Plage de l'Impérial
A vibrant family beach on Lake Annecy, featuring a water slide, sports courts, and stunning mountain views. Perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Plage de l'Impérial
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant family beach on Lake Annecy, featuring a water slide, sports courts, and stunning mountain views. Perfect for swimming and relaxation.
"Best lake beach we visited near Annecy, with a slide, diving board, and plenty of space!"
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be scarce in Annecy during summer. Arrive early or consider alternative transport.
☀️ Shade is a Gem
Big trees offer great shade, making it a perfect spot to relax on hot days. Enjoy the natural cover!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Water Slide Fun
Main beach area
Splash down the thrilling water slide for a refreshing escape on a warm day. Pure joy for all ages!

Lake Swimming
Designated swimming area
Enjoy the clear, cool waters of the lake. It's shallow at first but deepens quickly, with plenty of lifeguards on duty.

Sunset Views
Lakeside
Experience a magical golden hour. The sunset views over the lake are breathtaking and perfect for a romantic stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Summer Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be scarce in Annecy during summer. Arrive early or consider alternative transport.
☀️ Shade is a Gem
Big trees offer great shade, making it a perfect spot to relax on hot days. Enjoy the natural cover!
🏊♀️ Lifeguards Present
Feel secure with plenty of lifeguards ensuring a safe swimming experience for everyone.
🍔 Lakeside Bites
Enjoy delicious burgers and other treats right by the lake at La Paillote de l'Impérial.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be scarce in Annecy during summer. Arrive early or consider alternative transport.
☀️ Shade is a Gem
Big trees offer great shade, making it a perfect spot to relax on hot days. Enjoy the natural cover!
🏊♀️ Lifeguards Present
Feel secure with plenty of lifeguards ensuring a safe swimming experience for everyone.
🍔 Lakeside Bites
Enjoy delicious burgers and other treats right by the lake at La Paillote de l'Impérial.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Plage de l'Impérial for its excellent swimming conditions, family-friendly amenities like the water slide, and beautiful lakeside setting. Many enjoy the grassy areas and the convenience of nearby dining. While it can get crowded during peak summer, the overall experience is highly positive, especially for those seeking a refreshing dip and scenic views.
"Nice. We visited during spring, so there was no swimming in the lake. But the place was open for walks and some sports. Great views to all sides."
Roman Kovbasjuk
"Great swimming area. We visited end of august (google says it’s closed but definitely open!) free public swimming place. Steps to get in, shallow but gets deep quickly. Loads of lifeguards. Grassy park to lie in, lots of space! And the slide even opened which also has a diving board. Best lake beach we visited near annecy"
Libby Wales
"Very pleasant - can be crowded on hot summer days but quiet and peaceful early morning. Some sand is spread out."
J P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plage de l'Impérial is located in Annecy. While parking can be challenging, especially in summer, the roads around Annecy can get crowded.
Consider public transport or arriving early to secure a spot. The beach is accessible for walks and sports, offering great views.Parking spots near Plage de l'Impérial can be very limited, particularly during the peak summer season.
It's advisable to arrive early in the day or explore alternative transportation options to avoid disappointment.Cycling is a great way to explore Annecy and its surroundings. While specific bike paths to the beach aren't detailed, the scenic routes around the lake are popular for cyclists.
suggests exploring Cap Ferrat, indicating the area is bike-friendly.Annecy is accessible by train and bus. From major cities, you can often find direct or connecting services. Once in Annecy, local buses can take you closer to the lakefront areas.
mentions a short train ride to Villefranche-sur-Mer, highlighting the convenience of regional rail.The beach is generally accessible for walks and sports. Reviews mention steps to get into the water, and the area offers grassy parks for relaxation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While some sources mention an entrance fee, reviews indicate it's a 'free public swimming place' at the end of August.
It's best to check current local information for the most accurate pricing, especially if visiting outside peak season.Google might suggest it's closed, but it's often open in late August.
Operating hours for facilities like the water slide can vary seasonally. It's recommended to verify directly with local authorities or the beach management for precise times.As it's often a free public access area, advance booking is typically not required. However, if there are specific facilities or events with associated fees, it's wise to check for any pre-booking options.
Generally, the beach is family-friendly. Specific restrictions might apply to pets or certain activities during peak hours. Always observe posted signs and local regulations.
For services like food at La Paillote de l'Impérial, both cash and card are usually accepted.
For any potential entry fees, it's good to have a mix of payment methods available.🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
Plage de l'Impérial offers a range of activities including swimming in the lake, using the water slide and diving board, and enjoying the grassy park areas.
There are also sports courts available for various games. mentions mini-golf, football, volleyball, and ping-pong as activities at a similar beach, suggesting a focus on recreation.Yes, it's described as a family-friendly beach with a water slide and shallow entry into the lake.
The grassy areas provide space for children to play, and lifeguards ensure safety.The lake water is clear and cool. The entry is shallow but deepens quickly. Lifeguards are present to ensure a safe swimming environment.
Information on equipment rental is not explicitly detailed, but it's common for lake beaches to offer rentals for items like paddleboards or kayaks during the summer season. It's advisable to inquire locally.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, public beaches typically have restroom and changing facilities available. It's recommended to check local listings or inquire upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Yes, La Paillote de l'Impérial is a restaurant located by the lake, offering items like burgers.
They also provide takeaway options, especially on weekends.La Paillote de l'Impérial serves popular items like the 'Burger Parmelan' with steak, salad, red onion, cheddar, tomato, and cocktail sauce.
They offer various meal options.Picnicking is generally allowed at public beaches. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific regulations regarding outside food and alcohol consumption.
mentions enjoying the atmosphere, suggesting a relaxed environment.Specific vegetarian or vegan options are not detailed for La Paillote de l'Impérial. It's recommended to check their menu directly or inquire about available choices.
The grassy park areas at Plage de l'Impérial are ideal for picnics.
You can bring your own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings.📸 📸 Photography
The entire lakeside offers incredible views, especially during sunset for a golden hour glow.
The water, the surrounding landscape, and the beach activities provide numerous photo opportunities.Absolutely! The clear lake waters, the sandy patches, and the vibrant atmosphere make it a very photogenic location.
The natural beauty combined with recreational activities creates visually appealing scenes.Sunset is highly recommended for its 'golden bath' and beautiful views.
Early mornings also offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing serene shots.Drone regulations can vary significantly by location and time. It's crucial to check current local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Plage de l'Impérial or the surrounding areas.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the lake and mountains, action shots of people swimming or playing sports, and candid moments of families enjoying their time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
☀️ Sun Seekers & Swimmers
📸 Photographers & View Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Lake Annecy Beaches
While Plage de l'Impérial itself is a popular spot, exploring other beaches like Plage de Mariniere in Villefranche-sur-Mer (a short train ride away) or even venturing towards Cap Ferrat for scenic walks can offer diverse experiences. Each beach has its unique charm, from the lively atmosphere of Plage de l'Impérial with its sports facilities and water slide to the more tranquil spots perfect for a peaceful escape. The accessibility via train or car, though sometimes challenging with parking, makes these destinations popular day trips from nearby cities.
Family Fun and Activities
The large grassy areas are perfect for picnics, games, or simply relaxing under the shade of mature trees. This makes it easy to spend an entire day here, enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The beach's family-friendly reputation is well-earned, with many visitors noting the harmonious coexistence of families and wildlife like swans and ducks. It's a place where children can play freely and safely, creating lasting memories of their French Alps adventure.
Dining by the Lake
While La Paillote de l'Impérial is a primary dining spot, the general atmosphere of Annecy and its surrounding areas encourages enjoying local cuisine. Many visitors opt for picnics, taking advantage of the beautiful scenery. The availability of takeaway options from the restaurant makes it easy to combine the convenience of beachside dining with the freedom of a picnic. It's always a good idea to check the restaurant's specific operating hours, especially during shoulder seasons, as they may vary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit