Avoiding 7 pitfalls at Lake Annecy: Steer clear of these missteps!
Lake Annecy, often referred to as 'The Venice of France', is a popular destination for motorhome travellers. With its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, it's no wonder why. Here are some essential tips for a smooth and enjoyable motorhome trip to this stunning location.
Accommodations
When it comes to camping, two standout options are Camping Le Lanfonnet near Talloires and Le Taillefer, approximately 12 miles southeast of Annecy. Le Lanfonnet offers pitches with direct lake access between 50 and 200 meters from the water, along with amenities such as a grocery, bar-restaurant, and playground. However, pitches can be quite small and closely packed, so it's advisable to request a suitable pitch in advance to avoid tight fits for motorhomes.
Le Taillefer provides a quieter, small-site experience with adequate (if somewhat dated) facilities and scenic views of the lake and Alps. The campsite's directions avoid Annecy’s busy center, which benefits navigation.
Navigating Traffic
To avoid the busy town of Annecy, follow alternative routes such as taking N508 towards Faverges and Albertville and turning off before Annecy, as described for Le Taillefer campsite. Parking regulations require care on arrival, for example, at Le Taillefer, visitors must park outside and check-in on foot to avoid congestion.
General Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Reserve pitches early, especially in peak summer, as lakeside spots are desirable and limited.
- Expect some campsite facilities to be dated or less efficient; bring your own essentials and patience with check-in processes, particularly at smaller operations with limited staff.
- Consider camping in lakeside roadside laybys if formal sites are full; some visitors have found these a good alternative to closely packed campgrounds.
- Be mindful of pitch size and maneuvering space, especially when sharing with larger motorhomes; politely coordinating with other guests may be necessary to fit well.
It's also worth noting that wild camping at Lake Annecy is not recommended due to low height barriers and signs banning overnight parking in vehicles.
Before embarking on your journey, remember to check out the Europe Road Trip Checklist, available for free, which includes essential kit, paperwork, and useful gear.
Exploring Annecy and its surroundings offers a wealth of beautiful, picturesque areas worth discovering. The town has a world-famous brocante (flea market), and the mountains provide challenging hikes for the more adventurous. However, paying attention to the weather is especially important if hiking around Annecy, as the mountains can be dangerous. The weather at Lake Annecy changes quickly and unpredictably, with a lot of fog or mist.
Remember, Lake Annecy is still busy in March, with traffic jams everywhere on the west side going north. Finding a campsite or hotel early is important, as many places shut down for the winter and a lack of wild camping spots for motorhomes exists.
Lastly, it's important to note that flying a drone over Lake Annecy without precautions is not recommended. Kathryn Bird, the author, experienced this firsthand when her travel drone sank into Lake Annecy due to a gust of wind.
In summary, prioritizing well-located campsites like Le Lanfonnet or Le Taillefer, avoiding Annecy’s traffic by using alternative routes, booking pitches early, and being prepared for close quarters and modest facilities will make a motorhome visit to Lake Annecy smoother and more enjoyable.
[1] Camping Le Lanfonnet: https://www.lanfonnet.com/ [3] Le Taillefer: https://www.camping-lataillefer.com/ [5] Motorhome Travel Tips: https://www.motorhomedepot.co.uk/blog/motorhome-travel-tips/
- To fully enjoy the unique lifestyle of traveling around Lake Annecy, consider staying at Camping Le Lanfonnet or Le Taillefer for convenient access to the stunning lake and nearby attractions.
- When indulging in the travel experience of exploring Annecy and its surroundings, be mindful of the unpredictable weather and avoid flying drones over the lake without proper precautions for a safer journey.
