Day 1 Aix-les-Bains
Arrival in Aix-les-Bains. Before the welcome cocktail and dinner, opportunaity for a walk with a view of the magnificent lake.
Day 2 Aix-les-Bains – Seyssel via Rhôna 46 km
Our first stage takes us along both banks of the Rhône on the “Via Rhôna” cycle path. The medieval village of Chanaz lies well hidden at the entrance to one of the most beautiful canals in France and on the edge of the famous Marais Chautagne. The Canal de Savière connects the Lac du Bourget with the Rhône. This attractive location led to the first settlements as early as the Stone Age. An important trading center in the Middle Ages, Chanaz is also known as Little Venice.
The waterways have always been of great importance. Visit and continue along the Via Rhôna cycle path towards Seyssel. The ridges of the Bugey massif form a fantastic backdrop and as soon as the vineyards of Seyssel appear, the town is not far away. The history of Seyssel is linked to the river and the associated inland navigation, which was an economic activity until the 19th century. Visit and return to the hotel.
Day 3 Aix-les-Bains – Lake and vineyards 60 km
We start our loop around Lac du Bourget on a beautiful asphalt road between boats, lake and mountains. It is a pleasure to drive through the port of Aix-les-Bains. Around 900 pleasure boats bob merrily at the jetties, creating a beautiful picture with the lake and the mountain backdrop. A wonderful trip around the lake with occasional climbs that offer a magnificent view of the lake scenery.
Around 1139, the Cistercian abbot Amédée de Clermont had the church and buildings of Hautecombe Abbey built on their current site with the help of the Counts of Savoy. It was a Countess of Savoy in 1174 who was the first to be buried in the church. This custom was continued by most of her descendants in the 13th century, but later became less regular and was broken in the 16th century. After the French Revolution, the mortal remains of the members of the Savoy family were gathered together in the Prince’s Chapel. The location of the monastery buildings is unique. After the visit, the tour continues at a leisurely pace, always close to the lake, back to the hotel.
Day 4 Aix-les-Bains – Albertville 61 km
After a short transfer, our cycle tour today first takes us to Chambery. As soon as you enter the old town, you are immersed in the heart of architecture inspired by Piedmont. Trompe-l’oeil and wrought ironwork characterize the image of this extraordinary town.
Visit the old town with the Place Saint-Léger, the Saint-François-de-Sales cathedral, the Elephant Fountain, which is closely linked to the castle of the Dukes of Savoy.
The magnificent cycle route continues to Conflans, accompanied by the foothills of the Alps and the Isère. A stop is a must! The medieval town center, which dates back to the 12th century, is picturesque. A few more kilometers and we reach the winter sports and Olympic venue of Albertville. Transfer back to the hotel.
Day 5 Aix-les-Bains – Annecy 44 km
Today’s cycle tour is characterized by pastures, small Savoyard villages and, above all, breathtaking passages, such as the ride over the Pont de l’Abîme bridge to the Gorges du Fiers gorge. The Fiers Gorge is one of the most important sights in the Alps. Since 1869, the gorge has been accessible via a 252-metre-long footbridge, which is fixed 25 meters above the river. Inside the gigantic gorge flows the Fier, accompanied by a collection of interestingly shaped boulders. A natural play of light and shadow, erosion phenomena accompany the impressive hike. After this erosion spectacle, the view of the charming lake landscape on arrival in Annecy is a fitting end to the day.
Day 6 Annecy around the lake 40 km
One of the first cycle paths in France was created around Lake Annecy. There are hardly any car passages and always this magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountain panoramas with Mont Veyrier, Mont Baron, Tournett and Taillefer, including hundreds of paragliders. A cycling route for pleasure! At first, we enjoy the atmosphere without any significant elevation gain. You can take a dip in the lake during a picnic.
The route now climbs uphill before Talloires. But the ascent also means a breathtaking panorama and a wonderful descent. Back in Annecy, we enjoy a tour of the picturesque old town with its winding alleyways and canals. Return to the hotel.
Day 7
Departure or extension
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