The Semnoz is a mountain in the Bauges Massif that dominates the north-west side of Lake Annecy. It is also a popular ski resort during winter and the summit, Crêt de Chatillon, is easily accessible by road. In good weather, it offers great view on the Albanais, the other mountains in the Bauges Massif and even the Mont Blanc. Here is a description of the trail (Sentier des Gardes) that I followed.
The Lanfonnet is a mountain in the Bornes Massif, located near Lake Annecy between the Dents de Lanfon and La Tournette. It offers a great view on the lake and those mountains. The Pointe de Talamarche is another summit nearby, with a good view on the Dents de Lanfon. This page describes a path to get to the Lanfonnet and back in a loop, starting from Vérel in Talloires. I didn’t actually do the loop: Instead of going down to Col des Nantets, I basically took the same path on the way back but made a detour to the Pointe de Talamarche on the way.
The Circuit de l’Ancienne Mine (Old Mine Loop) is a hiking trail in the village of Lathuile, near Lake Annecy.
The Lac d’Annecy (Lake Annecy) is located in Haute-Savoie and is the third largest lake in France. In spring, I took my bike on a loop around the lake. The loop is about 42km and should take about 3 hours to complete in one go. Starting in Annecy-le-Vieux, I first followed the road southwards on the eastern shore of the lake and stopped at Roc de Chère, Cascade d’Angon and Réserve Naturelle du Bout du Lac. It started raining heavily at that point so I rushed to go back to Annecy. However, the western shore of the lake is actually the nicest for cyclists, with a flat and fully separate bike lane (Voie Verte), which goes all the way from Annecy to Albertville. I used photos from other times I was on that path instead.
The Pays de l’Albanais is the region of Haute-Savoie between Lac d’Annecy and Lac du Bourget. Among the interesting things to do in the area are visiting the Jardins Secrets in Vaulx, the Gorges of the river Fier and the castle of Montrottier.
Mont Veyrier dominates the north-east side of Lake Annecy. This article describes the itinerary that I followed.
On Monday, departing from Annecy-le-Vieux, I went up the Semnoz mountain (1699m) by bike, following the last part of the 20th stage of the next Tour de France. It was hard but the view at the summit was worth it.
I have been spending some time in Annecy since my return from Canada. Above, the prison in the Old Town of Annecy.
A couple of weeks ago, I took my bike on the Green Road ("Voie verte") from Annecy to Albertville. On the way back, I took a more scenic path through Col de Tamié.
