Annecy, often called the Venice of the Alps, has plenty going for it, starting with its stunning running routes. No matter the season, the light changes constantly and the scenery never gets old. It is no surprise this landscape draws so many trail runners, whether they are training or lining up for races around Lake Annecy. Here are a few great routes for running in Annecy, whether you live in this Haute-Savoie gem or you are here on holiday.
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Where to run in Annecy: along Lake Annecy, of course
This route is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It is flat, fast, and delivers postcard views of Lake Annecy, perfect for an easy run, a long run, or a controlled tempo session.
Start from the Impérial parking lot in Annecy. Begin by running along the lakeshore toward Annecy city centre, and simply stay on the path that hugs the water. Exactly 1 km in, you cross the Pont des Amours (photo below).
Keep following the lake, cross a second bridge, then continue along the shoreline. Near the harbour, stay on the cycle path that runs alongside the main road. It brings you back closer to the lake, and around 4 km you will hit a short rise on the cycle path. After 300 to 400 m, it bends left.
From here, it is almost impossible to get lost. Stay on the cycle path as long as you like, go for a full loop of the lake, or more realistically, turn around whenever you have gone far enough. Tracking your total distance is easy since you come back the exact same way (out-and-back, so x2).
If you continue all the way to the Saint-Jorioz athletics track, it makes 19 km round trip. This is the famous Voie Verte used during the Marathon du lac d’Annecy in April.
Benefits: one of the most enjoyable places for running in Annecy, right on the lake. It is sheltered from traffic, completely flat, and lets you break down any distance you want. It can even work well for interval training, and the scenery is simply next level.
A trail running route in Annecy: Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron
More into climbing and elevation gain when you run in Annecy? This route packs in 850 metres of ascent. Start from the Tennis parking lot in Annecy-le-Vieux (Petit Port), at 450 m elevation. Head toward Veyrier-du-Lac.
You will spot small shops on the left side of the road (a restaurant, a bakery, a pizzeria). Just to the right of these shops, a small trail heads up toward Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron (there is a signpost).
Your first landmark is Pré Vernet, where the grade eases briefly. Then follow signs for Col des Sauts and on to Mont Baron, the high point (1,299 m, or +850 m from the lake), with a breathtaking view (photo below).
For the descent back to Annecy, you can either turn around the same way or make it a loop by returning to Pré Vernet via Creux du Loup, a shadier section through the forest. Total distance is 9.5 km. Allow close to an hour to run the climb, and about half that to get back down.
Benefits of this route in Annecy: a strong trail running workout with solid vertical, plenty of shade, and a huge payoff at the top with panoramic views over Lake Annecy. A longer option (12 km) lets you push on to Col des Contrebandiers and descend via Veyrier-du-Lac.
More routes for running in Annecy and the surrounding area
– Run at the Espace Rencontre des Glaisins in Annecy-le-Vieux (a 2.25 km loop), ideal if you work in the Glaisins business park.
– Along the Fier river if you are looking for softer ground. You can access it behind the sports complex, via the path next to the Annecy billiards academy.
– Run at Semnoz or La Tournette for longer trail training days and endurance building.
– Along Le Pâquier, lit up in winter, a perfect spot for running in Annecy when darkness falls early.
You might also feel like signing up for one of the many races in Annecy and around the lake. It is another great way to discover Annecy on the run. You will find the Marathon du Lac d’Annecy, the MaXi-Race, the Semi-Marathon des Sources du Lac d’Annecy, the Ancilevienne (a 46 km Run and Bike relay for teams of two), the Agglocityrun, plus the Glaisins trail race and cross-country events.
Photo credit: 1. From Annecy, Photo Alex Brown, Flickr | 2. From Mont Veyrier, Photo by Guilhem Vellut, Flickr