Réserve naturelle nationale du Bout du lac d'Annecy

The Réserve naturelle nationale du Bout du lac d'Annecy is a national nature reserve stretching along the southern tip of Lake Annecy, in the commune of Doussard, in the Haute-Savoie department of France. It is the last surviving wetland of this size on the shores of the lake, crossed by two rivers — the Eau Morte and the Ire — which feed the waters of Lake Annecy.

Where exactly is the reserve located?

The reserve sits between Lake Annecy to the north and the village of Doussard to the south, flanked by the Taillefer massif on one side and the Tournette mountain range on the other. This basin-like setting, enclosed by Alpine peaks, gives the wetland its unusually varied terrain and microclimate, which in turn supports a number of rare habitats.

How large is the reserve?

The reserve covers around 84 hectares. It was granted protected status by ministerial decree on 26 December 1974, and the site is also part of the Natura 2000 network, underlining its importance for biodiversity conservation on a European scale.

What ecosystems can be found here?

Inside the reserve lies a mosaic of habitats: wet forests, reedbeds, damp meadows and alkaline peat bogs. This diversity of environments supports a wide range of plant and animal species, from common ones to rare and particularly sensitive species.

What is the reserve's main natural asset?

The underwater meadow of aquatic vegetation is of central importance, providing food and shelter for invertebrates and fish. Equally significant is the reedbed, which serves as a refuge for the common toad and as a protected habitat for the European beaver and for reptiles found in Haute-Savoie. It is precisely this combination of submerged plant cover and reedbeds that makes the reserve one of the most important sites for nature conservation in the Lake Annecy region.

Can the reserve be visited?

Yes, the site is open to visitors along a marked educational trail on foot. A full loop takes between 45 minutes and an hour to complete, covering roughly 1.7 km one way (3.4 km for the round trip). The trail has been adapted for visitors with reduced mobility and for those who are hard of hearing, making the reserve accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Bout du Lac d'Annecy reserve located? At the southern end of Lake Annecy, in the commune of Doussard, between the lake and the Taillefer and Tournette massifs.

How big is the reserve? It covers approximately 84 hectares of wetland.

Since when has the area been protected? It was designated a nature reserve by ministerial decree on 26 December 1974 and is also part of the Natura 2000 network.

What wildlife can be seen here? The reserve is a refuge for the European beaver, the common toad and reptiles typical of Haute-Savoie, as well as numerous fish and aquatic invertebrate species.

How long does a visit take? The marked trail is about 1.7 km long (3.4 km round trip) and takes between 45 minutes and an hour, with access suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.