📍 France

ALPS HERITAGE: LYON TO ANNECY THROUGH MOUNTAIN PASSES

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere. Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season. Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value. Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

Renaissance palaces lighting up stone cities, thermal baths warming valleys, alpine peaks framing turquoise lakes. The Alps, between heritage and nature.

≈ 6

Days

285

Stops

📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Cross the Alps from Lyon furrow to alpine shores. Explore Lyon and its urban heritage, cross Chambéry and its medieval center, enjoy Aix-les-Bains and its thermal waters, then reach Annecy where lake dialogues with peaks.

Lyon: renaissance urban heritage
Chambéry: medieval ducal treasures
Aix-les-Bains: thermal mountain spa
Annecy: turquoise alpine perfection

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Lyon

renaissance silk city heritage

6 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Saint-Jean Cathedral (Vieux Lyon)

Traboules of Vieux Lyon (selected route)

Lugdunum – museum & Roman theaters (exteriors included)

Fourvière Hill & Basilica (panoramic esplanade)

+3 Places visited

🎯

Activities

→

Bike ride along the Rhône (urban greenway)

Day

Lyon

renaissance silk city heritage

6 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Medieval village of Pérouges (fortified city, Grand'Rue & Place du Tilleul)

🎯

Activities

→

Hiking loops around Pérouges (40–150 min depending on trail)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 113 km

Travel time: 1h53

Day

Chambery

medieval ducal fortress towns

6 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Lake Aiguebelette – Lake House (Nances) & viewpoints

Chambéry – Old Town & Castle of the Dukes of Savoy (exteriors)

Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral & Elephants Fountain

🎯

Activities

→

Kayaking or bike path ride along Lake Aiguebelette (seasonal)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 112 km

Travel time: 1h25

Day

Aix Les Bains

thermal water mountain sanctuary

6 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Aix-les-Bains – thermal center & National Thermal Baths (exterior/architecture)

Lake Bourget promenade – esplanade & beaches (seasonal)

Hautecombe Abbey (wild shore of the lake)

Col de la Chambotte – belvedere over Lake Bourget (short walk)

🎯

Activities

→

Wellness moment at the thermal baths (Chevalley or other, depending on opening)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 16 km

Travel time: 20min

Day

Annecy

turquoise alpine lake jewel

5 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Old Town of Annecy – canals, Pont Perrière, Palais de l'Isle (exterior)

Château d'Annecy (esplanades & museums)

Lake tour (Albigny–Sévrier sectors) – photo spots

🎯

Activities

→

Boat or pedal boat rental on Lake Annecy (weather dependent)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 44 km

Travel time: 45min

Day

Annecy

turquoise alpine lake jewel

5 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Col de la Forclaz viewpoint above the lake (panorama, car access + short walk)

Planfait site – lake view & paragliding takeoffs

🎯

Activities

→

Tandem paragliding experience (classic sites: La Forclaz 45.800700, 6.243600 / Planfait 45.843300, 6.211800)

→

Cycling greenway around the lake (Annecy–Saint-Jorioz section, round trip)

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

BETWEEN THE BRESSE PLAINS AND BUGEY MOUNTAINS

📅 18 days 🛣️ 530 Km

ROYANS–VERCORS: 15 PERCHED VILLAGES, GORGES AND BALCONIES LINKED WITHOUT ZIGZAGS

📅 15 days 🛣️ 156 Km

AROUND LYON: 15 MEDIEVAL VILLAGES, VINEYARDS & GOLDEN STONES (LOOP WITHOUT ZIGZAGS)

📅 16 days 🛣️ 630 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.