Plage des Marquisats - Old french sign with peeling paint.
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Plage des Marquisats

4.2
·2k reviews·Annecy, France

A serene lakeside beach with clear blue waters and stunning mountain views, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, prime spots

CrowdLow
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Plage des Marquisats - Old french sign with peeling paint.

Plage des Marquisats

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, prime spots

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene lakeside beach with clear blue waters and stunning mountain views, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"Swim in Europe's clearest lake with breathtaking mountain views – a truly mesmerizing experience. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Bring Swim Shoes

Rocky entry into the water makes swim shoes a must for comfort.

☀️ Arrive Early for Shade

Shaded grassy spots fill up fast, especially on hot days.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Lake Annecy

Crystal-Clear Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy

Swim in Europe's clearest lake, with stunning mountain views. The water is a mesmerizing blue.

Reddit
Shaded Grassy Areas

Shaded Grassy Areas

Lakeside

Relax on lush grass under shady trees, perfect for families and picnics.

Reddit
Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Western shore

Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the lake and surrounding Alps. A truly magical experience.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Prime Spots

Arrive early, especially on hot summer days, to snag shaded grassy spots. Weekends and afternoons get busy. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed vibe. Reddit

Water Shoes Recommended

The walk into Lake Annecy can be rocky and then turns to a clay/mud base. Swim shoes will make your entry and exit much more comfortable. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, prime spots
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps, sunset
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hot Water Beach - when is the best time to go? #hotwaterbeach #bestbeaches #bestbeach #beachvibes #tauranga #coromandel #nzbeaches #nztiktok #aotearoa #tropicalbeach #sandybeaches #beachday #beachgirl #summerholiday #traveltips #travelhacks #whv #tourist #touristattraction
@hollycastlexo
373 likes • 22.2K views

🥾 Bring Swim Shoes

Rocky entry into the water makes swim shoes a must for comfort. Reddit

☀️ Arrive Early for Shade

Shaded grassy spots fill up fast, especially on hot days. Reddit

Plage des Marquisats 📍 Bonne chasse et bon weekend ❤️ #ChasseAuTrésor #BilletCaché #PlageDesMarquisats #Découverte #AventureLacustre #ExploreAnnecy #SecretSpot #ChasseAuTrésor2024 #CommunautéAnnecy #NatureEtDécouverte #LacDAnnecy #AventureAquatique #ExploreFrance #VisiteAnnecy #PaysagesAlpins #TrésorCaché #Voyageurs #AmoureuxDuLac #SurpriseAuBordDeLEau #BilletMystère
geo_cash.fr
367 likes • 31.4K views
reddit.com

I've (28m) lived in Annecy my whole life. Here is some advice for tourist coming to our beautiful city.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

While there's a snack bar, a picnic is great for families. Reddit

🛶 Rent a Pedal Boat

Explore the lake and enjoy unique views of the scenery. Reddit

reddit.com

Lac Du Bourget/ Lac d’Annecy

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Bring Swim Shoes

Rocky entry into the water makes swim shoes a must for comfort. Reddit

☀️ Arrive Early for Shade

Shaded grassy spots fill up fast, especially on hot days. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

While there's a snack bar, a picnic is great for families. Reddit

🛶 Rent a Pedal Boat

Explore the lake and enjoy unique views of the scenery. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The mountain backdrop and clear water are incredibly photogenic. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Plage des Marquisats for its stunningly clear, blue waters and breathtaking mountain scenery, calling it a must-visit for swimming and relaxation. The grassy, shaded areas are a hit with families, though the rocky entry into the water means swim shoes are highly recommended. Reddit

"A lovely place for a swim in the clearest lake in all of Europe. The water is an amazing blue. This beach (plage) is about a 10 min walk from the edge of the old town. Take the scenic route along the foreshore and past the marina. It was a busy place when we went which was just after lunch on a Friday. It has been hot so that isn't a surprise. While it was busy there were still plenty of places to sit and relax. The beach itself is mostly grass. There are lots of pebbles on the walk into the water. Everyone is doing a funny little dance as they try to navigate getting into the water 😂. It's well worth getting into the water though. A very nice temperature especially considering it was over 30 degrees outside. There was an ice cream truck which also sold drinks."

Craig Coffey

"Beautiful spotless swimming area. We found a nice shaded area on a grassy bank next to the lifeguard station, toilette and showers. Designated swimming areas for babies, young children and adults. Swim shoes recommend as it’s pretty rocky walking into the water and then turns to a weird clay/mud base. Water was lovely and the scenery is spectacular."

Aled Morrow-Powell

"great place for swiming while enjoying sunset"

Prabu Satria Sejati

What People Like

Crystal-clear blue water
Spectacular mountain views
Shaded grassy areas

What People Dislike

Rocky water entry

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plage des Marquisats is about a 10-minute walk from the edge of Annecy's old town. You can take a scenic route along the foreshore and past the marina. Reddit Parking can be challenging in Annecy during summer, so walking or cycling is often recommended. Reddit

Parking spots around Annecy are limited, especially during peak season. It's advisable to consider public transport, cycling, or walking if possible. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option. Annecy has good cycling infrastructure, and you can easily reach the beach by bike. Reddit

While walking is easy from the old town, local buses may serve areas near the beach. Check Annecy's public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The beach is well-signposted and a popular spot, making it relatively easy to find by following the lake's edge from the town center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plage des Marquisats is a free-entry public beach. Reddit

As a public beach, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. The seasonal snack bar will have specific operating times. Reddit

Yes, there are lifeguards, especially during the peak summer season, ensuring a safe swimming experience. Reddit

No advance booking is necessary as it's a free public beach. However, renting pedal boats might be on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

The beach offers restrooms, showers, and a seasonal snack bar. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The water of Lake Annecy is renowned for its clarity and beautiful blue color. It's generally a pleasant temperature for swimming, especially on hot days. Reddit

The beach area is primarily grass, but the walk into the water is rocky, and the base can be clay/muddy. Swim shoes are highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, there are designated swimming areas for babies, young children, and adults, ensuring safety for all visitors. Reddit

Besides swimming, you can relax on the grass, enjoy the views, and rent pedal boats to explore the lake. Reddit

Absolutely! With designated swimming areas, lifeguards, and grassy spots, it's a perfect family-friendly destination. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the stunning mountain backdrop against the clear blue lake. The western shore offers fantastic sunset views. InstagramReddit

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons and evenings provide beautiful golden hour and sunset light. Reddit

You can get panoramic shots of the lake and Alps, close-ups of the clear water, and candid shots of people enjoying the beach. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations for Lake Annecy and Annecy parks before flying a drone. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a polarizing filter can enhance the blue of the water and sky. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plage des Marquisats is a fantastic choice for families. The designated swimming areas for babies and young children provide a safe environment for little ones to splash around. Reddit The grassy areas are perfect for kids to play on, and the availability of lifeguards offers peace of mind for parents. Reddit While swim shoes are recommended for the rocky entry, the overall experience is very family-friendly. Packing a picnic is a great idea to keep everyone fed and happy throughout the day. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers from Annecy

For those visiting Annecy for the day, Plage des Marquisats is an easily accessible and rewarding destination. It's a pleasant 10-minute walk from the old town, offering a scenic stroll along the lake. Reddit You can easily spend a few hours here swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the views without needing extensive travel arrangements. Reddit The free entry and available facilities make it a convenient and budget-friendly option for a refreshing break during your day trip. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing Lake Annecy's Waters

Plage des Marquisats offers direct access to the famously clear waters of Lake Annecy. Visitors consistently rave about the water's pristine quality and stunning blue hue, often described as one of the clearest in Europe. Reddit While the entry can be a bit rocky, leading to a clay-like base, the refreshing temperature and the sheer beauty of swimming in such a pristine environment make it well worth the slight discomfort. Reddit The lake is divided into designated areas for different age groups, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, from babies to adults. Reddit

For those looking to explore beyond just swimming, renting a pedal boat is a popular option. Reddit This allows you to glide across the surface of the lake, taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Alps from a unique perspective. It's a leisurely way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the landscape. Reddit The combination of the clean water and the majestic alpine scenery creates a truly unforgettable aquatic experience. Reddit

The Allure of the Lakeside Setting

Beyond the water, Plage des Marquisats is cherished for its inviting lakeside setting. The beach itself is predominantly a grassy expanse, offering a comfortable alternative to sand for lounging and picnicking. Reddit A significant draw for many visitors is the abundance of shaded areas provided by mature trees, offering respite from the summer sun. Reddit This makes it an ideal spot for families with young children or anyone seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Reddit

The scenery is a major highlight, with the majestic Alps forming a dramatic backdrop to the tranquil lake. Reddit This combination of crystal-clear water and stunning mountain vistas is frequently cited as a reason for the beach's appeal. Reddit Whether you're sunbathing, enjoying a picnic, or simply admiring the view, the picturesque surroundings contribute significantly to the overall experience. Reddit The beach also offers essential amenities like restrooms and showers, adding to its convenience. Reddit

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