I'm spending a long weekend in Annecy and would like to go paragliding. There appear to be numerous companies in the area but I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a particular company or takeoff area.
I'd also like to cycle around the lake. I understand it's about 50 km around with just one steep climb. Does this sound about right? I am assuming it won't be too hard to find a rental bike in town.
Thanks to all of the previous posters who reported on their trips to the Annecy area. After reading about the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix, that's definitely on my list, too. I'll fill in the rest of the trip with some hikes and drives recommended in the earlier reports.
Paragliding and Bike Rentals in Annecy
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I will answer my own question in case it helps anyone in the future...
I rented a bike from Roul' ma poule (4 rue des Marquisats). They have another location in Annecy-Le-Vieux (47 Avenue du Petit Port). A helmet, pump/repair kit and lock are included in the rental. They had a variety of bike types, including tandem bikes. The ride around the lake is about 40 km. It is a beautiful ride and not too taxing except for a decent climb on the Talloires side of the lake. It's actually a series of a few inclines, none of which is ridiculously steep. If you're reasonably fit, you'll be fine.
I arranged paragliding through Takamaka. They are right in town at 23 Faubourg Sainte Catherine
(http://annecy.takamaka.fr/)
They also rent bikes and do other adventure tours. I rented the bike through Roul' ma poule because I did it in the afternoon and Roul' ma poule was open an hour later so it gave me more flexibility on time; however, I think Takamaka would have been slightly cheaper.
For paragliding, you meet out at Doussard and then they take you up in a van to the Col de la Forclaz. What an incredible view! It was a great experience and I highly recommend it unless, of course, you are afraid of heights! Strangely enough, I wasn't at all nervous running off the cliff, but did have a fleeting "gulp!" moment when were up in the air and I looked down at the teeny tiny houses below.
Unfortunately, the weather didn't hold for me to make the Aiguille du Midi worthwhile so that will have to be another trip...
Hi, last July we spent three nights in a B&B outside Annecy (we had a car) and cycled several times. The bike route (not a bike path) on one side of the lake is pretty steep. We preferred to stay on the other side and not to the full tour. The views are quite fantastic as you can see from these photos: http://www.aussieinfrance.com/2012/01/sundays-travel-photos-lake-annecy-france/. Make sure you have rain gear though. We cycled in a steady downpour for the last 20 minutes!
Hi
I didn't see this the last time, sorry! I posted photos from my trip to Annecy so if you click my name my trips reports will come up...
There is a Roul ma poule shop right bang at the entrance to the bike path in Annecy, but I don't know the address. It may be your outlet, or the other one. Unsure. That would be convenient.
Good to know about the climb, I did drive a good part of the perimeter and other than the incline you mention I thought it was fairly flat (which it should be, near the lake).
I visited the Col de la Forclaz (car) and saw lots of paragliders! Next time...
Good call on the AdM. No point in all that effort if you can't see much. My photos will give you some stellar glimpses though!