Annecy is wrapped between the Bauges and Aravis mountain ranges — the lake-front Pâquier and Albigny meadows hug the city, the Semnoz forest rises 1700 m directly south, and the 42 km lake circuit gives the most spectacular dog walking in the French Alps.
Centre · Pâquier, 74000 Annecy
Annecy's iconic central lawn extending from the lakeshore to the Pâquier square — open meadow with the lake view, ice-cream kiosks, and the Pont des Amours at the far end. Connects directly to the Avenue d'Albigny path.
💡 The Pont des Amours at sunset is the iconic Annecy photograph — busy after 18:00 in summer, much calmer at sunrise.
Lakefront · Avenue d'Albigny, 74000 Annecy
The completely flat car-free cycle path circling Lake Annecy — 42 km of dog-friendly walking through Veyrier-du-Lac, Talloires, Doussard, Sevrier and back. Best dog-friendly lake walk in France.
💡 The Annecy-Doussard southern half (16 km one way) is the quietest and most spectacular — direct lake views the whole way.
South of city · Crêt de Châtillon, 74000 Annecy
The 1699 m mountain rising directly south of the city — beech and spruce forest, 50 km of marked summer hiking trails, panoramic views over Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc. Free road access; ski station closes June-October.
💡 In summer, take the Annecy → Crêt de Châtillon road by 09:00 to reach the panoramic summit before the heat — bring a litre of water per dog.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Hôtel Impérial Palace Annecy
★★★★★ · 9/10
€380/night
Black Bass Hotel
★★★★ · 8.9/10
€220/night
Le Pré Carré Hôtel & Spa
★★★★ · 8.6/10
€180/night