Lake Annecy stretches 14 kilometres south from the city, framed by the Massif des Bauges to the west and the Bornes-Aravis to the east. Its reputation as the cleanest large lake in Europe is largely justified — the water clarity often reaches 7 or 8 metres, and the colour shifts from emerald to deep blue depending on the angle of the sun.
The 42-kilometre lakeside cycle path (the Voie Verte) loops the entire lake, mostly on dedicated track converted from an old railway. The municipal beaches at the Plage d'Annecy, Plage du Pâquier and a string of village beaches further south offer free or cheap swimming. Sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and pedalo rental are available everywhere; even paragliding from the Col de la Forclaz lands on the lakeside fields.