Aquarelle is around 2km from the charming village of Talloires as well as being a short drive from an 18-hole golf course and the beautiful shores of Lake Annecy. Arrive via Geneva or Chambéry Airports, both less than an hour away, or take the train to Gare d’Annecy (13km). Car hire is necessary to reach restaurants, shops and the lake.
The contemporary villa is set on the main road connecting the lake and mountains, meaning great access to so many highlights of the region (traffic can be heard). Start off in lovely Talloires with its pretty lakeside beach, seasonal watersports, boat taxis, Savoy architecture and excellent restaurants, some overlooking the lake.
Menthon-Saint-Bernard (3.5km) is home to a small supermarket, shops and the fairytale Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard (sometimes open for visits). Between Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, follow sign-posted walking trails through the forests of the Réserve Naturelle du Roc de Chère.
Golf du Lac d'Annecy is 2km away, there is a tree-top adventure centre around 10 minutes by car and wonderful hiking opportunities nearby including Cascade d'Angon. Keen cyclists should join the nearby Lake Annecy cycling loop, a voie verte that enjoys the most beautiful lake and mountain scenery.
Driving up towards the Aravis mountains, discover winter skiing opportunities around La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, both around 25km away. Once the snow melts, this area is incredible for rock-climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking and challenging hikes. Look out for weekly markets, guided nature walks, cheese-making and July’s Fête de la Montagne.
Not forgetting beautiful Annecy (12km) with its enchanting old town, canals and bridges, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Alps’. The lakeside promenade is idyllic with lake and mountain views whilst there are wonderful restaurants, ice-cream parlours, café terraces and bars across La Vieille Ville – it is a delightful place to visit at any time of year.
The Region
With stunning Alpine scenery and serene turquoise waters, Lake Annecy is a fine destination throughout the year whether you are visiting for winter skiing in the mountains or summer watersports on the glistening water.
Known as the “Venice of the Alps”, Annecy town is located at the northern tip of the lake. Wander by its charming canals in the medieval town, stroll across the famous Pont Perrière before reaching the lakeside promenade with the most magnificent vistas throughout the year.
Wintertime brings enchanting Christmas markets and the town’s ice-rink, then there’s the vibrant Venetian carnival and spring marathon before the weather allows you to make the most of Annecy’s summer café terraces and gorgeous parks.
In the summer months enjoy a range of lakeside activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding and boat rides, all in spectacular surroundings.
Cyclists of all abilities will love the voie verte that loops around the lake again passing breathtaking scenery.
Wherever you stay around the lake, explore pretty villages and lakeside beaches.
Pick up regional specialities at Saint-Jorioz’s Thursday morning market, cycle through the old railway tunnel to medieval Duingt, dine in one of Talloires’s highly regarded restaurants and admire the majestic Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
Head into the mountains for authentic market towns, farms, incredible hikes and a great range of wintersports. Thônes is the gateway to the Aravis mountain resorts such as La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, both a superb place for skiing in the winter and home to a wealth of alpine activities in the summer. On the other side of the lake, appreciate the beauty of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park and admire the magnificence of the Semnoz mountain.
Whether relaxing by the lake or venturing into the mountains, experience hearty Savoyard cuisine. The region enjoys a rich culinary heritage – try fondue, raclette and tartiflette in authentic hôtels or fish from the lake accompanied by fine regional wine in high-end restaurants overlooking the idyllic shores.
