Top 5 Annecy Adventure Tours: Find Your Thrill!

Annecy, sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the Alps,” is, like, totally famous for its beautiful lake and postcard-ready old town. But that’s only, kind of, half the story, you know? What some people don’t realize is that it’s a playground for adventure seekers, too. You get to discover these pretty cool experiences around Annecy for peeps who really want to get their blood pumping and make some amazing memories, honestly. From soaring through the sky to splashing in the water, I would suggest there is a bit of something for everyone looking for that, sort of, amazing adventure. I want to showcase what I feel are five of the area’s top adventure tours.

1. Paragliding Over Lake Annecy

Now, can you, like, even imagine gliding way, way high above a sparkling lake with views of snow-capped mountains all around, so to speak? That’s exactly what you get with a paragliding tour over Lake Annecy, I swear. It’s truly, one of the most incredible and, honestly, visually mind blowing experiences. The local companies generally kick off the trip with, like, a short briefing and safety lesson before you are paired with the pilot and then are basically strapped in and take that leap, more or less. That jump is, quite, thrilling. Anyway, pretty much as soon as you’re in the air, all of that kind of fear disappears. You have these absolutely, unbelievably panoramic views. Keep your eyes peeled, if you are keen, because you will almost always spot some interesting wildlife from way up there. It’s not unusual for people to describe this as more or less therapeutic, something very beautiful and peaceful and exciting all wrapped in one, at the end of the day.

Consider it this way: the whole experience often lasts for about 1-2 hours, but that really depends a little on weather conditions that day and tour company too it’s almost important to make sure the companies are well reviewed for safety standards, just so you’re fully relaxed during the experience, I’d say.

Read our full review: Paragliding Over Lake Annecy Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Paragliding Over Lake Annecy)

2. Canyoning in the French Alps

Fancy yourself a, sort of, bit of an explorer looking to combine rappelling, you know, with hiking and swimming, right, in some stunning natural settings, maybe? Canyoning tours within the French Alps around Annecy let you do exactly that, that is for certain, you know. There is this opportunity to get geared up with wetsuits, harnesses and helmets and guided through, like, these crazy, pretty awesome gorges and canyons with icy waterfalls and, kind of, crystal clear pools, basically, as I was saying. This type of tour tends to draw a variety of people with all kinds of abilities. I have found that even those that might not feel brave discover new levels of confidence with it. If that doesn’t interest you maybe.

Each individual excursion is different but many require you to slide down some natural rockslides, or perhaps some zip lines, as a matter of fact and of course that crazy jump into deep pools is what it’s all about, right? As a matter of fact the tours sometimes stretch to around 3 – 5 hours and they usually have a smaller group, because that keeps things more manageable and fun for, you know, the adventure peeps.

Read our full review: Canyoning in the French Alps Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Canyoning in the French Alps)

3. Via Ferrata Experience

Okay, imagine climbing mountains with steel cables, rungs, and ladders fixed right into the rock, just a little? Sounds pretty awesome, really! Via Ferrata is something like climbing mixed with hiking that makes these hard to reach places, totally attainable, you know? This is definitely an adventure around Annecy that really takes advantage of those mountainous landscape in the area. In some respects you get the chance to strap on some gear, and follow a skilled guide on cliffs that are really mind blowing. You are more or less connected to the rock by cables, that that keeps it safe even at those crazy heights, definitely.

Most Via Ferrata tours range a little from 3 to 6 hours and require a basic fitness standard, really, but people without climbing experience are welcome because that feeling of personal satisfaction, just at the end, once you hit the summit, is unbelievable.

Read our full review: Via Ferrata Experience Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Via Ferrata Experience)

4. White Water Rafting on the Giffre River

Do you like rafting, maybe something a bit exciting? Head to the Giffre River. You will get to enjoy, more or less, some challenging rapids with amazing mountain scenery, so to speak. Annecy tour companies usually run adventures down the river with qualified guides. Donning your life jacket and grabbing your paddle is all it takes, quite. Very soon you and your team can experience these pretty awesome, seriously cool moments as you head along the water dodging rocks. And working together is seriously important because your guide will take you through the motions needed so it all turns out okay. In the same way, you will almost definitely get totally soaked, which can be half the amusement, honestly!

Many of these adventures extend to three to four hours including travel time. I would add this is often appropriate for just about anybody older than 10 and who’s quite at ease within water.

Read our full review: White Water Rafting on the Giffre River Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (White Water Rafting on the Giffre River)

5. E-Mountain Biking Adventures

Consider exploring some of Annecy’s surrounding landscape with an E-mountain bike, it’s just great to access those really steep trails easily because the electric motor gives, like, that boost if needed. Typically, it means you might go further than before and still get some great exercise, right? Most tour options range a little, providing both shorter trips for, you know, casual riders, too it’s almost and also those longer rides aimed more at people after a more intense physical adventure, and stuff. It’s nearly certain that those bike rentals are, actually, with professional guidance who are there to provide coaching to get the most out of your trip and get more from those mountain trails. Be prepared to find some pretty awesome spots, pretty remote valleys, totally superb mountain paths. I guess it’s about choosing to disconnect from any crowds and only focus on the landscape, or something.

I guess trips can differ from just two hours up to full day adventures depending how challenging you might like it! I am keen on trips with plenty of coffee shops, and stuff. I tell you.

Read our full review: E-Mountain Biking Adventures Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (E-Mountain Biking Adventures)