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The best summer activities in Haute-Savoie when it’s hot

/ The best summer activities in Haute-Savoie when it’s hot

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The best summer activities in Haute-Savoie when it’s hot

Summer holidays in Haute-Savoie offer a clever mix of nature, escape and varied activities. With its crystal-clear lakes, wild rivers, green peaks and charming villages, the region has everything to appeal to both relaxation seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for swimming, thrills, cool hikes or cultural discoveries, you’ll easily find something to fill your days, even the hottest ones. To help you put together a tailor-made programme, here is a selection of the best summer activities in Haute-Savoie.

 

The best swimming spots in Haute-Savoie

The must-see beaches

Swimming is one of the most obvious answers when wondering what to do at Lake Geneva in summer. But with its 180 kilometres of shoreline, it can be difficult to find a place to take a dip. So we have selected these beaches for you:

  • Excenevex beach, the only one with fine sand. It is perfect for family days by the water, thanks to the many activities on offer and the various dining options.
  • Messery beach, just a few metres from our campsite. We love it for its gentle grassy slope, which offers a beautiful view of the town of Nyon in Switzerland.
  • Siez beach, made up of grass and gravel. It is supervised in summer and has a playground that is ideal for entertaining the whole family.
  • The pine forest beach in Thonon-les-Bains is the place to go if you are looking for peace and quiet. The small pebble beaches offer breathtaking views of the Swiss shores of Lake Geneva.

In addition to Lake Geneva, you can also swim in Lake Annecy. In summer, the water temperature does not exceed 24 degrees, making it a great place to cool off. Here are the swimming spots we recommend:

  • Brune Beach in Veyrier-du-Lac, which offers a number of advantages: lifeguards on duty during high season, free admission, nearby parking. Swimmers can enjoy refreshments and a variety of activities.
  • Marquisats Beach, one of the best urban beaches in Annecy. You will find shade there, and swimming is supervised in summer.
  • Doussard beach, at the end of the lake, or rather beaches. One is grassy, the other sandy. They are home to a water sports centre that you will tell us all about.

Less frequented bodies of water

It’s true that Lake Geneva and Lake Annecy immediately spring to mind when you think of swimming in Haute-Savoie. However, there are other places where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Here is a selection of our favourites:

  • The Combloux biotope lake: one of France’s first ecological lakes, offering exceptional views of Mont Blanc.
  • Lake Passy, whose leisure centre will delight young and old alike.
  • The blue lake in Morillon, in the resort, ideal for cooling off after a hike.

Water sports for fun and refreshment

There is no shortage of water sports activities on Lake Geneva and in the surrounding area. They all offer a unique experience, whether you prefer relaxation or thrills. Follow the guide to plan your programme.

Practices in calm waters

There are numerous water sports centres in Haute-Savoie. And the various lakes offer a wide range of activities. Among them, you can discover:

  • paddleboarding,
  •  kayaking,
  • pedal boating,
  • diving,
  • or even sailing.

White water activities

The rivers of Haute-Savoie are no slouch when it comes to water sports. Thrill seekers can enjoy canyoning and rafting in various locations. It’s enough to add adrenaline to the list of the best summer activities in Haute-Savoie.

Leisure activities for speed enthusiasts

Once again, the department’s various bodies of water offer a wide range of activities. At Lake Geneva or elsewhere, you can enjoy unforgettable experiences thanks to the following leisure activities:

  • wakeboarding,
  • wakesurfing,
  • water skiing,
  • wing foiling,
  • kitesurfing,
  • or even e-foiling.

Set sail smoothly

If you want to enjoy activities on Lake Geneva in summer, but without having to do anything yourself, we recommend cruises and boat trips. Some offer only tours, while others offer a getaway to Switzerland. Either way, the calm of the crossing and the coolness of the water are sure to do you good.

Sports activities to enjoy in the cool air

There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your favourite activities in summer, when temperatures are high. You just need to plan your schedule carefully. Here is a list of the best summer activities in Haute-Savoie, to be enjoyed during the coolest hours of the day.


It would be a shame not to explore the hiking trails in Haute-Savoie. Not only can you enjoy the benefits of high-altitude exercise, but also the beauty of the landscapes. So remember to pack your walking shoes to discover the best hikes around Lake Geneva and the rest of the region.


Do you prefer cycling to walking? No problem, Haute-Savoie is also a paradise for cyclists. Whether you prefer mountain biking in the forest or bike parks in the resorts, you’ll find something to suit you.

Finally, our department is full of climbing spots and via ferrata routes. It’s best to practise these in the shade to avoid heatstroke.

📌 For more great ideas, check out our article on the best activities around Lake Geneva.

Cultural visits and trips to cool places: one of the best activities in summer in Haute-Savoie

During heatwaves, naturally cool places are havens of peace that you would be wrong to miss out on. We therefore suggest a few places to visit or cultural outings that can offer you that much sought-after coolness.

Masterpieces of Savoyard heritage

The castles of Haute-Savoie allow you to kill two birds with one stone: discover Savoyard heritage while braving the heat. Here are the ones we recommend visiting:

  • The Castle of Menthon Saint Bernard, 10 km from Annecy, is a true architectural masterpiece. An added bonus: short plays performed by young amateur actors.
  • The Castle of des Sires de Fauciny, 45 minutes from Chamonix, is a former fortified castle that has been a listed historical monument since 1987.
  • Montrottier Castle in Lovagny, a testament to the region’s war-torn history. Younger visitors can take part in a treasure hunt.
  • Annecy Castle, now a museum.
  • The Castle of Ripaille in Thonon-les-Bains, a natural site in the Chablais Geopark.

After visiting the castles, why not try some religious monuments? There’s nothing like a church or abbey to keep you cool and help you discover our rich heritage. Among these buildings, we suggest you visit:

  • the Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy,
  • the Church of Our Lady of All Grace in Passy,
  • the Church of Saint Nicholas in Veroce,
  • Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge Church in Les Contamines-Montjoie.

Naturally cool places

Mountains mean caves. And caves stay at a pleasant temperature in summer. Discover the ones that tourists particularly enjoy:

  • The Orjobet cave in the Salève massif is a natural gem that has to be earned, as you will need to walk 11 kilometres to reach it. But the reward is magnificent: a panoramic view of Mont Blanc.
  • The Sarrasins Cave, near Veyrier-du-Lac. At an altitude of 750 metres, it offers a breathtaking view of Lake Annecy.
  • The Grand-Perthuis Cave, accessible only by water.

For something a little different, why not explore the cheese cellars of Haute-Savoie? Freshness guaranteed!

📌 To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the activities around Europe’s largest lake during your stay, be sure to visit the Lake Geneva Tourist Office website.

Gourmet walks and refreshing breaks

There is no shortage of activities in Haute-Savoie during the summer. But to find some cool respite, you need to know how to relax. Discover some ideas for combining coolness and relaxation:

  • Enjoy some homemade ice cream. Here are some good places we know: Le Palais des Glaces, Chez Gaston and Chez Poustache, all located in Annecy.
  • Dine by the water. Here again, we can recommend: Les Terrasses du Lac in Annecy, Les Jardins du Léman in Yvoire, Le Jolla in Margencel.
  • Discover Savoyard dishes that are perfect for summer. Yes, they do exist. The recipes can be found on the Reblochon cheese association’s website.

Le Relais du Léman: your summer retreat between lake and mountains

Our group, Pausado, owns a campsite in Haute-Savoie. Its proximity to Lake Geneva makes it an ideal place to book a holiday rental when the temperatures are at their warmest. In this final section, discover why our estate is perfect for you.

Choose Le Relais du Léman for the values it represents

Going camping in the mountains in summer is becoming increasingly popular. But if the site in question has great values, it’s a win-win situation. At Pausado, the campsites blend into the natural surroundings and are a delight for young and old alike. More than just holiday destinations, they are places for sharing, designed to create bonds. The welcome is authentic, attentive and resolutely human. The icing on the cake is that we are working towards more responsible tourism, focusing on waste sorting, short supply chains and local expertise.

What you will find at our campsite in Haute-Savoie

At Pausado campsites, we like to combine comfort and enjoyment. That’s why you’ll find high-quality pitches and accommodation, as well as facilities such as a swimming pool, entertainment and sports equipment. We also have a restaurant, Chez Titi, a bar and a bakery service to make your daily life easier. The little extra at Le Relais du Léman: the relaxation area, perfect for unwinding between two activities carefully prepared by our team.
Now you’re ready for your next mountain holiday. With this list of the best summer activities in Haute-Savoie, you’re sure not to get bored. All you have to do is book your accommodation at our campsite near Lake Geneva!