Is Annecy, our Paradise, at Risk from Climate Change?
- Bernie
- Nov 14, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Nov 10
Eight years ago, I moved to Annecy, captivated by its breathtaking beauty—its pristine lake and majestic mountains felt like a paradise. But over time, I've begun to notice unsettling shifts in the climate that can’t be ignored. I’m not a meteorologist but living in such an iconic place makes you acutely aware of the environment around you. The weather isn’t just a backdrop to daily life; it actively influences our quality of life. As I find myself increasingly concerned about what’s to come, I decided to dig deeper into the changes taking place. What I uncovered may surprise you—read on to find out more.
Nature on Our Doorstep
As I began to look closer at the changes around me, I realised just how much Annecy’s unique geography shapes its climate. The lake, nestled between towering mountains, plays a crucial role in moderating temperatures throughout the valley, creating a microclimate unlike anywhere else in the region. Winters here are rarely harsh, and summers, though warm, don’t reach the intense heat of other Alpine towns.
The surrounding mountain ranges also have a significant impact. To the south and southwest, the Bauges massif, and to the northeast, the Bornes massif, both help define local weather patterns. Among them, the Tournette, the highest peak in the region at 2,350 meters, stands as a striking sentinel, its presence felt not only in the breathtaking views but also in the shifts of local weather.
The lake itself plays an active role in shaping these patterns. The water temperature fluctuates in response to rainfall and the season’s temperatures, ranging between 2° and 8° in winter and 18° to 26° in summer. This variability is why no two summers feel exactly the same—and it’s also a key factor in the way Annecy’s climate is evolving over time.
Wintertime snowfall, once a steady feature, has seen a decline in recent years. Whilst we used to see an average of 25 days of snow each year, those days are becoming less frequent. The lake, which in the past occasionally froze enough for people to skate on, is no longer able to support such a phenomenon, a stark reminder of the changing climate patterns.
Ski Resorts Face an Uncertain Future.
As the climate shifts, the local ski resorts that have long been a pillar of the region’s economy and lifestyle are facing an uncertain future. The effects are most acutely felt in the Alps, where unpredictable snowfalls and warmer winters are making it harder to sustain winter tourism. While many resorts are turning to artificial snow to compensate for the lack of natural snowfall, this solution comes with its own set of challenges. Producing artificial snow requires vast amounts of energy and water, often drawn from local rivers or man-made reservoirs, further exacerbating concerns about dwindling water supplies and declining river levels.
One poignant example is La Sambuy, a family-friendly resort in Faverges-Seythenex at 1,200 meters (see left map), which was forced to close last year after 60 years of operation due to insufficient snowfall.
Alpe du Grand Serre, located less than an hour from Grenoble (see right map), has faced similar struggles. With its snow cover diminishing and revenues following suit, local officials launched an ambitious plan to convert the resort into a year-round tourist destination. Plans included a gondola in the valley and efforts to move the snow front higher up the mountain. However, after already costing €3 million, the project has since been shelved.
Another casualty is the Grand Puy ski resort in Seyne-les-Alpes, about 260km south of Annecy. In the 2013-14 season, the resort recorded 17,000 skier visits. By 2023, that number had dwindled to just 6,000. With temperatures rising to 13°C during the 2023 season, the lifts were forced to shut down entirely due to a lack of snow. As a result, the municipality faces significant financial losses and they are now considering selling off the resort’s equipment to recover some of those costs.
More recently, on 28th June 2025 to be exact, the majority of locals at Val d'Allos-Le Seignus voted in favour of closing their resort to downhill skiing because of a budget deficit of €700,000! The resort sits at 1500m and like other lower altitude ski resorts, it no longer has guaranteed snow. During the last few years, only those resorts at 1800m or above, have had sufficient snow to enable skiing throughout the season.
To address the deficit issue, the mayor provided the 600 year-round residents and 4,400 second-home owners with three options; maintain downhill skiing and see their local taxes increase by 30 to 35 percent; keep skiing on part of Le Seignus and accept a tax increase of 10 to 15 percent or stop skiing entirely. The majority voted for the latter.
Unfortunately, these closures are not isolated. Milder winters are taking their toll on ski resorts across France. Since the 1970s 180 French ski resorts have closed, almost all of them lower altitude resorts. According to the NGO Mountain Wilderness, there are currently 101 abandoned ski lifts at 56 sites in the country’s mountain ranges. Many of these closures are attributed to insufficient snow, coupled with the financial strain on local authorities who are often unable to dismantle or repurpose the them.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change* paints a stark picture: 91 percent of European ski resorts are now threatened by global warming. This worrying statistic underscores the growing urgency of addressing climate change and the profound impact it’s having on the winter sports industry.
*Published August 2022, co-authored by researchers from the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE) and Météo-France.
Jacques Dalex, a former resort manager and current mayor of Faverges-Seythenex, spoke to Europe 1 about the changes he’s witnessed over the years:
"Between the 1960s and today, the climate has changed a lot. Now, there is less snow in the winter. This year, we opened for only four weeks, that's it. The season is getting shorter and shorter, and obviously it is not going to get any better."
Going back to La Sambuy, I can’t help but think back to my own experience where I skied with my son just a few years ago. I vividly remember the rickety old chairlifts from which my son almost slipped off of, narrowly avoiding a rather spectacular tumble down the mountain! While the lifts themselves clearly needed upgrading, the unpredictable weather and shortened ski seasons have made it financially unfeasible to do so. I wasn't particularly surprised when I heard about its closure but it saddened me a bit to think of the people losing their jobs and it made me realise that the impact of climate change is becoming increasing difficult to ignore. These are real places, real experiences and real communities grappling with the consequences of a rapidly changing climate.
The Potential Impact on Annecy
France’s national weather agency, Météo-France, conducted a study examining the average temperature in Annecy over the last 144 years. Their findings reveal that global warming has accelerated since 1990, with the hottest years recorded in 2018, 2019, and 2022. During this period, rainfall has also decreased significantly. I vividly recall the summer of 2018. It was long and scorching and the water level in Lake Annecy was the lowest it had been since 1947 (see photo). On October 24th, the scale at the Pont de la Halle, which measures the water level, recorded just 8 centimetres, far below the normal level of 80 centimetres. This marks a new all-time low, surpassing the previous record of 11 centimetres set in 1947. According to Météo-France, the summer of 2018 was the second hottest since 1900.
The dry conditions continued into autumn, with the lake's water level measuring only 16 centimetres in November, again, far below the usual 80 centimetres. In response, the French government issued a red alert for Haute-Savoie, the highest level for water deficit. This drought also took a toll on Annecy’s rivers, with certain fish species, particularly lake and river trout, struggling to survive due to the low water levels. Source: Alizée GASQUET - 19 juin 2022
Future Heatwaves
Annecy is projected to be one of the French towns hardest hit by rising temperatures from 2040 onwards, according to climate researchers whose findings were compiled by Drias-Météo France. This forecast predicts a significant increase in the number of hot days and nights, with temperatures exceeding expected levels by 5°C during the summer months. For Annecy, this translates to an estimated 16 days and 11 nights of heatwaves between June and August. Following Annecy, Lyon is projected to experience 14.8 days and 11.9 nights of extreme heat, while Chambéry ranks seventh with 14 days and 10 nights of peak temperatures.
Source: bienici
+3.3°C in 2050 in Annecy
Climatologists and meteorologists estimate that temperatures have already risen by 2°C over the past two decades. By 2050, they anticipate an additional increase of 3.3°C. In July and August, temperatures can easily exceed 30°C during the day and the temperature of the lake is often warmer than 22°C on its surface. If these predictions are correct, we can assume that it's only going to get hotter during the summer months.
Rainfall patterns are also shifting. The winter and autumn months are increasingly marked by heavy rain, while summers are seeing almost no precipitation.On the rare occasion that it does rain, it's violent and intense. What we once expected from each season can no longer be taken for granted, as the climate continues to change.
Source: Annecy Ville
In the more than eight years that I’ve lived in Annecy, I’ve noticed a significant increase in rainfall compared to when we first arrived. While we still experience heatwaves with temperatures reaching the high 30s, we’re also facing unexpected cold snaps and heavier rainfall. Is this the effect of climate change? With increasingly erratic snowfall and sudden, intense tropical downpours, it’s hard not to feel that something isn’t quite right.
What Can Be Done About It?
We’ve explored the potential effects of global warming on Annecy but what can be done about it? Let’s take a look at the initiatives the local council is implementing to address these challenges.
As I research the impact of climate change on our beloved Annecy, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of urgency about its future. Yet, I’m also reminded of nature’s resilience, how it adapts and evolves, with or without our intervention. What should we do? Should we change our habits or way of living and if so, in what way? The local government has already been discussing such questions, focusing on both short-term solutions and long-term sustainability. Here’s a closer look at what Annecy’s government has in mind.
Local Initiatives to Tackle Climate Change in Annecy
While Annecy is already feeling the effects of climate change, the local government is taking steps to address the issue. The current mayor, François Astorg, an ecologlist, was voted in 2020. In 2021 the municipality adopted 'The Climate Pact', a set of ambitious goals for 2030. Some of the initiatives are already underway. Here are a few of the key actions and what they mean for residents.
1. Reducing Carbon Emissions, Energy Consumption = Improved Air Quality
The local authorities in Annecy are tackling greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in two major areas: transport and buildings. By making both of these sectors greener, Annecy aims to move towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future with cleaner air. Here's how it’s being done.
Greener Transport Solutions
The city is focusing on public transport, shared mobility and cleaner alternatives to reduce traffic congestion, particularly in the summer months when tourists flock to the area. To alleviate gridlock and promote environmentally-friendly transport options, Annecy has introduced the following initiatives:
Free Summer Buses: During peak seasons, free buses to popular destinations around Lake Annecy help reduce car use, easing both traffic and pollution.
Electric Buses: In August 2023, Annecy added six new electric buses to its fleet, with 16 more expected this year. These buses are a key part of the city's broader strategy to reduce emissions from public transport.
Carpooling & Car-Sharing: In addition to public transport, shared mobility options like carpooling and car-sharing programs are being promoted. These initiatives aim to reduce the number of private cars on the road, further lowering emissions and traffic.
Cleaner Air Initiatives
As part of its efforts to reduce air pollution, Annecy is expanding its use of electric vehicles (EVs) and offering several programs to make the city cleaner:
Electric Vehicles: In addition to electric buses, the city is seeing a rise in the use of electric cars which are an important part of Annecy’s move towards cleaner air and fewer emissions. Charging stations are being added to car parks and in neighbourhoods around town.
Pollution Control During Peak Pollution Periods: When air quality worsens, the city has introduced measures to keep the streets cleaner, such as encouraging people to park outside the city centre and use the Sibra ‘Clean Air’ Pass, which allows people to travel on any bus line for just €1 per day.
Differentiated Traffic Zone (ZCD): Starting in January 2025, a Differentiated Traffic Zone will be implemented around the city centre. This aims to limit the most polluting vehicles from entering certain areas during times of high air pollution. Vehicles will need a Crit'Air sticker, classifying them based on emissions, to enter the restricted zones.
More Green Spaces
To help cope with heatwaves, the local authorities are increasing tree planting and green spaces throughout Annecy. If you’ve recently visited the Old Town, you may have noticed that it’s becoming more pedestrian-friendly, with roads being re-routed around the perimeter and cycle paths extended. One of the proposals under discussion is to plant a line of trees on the Paquier, the large green space between the Bonlieu theatre and the lake, which currently offers little shade on hot days. While some locals are keen to keep this area untouched, it’s clear that adding shade could make a big difference on those scorching summer afternoons. We’ll have to wait and see how this plan develops!
Energy-Efficient Buildings
If you live in Annecy and are thinking of renovating your home, there’s good news! Through the ‘Eco-renovate your home’ scheme, homeowners and condominiums can get free advice and financial support to make their properties more energy-efficient. The goal is for energy savings of at least 35%, with grants covering up to 80% of renovation costs, depending on your income. By so doing, you make your home more sustainable and save on energy bills at the same time!
2. Increasing Green Energy Production
Another important aspect of the Climate Pact is the push for renewable energy. By 2030, the goal is to double the region’s renewable energy production, with a focus on solar panels, wood energy, geothermal and biogas. For property owners, there may be financial assistance available to help install renewable energy sources like solar panels or heat pumps, significantly reducing both carbon footprints and energy costs.
In addition to expanding traditional renewable energy sources, the local government is exploring innovative ways to generate sustainable energy and fertiliser through waste. For example, in the heart of Annecy, a food waste collection program is being trialled. Residents are provided with small caddies to collect food scraps, which are then emptied at designated points within 100 meters of any property (photo right). This waste is processed to generate biogas.
For apartment residents with some outdoor space, composting is also possible, with three bins being provided: one for food waste, one for storing shredded materials and one for maturing compost. Local authorities even offer training on how to manage the process, making it easier for residents to participate.
Last Thoughts
While Annecy is making great strides in tackling climate change and becoming a more sustainable town, it's clear that not everyone's on board. Some locals have voiced concerns, especially around the exclusion of cars in certain areas and some find the mayor's plans a bit too radical. It’s always easier to get behind the idea of change but when it comes to actually adapting to it, people can be a bit more resistant. That said, we all know that change doesn’t happen overnight and even if it feels like a bit of a bumpy ride right now, these efforts will hopefully pay off in the long run. The goal is a cleaner, greener Annecy for everyone and while there may be growing pains along the way, I think we're heading in the right direction. Here's to a future where we can continue to enjoy our little paradise and all breathe a little easier, both in the literal and figurative sense!
That's all for now. if you have any questions or comments about the above, feel free to email me at info@simplyannecy.com. I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
À bientôt.
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