skiing, 23 km of groomed and marked trails (paying), on the classified site of Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge. In the summer, beautiful hikes or mountain bike rides.

A small part of Lake Geneva allows naturism by municipal order of April 18, 1997. Access is well indicated. Follow the path along the municipal beach and a sign indicating the naturist beach will tell you your destination.

The great outdoors, they'll be under your feet when you're in the air! The mountains of the Alps, the waters of the lake are never as beautiful as seen from the sky. Les Grands Espaces is more than 30 years of paragliding experience by professional and passionate instructors who will take you safely into the air. One of the best experiences of your life! Sensations more or less strong guarantees according to the type of flight chosen from the Col de la Forclaz or Planfait: Loupiot for the youngest, Discovery, Ascent with some acrobatic curves and Prestige. Training courses to learn and shop to get equipped. See Annecy in a big way!

Within a copious multi-activity program, here are the local specialists: discovery of canyons with guides, in half-day or full-day. Popular sites near Annecy: Angon, Montmin and the Pont du Diable in the Bauges. Activities for winter and summer, for groups and individuals: dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, paragliding but also hot air ballooning over Lake Annecy. A team of professionals, passionate and attentive to your needs, to meet all your adrenaline requirements.

The Morzine aquatic center welcomes residents and vacationers, schools and clubs in the Dérêches domain, at the foot of the mountains, in a bucolic and relaxing environment. Accessible in all seasons, it has a complete indoor and outdoor infrastructure: indoor sports pool, outdoor Olympic pool, leisure pools, paddling pool, saunas and steam rooms, slide. Visitors can come and relax on the deckchairs, enjoy the solarium and picnic areas. Activities and swimming lessons all year round.

Just outside town, towards Alby, you'll find a stretch of water with large green spaces, a pleasant escape from the summer heat. This leisure park has been classified as an LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux - League for the Protection of Birds) refuge. You can picnic, cycle, go-kart and eat at the snack bar. A play area is available for children (under parental supervision). Fishing is permitted in the designated areas, subject to certain conditions and times.

To drive a sled pulled by polar dogs under the passionate eye of Bruno - several times champion of France - and Dominique Stritmatter, experienced musher, you just have to register online or by phone. It's an enriching experience from many points of view: environment, relationship with the animal, discovery of sliding, etc. Special mention to the night trip, with trapper's meal, during which only the starlight joins the adventure. An experience in the heart of nature. Unique in France!

A company whose name is intertwined with the history of mountaineering, and above all the best address to find qualified and passionate guides. Because of overcrowding, ropes without certified professional guides become risky. Calling on these experienced guides is therefore a guarantee of safety. Some multi-day ski tours are for experienced skiers and the ascent of Mont Blanc cannot be improvised, a real physical and technical preparation is necessary. Hiking, climbing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, snowshoeing, tour of Mont Blanc, many packages are offered, for all levels, summer and winter: TMB (Tour du Mont-Blanc) in 5 days with an option to carry a bag; the mountains and wonders of the Aosta Valley in 6 days; more affordable, for families, the Chamonix Valley in five days; an introduction to mountaineering in three days, etc. With almost two centuries of history (it was created in 1821), the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has become a true legend. The mountain house, which also houses the French Ski School and the Cham'Aventure company, offers a free information point, the Office de Haute Montagne. Three weather reports are posted here every day, just like at the neighboring tourist office: always highly recommended before any outing, on any terrain, even if it is considered easy. An office is also open during the season in Argentière.

The 9-hole course (par 36 of 2,930 m) was designed by the architect Hugues Lambert in 1992. Located at an altitude of 1,780 m, the course was designed on 45 hectares of alpine pastures and forests, on a plateau with a moderate difference in level. Of modest length, it includes some bunkers and water obstacles. Note the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, which can be a source of distraction and slow play in season. Fast food in the club house and pro shop.

Located on the crest of the Chavannes plateau, in the heart of the Chablais Geopark, the 18-hole course spreads out evenly and flatly between fir trees, maples and birches. This summit situation offering magnificent landscapes is enough to break the concentration. On hole 4, you can see the nearby Lake Geneva region. On hole 5, two water obstacles where deer come to quench their thirst. At hole 14, you can see the Mont Blanc. Relaxation at the golf restaurant. This eco-golf course was the first in France to receive environmental certification.

Who could Lake Annecy, known as " navigation and sailing rather than driving. It has that is 1977 created the Circle of Sailing at Sévrier, affiliated with the French Sailing Federation. Discover sailing and improvement leisure and "Sailing School", especially in July and August for holidaymakers, so the youngest guests discover the joys of sailing. It starts on the famous Optimist and continue on the catamarans or the Laser. Also training of windsurfing on this exceptional site of which is Lake Annecy.

A very warm association that brings together painters and sculptors, both amateurs and professionals: in addition to cultural exchanges, annual exhibitions are set up at fairs and organise artistic trips.

If the name has changed to better situate this exceptional golf course in the Alps, between Lake Annecy and Mont-Blanc, the setting remains as majestic as ever. Two courses: The Belvedere, 18 holes par 72 of 5,820 m, is hilly in the upper part with a splendid view. Then focus on the lower and technical part of the course, in the middle of oaks, beeches and poplars. The Eau Morte river is waiting for you, especially at hole 17. It is here that the moment of truth for the end of the course takes place. Les Castors, a 9-hole par 33 course of 2,215 m, completes this equipment. The club-house is located in an old coppersmith's workshop built in 1804.

In the Pré-la-Joux area of the Portes du Soleil, you'll find a mountain paradise dedicated to downhill mountain bike enthusiasts. Open all summer long, this area offers access to 6 exceptional zones, 5 of which are accessible via the Blues & Rock green trail. With a total of 20 trails, including 3 green and 4 blue runs, as well as numerous variants, there's something for everyone. Châtel's DH runs are distinguished by their extreme technicality.

Playing golf while enjoying the view of the lake is a luxury that you must take advantage of. On the edge of the village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, the Annecy Golf Course stretches out its gently sloping lawns. Slopes to be negotiated, as the course is located in the alpine and preserved site of the Roc de Chère, through a protected nature reserve, offering splendid views of the lake and the castle of Menthon. 18 holes, Par 69, 5,015 metres. A shop is open at the same times as the club to buy or hire equipment. In season, restaurants are available every day.

A covered and renovated ice rink, full of activities: ice hockey, curling, ice garden, sledging for people with reduced mobility... If the opening hours of the rink can vary, it is because of the richness of its programming: numerous and different sports events are organized for the greatest pleasure of the public: hockey matches, curling and ice dancing galas animate the rink all year long. Once you've found the right time, it's time to enjoy skating with your family or friends.

A private golf course created in 1987 by the Périllat family, on a former agricultural land in the direction of the Bouchet valley. It is a mountain golf course with a gentle slope, very pleasant in summer and accessible to all. The approved 9-hole course (from 65 to 310 m long), par 30, allows irons and putts on beautiful green greens. Le Grenier has become a clubhouse with a restaurant Le Rocher Blanc, bar, pro-shop and a large terrace overlooking the driving range. Accommodation in a charming chalet-hotel: Les Fermes de Pierre et Anna.

It is one of the highest golf courses in Europe! With its 18 holes, its 3 693 metres, par 63, at an altitude of 1 900 metres, the Flaine golf course is renowned for being very technical. Overlooking the Arve valley and the Aravis massif, from the Pierre Carrée pass, its spectacular course offers a unique alpine panorama on the Arve valley, the Mont Blanc and the Aravis massif. After this sporty course, a short break is necessary on the terrace of the club-house.

A superb hike with the Rochers des Fiz in the background. Forests and rivers, as well as a few roped passages, accompany you along the way to Lac de Pormenaz. The oldest traces of pastoralism on this mountain date back to the 12th century, when shepherds and their flocks were already occupying the area for summer pasture. This tradition has been perpetuated ever since, with some 600 sheep making their way up to Pormenaz every spring to graze on the tender grass. This complete hike is suitable for experienced walkers.

Composed of the sectors of Megève and 6 other resorts - Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Les Contamines-Montjoie Hauteluce, Combloux and La Giettaz - the Evasion Mont-Blanc domain allows skiers to access more than 400 km of trails. Reliefs where mountain pastures, forests and wide open spaces alternate, linked by high-performance equipment. In the summer, the lifts take you up the slopes for a mountain bike ride, a paragliding flight or a hike.

The Col des Annes is a must-see for any visitor to the Aravis. Here you'll discover a new kind of landscape, like a piece of Scotland in the Alps, and architecture very different from the rest of the massif. The journey begins long before the walk we propose. As you climb the small road that winds from the Bouchet valley to the pass, only accessible by car in summer, you marvel at the beautiful farmhouses and the almost awe-inspiring mountains. A few ski lifts allow you to imagine what life is like in winter, when everything is covered in snow and skiers happily hurtle down the slopes. We recommend a very simple, almost flat hike starting from the pass, perfect for families. It gives you a 360° view of the Aravis chain and the village of Le Grand-Bornand, just on the other side of the mountain. Park your car and, just left of the road, follow signs for "K'ro de la Mi Our", then "Clef des Annes" and "Col du Vacheret". When you reach the Col du Vacheret, you'll discover another view. Turn left and follow the path along the ridge until you reach Terre Rouge, at the top of the chairlifts, where there are several picnic tables for lunch or a rest. The walk is an out-and-back; once you've reached the Col des Annes again, take advantage of one of the restaurants on site to feast on excellent potato fritters or buy farmhouse cheeses. And you're recharged with happiness!

What if you were to hurtle down the green slopes on board a small, fun and easy to drive car? On the magnificent Roc d'Enfer domain, you can discover the mountain in a different way. With family or friends, two downhill runs (2 and 4 km) await you, at the top of the Têtes and Torchon chairlifts. An original and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and the exceptional panorama. It is also possible to rent a scooter instead of a kart. Smiles, laughter, sensations, all in a sublime natural environment!

A lovely walk accessible to all, a must-see in the valley! Lac Bénit and its turquoise waters nestling at the foot of the imposing Bargy cliffs. Access is well signposted: once you've parked at Le Bété, in the Malacquis parking lot, follow the signs to Lac Bénit. The ascent takes about 1h15, the descent 45 minutes. On the way up, take a good look at the cliffs: can you see the mountain's eyes? Once at the top, enjoy the surroundings and the refreshment bar, open in season. Please note that you cannot swim in the lake.

Peillonnex is a town in the Haute-Savoie region of France. For cooking enthusiasts, there's an interesting activity to discover: the cooking classes offered by In Cucina Con Ilaria. Ilaria, who is passionate about cooking and gastronomy, offers home cooking lessons in the Haute-Savoie region and Geneva. She will help you discover the richness of Italian and French products, as well as the flavors of the region. Ilaria also offers in-home chef services, where she takes care of everything from shopping to meal preparation.

For climbing enthusiasts or the simply curious, Châtel offers some remarkable routes! Two sites are available for free climbing: the walls of Plaine Dranse, comprising 23 routes of 5 to 10 meters, and the abseils of the L'Essert waterfall, offering a descent on the left bank with 9 abseils of 30 meters. Detailed guides are available from the tourist office. Under the guidance of qualified instructor Jean-Yves Fredriksen, all climbers are supervised and initiated. Initiation from age 8.

the bathing lake, at the heart of the Parc de Loisirs du Pontet, offers a wide range of activities: donkey hire, polar dog park, kayaking, rowing and pedal boats, climbing, equestrian center, adventure trail, tennis, golf, miniature golf, archery, quads, beach volleyball, children's games, pedal horses, walks and picnics... A beautiful setting for the whole family. In the heart of the park, the Chalet du Lac restaurant welcomes you all year round for a delicious meal.