🎙️Catching up with Dorian, the manager at Green Water Annecy
Who's behind those wooden boats you see gliding under the famous Pont des Amours? Meet Green Water Annecy, a local company that blends innovation, environmental respect, and well-being. In this interview, we’re opening our doors to share our story, our values, and a behind-the-scenes look at this exciting adventure in the heart of the Alps.
The project : Green Water
Can you tell us how the idea for Green Water was born?
"The project began with a desire to change the way we experience Lake Annecy, drawing inspiration from two complementary worlds: Water Taxis, an iconic company founded in 2009 and a pioneer in private lounge boat tours on the lake, and Greenriver, its Parisian counterpart, created by a boating enthusiast who recently moved to Haute-Savoie. From this meeting, Green Water was born—a local, innovative, and eco-conscious initiative."
Why did you choose Annecy as your home base?
"It was an obvious choice. Annecy is home. We have a deep love for this lake—not just for its beauty, but for everything it represents. Creating a project around the Pont des Amours means there’s no room for shortcuts—you have to lead by example."
"This iconic spot—Annecy’s postcard-perfect scene—has long been associated with the elegant dance of motorboats on the water. With Green Water, the idea was to bring back that old-time charm, while offering a gentler, more eco-friendly alternative that respects the lake and its ecosystem."
"The goal? To offer both locals and visitors a unique, peaceful experience that aligns with today’s ecological values."
What is the concept behind Green Water?
"We offer quiet boat rides, both electric and hybrid, aboard historic wooden boats such as the 1936 Nelson and the 1950 Mouette II, as well as Greenwood boats made in France. The excursions are steered and guided by our passionate skippers, who are trained in the history of the lake and its surroundings, while spicing up the experience with quirky anecdotes. Our values: exchange and sharing."
The choice of electric and wooden boats
Why choose electric and wooden boats?
"For elegance and coherence. Wood is warm, timeless. And electric is essential on a lake like this. No pollution, no noise—we respect the environment. The combination of the two adds an incredible charm to the boat rides!"
How and where are the boats made?
"They are handcrafted in a specialized shipyard in Vendée for the wooden assembly, with the rest being done in the Haute-Savoie region. Each boat is unique, made by hand with high-quality materials. We work with partners who share our values: quality, durability, and aesthetics."
How many people can board the boats?
"Our boats accommodate between 9 and 12 passengers, depending on the model. The idea is to keep the groups small to maintain an intimate atmosphere."
The Green Water team
Who is part of the team today?
- Dorian, Emmanuel, Guillaume – Founders and Co-managers. Passionate about the lake, they handle the calculations and administration to find happiness!
- Neole – Dock manager – always smiling, always ready to welcome you
- Skippers - They take you on an unforgettable experience.
What excites you the most about this job?
"Human connection. Seeing people relax, marvel, and reconnect. Introducing them to our beloved region. And of course, being on the water every day, with the mountains in the backdrop. It's a privilege."
A memorable anecdote or moment you've experienced onboard?
We had a marriage proposal at sunset. He had prepared everything—the champagne, the ring... it was magical.
The Expérience
What does a typical day at Green Water look like?
"The day starts with preparing the boats and dock: cleaning, checking the batteries, setting up the welcome desk. Then, we warmly greet each group and respond to our customers' inquiries, who are often intrigued by our boats... and end up being tempted to hop on. The day ends with closing, which is simply the reverse of opening."
What type of cruises do you offer?
We offer:
- Private tours
- Group cruises
- And Custom services (Marriage proposals, bachelorette parties, Team building...)
The idea is to be flexible, without ever compromising on the quality of our service.
Who are your clients?
It's very diverse :
- A lot of tourists, of course, especially couples seeking romance, but also families and even adventurers looking for history.
- Locals, who rediscover the lake in a different way..
- And more and more businesses or hotels that want to offer a unique experience to their clients.
Welcome on board ! Book your cruise