Lake Annecy SUP

Chateau de Duingt

This is Chateau de Duingt on the western shore of Lake Annecy, in the Haute-Savoie region of France.

Lake Annecy was formed 18,000 years ago, as a result of the melting of the Alpine Glaciers in the area. It is the third largest lake within France, running 9 miles from the quaint town of Annecy in the north to the village of Doussard in the south. This stunning body of water is surrounded by mountains in one of the most astounding areas of France. Humans have lived in the Duingt area since at least the Bronze Age.

When I visited Lake Annecy in August 2016, I was immediately struck by the majestic beauty of the place. By the turquoise water and the bright blue sky which was broken only by a few white cotton clouds. Out on the water on our SUP boards, we had fun trying to dodge the pleasure craft monopolising the lake whilst admiring the numerous paragliders soaring overhead.

It was summertime and mid-afternoon, so the lake was busy and the surface of the water was choppy as a result. Perhaps, in August, early morning is a better time for SUP.

I spent 4 days in the area, camping near Doussard, right next to the field where the paragliders were landing. It wasn't nearly long enough. I didn't even have time to visit the town of Annecy itself, so I feel I have unfinished business in this part of the world.

I’ll certainly be back!