Renting a boat without a licence on Lake Annecy
6 h€ 250-700 Calm
Set out for a half-day or full day on Lake Annecy aboard a licence-free electric boat, exploring the Baie d'Albigny, Talloires and the reed beds at the far end of the lake.
Lake Annecy is one of the clearest lakes in Europe and is best enjoyed aboard a small licence-free electric boat, available from 5 to 7 seats. Several hire bases are clustered around the port of Annecy, as well as in Saint-Jorioz, Sevrier and Doussard. Rates range from €90 to €150 per hour, €250 to €450 for a half-day, and €400 to €700 for a full day. The engine power is capped at 6 horsepower, which means no licence is required.
A full loop of the lake takes an entire day, with stops for a swim at the beach in Talloires or at the Roselière, which is a Natura 2000 protected site. Navigation is safe in calm weather, but the Vaudaire, a southerly wind, can whip up waves in the afternoon. Book one to two weeks ahead outside of July and August, and even earlier during those months, especially for weekends.
Checklist
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Maillots de bain et serviettes
Crème solaire indice 50
Pique-nique et grande bouteille d'eau
Pièce d'identité et carte bancaire
Gilets enfants si à bord
Coupe-vent léger pour la fin de journée
Book a half-day or full-day slot with a hire base at the port of Annecy, Sevrier, Saint-Jorioz or Doussard.
Follow the introductory briefing: starting the engine, steering, docking at a pontoon and right-of-way rules when encountering sailing boats.
Stop for a swim in a sheltered cove on the Talloires side or near the Château de Duingt.
Make your way towards the Réserve naturelle du bout du lac without getting close to the reed beds, and watch the birds from open water.
Cut the engine in the middle of the lake for a few minutes to take in the extraordinary clarity of the water.
Head back an hour before your return time, the late-afternoon wind can slow down the journey home.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Head out early in the morning, the water is glassier before 11am.
- Choose Doussard for quick access to the wilder far end of the lake.
- Avoid dropping anchor in the protected reed bed areas.
- Pack a snorkel mask, the lake bed is visible down to 6 metres.
- Check the weather the evening before, summer storms can roll in fast.
Variations
- - Choisir une location d'une heure pour un baptisage en couple au coucher du soleil.
- - Louer une paddle ou un pédalier solaire pour les non-pilotes du groupe.
- - Combiner navigation le matin et vélo sur la Voie Verte l'après-midi.
- - Prévoir un déjeuner dans un restaurant accessible par ponton à Talloires.
by PlayTryBe team