Paddle boarding on Lake Annecy: your barefoot micro-adventure

SUP yoga at sunrise on Lake Annecy with NCY SUP, mountains behind

Picture this: turquoise water among the cleanest in Europe, mountains all around, and you — standing on the water at first light. You don’t need to fly to the other side of the world for a real escape. In Annecy, your micro-adventure starts right at the water’s edge.

In 30 seconds

The spotLake Annecy, one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Our base is in Sévrier, 10 minutes from Annecy, on a quiet private shore.

Who it’s forEveryone, from the very first try. Kids, families, curious beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

The optionsFree rental, guided lessons, scenic tours, SUP yoga, magical evening sessions, foil… pick your adventure.

BookingOnline in a few clicks, or by phone. All gear provided — just show up.

10 minfrom central Annecy
from €12.501 hr rental (Happy Hour)
0experience needed
All yearthe lake is always ready

No.1 — Why Lake Annecy is THE place to paddle

Lake Annecy is often called one of the cleanest lakes in Europe — and the moment you set a board on it, you understand why. Strikingly clear water, peaks plunging straight into the blue, quiet wooded shores: it’s a postcard come to life, and it’s open to everyone.

For paddle boarding, it’s a dream. The water is usually flat and calm — especially in the morning, when the lake turns to glass. You glide effortlessly, the mountains wake up around you, and you forget you’re even exercising. That’s the heart of a micro-adventure: a powerful experience, ten minutes from your holiday rental.

Our NCY SUP base sits in Sévrier, on the western shore, away from the crowds. Direct access to the lake, a preserved wooded setting, and a gentle launch spot to find your feet. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the bay, glide over crystal-clear water, or simply float and take in the view.

And because the lake shifts hour by hour, every outing is different: the golden light of morning, the buzz of a summer afternoon, or the magic of a sunset on the water.

No.2 — Your first time on the water, with total confidence

Good news: paddle boarding is one of the easiest water sports to pick up. Within minutes you’re standing and moving. No need to be sporty or to have tried it before. At NCY SUP, there’s an option for every mood.

Free rental — explore at your own pace

Just want to head out on the water? We kit you out (board, paddle, life vest) and you explore the lake freely. Single boards, tandems for two, ultra-stable kayaks for kids, or our big Dragon and XL boards to paddle as a whole crew.

Lessons & guided tours — learn the right way

Prefer a little guidance? Our qualified instructors teach you the right moves safely, then lead you to the lake’s most beautiful hidden corners. The best way to progress fast and make the most of every minute.

« You come to try it once. You leave wanting to come back every morning. » NCY SUP — Lake Annecy
Two paddlers on a SUP tour on Lake Annecy, wearing life vests, blue water
A few minutes to stand up, a lifetime of memories on the water.

No.3 — Fancy something a little more memorable?

Classic paddle boarding is just the beginning. In Annecy, NCY SUP has dreamed up experiences that turn a simple outing into a story you’ll tell for years.

SUP yoga, flowing through poses facing the mountains, carried by the silence of the lake — a wellness break few places can offer. Paddle Burger evenings: a night-time glide on illuminated boards, with a friendly meal to follow. And for thrill-seekers, towed foil and wingfoil: literally flying above the water.

Travelling as a group? We also host hen & stag parties, birthdays and corporate days on our private lakeside grounds — a setting all to yourselves.

No.4 — The water effect: wellbeing included

You step onto a paddle board for the joy of gliding. You step off feeling calmer than you expected. It’s not just a feeling: the gentle effort, breathing in time with the paddle, your eyes resting on the peaks, the simple contact with the water — it all helps the pressure melt away.

Thirty minutes is enough. Your phone stays dry, your mind clears, and you come back with that rare sense of having truly switched off. In Annecy, that might just be the holiday memory you remember most.

Where to start?

Want to see everything on offer? Browse all our activities and prices.

✓ Go for it if…

  • You’re spending a few days in Annecy and want THE great outdoor experience.
  • You’d like to introduce kids or family to the water, safely.
  • You enjoy moving gently and quietly, away from the crowds.
  • You’re after an original outing with friends or your other half.

⌛ Good to know

  • Book early in peak season: morning slots go fast.
  • Happy Hour before 10 a.m. = best rates and the calmest water.
  • Not sure which option? Give us a call and we’ll guide you.
A lone paddler at sunset on Lake Annecy, mirror-calm water
The hardest part, really, is just booking your slot.

Want to paddle back home too? Browse the boards and accessories we test right here on Lake Annecy at The Paddle Shop, our online store.

Your adventure on the lake starts here

Book your session in a few clicks, or call / text us at +33 6 85 85 60 06. Gear provided, all levels, 10 minutes from Annecy.

NCY SUP — your paddle boarding centre on Lake Annecy, in Sévrier (166 chemin de vers rives). Rental, lessons, tours, yoga & events, all year round. Because life’s better by the water.

Where to paddle board on Lake Annecy: best spots and tips

Best paddle boarding spots on Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy is one of the most beautiful places in the French Alps to go paddle boarding. With its crystal-clear turquoise water, stunning mountain backdrop and calm conditions, it offers an unforgettable SUP experience for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. But where exactly should you launch your board? Here is our guide to the best spots around the lake.

Sevrier: the west shore gem

Sevrier is located on the quieter west shore of Lake Annecy, just 10 minutes south of Annecy town. This is where NCY SUP is based, offering paddle board rental, guided tours and lessons from a private lakeside spot. The water here is calm and shallow near the shore, making it perfect for beginners. You can paddle south towards Saint-Jorioz and enjoy breathtaking views of the Tournette mountain.

Annecy: the classic starting point

If you are staying in Annecy, the easiest launch spots are the beaches of Plage des Marquisats, Plage d’Albigny and the Imperial Palace beach. From Marquisats, you can paddle along the old town waterfront and enjoy stunning views of the Palais de l’Isle. The Albigny area is wider and less crowded, ideal for a relaxed morning session. You can also get a paddle board delivered to your location anywhere around the lake.

Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires

The east shore between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires is arguably the most scenic section of the lake. Paddle beneath the medieval Chateau de Menthon, explore hidden coves, and enjoy the dramatic cliffs of the Roc de Chere nature reserve. The water is deep and incredibly clear in this area. Talloires bay is sheltered and calm, perfect for SUP yoga or a peaceful paddle at sunset.

Veyrier-du-Lac and the east shore

Veyrier-du-Lac offers a quieter alternative to Annecy’s busy beaches. The small beach at Veyrier gives you direct access to the lake with mountain views all around. From here you can paddle south along the east shore towards Menthon, passing through some of the most pristine water on the lake. This is a favourite route for experienced paddlers looking for a longer session.

Duingt and the Bout du Lac

At the southern end of the lake, Duingt and the Bout du Lac nature reserve offer a completely different atmosphere. The lake narrows here, and you can paddle close to the charming Chateau de Duingt. The Bout du Lac wetlands are a protected area with rich birdlife — a unique experience for nature-loving paddlers. The water is warmer here in summer, making it a great spot for families.

Practical tips for paddle boarding on Lake Annecy

The best time to paddle on Lake Annecy is early morning when the water is flat and glassy. Wind typically picks up in the afternoon, especially from the south. Summer season runs from May to September, with water temperatures reaching 24°C in July and August. Always wear a leash, and if you are new to the sport, consider booking a paddle boarding lesson with a certified instructor.

Need gear? You can rent a paddle board in Sevrier from NCY SUP, or get boards delivered anywhere around the lake with Allo Paddle. Looking to buy your own board? Check out The Paddle Shop for premium SUP equipment. And if you want to join a community of local paddlers, the Lac Annecy Paddle Club welcomes riders of all levels.

Paddle boarding on Lake Annecy: the ultimate guide

Why Lake Annecy is the perfect place for paddle boarding

Lake Annecy is widely considered one of the best lakes in Europe for stand up paddle boarding. Nestled in the heart of the French Alps between Annecy and Albertville, this stunning alpine lake offers everything a paddler could dream of: crystal-clear turquoise water, breathtaking mountain scenery, and ideal conditions for all levels of experience.

Crystal-clear water and stunning scenery

Fed by mountain springs and strictly protected since the 1960s, Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. The water is so clear you can see the bottom several metres down while standing on your board. On a calm morning, the lake becomes a giant mirror reflecting the surrounding peaks — La Tournette (2,351m), the Semnoz ridge, and the Bauges mountains. It is hard to imagine a more spectacular setting for a SUP session.

Ideal conditions for beginners and families

Unlike the ocean or large rivers, Lake Annecy offers calm, flat water most of the day — especially in the morning. There are no tides, no currents, and the gentle slope of most beaches makes it easy to get on your board. This makes it an ideal destination to try paddle boarding for the first time. Families with children love the shallow, warm areas near Sevrier and Saint-Jorioz. Certified instructors at NCY SUP offer beginner lessons that get you standing and paddling within minutes.

A paradise for experienced paddlers

For more advanced riders, Lake Annecy offers exciting possibilities. The downwind runs when the south wind blows are legendary among SUP enthusiasts. The lake is also a hotspot for SUP racing — it hosts the famous GlaGla Race, one of the biggest winter paddle races in the world, attracting over 500 paddlers every January. The Lac Annecy Paddle Club organises regular training sessions and competitions throughout the year.

Beyond paddle boarding: SUP yoga, tours and events

Lake Annecy is not just about classic paddle boarding. The calm water and magical setting make it perfect for SUP yoga sessions, guided sunset paddle tours, and unique experiences like the Paddle Burger — a night paddle with LED lights followed by a lakeside meal. For groups, team building paddle activities and hen party packages are hugely popular.

How to get started

Getting on the water at Lake Annecy is easy. You can rent a paddle board in Sevrier at NCY SUP’s lakeside base, or have boards delivered to any beach around the lake with Allo Paddle. If you want to invest in your own equipment, The Paddle Shop offers a curated selection of premium SUP boards and accessories. The paddle season runs from April to October, with the warmest water in July and August.

Whether you are a complete beginner looking for your first paddle, a family searching for a fun lake activity, or an experienced rider chasing downwind runs in the Alps — Lake Annecy is the place to be. Welcome to one of the finest paddle boarding destinations in France.