Trail du Lac d'Annecy

The Trail du Lac d'Annecy is a 42-kilometer trail race with 2,200 meters of elevation gain that takes place around Lake Annecy, in the Haute-Savoie department, starting from the city of Annecy. Lake Annecy, often described as the most beautiful lake in France, is a natural jewel surrounded by mountains that provides an exceptional setting for a trail race. Its crystal-clear blue-green waters, fed by underground springs and protected by rigorous environmental policies, make it one of the purest lakes in Europe.

Annecy, nicknamed the Venice of the Alps for its canals and medieval old town, is a dynamic city of 130,000 inhabitants in its metropolitan area, situated at the northern end of the lake, at approximately 450 meters of altitude. The city harmoniously combines historical heritage, quality of life, and immediate access to nature. The Annecy Castle, the Palais de l'Ile, and the picturesque streets of the old town attract millions of visitors every year.

The 42-kilometer Trail du Lac d'Annecy course offers a complete exploration of the mountains framing the lake. The route takes runners to the heights of the Bauges massif to the east and the Bornes massif to the west, offering varied and constantly renewed perspectives on the lake and its environment. The trails traverse broadleaf and conifer forests covering the slopes, high-altitude pastures, and panoramic ridgelines.

With 2,200 meters of positive elevation gain over 42 kilometers, the Trail du Lac d'Annecy offers an undulating profile that alternates climbs and descents in a regular manner. The climbs are progressive and well distributed across the entire course, allowing runners to manage their effort in a balanced way. The descents often offer plunging views of the lake, rewarding the climbing effort with exceptional panoramas.

Lake Annecy is set between several mountain massifs that create a remarkable geographic environment. To the south, the Roc de Chere, a nature reserve covered with relict Mediterranean forests, testifies to a particular microclimate. To the east, the Semnoz, an iconic mountain of Annecy, offers panoramic alpine meadows. To the northeast, the Tournette dominates the lake from its 2,351-meter summit. The trail route allows discovery of these different geographic atmospheres as the kilometers pass.

The climate of the Annecy basin is moderate continental, softened by the presence of the lake which acts as a thermal regulator. Summers are warm but temperatures remain pleasant at altitude. Precipitation is regular, maintaining the lush greenery of the slopes. Summer thunderstorms can however be violent and sudden, and runners should plan for waterproof equipment.

For international runners, Annecy is an exceptionally well-served destination. Annecy station is connected to Paris by TGV in under 4 hours. Geneva airport is 45 minutes away, Lyon-Saint-Exupery airport 1 hour 45 minutes. Accommodation options are plentiful, from youth hostels to luxury hotels, including hotels, vacation rentals, and lakeside campsites.

Assistance on the Trail du Lac d'Annecy benefits from the excellent road network surrounding the lake. An assistant can easily move between the various points along the course and provide regular support to the runner. The proximity of urban infrastructure facilitates logistics and allows for quick responses in case of need.

The Trail du Lac d'Annecy is a race that brings together everything that makes mountain trail running in Haute-Savoie so appealing: sublime landscapes, rich cultural heritage, remarkable accessibility, and a spirit of mountain conviviality. It is an ideal event for international runners who wish to discover the French Alps in a setting that is both athletic and enchanting.