Cities
France Annecy Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Island

Île des Cygnes

About

Île des Cygnes, or “Island of the Swans,” is a small yet enchanting landmark on Lac d’Annecy. Created in the 19th century from reclaimed land, it was designed as a sanctuary for swans, which have since become one of the lake’s most graceful symbols. The island, visible from the lakeside promenade near the Jardins de l’Europe, adds a touch of romance and serenity to the city’s landscape. Its presence highlights Annecy’s commitment to preserving natural beauty while offering visitors a picturesque view that blends wildlife with alpine scenery. Today, Île des Cygnes remains a favorite spot for photographers and walkers, who pause to admire the elegant birds gliding across the water. More than just a refuge for swans, the island embodies the harmony between nature and culture that defines Annecy’s lakeside charm.

Annecy France
Île des Cygnes
Location

Île des Cygnes is located in the northern part of Lake Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France, just a few dozen meters offshore from the Jardins de l'Europe park in central Annecy. This tiny artificial islet, about 30 meters in diameter, sits between the Vassé Canal and Thiou River, created in the 1850s from dredged materials and fortified against waves.​ Visible from the Berthollet statue, Pâquier esplanade, and Pont des Amours, it serves as a bird sanctuary for swans and other wildlife, with no public access but ideal for pedal boat circumnavigation. Nearby, the shaded Jardins de l'Europe offer benches and paths, while evening fountains illuminate the islet; a short walk reaches Annecy's old town canals and Lake Annecy beaches.​

Musée‑Château d'Annecy Musée‑Château d'Annecy Museum Palais de l'Île Palais de l'Île Museum Musée du Film d'Animation d'Annecy Musée du Film d'Animation d'Annecy Museum Écomusée du Lac d'Annecy Écomusée du Lac d'Annecy Museum Musée PACCARD Musée PACCARD Museum Espace Archéologie et environnement du lac d'Annecy Espace Archéologie et environnement du lac d'Annecy Museum Centre culturel de Bonlieu Centre culturel de Bonlieu Cultural Centre Salle Pierre Lamy Salle Pierre Lamy Theatre Théâtre de l'Échange Théâtre de l'Échange Theatre Renoir | Théâtre des collines Renoir | Théâtre des collines Theatre Théâtre des Collines – Le Rabelais Théâtre des Collines – Le Rabelais Theatre L'Arcadium L'Arcadium Concert Hall Le Brise Glace Le Brise Glace Concert Hall Théâtre Les Têtes de l'Art Théâtre Les Têtes de l'Art Theatre Auditorium de Seynod Auditorium de Seynod Theatre Bel‑Air Fine Art Bel‑Air Fine Art Gallery Art By Friends Art By Friends Gallery Le Point Commun Le Point Commun Gallery Lac d'Annecy Lac d'Annecy Lake Vieille Ville Vieille Ville Tourist attractions Pont des Amours Pont des Amours Bridge Jardins de l'Europe Jardins de l'Europe Park Le Pâquier Le Pâquier Park Parc animalier de la Grande Jeanne Parc animalier de la Grande Jeanne Wildlife park Château de Montrottier Château de Montrottier Castle Cathédrale Saint‑Pierre Cathédrale Saint‑Pierre Cathedral Église Saint‑Maurice Église Saint‑Maurice Church Église Saint‑François‑de‑Sales Église Saint‑François‑de‑Sales Church Basilique de la Visitation Basilique de la Visitation Basilica Basilique Saint‑Joseph‑des‑Fins Basilique Saint‑Joseph‑des‑Fins Basilica Parc Charles Bosson Parc Charles Bosson Park Parc d'Albigny Parc d'Albigny Park Volière de l'Impérial Volière de l'Impérial Zoo