Anthy-Sur-Léman: Lakeside, Nature and Village History

Anthy-sur-Léman combines an extensive lakeshore with natural and cultural attractions, offering different ways to shape your stay. Explore the lakeside on foot, learn about the history of the commune, or discover summer activities and local produce: the characteristics of the area provide a range of ideas for planning your trip.

Lakeside, Protected Area and Geopark

The nearly four-kilometre-long lakeshore can be explored on foot along the former customs officers’ path. The route follows the shore from one end of the commune to the other. This means that the focus is not just on a single stretch of beach, but on the shoreline as a whole.

Part of the shore is designated as a Natura 2000 site because of its importance for birds, and extends as far as the Gulf of Coudrée. The commune’s membership of the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark is a separate distinction: awarded in 2012, it recognises the region’s exceptional geological and cultural heritage, expressed in remarkable landscapes. The two designations therefore have different focuses: one highlights the importance of a lakeside area for birds, while the other recognises the geological and cultural heritage of Chablais.

The Fossaux stream is also part of the commune’s landscape: it was restored to a more natural state within Parc des Rives. Together with the lakeside path and protected area, it offers a picture that encompasses both the lakeshore landscape and other natural areas.

Beaches and Activities on the Lake

At Champ de l'eau beach, natural and landscaped features come together on the lakeshore. Swimming and relaxation are among the activities available there, while visitors can also experience the local flora and fauna. Seasonal conditions may vary, which is worth bearing in mind when planning a beach visit.

Professional operators offer activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and pedal boating at two of the four beaches. If you plan to try one of these activities, check the operators’ seasonal availability. The beach in Parc municipal des Rives is covered with grass; swimming is unsupervised, and supervision may vary by season. Check the conditions before your visit.

Summer Markets and Fish from the Lake

In summer, gourmet markets featuring local producers and craftspeople are held on Wednesdays at Plage des Recorts. Dates and programmes may change. If visiting the market is important to your plans, check the latest information in advance.

The lake also features in local produce: you can sample the char and perch caught here by buying directly from fishers or dining at lakeside restaurants. The options available depend on the fishers and restaurants. This is a different focus from the market featuring producers and craftspeople: one draws attention to fish from the lake, while the other showcases regional products and craftsmanship.

Church, Hamlet and Stone Traces

The Church of Saint-Barthélémy was built in 1882 on the site of an older chapel. It houses a bronze bell cast in Geneva by Jean-Daniel Dreffet in 1790, which is listed as a historic monument. The church also contains a 15th-century polychrome Christ on the Cross, listed as historic cultural property. The distinct dates and classifications make the church an important reference point for the architectural and artistic history of the area.

The hamlet of Séchex has preserved a traditional old village centre and characteristic farmhouses. They bear witness to the village’s agricultural past. The hamlet thus complements the church’s history with a glimpse of the commune’s former rural character.

Another trace of the past is the Pierre Vuarnet erratic boulder, also known as the Pierre des Sacrifices. Left behind by the Rhône Glacier, the stone has 44 cup marks on its surface facing the lake. The Pierre dite Pierre des Sacrifices was listed as a historic monument by decree on 28 January 1907. The church, farmhouses and erratic boulder represent different chapters in local history—from religious heritage and agriculture to geological and archaeological traces.

Choosing a Hotel in Anthy-sur-Léman

Use these points of interest as a guide, then compare the specific details of hotel listings with your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Moussy, Reyvroz, Faverges, Seynod, Sallanches, Étrembières, Rumilly, Les Contamines-Montjoie

See the broader travel guide: Haute-Savoie.