Lake Annecy holidays

You'll find 12 beaches dotted along the shore of Lake Annecy, ranging from quiet coves to picks packed with extras like showers and water sports equipment to hire. Plage d'Albigny is your go-to swim spot near Annecy town. It's strolling distance from the centre, and the sand slopes gently into the water. It's a fab place to try paddle-boarding too, so rent one nearby and test your balance on the water.

Feel the sand between your toes at Plage municipale de Saint-Jorioz on the west shore of the lake - jump on the Y51 bus to get there in around 20 minutes. There's plenty of space to spread out your towel on the wide beach, and when it's time to cool off, you can jump into the water from a diving platform in the middle of the bay. And there's no shortage of water sports here too. Pedalos, canoes, kayaks, you name it – they're all available to hire.

Take the number 20 bus to the beach in nearby Talloires. The grassy lido has volleyball courts and table tennis, and you can borrow a boules set for some classic French fun. Also on the beach is a water sports centre with paddleboards, kayaks and row boats for hire.

There's a market Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings in Annecy, but the one on Tuesdays is the one to visit for foodies. Local producers set up their stalls on Rue Sainte Claire, so head down to nibble on cheeses, cured meat and pastries as you stroll along the street.

There's a decent range of shops in Annecy, from small boutiques to high-street chains. Browse for souvenirs in the craft shops clustered around the medieval centre, or if you need holiday essentials like swimming costumes and sun hats, try the modern Courier shopping centre a few streets away.

For a few low-key drinks, try La Cave - a tucked-away wine bar on Passages des échoppes. There are over 40 local vintages to try, and you can pair your drinks with a platter of charcuterie or seafood too.

From bar hopping along Rue Sainte Claire to catching some live music at Le Brise Glace concert hall, you've got plenty of options when it comes to nights out in Annecy. There's even a casino if you're feeling lucky.

From popping into patisseries and coffee shops to tucking into alpine faves like a cheesy tartiflette - Annecy's got all the best bits of French food covered. And with the lake just steps away, it's no wonder fish dishes are a big deal on local menus too.

If you fancy some famously French food, like frog legs or escargot, Annecy is the place. There are lots of traditional restaurants. And for something to share, try 'pierrade' and cook your own ingredients on a heated stone at the table.

There are delis and cafés in the centre of the Old Town serving regional snacks and treats. Go for a tartine to get a local take on a toastie that's loaded with grilled cheese and cured meat - simple and delicious. Sweet tooth? Try a gooey, melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding.

Head up the slopes for restaurants with a view. The lake is a focal point of any vista, and you might see paragliders descending as you eat, as it's a popular pastime to the south of the town.

Line Y51 or number 15 links Annecy with all the towns and villages on the western side of the lake, and it takes around 30 minutes to get from one end to the other. To visit spots on the opposite shore, you'll need to take the number 20 bus which runs every 30 minutes from the centre of town.

The Navibus ferry service runs three times a day from Annecy and stops at the main towns and villages dotted around the lake. And you can book sightseeing trips too, where a guide will share facts and stories about the local area.

Annecy's station is a 10 minute walk from centre of town. From here, you can get to Geneva in around 90 minutes for a day of city sightseeing in Switzerland. Trains leave every hour, so you should find one to fit your plans.

Annecy's a compact place, so it's easy to get around on foot. Canals criss-cross the car-free medieval centre, and in between are winding alleys and little courtyards to explore, with plenty of cafés and bars where you can pause for a pick-me-up in the sun.

There are heaps of walks around Annecy, from lakeside strolls to trails up to mountain viewpoints. Download the ViAnnecy app to see a collection of all the routes in the area, along with facts and tips on what to look out for along the way. Or if you prefer a paper version, pop into the Tourist Office and pick up the special hikers' map for a few euros.

Head to nearby Saint-Jorioz for a leisurely 4.5km amble along the lakeshore. The flat route takes you through a nature reserve and along the way you can see lots of different types of bird flitting among the reed beds. Then once you get to the end, you can hop on a bus back to Annecy.

There are some steep sections on this walk, but the 360-views over Annecy, the lake and the Aravis mountains make it worth every step. The trail starts from near the lakeside promenade on the eastern side of town, from there you follow winding gravel paths to the top – you'll know you're nearly there when you can see the remains of old cable car station. It takes around an hour and a half to get the top. Once you're there you can't miss snapping a few pics before heading back down.