French Alps and Lake Annecy – NEW TOUR
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Lake Annecy, France - Boats and River © C. Max/OT Lac D'Annecy
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Lake Annecy, France
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. On this tour visits are made to Aix-le-Bains, Annecy, Chambery, Chamonix and Mont Blanc.
Dates
August 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais and continue south, stopping overnight in the Champagne area. Evening at leisure.
Day 2
Travel to Challes les Eaux
We will depart after breakfast, driving further south and to our hotel in Challes les Eaux for the next 5 nights. Dinner will be together in the hotel this evening.
Day 3
Annecy ‘Venice of the Alps’
Wander around the medieval quarter of Annecy with flower-bedecked bridges across the charming canals alongside colourful canal-side buildings. Be sure to take in the breath-taking mountain scenery which can be seen from the lakeside promenade. Optional lake cruises and guided walking tours are available. Market day is Tuesday.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 4
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 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 and Mont Blanc
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. With these vast, jagged mountains towering over the town, the scenery here is arguably the most spectacular in the French Alps. The snow-capped peaks soar into the bright blue sky, ancient glaciers sweep down towards the valley floor and waterfalls cascade through pine-covered hillsides.
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 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.
Le Château Hôtel des Comtes de Challes
Departure date |
8 days / 7 nights |
| August 2025 | From £949.00 per person |
Single supplement price on request
