Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

LeShuttle to Calais and overnight stay in northern France on a bed and breakfast basis. 

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

After breakfast, we continue our scenic journey through France, arriving at the Sowell Hotels Mont Blanc & Spa in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in time for dinner.

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

Our first excursion takes us to the pretty town of Annecy, often referred to as the Venice of the Alps thanks to its historic canals lined with pastel-coloured buildings. One of its highlights is the enchanting Old Town, full of medieval architecture and cobbled streets which come alive on Saturdays. Our visit is well timed for the Old Town Market, where stalls are packed with baked goods, local specialities, handmade crafts and more – it’s the perfect introduction to France! You may also like to stroll to the shores of Lake Annecy, one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, enjoy the panoramic views from the romantic Pont des Amours or visit Château d’Annecy, a historic castle that now houses a museum, with exhibitions ranging from art and natural history to archaeology. 

Full Day

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, with the town centre just a 10-15 minute stroll away (but partly on an incline). 
You may wish to visit the Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc, the thermal spa connected to the springs which give Saint-Gervais-les-Bains its name. From mid-June to late-September, you can also ride on the historic red and white cog railway, the Tramway du Mont Blanc, which whisks you up to the Nid d’Aigle (Eagle’s Nest) station at 2,312 metres. 

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

We board the coach to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains railway station and travel on the Mont Blanc Express. As we journey to Chamonix on this narrow-gauge railway, enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding alpine scenery and Mont Blanc itself, the highest peak in the Alps, passing through lush valleys and charming villages. Once there, we cross over to the Montenvers Rack Railway, a historic red cogwheel train, to take us up from Chamonix at 1305m to Montenvers at 1913m, where there’s time to admire the panoramic vista over the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, and enjoy the facilities.

For those who wish to get a closer view of the glacier, an additional ticket is available to purchase onsite for the gondola down to the glacier itself, where you can access the artificial ice cave carved into the glacier. This, however, is subject to seasonal opening dates and weather conditions.

We then return on the Montenvers Rack Railway to Chamonix for some time at leisure. Nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, this charming town is full of boutiques, cafés and restaurants plus museums and galleries that showcase the heritage of the region and the evolution of alpine exploration. Time permitting on the day, those with a head for heights may wish to purchase tickets locally for the world’s highest cable car which, in two stages, takes passengers up to the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842m (12,605 feet)!

Later, we return to the hotel from Chamonix by coach.

Full Day

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

Enjoy a day at leisure today or join our optional excursion to Geneva to discover a little corner of Switzerland. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, this city is renowned for its cosmopolitan charm and relaxed atmosphere during the warmer months. Enjoy a wander through one of the many lakeside parks, see the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, stock up on some Swiss chocolate, choose from the vibrant museums, markets and art galleries or visit the Old Town, with its cobbled streets and historic landmarks such as St Peter’s Cathedral.

Full Day

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

Today is all about the French side of Lake Geneva, visiting two towns on its shores. We spend the morning in lovely Yvoire, famous for its medieval architecture, from stone ramparts and town gates to the flower-adorned houses and 14th-century Yvoire Castle, built by the Counts of Savoy. It also has a maze-like garden celebrating the five senses and a pretty local marina – perfect for a stroll.
We see different architecture in the Belle Epoque town of Evian-les-Bains, our next stop and once a fashionable wellness resort for European elites in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Be sure to fill up your water bottles from the Source Cachat, the original spring for Evian water, before wandering along the picturesque lakefront promenade or perhaps visiting Casino d’Evian, established in 1911. The historic funicular railway, dating back to 1907, also provides a unique way to explore the town.

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

Take the chance to relax before we start our journey home tomorrow or choose to pick up some souvenirs at the local Thursday market in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

Travel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.

Annecy, French Alps & Lake Geneva – Inclusive

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to Calais for our journey home on LeShuttle. 

Ride the Mont Blanc Express through spruce-lined valleys to Chamonix, with glimpses of Europe’s highest peak towering above slate rooftops. From here, board the Montenvers Rack Railway, the historic red cogwheel train, climbing to 1,913m for sweeping terraces and panoramic views of the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier.

Learn how this frozen river shaped alpine science and exploration since the 18th century, while rugged aiguilles pierce the skyline. Time permitting, a local gondola and ice cave may be available (seasonal, payable locally). Unhurried moments invite you to pause for photos and reflection before descending to Chamonix’s cafés and boutiques.

Discover lakeside Yvoire, a jewel of the French shore with stone houses wreathed in blooms, stout medieval ramparts and town gates, and a petite marina where wooden boats nod on clear waters. Wander the scented pathways of the Jardin des Cinq Sens (admission payable locally) and admire the Savoyard silhouette of Yvoire’s 14th-century castle.

Continue to elegant Evian-les-Bains to trace spa-town grandeur along its Belle Époque promenade. Fill a bottle at the Source Cachat, the original Evian spring, and note architectural set-pieces like the casino (1911) and the hill-climbing funicular (1907; seasonal). Lakeside vistas and mountain backdrops set an unhurried, restorative mood.

Discover a cosmopolitan slice of Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva. Stroll manicured lakeside parks, gaze up at the sky-high plume of the Jet d’Eau, and wander the Old Town to find hidden courtyards, artisan chocolatiers, and the hilltop silhouette of St. Peter’s Cathedral.

Museums, galleries, and watchmaking boutiques reflect Geneva’s international flair, while waterfront promenades frame Mont Blanc on clear days. This experience is bookable on tour at additional cost and offers ample free time to tailor your visit—whether you linger in café terraces or explore the city’s renowned cultural institutions.

Explore the canals and cobbled lanes of Annecy, the so-called “Venice of the Alps,” where pastel facades frame arcaded streets and flower-decked bridges. Amble towards the lakeside to admire the alpine panorama from the romantic Pont des Amours and breathe the crisp air rolling off Lake Annecy, one of Europe’s clearest mountain lakes.

Within the medieval quarter, browse the lively Old Town Market when in season, or step up to Château d’Annecy, the former home of the Counts of Geneva, now a museum tracing Savoyard art, archaeology, and natural history. Expect time to sample local reblochon cheeses or simply soak in the lakeside atmosphere.