Lake Annecy & the Mont Blanc Express

We journey aboard Eurostar from London to Paris and continue by rail to Annecy where we are transferred by coach to the mountain resort of La Clusaz; our base for the next five nights.

This morning spend time relaxing or exploring our resort, full of small village charm. Explore the streets that fan off from the main square or browse the market selling local produce. We then travel to Geneva, which lies on the western shores of Lake Geneva and offers amazing views of Mont Blanc. Ideal for exploring on foot and a must see sight is Geneva’s lake and its famous water fountain, other attractions include the flower clock in the English garden, the gothic 18th century Cathedral St Pierre and a stroll around the beautiful old town is not to be missed.

Today we include a full day in Annecy. The combination of crystal clear canals, narrow traffic-free streets, delightful bridges and colourful houses bedecked with flowers make it a wonderful place to explore. Make sure you visit the Palais de I’Isle and the 13th-century Château d’Annecy, the popular picnic spot of Champs de Mars where you can cross Lovers’ Bridge and walk along the lake edge to a public garden and a beach. The lake itself is full of life and you can take a boat trip on the lake which has some of the most crystal clear waters in Europe!

Today we travel by coach to the town of St-Gervais-les-Bains and join the Mont Blanc Express for a scenic railway journey to Chamonix. This famous resort sits 1,035 metres above sea level in the shadow of Mont Blanc and is surrounded by glaciers, snowcapped peaks and lush green meadows. We have plenty of time to admire the views before we take the Montenvers rack railway which climbs to 1913 meters through forests, tunnels and over viaducts before opening up to a stunning panorama with the Mer de Glace below.  There are shops, bars and restaurants as well as an ice cave. Make sure you bring your camera to capture a day of spectacular views.

Today we visit the thermal spa town of Aix-les-Baines, on the edge of France’s largest freshwater Lake Bourget. Aix-les-Baines is one of Europe’s most fashionable destinations offering some fantastic sandy beaches, a relaxed shopping experience and some excellent restaurants to enjoy some local cuisine. Make sure you visit well known sights such as the Roman ruin, Temple of Diana and the belle epoque Château de la Roche du Roi.

We leave our peaceful retreat behind and travel back to Paris where we join the Eurostar for the return journey back to London.