French Alps Lake
Switzerland, France Bike Tours
Cycling from Geneva into France: Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget, and Lake Annecy
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length6 days
- Prices from€805 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Do you think cycling in the French Alps is beyond your ability? This unique bicycle tour makes it possible for leisure riders to experience the captivating cycling of the Alps without the hill hassle.
Linking the three major lakes of the area (Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget, and Lake Annecy), the cycling routes essentially follow the paths of the Rhône and Isère rivers, taking in historic villages, stunning natural scenery, lush meadows, valleys, and picturesque peaks along the way.
Pack your swimsuit in case you can’t resist the call of the lake (or all three lakes)! A refreshing swim is the best way to cool off after a day of biking. Come and cycle the entrancing Alps and capture some Alpine magic along the way!
Highlights
- Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget, and Lake Annecy
- The Rhône and Isère rivers paths
- Historic villages
- Stunning natural scenery
Don't forget to check out our other bike tours in France!
Itinerary
Two options available for overnights and itinerary varies slightly between the two.
Option A+:
Day 1: Arrival in Geneva or Gaillard
Day 2: Geneva/Gaillard - Seyssel, 39 miles (63 km)
Day 3: Seyssel - Aix-les-Bains, 29 miles (46 km)
Day 4: Aix-les-Bains - Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny, 29 miles (47 km)
Day 5: Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny - Annecy, 43 miles (69 km)
Day 6: Departure from Annecy*All distances are approximate.
Day 1: Arrival in Geneva or Gaillard
Arrive in Geneva at your leisure and check-in to your hotel by the lake. Take time to discover this stylish city on your own. It’s a gem of international organizations, finance, and culture, meshing Old World with New, and is a delight to explore. The crescent-shaped Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) provides a marvelous treat for your eyes. Since Geneva is the culinary capital of Switzerland, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and eateries sure to please every palate.Accommodations: Hotel Jade, 3 star
Day 2: Geneva/Gaillard - Seyssel, 39 miles (63 km)
Today you will meet the local representative for a bike fitting and itinerary briefing. The highlights of your route include cycling along the infamous Rhône River and admiring the views over the charming wine-making villages of Dardagny and Satigny. Conquer the westernmost point of Switzerland by bike at the village of Chancy and then cross the border into France. Do not miss the Fort de l’Ecluse, an elevated fort founded by a Duke of Savoy. He built it out of a striking rock formation, one which forms a natural entrance of the Rhône Valley into France between the Vauche hills and the Jura. Your home for the night is in Seyssel, a small “double-town” in both the Haute-Savoie (Upper Savoy) and the Ain departments on the Rhône River located between two dams.
Total climb: 2,733 ft (833 m) Total descent: 3,179 ft (910 m)Accommodations: Hotel Beau Séjour , 2 star
Day 3: Seyssel - Aix-les-Bains, 29 miles (46 km)
The views on today’s ride — the 14 summits of the Bauges mountain range on one side, as well as Mont de la Charvaz and Col-du-Chat on the other — are some of the major highlights of this tour. Sheer cliffs seem to spring up magically from the water and the mountains surround you in protective peacefulness. Lake Bourget (Lac du Bourget) is the largest natural lake of glacial origin and the deepest entirely within France. It was home to the now-extinct Bezoule, a freshwater whitefish that fed at muddy depths of 70 to 80 meters (230 - 260 ft) and reportedly disappeared in the 1960s. Cycle past the impressive site of the medieval Château de Montverran in Culoz, which was built on a rock in 1316 and, in more recent times, inspired the likes of the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. Pedal on to the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, which was known for its baths as far back as the Roman Empire. You can discover the numerous Roman ruins that remain.
Total climb: 1,500 ft (460 m) Total descent: 1,562 ft (476 m)Accommodations: Hotel Aquakub, 3 star
Day 4: Aix-les-Bains - Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny, 29 miles (47 km)
Today you’ll pedal through the heart of Savoy to Chambery, a town of art and history. Located in a wide valley between the Bauges and Chartreuse Mountain ranges, at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the old-town section of Chambery is one of the most remarkable in France. Along the way, take in the ruins of the 10th century fortress, Chateau de Miolans, which overlook the rich wine-growing region of the Combe de Savoie valley (including the village of Chignin, with remains of the 8th century Sarasin stronghold and its 6 towers). The Isère River guides the route to Grésy-sur-Isère, a largely agricultural community that has been inhabited by man since the Neolithic Age.
Total climb: 1,952 ft (595 m) Total descent: 1,404 ft (428 m)Accommodations: Château des Allues
Day 5: Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny - Annecy, 43 miles (69 km)
Roll your way to Grésy-sur-Isère by way of Albertville, situated on the Arly River close to the confluence with the Isere River. Albertville hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics and has become quite an industrial center, but it also encompasses the medieval town of Conflans, whose buildings date back to the 14th century. The Beaufortain and Bauges Mountain ranges will dazzle you as you cycle to the stunning Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy). Known as Europe’s cleanest lake, the Aravis mountain range reigns over the lake edge; its heights are famous for the hairpin turns and steep bends in the Tour de France. The magnificent town of Annecy, nestled on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, might remind you of Venice — canals cut through sections of the historic Alpine-style village. Strolling around, you’ll encounter the Palais de l’Isle (12th Century prison on an island, the town’s symbol), the Chateau d’Annecy, the 16th-century Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, and the 20th century Pont des Amour (Lover’s Bridge) made of iron.
Total climb: 2,260 ft (689 m) Total descent: 2,090 ft (637 m)Accommodations: Splendid Hotel, 3 star
Day 6: Departure from Annecy
Departure after breakfast or extend your stay in Annecy!Option A:
Day 1: Arrival in Gaillard (7 km from center of Geneva)
Accommodation: Hotel Porte de Genève, 3 starDay 2: Gaillard - Seyssel, 43mi. (69 km), total climb 2,871 ft (875 m)
Accommodation: Hotel Beau Séjour, 2 starDay 3: Seyssel - Aix-les-Bains, 29 mi. (46 km), total climb 1,500 ft (460 m)
Accommodation: Hotel le Colibri, 2 starDay 4: Aix-les-Bains - Tournon, 41 mi. (65 km), total climb 2,963 ft (903 m)
Accommodation: Domaine du Grand CellierDay 5: Tournon - Annecy, 34 mi. (55 km), total climb 1,362 ft (415 m)
Accommodation: Hotel des Alpes, 2 starDay 6: Departure
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Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations in 2 and 3-star hotels. In each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel but your final hotel list will be based on availability. If the preferred hotel is not available, you will be accommodated in an establishment of equal standard.
Bicycles
Hybrid bike
Available Model: Giant Escape 2 2017 or similar
- Fork: Aluxx Aluminium with low-rider rack mounts
- Front Derailleur: Shimano M191
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus
- Brakes: Tektro, linear pull
- Tires: Giant S-X3, 700x32, puncture protect
- Cassette: SRAM PG-830 11x32, 8-speed
- Crankset: SHIMANO Acera - 48/38/28
- Stem: Giant Sport
- Handlebar: Giant Connect, Low-rise, 31.8mm
- Seatpost: Giant Sport, 27.2mm
- Seat: Giant Connect Upright
- Weight: 12,50 kg
Carbon road bike
Available model: Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 (or similar)
- Frame: 300 Series Alpha Aluminum
- Fork: Checkpoint carbon
- Front Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX400
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RX400
- Brakes: Shimano GRX hydraulic disc
- Tires: Bontrager GR1 Comp, 700x40C
- Wheels: Bontrager alloy
- Cassette: Shimano Tiagra HG500, 11-34, 10 speed
- Crankset: Shimano GRX RX600, 46/30
- Stem: Bontrager Elite, 31.8mm
- Handlebar: Bontrager Elite IsoZone VR-CF
- Seatpost: Bontrager Comp, 27.2mm
- Seat: Bontrager Montrose Comp
Electric bike
Available Model: Cube Hybrid Pro 500WH Red’n’Grey
- Frame: Aluminium Superlite, Comfort
- Fork: Suntour NEX-E25, 63mm
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore RD-M6000-GS, 10-Speed
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200, Hydr. Disc Brake
- Wheels: CUBE ZX20, 36H, Disc, 28”
- Tires : Schwalbe Smart Sam, Active, 44x622,
- Cassette: Shimano Deore CS-HG500, 11-42T
- Crankset: FSA Metropolis Urban AL-8, 15T, 175mm
- Stem: CUBE Performance Stem Pro, 31.8mm
- Handlebar: CUBE Rise Trail Bar, 680mm
- Seatpost: CUBE Performance Post, 27.2mm
- Seat: CUBE Active 1.1
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 500Wh
- Engine: Bosch Drive Unit Performance CX Generation 4 (75Nm) Cruise (250Watt), 36V
- Weight: 21,4 kg
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations as described
- Hybrid bike rental (Giant Escape 2 2017 or similar) with helmet, lock, pump, water bottle, tool kit, spare tube, and Co2 cartridge
- Daily breakfast
- Meeting with local representative on the morning of Day 2
- 2 dinners (Seyssel and Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère or Saint Pierre d’Albigny, drinks not included)
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
- Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability)
- Luggage transfers
- Emergency number
- All tax and service charges
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Personal expenses
- Road bike rental upgrade (Wilier GTR Team or similar)
- Electric bike rental upgrade (Cube Hybrid Pro 500WH Red’n’Grey)
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Starts any Friday or Sunday from April through October (must be 4 or more at time of booking and departure).
Alternate start days possible for groups only!
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Option A:
Twin/double: $ 1279 £ 713 $ 1,233 € 805 NZ$ 1377 kr 8322 $ 986 Single supplement: $ 381 £ 212 $ 367 € 240 NZ$ 411 kr 2481 $ 294
Option A Plus:
Twin/double: $ 1597 £ 890 $ 1,539 € 1005 NZ$ 1720 kr 10389 $ 1,231 Single supplement: $ 612 £ 341 $ 590 € 385 NZ$ 659 kr 3980 $ 472Extra Options
Full carbon road bike rental: $ 127 £ 71 $ 122 € 80 NZ$ 137 kr 827 $ 98
Electric bike rental: $ 135 £ 75 $ 130 € 85 NZ$ 145 kr 879 $ 104
Extra Nights*
Option A Option A + Geneva (or surrounding) $ 87 £ 49 $ 84 € 55 NZ$ 94 kr 569 $ 67 $ 159 £ 89 $ 153 € 100 NZ$ 171 kr 1034 $ 122 Single $ 151 £ 84 $ 145 € 95 NZ$ 163 kr 982 $ 116 $ 278 £ 155 $ 268 € 175 NZ$ 299 kr 1809 $ 214 Annecy $ 103 £ 58 $ 100 € 65 NZ$ 111 kr 672 $ 80 $ 135 £ 75 $ 130 € 85 NZ$ 145 kr 879 $ 104 Single $ 159 £ 89 $ 153 € 100 NZ$ 171 kr 1034 $ 122 $ 246 £ 137 $ 237 € 155 NZ$ 265 kr 1602 $ 190 *Pricing subject to change depending on dates and category of room available.
Electric and full-carbon bikes are available upon request!
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
Average daily distance is 35 miles with some moderate ascents. Elevation graphs can be provided upon request!
Airport Info
Fly to Geneva International Airport
Local Travel
The city center is located 4 km from the airport and is easily accessible by train or by bus. If by train, travel to the city center is 6 minutes. Trains leave every 12 minutes during peak hours. There are numerous busses that leave the airport as well. You can access busses at check in level or beside the train station. You can pick up a free ticket for public transportation from the machine in the baggage collection area at the Arrival level. This Unireso ticket, offered by Genève Aéroport, allows you to use public transportation in Geneva free for a period of 80 minutes. We will provide details regarding how to arrive to your first hotel. Due note that if you book Option A, you will be accommodated outside Geneva center in Gaillard. If you prefer not to use public transportation, you can ake a taxi which costs between 30 and 35 CHF, depending on the time of day.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to research travel requirements and to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, blank visa pages required for your destination (s), and any other requirement.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU citizens: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and the destination country.
EU-citizens: (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months from the end of your tour.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cyclomundo.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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