Annecy Segway Tour – 2h: An Exciting Way to Explore the City’s Beauty
Traveling through Annecy on a Segway might just be the most fun way to get a broad, authentic sense of this charming French town. For $70.83 per person, you’ll spend around two hours cruising past Lake Annecy, the Imperial Palace, and through the twisting streets of the Old Town. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a refreshing alternative to traditional walking or bike tours.
What we particularly loved about this experience is how it combines the scenic beauty of Annecy with a fun, approachable mode of transportation. The Segway handles the town’s gentle slopes with ease, letting us cover more ground without getting tired. Plus, the small-group format—max 8 people—means personalized attention and a chance to ask plenty of questions.
That said, a possible consideration is that the tour covers about 10 km (6.2 miles), which is a fair bit for some. While the Segway is beginner-friendly, first-timers might find the initial learning curve slightly challenging, especially if they’re nervous about balancing. Also, this tour is suited best for those aged 14 and up, with a weight minimum of 45kg, so it’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, scenic, and educational way to discover Annecy’s highlights—especially if you appreciate good guides and stunning views—this tour is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just photographs; it’s an active, engaging experience that’ll leave you with a memorable story to tell.
Key Points
- Scenic Routes: The tour touches on Lake Annecy, the Old Town, and scenic canals, giving a well-rounded look at the city’s beauty.
- No Experience Necessary: Full instruction and safety briefing ensure even first-time riders can enjoy the ride.
- Small Group: Limited to 8 travelers, fostering a friendly, personalized atmosphere.
- Great for Sightseeing: Glide through areas that are hard to cover on foot—like along the waterfront and the Imperial Palace.
- Excellent Guides: Multiple reviews praise guides like Lola and Kekoa for their safety-consciousness and knowledge.
- Weather Considerations: Operates in all weather conditions—bring appropriate clothing, especially if it’s rainy.
In-Depth Review of the Annecy Segway Tour
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What’s Included and How It’s Organized
You meet your guide at the Mobilboard Annecy hub at 8 Bis Pl. aux Bois promptly at 9:45 am. The experience begins with a brief safety session and hands-on instruction, lasting around 10-15 minutes. This part is crucial; even if you’ve never rode a Segway before, guides like Kekoa and Lola are praised for their careful, clear instructions, making the learning process smooth and reassuring.
Once comfortable, you’ll start your glide along the water’s edge of Annecy Lake, where the water clarity and surrounding gardens create a peaceful, picturesque setting. The route is designed to maximize views of the Imperial Palace, which has hosted notable visitors like Edith Piaf and Charlie Chaplin, and then continues into the historic Old Town.
The tour then meanders through scenic canal pathways and the Thiou River, offering a calm, leisurely peek into Annecy’s lesser-known corners. The total distance covered is approximately 10 km, giving a good balance of sightseeing and physical ease—particularly appreciated by those who prefer a relaxed pace with some adventure.
The Highlights and Highlights of Each Stop
Lake Annecy and Gardens: The tour kicks off with a cruise along the lake, where you’ll be treated to stunning mountain-backed vistas and the tranquil waters. Reviewers like Corrie_F loved the interesting commentary and beautiful scenery, often returning the next day to explore more via e-bike.
Imperial Palace: As you pass this historic building, you’ll learn about its illustrious visitors—adding a touch of grandeur and history to your ride. It’s a perfect photo op, and the guide’s storytelling enriches the experience.
Old Town: Wandering through Annecy’s cobbled streets, tiny alleyways, and canals is a highlight. Some reviews mention this as their favorite part, with guides describing the medieval architecture and charming churches. It’s a lively, authentic snapshot of town life, best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Canals and the Thiou River: The serene river pathway offers a different perspective, away from the crowds. Kekoa, one of the guides, was praised for adapting the tour to the day’s busy schedule, making this part especially enjoyable.
The Practical Aspects That Matter
The small-group setup ensures you get individual attention, especially if you’re new to Segways. The full instruction means you’ll be riding confidently in no time. The cost of $70.83 is quite reasonable considering the length, scenery, and expert guiding—especially when compared to the cost of private tours or renting bikes for the day.
Since the tour operates rain or shine, it’s wise to bring suitable clothing. Supplies such as ponchos are provided if the weather turns wet, which many appreciated. The maximum group size of 8 keeps the experience intimate and engaging, often leading to lively chatting and shared laughs.
Authenticity and Quality of Guides
Reviews consistently mention guides like Lola and Kekoa for their patience, friendliness, and knowledge. You’ll find that guides adapt the tour to your skill level and the day’s conditions, creating a relaxed, personalized atmosphere. For example, one reviewer noted Kekoa’s awareness of skills and needs, turning what could have been a stressful experience into a delightful adventure.
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The Value of This Tour
At just over $70, this tour offers a great value for the breadth of sights covered and the expertise offered. You get an immersive experience that combines sightseeing, light exercise, and storytelling—all in a manageable two hours. Plus, with the option to book 38 days in advance, it’s accessible and convenient.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is particularly suited for those with a sense of adventure who enjoy active sightseeing. It’s perfect if you want to see the main sights without the fatigue of walking all day. First-timers will appreciate the full instruction and safety focus, while seasoned travelers will enjoy how much ground they can cover in a short time.
It’s also ideal for small groups or families (children 14+), especially if you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to explore Annecy’s scenic and historic sites. Those who thrive on guided commentary and local insights will find guides like Lola and Kekoa especially helpful.
When Not To Book
If you’re uncomfortable on a Segway or prefer a more leisurely, less active way to explore, this might not be your best choice. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility restrictions, it’s worth noting the minimum age and weight requirements.
FAQs
Can I participate if I’ve never ridden a Segway before?
Absolutely. The tour begins with a comprehensive safety briefing and instruction, making it accessible even for complete beginners.
What should I wear?
Dress smart casual and consider the weather. The tour operates rain or shine, and ponchos are supplied if needed.
How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately two hours, covering about 10 km of scenic and historic sites.
Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included for safety and are worn throughout the tour.
Is it suitable for children?
The minimum age is 14 years, and participants must weigh at least 45kg.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Final Thoughts
The Annecy Segway Tour offers a lively, fun way to discover one of France’s most beautiful towns. You’ll enjoy stunning lakeside views, the charm of the Old Town, and the ease of guided riding. It’s an experience that balances adventure and sightseeing, perfect for anyone seeking a different perspective on Annecy.
If you’re looking for a unique, active way to explore, and you don’t mind a bit of learning curve at the start, this tour is a great choice. It’s especially appealing to those who appreciate friendly guides, scenic routes, and small groups, making your exploration both personal and memorable.
In short, this tour is best suited for adventure seekers, first-time Segway riders, and travelers eager to see Annecy from a new angle — all while enjoying a hassle-free, guided experience that’s as scenic as it is fun.