Le Bel Abri
Lakefront restaurants are hardly in short supply, but finding one that's genuinely worth your time is another story. The terrace at Le Bel Abri looks straight onto Annecy's turquoise waters, with a menu that pairs seasonal French cooking with flavours borrowed from further afield – roasted potatoes with melted local Reblochon, delicate charcuterie, fragrant curries and Moroccan-inspired lamb bastilla – all backed by an excellent selection of wines from Savoie, Burgundy and the Rhône.
where to next?
At the heart of Annecy lies its turquoise-toned lake, with a shoreline looping around 40 km of surrounding mountains. The water changes colour with the seasons, reflecting the light depending on the time of day. Paddleboards, pedal boats and kayaks take to the water, while designated swimming areas provide easy access for a wildly refreshing cold dip. The Annecy le Vieux ponton, is one of the prime spots to watch the sun go down, swim from the wooden jetty, before a drink from the terrace of Le Bel Abri.
