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Are you a cyclist who wants to explore the Alps, but doesn’t like to climb mountains? Then this cycling holiday in Switzerland is an ideal choice for you. We’ll take you on a leisurely cycle route through some of the most beautiful areas of the Alps.
This unmissable cycling tour takes you through the most scenic parts of the Alps, without the hassle of steep climbs. The route links some of the world’s most beautiful natural areas – including the three major lakes (Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget, and Lake Annecy) — with a variety of spectacular scenery, historic villages and castles, and rolling meadows and mountain valleys.
Geneva
Standard:
Day 1: Hotel Porte de Genève*** (www.portedegeneve.com) in Gaillard, a few pedal strokes from Geneva. B&B
Day 2: Hotel Au Fil de l’Eau** (www.hotelseyssel.fr) in Seyssel. Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Day 3: Hotel le Colibri** (www.hotel-lecolibri.fr) in Aix-les-Bains. B&B
Day 4: Hotelleerie du Roy **(www.hotellerieduroy.com) in Saint-Helene sur Isere. Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Day 5: Hotel des Alpes** (www.hotelannecy.com) in Annecy. B&B
Day 6: Departure
Option Upgrade:
Day 1: Hotel Jade*** (www.manotel.com/en/hotel/hotel-jade-2/) in Geneva. B&B
Day 2: Hotel Du Rhone*** (www.hotel-seyssel.fr) in Seyssel. Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Day 3: Hotel Aquakub*** (www.aquakub.com) in Aix-les-Bains. B&B
Day 4: Hotelleerie du Roy** (www.hotellerieduroy.com) in Saint-Helene sur Isere. Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Day 5: Splendid Hotel*** (www.hotel-annecy-lac.fr) in Annecy. B&B
Day 6: Departure
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Hooked on Cycling that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the chosen activity and for emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Arrive in Geneva at your leisure and check-in at your hotel. Take time to explore this stylish city on your own. With a variety of architectural styles, the city is a superb blend of old and new and is an inspiring place to explore. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) provides a delightful visual treat for the eyes.
Meet our local rep in the morning for a bike fitting and itinerary briefing. The highlights of your itinerary include cycling along the Rhône, visiting Dardagny and Satigny, and conquering the westernmost point of Switzerland by bike.
Do not miss the Fort de l’Ecluse, a fort built on a remarkable rock formation that forms a natural entrance into France between the Vauche and Jura hills. Tonight, you’ll stay in Seyssel, a “double-town” in both the Haute-Savoie (Upper Savoy) and the Ain departments of the Rhône River.
Note: The ride from Gaillard is longer (69 km / 43 miles)
An experience like no other awaits you. The 14 summits of the Bauges mountain range, as well as Mont de la Charvaz and Col-du-Chat on the other side are breathtaking sights on the route. Lake Bourget is one of Europe’s largest natural lakes of glacial origin. Take a look at the Château de Montverran, built in 1316 on a rock in Culoz. Follow up with a visit to Aix-les-Bains, known for its baths since the Roman empire. Visit the Roman relics and learn about the history of this area.
There is also an option to take a boat across the Lake, from Conjux to Aix-les-Bains. This option is subject to availability: on Sundays only from May to mid-July and in September; on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-July to end of August.
Both options offer spectacular views of the lake and surroundings!
Today you’ll ride through the heart of Savoy to Chambery, a town of art and history. Chambery is located in a wide valley between the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. As you pedal through the old-town section of Chambery, you’ll see remarkable buildings from different time periods that showcase the towns fascinating history. At the fortress of Miolans, on the banks of the Isère River, take in the ruins of Chignin. The Sarasin stronghold dates back to the 8th century and still stands today. The Isère River guides the route to Grésy-sur-Isère, a largely agricultural community that has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age.
Note: The ride to St-Pierre-d’Albigny is shorter (47 km / 29 miles)
Roll your way to Grésy-sur-Isère by way of Albertville. Albertville is a ski resort city, known for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympics and has also become quite an industrial centre. It also contains the medieval town of Conflans, whose buildings date back to the 14th century.
The magnificent Beaufortain and Bauges Mountains will dazzle you as you cycle. Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy), Europe’s cleanest lake, is the centrepiece in the breathtaking area. The Aravis mountain range is famous for its hairpin bends and steep climbs; it’s also home to the Tour de France bicycle race. Revered for its beauty, Annecy is nestled at the base of the majestic Alps.
Strolling around Annecy, you’ll encounter many sites of cultural and historical significance. You’ll see the 12th-century Palais de l’Isle, the 16th-century Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, the 20th century Pont des Amours, and the Chateau d’Annecy.
Note: From St-Pierre-d’Albigny, the ride is longer (69 km / 43 miles)
Take a leisurely breakfast, enjoy the sights and sounds of Annecy, and depart or extend your stay in Annecy
