An Alpine Adventure in Annecy

Day 1

We travel south and cross the channel into France, where we enjoy an overnight stay.

Day 2

After breakfast, we continue our journey towards the mighty French Alps. As this stunning mountain range comes into view, we will soon arrive in the delightful resort of Annecy.

Day 3

Enjoy your morning at leisure in Annecy. Beautifully situated between mountains and Lake Annecy, this stunning town is known as the 'Pearl of the French Alps'. Annecy is dominated by the Château, a spectacular medieval castle built over four centuries, now housing regionally made sculptures, paintings and contemporary art. Why not stroll along the picturesque lakeside promenade or the quaint medieval old town, which boasts historic pastel-coloured buildings and flowery bridges that span the canals? This afternoon, we include a cruise on the crystal-clear waters of the lake, offering breathtaking views in the heart of the Alps.

Day 4

Today, we experience the vibrant town of Chamonix, which straddles the River Arve whilst nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's tallest mountain. Surrounded by the best alpine scenery, including glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and lush green meadows, its home to the highest cable car system in the world to the top of Aiguille du Midi; for those not so fond of heights, the Montenvers rack railway can also take you to the foot of the beautiful Mer de Glace glacier. This picturesque town is also home to Baroque churches and a charming main street.

Day 5

Our excursion today takes us to Chambery on its market day. This is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and locally made produce or explore the historic old town with its panoramic Alpine backdrop. From here, we head to the fashionable spa town of Aix-les-Bains, a Victorian-style year-round resort with a beach on Lac du Bourget, France's largest lake. A journey onboard the nearby aerial cableway comes recommended, where you'll ascend over five thousand feet up Mount Revard with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area.

Day 6

We head to the expanse of Lake Geneva, known as Lac Léman to the French. Forming a natural border between France and Switzerland, you'll find awe-inspiring scenery and a fine climate, making the shores of the lake popular for health resorts. First, we visit the most well-known resort, Évian-les-Bains, where a taste of the famously pure water from the Source Cachat comes highly recommended. From here, we continue to picturesque Yvoire, a lovely medieval village known as the 'gem of Lake Geneva', where you'll find a fourteenth-century castle that overlooks the water's edge.

Day 7

After breakfast, we depart with a souvenir gift available from our hosts. Our return journey will take us north, with an overnight stay.

Day 8

We retrace our footsteps home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner