Lake Annecy, a natural jewel of Haute-Savoie, changes its appearance throughout the hours, but it is undoubtedly at the golden hour that it reveals all its magic. When the sun sets behind the Alpine peaks, the light ignites the landscape, offering poetic scenes to capture. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or simply a lover of beautiful things, here are three places I discovered during my walks, which offered me breathtaking sunsets.
1. Col de la Forclaz: a natural balcony over the lake
At over 1,100 meters above sea level, the Col de la Forclaz offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints over Lake Annecy. Overlooking the eastern shore, it unveils a spectacular panorama stretching from the Duingt Castle to Annecy-le-Vieux. It is also a popular spot for paragliders, who add an aerial and lively touch to photographic compositions.
I went up there one July evening, just before twilight. The sky, tinted orange and pink, reflected on the lake like a mirror. The silhouettes of the paragliders floated in that unreal light. I took the time to sit down, camera on tripod, to capture every shade. This moment remains engraved as one of the sweetest of my summer.
Little tip: arrive a little early to spot your viewing angle, as the site can be busy, especially in high season. A medium focal length (50–85 mm) is ideal to capture the beauty of the landscape while isolating elements such as a paraglider or a boat on the lake.
2. Ermitage Saint-Germain: a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere
Overlooking the Bay of Talloires, Ermitage Saint-Germain is a haven of peace suspended between sky and lake. This discreet place, perched on a mountainside, houses a small chapel and offers an unobstructed view of the entire western shore. The calm that reigns there makes it an ideal spot for those seeking to combine contemplation, nature, and photography.
The first time I climbed up there, it was almost by chance. I was looking for a quiet place after a busy day. Reaching the top, I was struck by the soft light of the setting sun. The silence, barely disturbed by the bells of a distant herd, and the golden hues on the lake’s waters… everything was perfect. I had only brought a small compact camera, but the photos still tell the emotion of the moment.
Use a tripod for long exposures if you want to capture subtle changes in light or create a time-lapse. A graduated ND filter can also balance the exposure between sky and land.
3. Taillefer de Duingt: a panoramic hike
The Taillefer is a ridge above the village of Duingt offering a wild and panoramic viewpoint over the lake. The hike, about 45 minutes from the village center, climbs through woods and flowery meadows before opening onto a rocky promontory resembling a natural lookout.
I went there alone one September evening. The air was fresh, the light low and slanting. At the top, I discovered a 180° view of the lake, the mountains, and Duingt Castle. I stayed there until the last light, sitting on a rock, wrapped in a sweater. I took few photos, but I recorded everything in my memory.
Bring a headlamp for the return after sunset; it is essential. A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture the grandeur of the landscape, but don’t hesitate to also bring a telephoto lens for isolated details (sailboats, reflections, distant silhouettes…).
Tips for photographing a successful sunset
- Arrive early: scout the locations, anticipate the light, and set up without stress.
- Work on your composition: play with natural lines, reflections, and silhouettes.
- Set your exposure manually: slight underexposure helps preserve the colors of the sky.
- Stay after the sunset: the blue hour, often overlooked, offers magical and soft hues.
- Use a tripod: essential for sharp images in low light.
- Shoot in RAW: to keep maximum information and easily edit your images.
Capturing a sunset is more than taking a beautiful photo. It is allowing yourself a moment of pause, letting yourself be imbued by the beauty of the world. Every place around Lake Annecy has its character, its atmosphere, and each can offer a precious memory.
