Lake Annecy, France

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, the third largest lake in France has earned a reputation as one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. With a depth of just 82 meters, Lake Annecy is shallow compared to other European lakes, but it makes up for it with its breathtaking, clear blue waters, perfect for swimming. Famously painted in oil on canvas by Cézanne in 1896, the lake lies at the foothills of the French Alps and has a rich local history from both before and after the unification of the local region of Savoy with France in 1860.

As well as the spectacular lakes and mountains scenery, the area is well known for its local cuisine including its cheeses, its fish such as Omble Chevalier and Féra, and its chocolate, especially the mountain liqueur-based Roseau.

With a relaxing lakeside setting on the eastern shores of Lake Annecy, Talloires and its medieval architecture became increasingly popular with well-known artists and writers and is now a lovely, laid-back village resort and an ideal base from which to explore the area.

Getting around the lake is also a relaxing experience in itself, with the local boat calling at the lakeside villages and the Old Town of Annecy.