Dog walks and parks in Annecy: the complete guide
Annecy is beautiful. But walking a dog in Annecy in summer is a challenge: beaches closed to dogs, crowds on the quays, heat on the banks. This guide is what locals use, not tourists.
Updated 2026. Verified data.
What you need to know before you go
Lake beaches are closed to dogs in summer. All, or almost all. In high season (June–August), do not expect to access developed beaches with your dog. Exceptions exist but are rare and not very accessible on foot from the center.
The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve is strictly closed to dogs, even on a leash. Protected fauna and flora. Do not go there with an animal.
In town, a leash is mandatory everywhere. The quays, the Old Town, the Pâquier, everything is accessible but on a leash.
The 5 best spots
Le Semnoz, half-day hike
30 minutes from the center by car. Marked trails on a mid-mountain massif, shaded in summer. Dogs allowed on a leash. Ideal for active dogs who need to really exert themselves. Panoramic view of the lake and the Alps.
Advice: avoid weekends in July–August, peak attendance. Early morning on weekdays, it's exceptional.
Parc des Glaisins, Annecy-le-Vieux
Urban park with a river running alongside the forest path. Dogs on a leash. Easy parking. A countryside setting 10 minutes from the center, forest and meadow, no car noise. Dogs can dip their paws in the river all along the path.
Fenced dog park available on site. Ideal for daily outings without having to use the car.
Roc de Chère, Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Nature reserve between Menthon and Talloires. Dense and shaded forest, cliff overlooking the lake, exceptional views. Accessible on foot from the lake road.
Dogs allowed on a leash. Less frequented than central spots, ideal for anxious or reactive dogs who need peace and quiet.
Voie Verte du lac d'Annecy
Cycle and pedestrian path that goes around the lake (40 km in total). Practicable in sections. The Annecy–Veyrier-du-Lac section on the west side is accessible and has little elevation change.
Dogs on a leash. Regular water points. Advice: Bout-du-Lac / Doussard section on the east side, less touristy, quieter. Early morning before 8 am from any starting point.
Doussard beach, summer swimming
The only easily accessible beach that allows dogs in season, outside of monitored human swimming areas. 15 km south of Annecy.
Sentier des Roselières nearby to extend the outing. Ideal for dogs who love water. Avoid midday–5 pm in midsummer.
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In winter and off-season: local Annecy
Off-season, everything changes. Beaches become accessible to dogs again. Lake trails empty out. Alpine pastures are passable without risk of encountering herds with Patous dogs.
For guardians who take care of a house in winter: walks around the lake from November–March are among the most beautiful in the region. No crowds, low light on the water, cool but manageable temperatures.
Be careful of ice on high-altitude trails from October to April. Do not go on long mountain outings without checking weather conditions.
What a Guardiens guardian knows in Annecy
A local guardian knows these spots. They know that Semnoz on a Sunday in July is not a good idea with an excited Labrador. They know that Glaisins is the daily option without a car. They know SOS-Veto and CHV Saint-Martin if something goes wrong.
This is the difference between a guardian from Annecy and someone arriving from Lyon without knowing the city.
To learn more
To discover how pet sitting works throughout the department, consult our complete guide to pet sitting in Haute-Savoie.
Looking for a trusted guardian in Annecy? Discover Guardiens guardians in Annecy.
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À lire aussi
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