French Alps and Lake Annecy
-
The Old Town Market ©Lac Annecy Tourisme, Francoise Cavazzana
-
The Old Town of Annecy and the Thiou Canal ©Lac Annecy Tourisme, Monica Dalmasso
-
View of Lake Annecy ©Lac Annecy Tourisme, Monica Dalmasso
The sheer beauty of this wonderful Alpine region of France is breathtaking. The Savoie Alps are home to dramatic mountain peaks, charming towns and villages, turquoise Alpine lakes and lush, green valleys. Cruise around Lake Annecy, ride on a cogwheel train and explore alpine towns.
Dates
On request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkirk and continue south, stopping overnight in the Champagne area. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to Challes les Eaux
Depart after breakfast, driving further south and to Challes les Eaux for the next 5 nights. After check-in, relax and enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening.
Day 3
At Leisure (Drivers rest day)
A day to relax and enjoy the many facilities of the hotel or explore the resort of Challes les Eaux which is surrounded by super mountain views. A visit to the chateau is a must and the town is famous for its thermal spas and wellness centres. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Day 4
Annecy ‘Venice of the Alps’
Wander around the medieval quarter of Annecy with its’ flower-bedecked bridges across the charming canals alongside colourful canal-side buildings. Enjoy a relaxing round-trip cruise on Lake Annecy and be sure to take in the breath-taking mountain scenery. Maybe stroll around the lakefront gardens ‘Jardins de l’Europe’ or the historic Old Town which is flat and easily accessible. Walk through many narrow streets and buildings of yellow, pink and green and along Rue Saint-Claire, the main street, which is distinguished by its 16th and 17th century arcades which offer many shaded restaurants. Maybe visit the medieval Palais de l’Isle (Island Palace). This historical monument has had several lives: prison, asylum for the elderly, courthouse and mint. Now, you can discover the old cells and the chapel which regularly houses contemporary works of art.
Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
(Optional guided walking tours available).
Market day is Tuesday.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 5
Chambéry and Aix-Les-Bains
Chambery is a pretty alpine town with a castle and the famous Fontaine des Marmousets ‘Elephants Fountain’, built to honour a local Count for his successes in India and located in the Place Saint-Leger. See the colourful houses and outdoor cafes and restaurants allowing you to sit down and really savour the atmosphere – and the food! There are several other notable historic monuments to discover. The town enjoys an enviable location commanding the entrance to the big Alpine valleys which lead to the passes of Italy.
After time to explore this historical old town continue to the Victorian spa town of Aix Les Bains which is situated on Lake Bourget, France’s largest natural lake with its own beach and surrounded by soaring wooded mountains. Take a stroll along the promenade with views of the famous Abbeye d’Hautecombe monastery before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Day 6
Chamonix, Mont Blanc and Mountain Train
Today we make an excursion to the popular ski resort of Chamonix, nestled beneath Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. It is a vibrant town situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France and bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain.
Spend some time exploring and get some lunch before boarding the Train du Montenvers for a return cogwheel railway journey to Montenvers where you can marvel at the Mer de Glace glacier. These vast, jagged mountains tower over the town below and the scenery here is arguably the most spectacular in the French Alps.
Return to the hotel for our final dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 7
Depart Challes les Eaux
Depart after breakfast for the start of our return journey, heading north towards the Champagne area for an overnight stop.
Day 8
Return to the UK
We will leave after breakfast and continue towards Calais or Dunkirk where we will take the short sea ferry crossing to Dover, and home.
Featured hotel
Le Château Hôtel des Comtes de Challes
The Château des Comtes de Challes is located in the town of Challes les Eaux, near Chambéry in the heart of the Savoy. Built in the 15th century, the château that once belonged to the Counts of Challes. Other features include a bar/lounge, a seasonal outdoor pool and a terrace. Surrounded by over two hectares of extensive, peaceful grounds planted with ancient trees, the château provides the peace and quiet required for a restful stay. Château des Comtes de Challes features stylish rooms and suites full of charm and character. All rooms have 1 double bed or 2 single beds and are equipped with bath or shower, TV and free Wi-Fi internet access. The gourmet restaurant serves delicious traditional and regional cuisine inspired by the best products and produce available in the region. Each dish is given special care to continue the notable reputation of the establishment.
| Departure date | 8 days / 7 nights | Single supplement |
| On request |
