Doussard: Nature, Cycling Routes and Culture

Doussard offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip: a Voie Verte with connections towards Annecy or Albertville, the Bout du Lac wetland, Douss’plage and historic sites. There is also a summer market in the town centre. Depending on whether you want to focus on cycling routes, nature, the beach or local history, you can shape your stay around different themes.

Cycling routes and connections

The Voie Verte was created by converting the former railway line between Albertville and Annecy. From Doussard, it provides connections towards Annecy or Albertville. The Voie Verte du lac is open to non-motorised vehicles and pedestrians; its gentle ascents and descents shape the character of the route. This makes it relevant not only to cyclists: pedestrians can use it too.

For orientation, it is worth considering what you want to focus on. The Voie Verte offers routes in two regional directions, while the Bout du Lac Nature Reserve is a wetland with its own footpath and educational stops. These give you different options to consider when deciding what kind of outing suits your trip.

Wetland and Douss’plage

The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve is a wetland crossed by the Eau Morte and the Ire. Both streams feed into Lake Annecy. The footpath through the area is accessible to everyone and has several educational stops. You can plan your visit around whether you would prefer to include a walk or learn about the area along the way.

Douss’plage is a sandy beach on Lake Annecy, set in a natural, protected and leafy environment. The beach is open every day throughout the year. From 1 July to 31 August, it is free to access and supervised. Douss’plage is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance, as well as to those using a self-propelled wheelchair. You can check the seasonal details and visiting conditions before your visit.

Heritage around Beauvivier and Verthier

The Tour de Beauvivier is a roofless medieval ruin overlooking Lake Annecy. Its preserved form and the view offer a different focus from the routes through the countryside: here, the historic site takes centre stage.

A circular route at the Pont de Verthier explores the history of the former toll bridge and water-powered mills. The route also includes the Notre Dame de la Nativité Chapel. At the Pont de Verthier, free individual visits are possible at any time, without a guide. This lets you plan your visit independently of a guided group; check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

Summer market and paragliding

During the summer season, Doussard’s summer market takes place weekly in the town centre. Local producers, craftspeople and traders offer regional specialities, fresh produce, handmade creations and food and drink. The vendors present may vary from season to season. If the market is part of your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

Paragliding is another point to consider in Doussard: landings take place in designated landing areas. Flying is weather-dependent. This is particularly important if you want to include paragliding in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Les Carroz-D'arâches, Saint-Jean-De-Sixt, Méribel, Ville-La-Grand, Reignier-Esery, Le Grand-Bornand, Vailly, Vers

For the overview of the wider region: Haute-Savoie.