Talloires

Visit Talloires, Rhone-Alpes

Talloires is a beautiful village on the shores of Lake Annecy. Lake Annecy is a stunning lake surrounded by mountains and its edges are dotted with attractive villages the best of which is Talloires.

Exploring Talloires

Stop at the tourist office and take their leaflet giving a walking route through the village passing the main sights. The first stop on the itinery is the 'Chemin de Quoex' which leads to a small bay on the edge of the lake. This has steps down to the water allowing you to set off for a swim in the amazingly clear water. On the opposite side of the lake you can see the Chateau de Duingt.

Leaving this bay and heading along the lane to the harbour you will pass by the famous Pere Bise Hotel. Lots of celebrities have come to Talloires for a holiday and many have chosen the magnificent, Michelin starred Pere Bise Hotel for their stay. Past visitors include Brigitte Bardot, Charlie Chaplin and the Queen Mother of England. Another famous hotel in Talloires is the Abbaye de Talloires, its famous visitors include Mark Twain, Paul Cezanne, Jean Reno and Bruce Willis. Apparently Winston Churchill considered Talloires " the most beautiful place on Earth".

If you are looking for a gourtmet visit to Talloires then there are a number of excellent hotels and restaurants at Talloires allowing you to eat a superb meal somewhere different each night.

The lake scenery really is magnificent with its views across to mountains, the Chateau de Duingt and the other villages dotted around the lake. The brightly coloured 'boat-stop' on the lake's edge is charming and from here you can catch a boat to the other villages on the shores of Lake Annecy.

Walk along the lake edge to the Abbey which often hosts art exhibitions and concerts. The abbey began as a chapell and grew into a monastery and the 17th century Abbey is now a 4* hotel.

Leaving the lake on the Chemin de la Colombiere you will pass the unexpected Tufts University of Boston. This is housed in a former Benedictine Priory and is the university's European centre.

Away from the lake the main street of Talloires is typical of Savoy architecture. The hills above the village are topped by unusual craggy rocks called the Dents de Lanfon, or 'teeth of Lanfon'.

Activites

Talloires is the perfect spot for a relaxing and/or gastronomic holiday but if you are looking for something a bit more adventurous then there are lots of activities on offer.

There are a number of water based sports including: stand up paddling (this has come from Hawaii and is becoming quite popular in France), waterskiing and wakeboarding, diving (Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe and so visibility is excellent) and  Talloires has a beach with a life-guard if you fancy a swim.

You can also go canyoning or paragliding in the area around Talloires.

Places to visit nearby

The Roc de Chere is an immense rock with great views over the lake. Part of it is a nature reserve with a wide diversity of plant-life.

Visit  the hamlet of Angon to see its impressive waterfall.

The Chateau de Menthon started life as a medieval fortress and has been converted into a luxury castle. It is open for visits in the July and August and Friday, Saturday and Sundays in May, June and September (afternoons only).

See Rhone-Alpes for more travel ideas...

Photos of Talloires

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Suggested places to visit near Talloires, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: La Clusaz 18km; Albertville 24km; Aix-les-Bains 29km; Megeve 31km; Sallanches 34km; Chambery 37km; Saint Gervais Les Bains 39km; Belley 42km; Valmorel 44km;

Talloires tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Roc de Chere - site of natural beauty (1km) : Gorges du Fier - site of natural beauty (15km) : Massif des Bauges - regional natural parc (18km) : La Roche-sur-Foron - recommended detour (26km) : Les jardins du Prieuré - remarkable garden (35km) : Mole - site of natural beauty (35km) : Nances - ville fleurie 4* (43km) : Cascade de la Diomaz - site of natural beauty (46km) :

See more places and a map at places near Talloires