🚣‍♂️ Paddle Kayak in Doussard: Nature, Calm and Adventure at the End of Lake Annecy

Nestled at the southern tip of Lake Annecy, Doussard is a real gem for lovers of nature and gentle surfing. Less crowded than the urban beaches to the north of the lake, this small town offers an exceptional setting for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking , surrounded by mountains, reed beds, and turquoise waters.

🚣♂️ Paddle Kayak in Doussard: Nature, Calm and Adventure at the End of Lake Annecy

📍 Why choose Doussard for paddleboarding?

Doussard is the most natural and tranquil spot on Lake Annecy. Located approximately a 30-minute drive or 45-minute bike ride from Annecy, this area is ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a more immersive experience.

Unlike the beaches of Annecy-le-Vieux or Sévrier, here you are in the heart of unspoiled nature , on the edge of the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve , a place where flora and fauna flourish away from the motors.

🛶 The Best Paddleboarding Spots and Departures in Doussard

1. Doussard Beach

• Grassy beach ideal for launching

• Easy access with large free parking nearby

• First aid station, showers, and snack bar on site

This is the main starting point for SUP tours. From the first strokes of the paddle, you'll be passing reed beds, sometimes accompanied by swans or herons.

2. Nautical Base at the End of the Lake

• Rental companies offering rigid paddle boards, inflatable paddle boards and single or double kayaks

• Possibility of renting XXL paddleboards (up to 6 people) for groups

Perfect for a session with friends, family, or for an introduction. You'll find qualified instructors to guide you if you're a beginner.

🌅 What to see on a paddleboard in Doussard?

• The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve : a protected area to be admired from the water, without entering it.

• The Taillefer and Tournette mountains : a spectacular backdrop.

• The turquoise depths of the lake : in summer, visibility is excellent, you can even see the fish under the board.

• Incredible sunsets : perfect for a late afternoon session, the water calms down and the sky ignites.

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🚗 Access and practical advice

• 📍 GPS address: Doussard Beach, Route de la Plage, 74210 Doussard

• 🅿️ Free parking 100 m from the beach

• 🚴 Accessible by bike from Annecy via the green cycle path

• 🚿 Free access showers, shaded picnic area

• 📆 Best time to visit: May to September. Choose mornings for calm conditions.

🧭 Recommended paddleboarding routes

• Doussard → Nature reserve (1 hour round trip) : peaceful route

• Doussard → Talloires (2 hours round trip) : for the more athletic, with a possible break in Angon

• Loop tour around the reed beds to observe wildlife (30-45 min)

  
  

🛍️ Where to rent a paddleboard or kayak in Doussard?

Several service providers are available on site:

• Doussard nautical base (on the beach)

• Private rental companies along the beach road

• Prices: from €12–15/hour , with half-day or full-day packages

• Online booking possible, strongly recommended in July/August

  
  

🔗 Make your stay in Annecy even better

Doussard is a must-see for exploring the lake in a different way. Don't hesitate to combine your paddleboarding session in Doussard with:

• A visit to the village of Talloires just a few paddle strokes away

• A picnic at the edge of the nature reserve

• A bike ride or hike on the Bout du Lac trail

For more ideas, also read our complete guide 👉 “ Where to rent a paddleboard around Lake Annecy? ”

🧘♂️ Doussard is the art of paddleboarding in slow tourism mode. Far from the crowds, in contact with the water and the mountains, you will experience a unique session, between relaxation, sport and contemplation.

🌊 All the water activities to discover in Doussard, on the shores of Lake Annecy

🚣♂️ Paddle Kayak in Doussard: Nature, Calm and Adventure at the End of Lake Annecy.

Located at the southern tip of Lake Annecy, Doussard is a true haven of peace for water sports enthusiasts. Less crowded than the beaches of Annecy or Talloires, this village offers an exceptional natural setting to fully enjoy water sports with family, friends, or solo .

On site, the Doussard nautical base provides a wide range of equipment and services:

• Kayak rental (solo, double or family) to navigate freely in the calm areas near Bout-du-Lac , a listed natural area.

• Stand-up paddle , including XXL paddle for 4 to 6 people, perfect for a fun session with friends or a group activity.

• Pedal boats with slide : a fun activity much appreciated by families with children.

• Wakeboarding and water skiing , supervised by qualified instructors, for the more athletic.

• Electric boats without a license : ideal for exploring the lake shores at a leisurely and ecological pace.

  
  

These activities are available for half a day or an hour , with recent and secure equipment. The water is calm, launching is easy, and everything takes place in a peaceful environment , surrounded by mountains.

🏞️ Why choose Doussard for water activities on Lake Annecy?

Choosing Doussard means choosing a more natural and authentic experience on Lake Annecy. Located in the immediate vicinity of the Bout-du-Lac nature reserve , Doussard's municipal beach is lined with reed beds, shaded paths, and exceptional panoramas.

Unlike other lakeside towns, water sports here are offered in a protected setting , away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Parking is easy , with a large free car park nearby, and access to the beach is direct.

Doussard seduced by:

• Its supervised swimming area , ideal for children.

• A variety of water activities accessible to all levels.

• The possibility of taking a picnic or sunbathing break between two sessions.

• A good price/quality ratio for rentals compared to more central areas such as Annecy or Veyrier.

In short, if you are looking for somewhere to paddleboard, kayak or pedal boat on Lake Annecy , Doussard is a must-see destination, offering tranquility, nature and accessibility all in one place.

FAQ ⛵🌄:

❓ Where to rent a paddleboard in Doussard, on the shores of Lake Annecy?

In Doussard, you can rent a paddleboard directly from the municipal water sports center , located next to Bout-du-Lac beach. Private rental companies also offer rigid or inflatable boards by the hour or day.

❓ When is the best time to go kayaking in Doussard?

Mornings between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. are ideal for enjoying the calm waters and golden light on Lake Annecy. Doussard, located to the south, is perfect for a peaceful launch with little wind.

❓ Can you paddleboard with children in Doussard?

Yes, this is one of the safest spots on Lake Annecy. The waters are shallow near Doussard Beach, and wide boards are ideal for family use. XXL paddleboards are also available.

❓ Are there any supervised paddleboarding or kayaking trips in Doussard?

Yes, some providers offer guided walks to the Bout-du-Lac nature reserve , accessible to all. It's a good option to discover the local wildlife while paddling peacefully.

❓ What other water sports can you practice in Doussard?

In addition to paddleboarding and kayaking, Doussard offers:

• pedal boat with slide ,

• light sailing ,

• water skiing ,

• electric boat without license .

  These activities are available during the summer season.

  
  

❓ Is it easy to park near Doussard beach?

Yes, there is a large free car park located just a few meters from the beach and the water sports center. This is one of Doussard's major advantages compared to the more urban areas of the lake.

❓ What is the average price to rent a paddleboard in Doussard?

Expect to pay between €12 and €18 per hour depending on the type of paddleboard (classic or giant) and the provider. Half-day or full-day packages are also available at a sliding scale.

❓ Is Doussard beach supervised?

Yes, in the summer, the swimming area is supervised by lifeguards. This makes it a safe place for family water activities.

❓ Is Doussard easily accessible without a car?

Yes, cycle paths connect Annecy to Doussard via the greenway. Summer shuttles also pass through the village. The stop is located a short walk from the beach.

❓ Where to picnic after a kayaking or paddleboarding session in Doussard?

Shaded picnic areas are located all around the beach. Some offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for a nature break after your workout.