Bike rental shops in Annecy
Rent a bike in Annecy to explore the lake at your own pace
In Annecy, cycling offers an easy way to get around the city center, the lake shores, and neighboring towns without needing a car. Greater Annecy boasts 139 kilometers of cycle paths and greenways, while the western shore of the lake is traversed by a 33-kilometer greenway connecting Annecy to Marlens. For a family outing, a tour around the lake, or a trip into the surrounding hills, you can rent a classic bike, a hybrid bike, a children's bike, or an electric bike. Compare the rental companies in Annecy and choose the equipment best suited to your route, the duration of your rental, and the skill level of your group.
Which bike should you rent in Annecy based on your itinerary?
Annecy isn't just about cycling. A ride between the old town and the beaches requires different equipment than a complete circuit of the lake or a climb up to the Semnoz mountain. Therefore, the choice of rental bike depends primarily on the planned distance, the terrain, and the size of your group. Rental shops in Annecy generally offer city bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes, children's bikes, tandems, trailers, and child seats.
A classic bicycle for the greenway and family outings
To cycle along the lake, reach Sévrier or continue towards Saint-Jorioz, a city bike or a hybrid bike is generally sufficient. greenway on the west bank is an easy 33 kilometer route, with only 20 meters of positive elevation gain between Annecy and Marlens.
This route is particularly well-suited to families and casual cyclists. It allows you to ride along the beaches, pass through several coastal towns, and freely choose the distance covered before returning to Annecy. A half-day rental may be enough to reach Sévrier or Saint-Jorioz, while a full day allows you to continue to Duingt, Faverges, or Marlens.
In the center of Annecy, cycling is also a convenient way to reach the Pâquier, the Jardins de l'Europe, or the outskirts of the old town. However, the historic heart of the city is best explored on foot: its pedestrian streets, canals, and narrow passages aren't always suitable for cycling. It's therefore advisable to park your bike nearby before continuing your visit. See the official cycling map of the cycle paths in Greater Annecy
An electric bike for the lake tour and hilly routes
An electric bike is a particularly good option if you want to cycle around the lake without being a regular exerciser. The official loop is approximately 40 kilometers long. Much of the route follows dedicated cycle paths, but the eastern shore has more traffic and some sections are shared with vehicles, particularly between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires.
The e-bike allows you to maintain a steady pace, better manage small climbs, and enjoy breaks without worrying about a difficult return. It is also recommended for rides to the Col de Leschaux, the Semnoz, or the foothills of the Bauges mountain range.
La Crossing the Semnoz For example, this route represents 51 kilometers and 1,250 meters of elevation gain. On this type of route, an electric bike makes the outing more accessible, although good battery management remains essential. Before setting off, check the advertised range, the charge level, and whether a charger is included with the rental.
Book a bike rental in Annecy and plan your route
Renting a bike in Annecy is highly recommended during holidays, long weekends, and sunny weekends. Electric bikes, children's bikes, trailers, and tandems are available in more limited quantities than standard bikes. Booking online therefore allows you to secure the right equipment before your arrival and avoid last-minute changes to your plans.
When to book your bike in Annecy?
As soon as your travel dates are finalized, it's best to check rental availability. This advance planning is especially useful between May and September, when... lake tour and the walking and cycling path are very busy.
For a simple stroll along the lake, a rental of a few hours may suffice. To complete the circuit, plan for a full day so you can stop in Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Duingt, or Saint-Jorioz. A multi-day rental becomes worthwhile if you wish to combine exploring the lake with a trip to the... Semnoz and a stop on La Beautiful Way.
Before booking, check the pick-up and drop-off times, the type of lock provided, the included equipment, and the cancellation policy. For an electric bike, also inquire about the estimated range, which varies depending on the weight carried, the chosen assistance level, wind conditions, and the terrain.
Which routes should I choose for half a day, a full day, or longer?
For a half-day trip, the simplest route is to leave Annecy on the west bank and follow the greenway towards Sévrier or Saint-Jorioz. The route is easy to adapt: simply turn back when you've reached half the allotted time.
For a full day, the The loop around Lake Annecy is the reference loopIts 40 kilometers are accessible to many cyclists, provided they remain vigilant on sections shared with cars. A hybrid bike is suitable for those accustomed to cycling, while an electric bike will offer greater comfort.
To extend the experience, La Belle Via connects Annecy to Albertville. Between Annecy and Val de Chaise, nearly 33 kilometers are covered on a dedicated greenway, partly installed on the old railway line.
More athletic cyclists can also opt for the Semnoz or the routes in the Bauges mountains. In this case, choose a bike suited to the terrain and carefully check the elevation profile before setting off.