Lake Annecy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy (seen from the town of Talloires)
Coordinates	45°51′N 6°10′E / 45.850°N 6.167°E / 45.850; 6.167
Primary inflows	Ire, Eau morte, Laudon, Bornette and Biolon
Primary outflows	Thiou
Catchment area	251 km²
Basin countries	France
Max. length	14.6 km
Max. width	3.2 km
Surface area	27.59 km²
Average depth	41 m
Max. depth	82 m
Water volume	1,124.5 mio m³
Residence time	4 years
Surface elevation	446.97 m
Settlements	Annecy, Annecy-le-Vieux, Doussard, Duingt, Lathuile, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Saint-Jorioz, Sevrier, Talloires, Veyrier-du-Lac

Lake Annecy (Lac d'Annecy in French) is a beautiful lake located in the Haute-Savoie region of France. It is the second largest lake in France, after Lac du Bourget. This stunning lake is famous for its incredibly clean and clear water, which comes from mountain springs. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists who love outdoor activities.

Where is Lake Annecy?

Lake Annecy is in the Alps mountains, in southeastern France. It sits at an elevation of about 447 meters (1,466 feet) above sea level. The lake is quite long, stretching about 14.6 kilometers (9 miles), but it's not very wide, only about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) at its widest point.

How the Lake Formed

Lake Annecy was formed many thousands of years ago. It began when huge glaciers carved out a deep valley. As the glaciers melted, they filled this valley with water, creating the lake we see today. This process also shaped the mountains around the lake.

A Very Clean Lake

Lake Annecy is known as one of the cleanest lakes in the world. For many years, people worked hard to protect its water quality. In the 1960s, a special program was started to stop pollution from entering the lake. This program was very successful.

Why is it so Clean?

The towns around the lake built special systems to clean their wastewater. This means that dirty water is treated before it goes into the lake. This effort has kept the water clear and safe for swimming and other activities. It's a great example of how people can work together to protect nature.

Fun Things to Do

Lake Annecy is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. Because the water is so clean, it's perfect for swimming, especially in the summer. Many beaches are found around the lake where people can relax and enjoy the sun.

Water Sports

Besides swimming, visitors can enjoy many water sports. These include sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing. You can also rent small boats or take a boat tour to see the lake from a different view.

Land Activities

Around the lake, there's a popular cycling path that goes all the way around. It's a great way to explore the area on a bike. You can also go hiking in the nearby mountains, which offer amazing views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Towns Around the Lake

Several charming towns and villages are located along the shores of Lake Annecy. The biggest town is Annecy, which is often called the "Venice of the Alps." It has old canals, colorful buildings, and a beautiful old town.

Other Villages

Other notable towns include Talloires, known for its stunning views and restaurants, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, which has a famous medieval castle overlooking the lake. Each town has its own unique charm and offers different things to see and do.

Animals and Plants

The clean waters of Lake Annecy support a variety of fish species. These include trout, pike, and perch. The lake and its surrounding areas are also home to different kinds of birds and other wildlife.

Protecting Nature

The efforts to keep the lake clean also help protect the animals and plants that live there. It's important to keep the environment healthy so that these species can continue to thrive.

Images for kids

• 

  View of Lake Annecy from Talloires.

• 

  Paul Cézanne. Le lac bleu, 1896.

• 

  Lake Annecy, with the mountains of Dents de Lanfon, Lanfonnet and La Tournette in the background.

See also

In Spanish: Lago de Annecy para niños