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From beginner to pro, cycling in Annecy is for all! ...here are some tips!

Combine outdoors and a spa experience for the ultimate well-being break on Lake Annecy! What better way than a spa experience to finish a day skiing, a long trek in the mountain or whilst the rest of the family is having a sporty adventure nearby? The area of Annecy is spoilt with a great number of beautiful and modern spas, with large pools, massage treatments, sensory rooms, steam rooms, saunas most opening up to the lake and surrounding mountains. Whilst the Imperial Palace in Annecy and the Palace the Menthon ' s spas offer beautiful modernised wellbeing spaces in an elegant 1950's architecture settings and great spaces to enjoy an afternoon tea or dinner, the stunning Pere Bise Spa in Talloires is a modern chalet-style wooden structure with large glass bay windows opening up onto the lake and the nearby natural reserve of Roc de Chère . Immersed in the blue of the lake and the green of the surrounding nature, you have no choice but take it in and relax. Alternatively, the brand new Rivage Spa long Annecy's popular water front promenade, is an ultra modern, state of the art, spacious spa where you will be able to step away from the Old town's buzz and pause.  Off Season, great offers are available: The Pere Bise offers packages combining spa with yoga/sofrology/detox breaksfast/ brunch from €90pp. More info o n +33(0)4 50 60 48 28 - spa@perebise.com Le Rivage has packages combining Yoga session and Spa experience from €50pp. For more info: +33 (0)4 12 04 33 60 - spa@rivage-hotel.com

Annecy is renowned for its stunning Lake, one of the cleanest and purest in Europe. Situated in the Rhone alps close to Switzerland , the town is growing and is a very desirable place to live. The challenge is to preserve this pristine environment for the years to come and this means acting responsibly whether you are a local or tourist so we can all enjoy this beautiful and special region for the years to come. An understanding of the ecology of the area can help you appreciate this dynamic and fragile ecosystem. The lake and its surrounding areas contribute significantly to the ecological balance of the region. The town is surrounded by the mountains and forests of the French Alps, providing a diverse range of ecosystems. there are a multitude of natural spaces to visit. Natural sites of lake Annecy Biodiversity: The region is home to a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the alpine environment. The biodiversity includes mountain flora and fauna, such as marmots, chamois, and various bird species. There are many natural reserves around the lake such as the bout du lac natural reserve, a haven for birds, insects, and rare plants. 15 species of fish thrive in the lake and are carefully managed for sustainability. Water Quality and Conservation: Due to its commitment to preserving the pristine quality of Lake Annecy, the town has implemented measures to monitor water quality and prevent pollution. These efforts contribute to the overall ecological health of the region. The clean up of the lake started in 1944 where a small group of scientists and locals noticed the lake was being polluted and looked at all the options to preserve it. You can read about The story of Annecy .The intervention resulted in the construction of pipes that completely encircle the lake collecting all waste and run off leading it to a single large plant to be treated and released. This was completed in 1976. Annecy water Sustainable Practices: Annecy has a strong focus on Sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, recycling programs, and energy conservation. These initiatives contribute to minimizing the ecological footprint of the city and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. The current administration is dedicated to creating and maintaining the ecology of Annecy. One of their initiatives is preventing high polluting cars from circulating in the central part of Annecy. Another is to insulate older buildings with help of government subsidies. Zone of circulation Environmental action Tourism and the environment Sustainable tourism practices are paramount to preserving the beauty of lake Annecy and efforts to minimize the impact is central to tourism in the region. Electric bikes – Electric bikes are made available around the lake as an alternative to driving, relieving air pollution and congestion, promoting exercise and appreciation of the outdoors! Boats – Annecy’s boats are becoming electric! A great way to see the lake and visit the old town. The Compagnie des Bateaux stops around the lake in the summer months. Waste – there are recycling points around the lake to recycle all plastics, paper and glass there is no excuse not to!

Best things to do in Annecy this Christmas

Annecy - The hot spot for cold water swimming! Cold water swimming has recently gained a lot of popularity for its potential health benefits, it's spiritual approach and the unique experience it offers. Known for its clean and clear water, Lake Annecy is a great place to experiment with the concept as the water reaches about 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) at the peak of winter, which is the minimum to qualify as "cold water swimming". Some people practice cold water swimming as a form of holistic health and wellness ; advocates believe that exposure to cold water can boost the immune system, improve circulation, and provide mental health benefits ; athletes and fitness enthusiasts find in it alternative training methods arguing that cold water can enhance endurance, recovery, and overall athletic performance. Others are just drawn to the challenge and invigorating sensation of swimming in cold water. Nature lovers and adventurers will also appreciate the scenic beauty of the lake and the surrounding Alps: Cold water swimming in such a picturesque setting can be a unique and exhilarating experience. Want to try? A few clubs run regular swimming groups in the lac each winter and Wim Hof breathing technic workshopS take place regularly around the lake. Or just join the traditional "Bain du Nouvel An" (New year bath), taking place each 1st January all around the lake! Stay safe! https://outdoorswimmer.com/featured/swimming-in-cold-water-a-guide-to-temperature/ L'endroit idéal pour se mettre à la nage en eaux froides 🇫🇷 La natation en eau froide a récemment gagné en popularité en raison de ses bienfaits potentiels pour la santé, de son approche spirituelle et de l'expérience unique qu'elle offre. Connu pour son eau propre et claire, le lac d'Annecy est un endroit idéal pour expérimenter puisque l'eau atteint environ 5 degrés Celsius (41 degrés Fahrenheit) au plus fort de l'hiver, ce qui est le minimum pour être qualifié de « baignade en eau froide ». . Certaines personnes pratiquent la natation en eau froide comme forme de bien-être et de santé et holistiques ; les défenseurs pensent que l'exposition à l'eau froide peut renforcer le système immunitaire, améliorer la circulation sanguine et avoir des effets bénéfiques sur la santé mentale ; les athlètes et les amateurs de fitness y trouvent des méthodes d'entraînement alternatives, affirmant que l'eau froide peut améliorer l'endurance, la récupération et les performances sportives globales. D’autres sont simplement attirés par le défi et la sensation revigorante de nager dans l’eau froide. Les amoureux de la nature apprécieront également la beauté des paysages du lac et des Alpes environnantes : nager en eau froide dans un cadre aussi pittoresque peut être une expérience unique et exaltante. Envie d'essayer? Quelques clubs organisent chaque hiver des groupes de natation réguliers dans le lac et des ateliers de techniques de respiration Wim Hof ont lieu régulièrement autour du lac. Ou participez tout simplement au traditionnel « Bain du Nouvel An » qui a lieu chaque 1er janvier tout autour du lac ! Soyez prudent! https://outdoorswimmer.com/featured/swimming-in-cold-water-a-guide-to-temperature/