Le Thiou Promenades

Lac d’Annecy is not the only waterfront running in Annecy. The Le Thiou river, which flows into the northwest corner of the lake, is lined with mostly paved promenades leading from the center of the city. Close to the old town, the paths are congested with pedestrians and cafe seating, but the lanes open up as the river becomes more rural. To run the whole promenade loop, start on Quai du Semnoz and head west along the waterfront. Soon after crossing the Rue de la Republique bridge, the path becomes Prom. Louis Lachenal, which leads to a pedestrian bridge. Cross the bridge to the south bank on Prom. du Thiou, then turn left (east). Prom. du Saint Sepulchre returns to old town, where runners can cross back over a pedestrian bridge to finish the route. It’s a short 3.5 km out and back, but there are good add-on options. Bonus: Divert onto the pedestrian-only streets of Old Town for some lovely runseeing. Rue Grenette, Passage de la Cathédrale, and Rue Notre Dame are some favorites.

Add-Ons:  For a nice 2 km add-on, do a loop around the Jardins de l’ Europe (Gardens of Europe) and the . Runners can continue on the the west side of the lake on the Voie Verte, or the east side of the lake on our Lac d’Annecy Waterfront route for more mileage.