Three Lakes Tour: From Geneva to Annecy

Day 1: Arrive in Geneva

Arrive in Geneva at your leisure and check in to your hotel. Take time to discover the stylish city of Geneva. It’s a gem of international organizations, finance, and culture, blending Old World charm with modern sophistication. Stroll along the shores of crescent-shaped Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), admire the famous Jet d’Eau, or wander through the picturesque Old Town. Dinner is at your leisure. As Switzerland’s culinary capital, Geneva offers an excellent selection of restaurants to suit every taste.

Overnight in Geneva.

Day 2: Geneva – Seyssel
39mi / 61km, Elevation gain: 2,230ft / 680m

Meet your tour representative in the morning for a welcome briefing and bike fitting before beginning your cycling adventure. Today's route follows the Rhône River through the vineyards of Dardagny and Satigny, with opportunities to admire charming villages, historic churches, and impressive fortifications. Cycle to the westernmost point of Switzerland at Chancy before crossing into France. One of the highlights of the day is the spectacular Fort de l’Ecluse, dramatically built into the rock at the entrance to the Rhône Valley between the Jura Mountains and the Vuache Hills. Continue to Seyssel, a unique town divided between the Haute-Savoie and Ain departments, where the Rhône River flows between two dams.

Overnight in Seyssel.

Day 3: Seyssel – Aix-les-Bains
29mi / 46km, Elevation gain: 1,375ft / 420m

Today's cycle route offers magnificent scenery, with the peaks of the Bauges mountain range rising on one side and Mont de la Charvaz and the Col du Chat on the other. Towering cliffs, tranquil waters, and beautiful mountain landscapes accompany you throughout the day. Cycle along the shores of Lake Bourget (Lac du Bourget), France's largest natural glacial lake and the deepest lake located entirely within the country. Along the way, pass the medieval Château de Montverran near Culoz, originally constructed in 1316 and later associated with the composer Sergei Prokofiev. Continue to the elegant spa town of Aix-les-Bains, renowned since Roman times for its thermal baths. Numerous Roman remains can still be seen throughout the town.

Overnight in Aix-les-Bains.

Day 4: Aix-les-Bains – Albertville
43mi / 70km, Elevation gain: 2,100ft / 640m

Following breakfast, cycle through Chambéry, the historic capital of Savoy. Rich in art and history, Chambéry's beautifully preserved Old Town is considered one of the finest in France and sits between the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. Continue through the Combe de Savoie wine region, passing the ruins of the 10th-century Château de Miolans and the wine-growing village of Chignin, famous for its ancient towers. Following the Isère River, you'll eventually arrive in Albertville, host city of the 1992 Winter Olympic Games.

Overnight in Albertville.

Day 5: Albertville – Annecy
29mi / 48km, Elevation gain: 950ft / 290m

Leave Albertville behind as you ride toward beautiful Lake Annecy. The spectacular Beaufortain and Bauges mountain ranges provide an unforgettable backdrop throughout today's shorter ride. Lake Annecy is celebrated as one of Europe's cleanest lakes and is surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Your tour concludes in the charming lakeside town of Annecy. Often called the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy is famous for its canals, colorful Old Town, and impressive landmarks including the Palais de l'Isle, Château d'Annecy, Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, and the Pont des Amours (Lover's Bridge).

Overnight in Annecy.

Day 6: Departure

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel. If time allows, spend a little longer exploring Annecy's charming streets, lakeside promenades, and cafés before departing at your leisure. Those wishing to extend their stay will find Annecy an ideal place to spend a few extra days.