FRANCE, LAKE ANNECY

2025 Dates:
4-6 July 2025 (swim day Saturday 5 July)
5-7 July 2025 (swim day Sunday 6 July)
26-28 September 2025 (swim day Saturday 27 September)
27-29 September 2025 (swim day Sunday 28 September)

Package prices: Solo £2040pp, 2-person relay £1230pp, 3-person relay £1060pp, 4-person relay £780pp

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. A soloists reaches the castle ready for the final stretch

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 two guides looking after you for your swim, one in your own personal support kayak, and another in a motorboat providing assistance as and when required. 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 July the water temperature is likely to be between 17-19oC, and in September the water is likely to be around 18-20oC. 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). Relay teams all sit on the escort boat when not swimming. Please note, the boat may move between swims (there will be max. three swims on the water each day - so you will get a chance to cheer on / track your swimmers).

 AT A GLANCE

  • This is a two night trip with the middle day allocated as your swim day.
  • Non-swimmers are welcome to join the trip, please speak to us for rates. Soloists are permitted one supporter on the support boat (unfortunately there is not enough space for relay teams to take supporters).
  • Water temperature approx. 17oC – 20oC
  • 8 hour swim cut off (approx 1.9 km / hour)
  • Easily accessible from Geneva airport

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • 2 night’s accommodation at the beautiful Imperial Palace Hotel (roll out of bed and into the water!) Based on a twin or double share room, a supplement of £490 applies if you would like a room of your own.
  • Breakfasts, plus a packed lunch on your swim day
  • Your own personal SwimQuest guide with on boat support for the duration of your swim
  • Access to the hotel spa during your stay
  • 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 back to the hotel from your swim finish
  • A swimQuest poncho, swim cap and medal
  • VAT

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

  • Travel to and from the Imperial Palace Hotel
  • Any alcohol purchases, or in hotel extras (massages etc)
  • Lunches (except on your swim day) or evening meals

IMPERIAL PALACE HOTEL 

Imperial Pałace, the perfect location to roll out of bed and start your swim!

If you're going to be swimming 15km down a lake, in true SwimQuest style - we think you deserve a little luxury. On this trip you will stay in the 4* Imperial Palace Hotel, sitting at the head of the lake in Annecy town, and (conveniently) at your swim start point. As part of your booking you will also have access to the hotel spa, perfect for that post-swim relaxation.

ROOM ALLOCATION:

Rooms are allocated as Classic twin or Classic doubles, on a twin or double share basis. If you are travelling alone and would like to share a room - we can pair you up with a same sex guest. If you would like a room to yourself, there is a sole use supplement of £200. If you would like to upgrade your room to a suite or a lake view apartment or wish to bring a non-swimming partner, please contact the office for availability and pricing (sarah@swimquest.uk.com).

MEALS AND DRINKS

Breakfasts are included in your trip price, plus a packed lunch on your swim day. Please note -your swim will start early so the guides and hotel will offer you a pack up breakfast service on that day. Evening meals are not included however the guides can help with dinner reservations and may suggest suitable restaurant for a celebratory meal.

IMPERIAL PALACE ADDRESS

Impérial Palace, Allée de l'Impérial, 74000 Annecy - France

ITINERARY

Annecy solo swim SwimQuest

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.

ARRIVAL DAY 

Lake Annecy SwimQuestCheck in is at 4pm, and your guides will meet you at 5pm and discuss your swim day with you, introducing you to your safety boat team. 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 before getting an early night ready for your big day.

SWIM DAY 

LAKE ANNECY SWIMQUESTYour swim will start early (eta. 6am) so that we can make the most of the quiet before the lake starts to get busy. You will meet your guide and walk down to the lakeside, where your swim will start from the Hotel Pontoon. At the swim finish, collect your medal and enjoy your packed lunch in Doussard before the guides take you back up the lake to relax and enjoy the town, or make the most of the hotel's spa facilities. In the evening, join your guides and fellow swimmers for a celebratory meal - you've earned it!

DEPARTURE DAY 

Annecy solo swimRelax and enjoy a lie in, or a leisurely hotel breakfast. Check out is at midday.

TRAVEL TO LAKE ANNECY

TRIP START / FINISH TIMES

  • Check in is at 4pm on the first day, your guides will meet you on arrival and discuss the itinerary with you.
  • Check out is at midday on the final day.

TRAIN

  Annecy has a train station with regular connections from major cities in France, including Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble. You can check schedules on the SNCF website. The hotel is a 25 minute walk from the train station, or a 10 minute taxi ride.      

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. Book a bus ticket via www.blablacar.co.uk/bus (return travel to Annecy €28 – journey time 1 hour 50 minutes). The hotel is a 25 minute walk from the train station, or a 10 minute taxi ride.

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?

  • LAKE ANNECY SWIMQUESTAt 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).
To book, please click the ENQUIRE NOW link for the dates you are interested in and Sarah (our bookings co-ordinator) will be in touch. 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. In booking with us, you accept our terms and conditions, which can be found here.

LAKE ANNECY | 4-6 JULY 2025 | SWIM SATURDAY | ENQUIRE NOW

LAKE ANNECY | 5-7 JULY 2025 | SWIM SUNDAY | ENQUIRE NOW

LAKE ANNECY | 26-28 SEPT 2025 | SWIM SATURDAY | ENQUIRE NOW

LAKE ANNECY | 27-29 SEPT 2025 | SWIM SUNDAY | ENQUIRE NOW

SwimQuest ABTOT MembersIn 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: Sarah Broadley | +44 7917 033670 | sarah@swimquest.uk.com Alice Todd | +44 7825 301443 | alice@swimquest.uk.com Charlie Beere | +44 7563 389238 | charlotte@swimquest.uk.com
Travel Insurance
As a SwimQuest guest, you are required to have in place travel insurance that covers you for all activities you will be taking part in during your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered for these activities. Whatever travel policy you decide on, you will need to bring a copy of your current Certificate of Insurance to the safety briefing at the start of your SwimQuest holiday. Your swim Guides will need to take a note of your insurer, policy number and the number to call in case of an emergency claim. Please note, if you are a UK resident and eligible for free health cover via the NHS, you do not need to take our a travel insurance policy for our UK based trips. You may still wish to take out insurance to cover you for events such as trip cancellation, luggage and personal liability.