2026 Dates: 25-28 September
Package prices: Solo £2,670pp, 2-person relay £1,540pp, 3-person relay £1,330pp, 4-person relay £1020pp
CONQUER the 15km length of LAKE ANNECY
The magical Lake Annecy is set against a backdrop of spectacular mountain peaks in the stunning Haute-Savoie region of France. At 14.7km in length, it is the third largest lake in France; a beautiful and impressive addition to any long distance swimmer’s repertoire. The lake is fed by mountain springs, and is famous for its clean water and its unique light-turquoise colour.
IS THIS FOR ME?
The SwimQuest Annecy trip is designed carefully so that you feel fully prepared and supported for your swim. This trip is designed to help you complete your swim, it is not designed to be a ‘relax and explore trip’. 15km is a big distance, so our guides will feed you, brief you, encourage you and do everything they can to help you achieve your goal. You will have your own personal kayaker looking after you for this swim (soloists), plus a swim guide in a powerboat providing support, feed and assistance where necessary. Relay teams will have their own support boat. Whether you decide on a solo or a relay, you will need to prepare yourself for your swim and come trained and ready to complete the distance. We accept wetsuit and non-wetsuit swimmers. In September the water is likely to be around 18-19oC. If you are at all unsure, feel free to call the office for some help and training advice. There is an 8 hour cut off time for the swim, however we will do out utmost to help you fit your swim into the day.SOLO OR RELAY?
We offer solo swims, two-person relays (we advise 45 mins each in rotation), three-person relays (45 mins each in rotation) or four-person relays (30 min each in rotation). Please note, relay team members will sit on the support boat when not swimming, and this boat may move between swim groups as necessary.AT A GLANCE
- This trip is a three night trip, with swims designated to either the Saturday or the Sunday. Please let us know if you have a swim day preference when booking.
- Non-swimmers are welcome to join the trip, please speak to us about rates if you have a partner / friend wanting to join you to support.
- Group size max. 3 swims per day.
- Water temperature approx. 17oC – 20oC
- 8 hour swim cut off (approx 1.9 km / hour)
- Easily accessible from Geneva airport
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- 3 night’s accommodation at the beautiful Cote Ouest apartments (based on a twin room, a supplement applies if you would like a room of your own).
- Breakfasts, lunches and evening meals
- Your own personal safety kayaker (SwimQuest guide) plus boat and land support
- Your swim feeds (we supply maxim / CNP, jelly sweets and bananas – please let us know if you would prefer to bring your own swim feeds)
- Transport to the swim start and finish
- A SwimQuest poncho and swim cap
- A finisher's medal
- VAT
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
- Travel to and from Cote Ouest apartments
- Any alcohol purchases or extras (massages, minibar etc)
cote ouest
ROOM ALLOCATION: DISCOUNTS AND SUPPLEMENTS
Rooms are allocated on an apartment share basis (twin bedroom set up). If you would like an apartment to yourself, there is a sole use supplement of £580.
MEALS AND DRINKS
All meals from Friday evening to Monday morning are included in your trip price, and will be served in “Le Loft” overlooking the lake. Bottled water, tea and coffee is provided alongside meals, however any alcohol is at your own expense.
If you have particular dietary requirements, we are happy to cater for you, please just let us know in advance.
cote ouest address
Cote Ouest, 765 Route d'Albertville 74320 Sévrier
ITINERARY
A soloist heads out, ready for the big swim
N.B. Your itinerary for the weekend is designed to help you complete your swimming challenge. This being said, nature can be unpredictable. Your guides will do their utmost to ensure that you complete your swim during the weekend, however timings may be flexed in order to make this happen. If the weather dictates that it is not safe to complete your swim during the weekend, the guides will do their best to offer an alternative window before you leave. This however cannot be guaranteed.
FRIDAY EVENING
Check in is at 2pm, your guides will meet you and discuss the schedule for the afternoon / evening with you. Once everyone has arrived and settled in you will complete a safety briefing. In the evening you can sit back, relax and get to know your fellow swimmers over a home-cooked meal overlooking the lake.
SATURDAY
Saturday's swim groups will set off before dawn. Sunday's swim groups can get up and have a leisurely breakfast, before watching group one swim past the apartments (usually around 8.30am). Sunday’s swimmers are welcome to head into Annecy town and enjoy the old town, or walk around the lake on the lake path.
Dinner will be served as a buffet so that tired swimmers can make their way to bed if they wish.
SUNDAY
Swim groups three and four will set off before dawn. Saturday’s swimmers can get up and have a leisurely breakfast, before watching swimmers swim past the apartments (usually around 8.30am). Saturday’s swimmers are welcome to head into Annecy town and enjoy the old town, or walk around the lake on the lake path.
MONDAY
Monday morning, we will offer a pre breakfast swim for anyone willing. After breakfast, it’s time to pack and head home.
TRAVEL TO LAKE ANNECY
trip start / finish times
- Check in is at 2pm on the first day, your guides will meet you on arrival and discuss the itinerary with you.
- Check out is at 10am on the final day.
Fly to Geneva
Annecy is 35km from the International Airport of Geneva. From Geneva airport, there are links to Annecy by train and bus. We would advise using www.skyscanner.net to find the cheapest flight options for you.Getting from Geneva Airport to Lake Annecy
Bla BLA Bus
A cheap and easy option is to take a Bla Bla Bus service from the airport to Annecy Rail Station. You can then get a taxi to Cote Ouest, or if you let us know your arrival time at Annecy Station in advance, depending on your arrival time, we can come and collect you. Book a bus ticket via www.blablacar.co.uk/bus (return travel to Annecy €28 – journey time 1 hour 50 minutes)Taxi
A private taxi from Geneva airport to Annecy can cost anything from €90 - 150 one way. You may wish to try Geneva Shuttle, or annecy-geneve.com.Car Hire
Car hire costs can be reduced if shared among a group and can give greater independence during the weekend. If hiring a car, do so from the French side of the airport. The French side of Geneva airport is actually called Geneva Ferney-Voltaire Airport. Once you have picked up your luggage go through to airport arrivals, turn left and follow French flag signs to enter the French Sector. There are many car hire companies to choose from (e.g. Europcar, Avis etc).N.B. - Returning to Geneva Airport (French Side)
If you have hired a car from the French side of the airport you will have to return the car to the same side. Your car hire company will give you directions and advice when picking up your car on the best route to drop off the car.Directions to Lake Annecy From The Airport
Once you have picked up your rental car there are two routes to get to Annecy. The most direct route crosses into Switzerland and along the Swiss Autoroute. For this, you will need to purchase a vignette (toll sticker) which costs around €40, payable at the toll. The alternative route does not cross into Switzerland, is slightly longer, but more scenic. This is the route that we would suggest taking and your car hire company will be able to provide a route map. Most hire cars offer satellite navigation for additional help if required.WHAT DO I PACK?
At least 2 swimming costumes- Wetsuit (please advise SwimQuest office if you intend to swim wetsuit free) - our Partners at Zone3 offer a wide range of wetsuits, including the eco Yulex natural rubber range HERE and you get 20% OFF all full price Zone3 products with code : SWIMQUEST
- 2 pairs of swim goggles – one clear and one tinted
- Tow float (required) - if you haven’t got one yet, you can purchase from our online shop here
- Rash vest (optional) - available from our online shop here
- Towel(s)
- Small daypack/rucksack to use for your personal equipment/clothing during the day (note you will receive a complimentary 10L SwimQuest dry bag)
- Sandals/aqua shoes / flip flops – for getting wet
- Insect repellent
- Fleece or warm jumper
- Woolly hat, warm clothes for post-swim
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses
- A waterproof watch (optional)
- Travel insurance details
- Trainers / sports gear (optional - if you like to run, there is a lovely running track around the lake – non guided, at your own risk)
- Any additional food you may require for your swim feeds (SwimQuest provide standard Maxim feeds, bananas, jelly babies however if you use specific feeds then please do bring them).
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READY TO BOOK?
We’re excited about meeting you on tour. To book your trip, simply click 'Enquire' below and our bookings co-ordinator will be in touch to help you. A deposit of 30% is required to secure your place, and the final payment is due 10 weeks prior to departure. Payments can be made by debit/credit card or by bank transfer.LAKE ANNECY | 25-28 SEPT 2026 | SOLD OUT | ENQUIRE
In booking with us, you accept our terms and conditions, which can be found here. If at any point you have any questions, feel free to contact us:
- Charlie Beere | +44 7563 389238 | charlotte@swimquest.uk.com
- Alice Todd | +44 7825 301443 | alice@swimquest.uk.com
