This is one of the iconic sporting events of the summer in Annecy. On Saturday, August 15, 2026, swimmers from many backgrounds will dive into the water for the 94th Crossing of Lake Annecy.
Organized by Les Dauphins d’Annecy, this great open water swimming celebration is once again offering four distances: 1 km, 2.4 km, 5 km, and 10 km this year. A variety of courses that allows both amateurs to discover the discipline and seasoned swimmers to take on a real challenge. The event has been on the French Cup calendar since 2008 and has been part of the EDF Aqua Challenge since 2018.
The first competitors will start from 7:45 AM for the 10 km, from the Petit Port of Annecy-le-Vieux. The 1 km will begin at 8:45 AM from the Impérial beach, while the 5 km departure will be at 9:30 AM from the Brune beach at Veyrier-du-Lac. The swimmers of the 2.4 km will then start from 10:30 AM from the Petit Port.
Beyond the competition, the Crossing of the lake offers a beautiful spectacle for the public. The event, scheduled from 7 AM to 3 PM, will notably have the Jardins de l’Europe as a gathering point, where people can experience the atmosphere of the finish and cheer the participants on. Nearly 1,800 swimmers took part in the previous edition.
Practical Information
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Location: Lake Annecy and Jardins de l’Europe
Hours: approximately from 7 AM to 3 PM
Distances: 1 km, 2.4 km, 5 km, and 10 km
Organizer: Les Dauphins d’Annecy
For the public: free access to attend the event from accessible areas around the lake and the Jardins de l’Europe.
Cover photo source: DL
