In short: On the west shore of Lake Annecy, the main public beaches are Les Marquisats (Annecy), Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt and Douss'plage in Doussard. All have lifeguards in July and August; Saint-Jorioz charges an entry fee while lifeguards are on duty (€2.60 per adult), the others are free. From Gîte du Cruet, Saint-Jorioz beach is a 10-minute drive.
The beaches at a glance
| Beach | Access | Lifeguards | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Jorioz (public beach) | Paid in July–August (€2.60 per adult, free under 10), free the rest of the year | 1 July – 31 August | Large shaded lawn, jetties, diving board, paddling pool, snack bar; the closest to the gîte |
| Sevrier (public beach) | Free | Late June – late August | White sand, lawn, children's play area, direct access from the greenway; paid parking in summer |
| Duingt (public beach) | Free | July – August | Partly shaded grassy beach, next to the cycle path |
| Doussard (Douss'plage) | Free | 1 July – 31 August | Sand, play area, next to the Bout du Lac nature reserve |
| Annecy (Marquisats beach) | Free | Early July – late August | Close to town, water-sports clubs, facilities for people with reduced mobility |
Information checked in September 2026 on the websites of the Lake Annecy tourist office and the local councils. Prices and dates change every season: check before you go.
Saint-Jorioz: the family beach, 10 minutes away
This is our go-to beach. Tall trees, lawn, sand, jetties, beach volleyball, pétanque and a paddling pool: it is easy to spend the whole day there. Entry is charged in July and August while lifeguards are on duty (€2.60 per adult, €1 for ages 10–17 and for everyone after 4.30 pm, free for under-10s), and free the rest of the year (official listing). Right next door, the Internautique club rents out kayaks, paddleboards and catamarans.
Sevrier: free and reachable by bike
Sevrier's public beach is free all year round, with white sand, a lawn and play equipment for young children. It can be reached directly from the greenway and has facilities for people with reduced mobility. Dogs are not allowed, and parking is charged from mid-May to mid-September (Sevrier council). Between Sevrier and Annecy, small natural coves without lifeguards can be reached on foot or by bike.
Duingt and Doussard: the south of the lake
In Duingt, the grassy beach is in one of the prettiest villages on the lake, with its castle set on the water. Further south, Douss'plage borders the Bout du Lac nature reserve: sand, a play area, and views of the paragliders landing from the Col de la Forclaz.
Les Marquisats: the town beach
On the edge of Annecy, Marquisats beach is free with lifeguards in summer, with showers, snacks and sailing, canoe-kayak and rowing clubs next door. Handy for combining a swim with a visit to the old town, on foot or by bike along the promenade.
What about water quality?
Lake Annecy is often described as "the purest lake in Europe". That is a tourism slogan rather than an official ranking, but the water quality is very real: thanks to the sewage collector built around the lake from 1957 and completed in 1976, the water became remarkably clear again (ODS Radio, in French). During the season, the regional health agency tests every beach; results are published on baignades.sante.gouv.fr.
Our tips
- In July and August, arrive before 11 am or after 4 pm: car parks fill up fast.
- By bike, the greenway links Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz and Duingt without a car.
- In June and September, the water is still pleasant and the beaches almost empty.
- Feeling sporty? Paddleboards and kayaks can be hired by the hour in Saint-Jorioz.
