Less than an hour’s drive from Chamonix, and half an hour from Geneva, is the uniquely beautiful town of Annecy with its striking turquoise lake.  Formed 18,000 years ago, it is the second largest lake in France and boasts the title of "Europe's cleanest lake" because of strict environmental regulations introduced in the 1960s.  Nestled between mountain ranges, Annecy is a stunning location that visitors from all over the world fall in love with and return to year after year.  It's impossible not to be drawn to the lake, as a dramatic backdrop for an aperitif or dinner in the numerous cafes and restaurants or simply for a revitalising swim in the 24C water, which can be reached from one of the numerous beaches.

Enjoy sport with your feet in the water, on the ground, on the pedals of your bike ... or in the air!  The lake and the nearby mountains provide a vast playground for a range of leisure activities such as sailing, diving, water skiing, rowing, paragliding and golf in Talloires to name a few.  Road and mountain biking extends far beyond the 30km cycle path that follows the borders of the lake, into the mountains only a moments ride away.

The 12th century old town of Annecy itself, with its picturesque canals, buzzing shops and restaurants is also known as the Venice of the Alps.  After a stroll around the quaint alleyways of the cosmopolitan city why not stop for dinner in a local restaurant, where you can guarantee both quality food and atmospheric surroundings.