Set against the wooded slopes of Mont Veyrier, this village of Haute-Savoie seems suspended between sky and water. Just a few minutes from Annecy, Veyrier-du-Lac enchants travelers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and exceptional views over one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes. Here, everything invites you to slow down.
A village with discreet elegance
With its stately houses, flower-lined alleys, and stone walls, Veyrier-du-Lac cultivates a soft charm. The commune is not large, but every corner has a story to tell. One strolls here with pleasure, along paths overlooking the lake or on the sunny quays.
There are also beautiful Savoyard buildings, some modernist homes from the 1930s, and a peaceful church overlooking the village. Nothing ostentatious, everything restrained. That is precisely what appeals here.
Breath-taking viewpoints
Perhaps what makes Veyrier famous: its lookout points. The summit of Mont Veyrier, accessible on foot or by mountain bike, offers an unobstructed view of Lake Annecy, the Tournette, the Dents de Lanfon, and the Bauges. On clear days, one can even see Mont Blanc in the distance.
And if you are more contemplative than a hiker, simply sit down on a lakeside bench. The panorama is just as magical, especially at sunset.
Swimming, paddleboarding, and silence
Veyrier-du-Lac has several direct accesses to the lake. In summer, La Brune beach attracts families as well as early morning swimmers. The water, astonishingly clear, is cooler here than in the sheltered coves to the south, but that is part of its charm.
Paddleboarding, canoeing, or sailing allow you to discover the lake from a new perspective. Far from the hustle of more touristy resorts, one enjoys a serene, almost meditative atmosphere here.
A refined way of life
Few shops, but quality addresses: a renowned bakery, discreet gastronomic restaurants, some galleries and artisans. You sense that the commune attracts a demanding yet discreet population.
Veyrier is not a museum village. It is a lived-in place, alive at its own pace, between Savoyard traditions and contemporary gentleness of life.
Secret walks
Beyond Mont Veyrier, other trails lead to lesser-known viewpoints, such as the smugglers’ pass or the Mont Baron plateau. You will encounter more chamois than tourists. These routes offer rare moments where nature seems to speak softly to you.
In Veyrier-du-Lac, nothing extraordinary happens. And this is exactly what makes the place so precious. There is nothing to do but breathe, admire, wander, take your time. In a world that rushes, Veyrier invites you to return to the essentials.
Photo credit: Mairie de Veyrier-du-lac
