French Alps Luxury Walk & Bike (Mountains & Alpine Culture from Annecy to Megève) 6D5N, Fully Guided

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 23 km (14 miles),  Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 32 km (20 miles,  Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 50 km (31 miles),  Elevation gain: 792 m (2600 ft)

Bienvenue dans les Alpes françaises! (Welcome to the French Alps!) We’ll convene at the bus station by 9:00 am, then hop on a shuttle across the Swiss border to a charming marina tucked along the Rhône River. Sip your coffee, nibble on those buttery croissants, and watch as your bikes are fitted. We're ready to roll after a quick (and maybe slightly humorous) safety talk covering essential gear and equipment!

Our first breezy ride courses along the ViaRhôna, an epic 815 km (506 miles) biking route that begins in Geneva’s majestic alpine backdrop and winds to the sunny shores of Marseille. Along the peaceful Savière Canal, where the Rhône River and Lac du Bourget meet, we will break for lunch in the delightful village of Chanaz, also known as “Little Venice of Savoie.” Think quaint riverside cottages, postcard views, and a generous helping of French cuisine that’ll make you wish you could stay forever.

After refuelling, it’s back on two wheels for a short spin to Port de Conjux, where we’ll board a ferry across Lac du Bourget (the largest natural lake in France, covering about 44.5 square kilometres or 17.2 square miles) to our charmingly refined hotel in Aix-les-Bains. En route, watch for the gothic Hautecombe Abbey, a royal tomb for long-gone Swiss and Italian nobles. For those looking to catch more of the action on two wheels, you can cycle the scenic loop around the lake and meet us back at the hotel.

Hotel L’Incomparable is a 5-star boutique gem boasting panoramic views of Lac du Bourget. This retreat offers a Michelin-starred restaurant, a spa, and a serene outdoor pool. With exquisite rooms, a tennis court, and lush gardens, it’s the perfect blend of luxury and nature. Tonight, we celebrate your welcome with a lively reception on a terrace overlooking the sparkling blue expanse of Lac du Bourget. Afterward, our gazes are set to the dining room, where delicious dishes made with garden-fresh ingredients await.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles),  Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1,200 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 19 km (12 miles),  Elevation gain: 488 m (1,600 ft)

Get into your morning spirit with a sizzling cup of cappuccino and a delicious breakfast at the hotel before taking a quick shuttle to the scenic foothills of Massif de Bauges Regional Nature Park. We recommend having your camera ready! This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site nestles between Lac du Bourget and the idyllic Lac d'Annecy, with views sure to leave you astonished.

Today's hike leads you on a winding path through lush alpine pastures and forests, gradually leading us to a cliffside trail. Along its course, luxuriate in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Lac du Bourget below, framed by the rugged, exposed cliff faces that rise majestically around it. Once past the tree line, we will arrive at the Belvédère du Revard, a wooden platform that opens up to an astonishing 360-degree panorama of the region. Here, take a moment to breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak up the stunning kaleidoscope of greens, greys, and blues that stretch the horizon—it’s the perfect spot to capture that postcard-perfect photo.

Your afternoon lunch is a colourful spread of picnic delights and local specialties. You will be treated to the rich flavours of Tome de Bauges, a delightful semi-soft cheese made from the milk of cows that graze exclusively on the grass and hay from the Bauges Mountains. Every bite reveals a distinct earthy aroma and delicious flavour reminiscent of grassy meadows and mushrooms.

With lunch behind you, you may decide to venture back into the adventure by exploring the teeming, forested slopes of Croix de Bergers or return to the hotel on a shuttle and unwind with a well-deserved spa treatment (spa at own expense).

Moving into the evening, we’ll gather again for an evening filled with culinary affairs at a charming local restaurant in Aix-les-Bains, affectionately known as "the Alpine Riviera." Once a dazzling gem of the Belle Époque, this captivating town has managed to retain its charming essence and elegant architecture. Here, you can savour modern French cuisine that pays homage to traditional flavours while embracing contemporary twists, all within an atmosphere that perfectly complements the evening’s ambiance.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 31 km (19 miles),  Elevation gain: 427 m (1,400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 48 km (30 miles),  Elevation gain: 853 m (2,800 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 71 km (44 miles),  Elevation gain: 975 m (3,200 ft)

Start the morning with a delicious spread at the hotel before whisking off to another adventure in the breathtaking Alps!

A 30-minute shuttle brings us to the foothills of the Bauges Mountains, where a local cheesemaking family invites us into their world, sharing generations of passion and expertise. You’ll have ample time to sample some of their finest creations before jumping on our bikes for our first ride of the day through the Northern Bauges. Pedal through green plateaus and forests draped in serenity, passing alpine villages before a thrilling descent delivers us to the shores of one of Europe’s purest lakes, Lac d'Annecy. Here, we’ll pause for a well-earned break at a lakeside café, soaking in the midday sun with a filling lunch.

In the afternoon, we’re back on the move, following the scenic La Voie Verte bike path along smooth, winding routes that hug the waterways feeding into Lac d'Annecy. Our ride ends in the quaint town of Ugine, tucked away in the heart of Val d’Arly. From there, a shuttle takes us to the charming Alpine village of Megève, where we’ll unwind in the luxury of L'Alpaga for the next three nights. With its warm wood, plush velvets, and earthy accents, L'Alpaga perfectly reflects the beauty of its alpine surroundings. Relax with a nap in your cosy room, soak in the hot tub, detox in the wood-fired sauna, or sip a drink while taking in the stunning mountain views—pure bliss.

Tonight’s dinner is at the hotel’s superb bistro, where you’ll indulge in tantalising Alpine specialties that awaken your senses, rounding out a perfect day with an alluring touch.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles),  Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 13 km (8 miles),  Elevation gain: 305 m (1,000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 18 km (11 miles),  Elevation gain: 335 m (1,100 ft)

Please note: Inclement weather and lift seasonality may cause deviations to your morning activities. If this is the case, your Trip Leaders will provide you with an equally incredible set of alternatives.

Today, we head out from Megève, where layers of mountains and snowcapped peaks set the stage. A shuttle takes us to the ski lift, which sweeps us above the treeline. From this point, we tread paths surrounded by lush pastures punctuated by colourful wildflowers and grazing cows. At some point, we will be treated to stunning views of towering peaks, including Mont Blanc, the majestic giant of Western Europe at 4,808 metres (15,781 feet). A cosy mountain hut awaits us with appetisers and a lunch featuring regional specialties, including a delightful selection of local cheeses.

After lunch, you can either loop back to Megève through pine forests or take a shuttle back to town. Tonight, dinner is up to you, and Megève—with its charming cobblestone streets, chic boutiques, and restaurants favoured by the Parisian elite—offers plenty of great options. Your leaders will be happy to recommend some of the best spots!

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles),  Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles),  Elevation gain: 549 m (1,800 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles),  Elevation gain: 671 m (2,200 ft)

This morning, we ascend into the heart of the mountains with a breathtaking ride on the Mont Blanc Tramway, where the views become more spectacular with every climb. Stepping off, we wander into mist-laden forests, where distant grey peaks form a dramatic backdrop. A few steps along the rocky path take us higher until the Passerelle de Bionnassay comes into view—a wooden bridge suspended over a gorge, offering sweeping vistas of the glacier below and the rugged alpine landscape.

Standing at the centre of the bridge, you’re enveloped by the raw beauty of glacier-carved hills and winding river valleys—a sight that stirs the soul. After the morning tour, we’ll whisk away to the charming Auberge de Bionnassay, where the rich flavours of Savoyard cuisine meet panoramic views of the Alps from a sun-drenched terrace. If you’re craving more adventure, the afternoon offers a chance to hike further along a lush trail through the Col de Voza, a stunning mountain pass nestled between Switzerland and Megève.

As dusk settles, we gather for a celebratory toast, raising our glasses to the memories made so far as we share stories of our adventures.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles),  Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles),  Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

Wake up slowly to your last breakfast at the hotel, basking in the warmth of the sun and the memories of your journey. If your flight schedule allows, take one last stroll through Megève’s cobblestone streets or explore the local shops for keepsakes.

A group shuttle will whisk you back to Geneva Airport. Until we meet again in the Alps—keep your spirits high and your hearts open to adventure!

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.