Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
Guided Biking
- Daily Mileage: 5-39 miles|
- Biking: 1-5 hours|
Starting From
10-day Air Package
$5,945
7-day Bike Tour Only
$4,595
Per person, double occupancy
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
This unique cycling vacation reveals a side of Switzerland and France you won’t find anywhere else. Join local VBT trip leaders in a delightful spin along gentle lakeside bike paths far from tourist centers. Discover enchanting thermal pools springing from deep beneath Mont Blanc itself—creating the warmest geothermal waters in Switzerland. Our expert local leaders will guide you through the scenic Route du Rhône bike path towards Sion—an ancient city that time forgot. Here, you’ll find incredible Grand Cru vintages and a charming 13th-century hilltop castle. Pedal the sapphire shores of Lake Annecy, discovering medieval canals and delightful cafés—returning to relax on the sunny veranda of your waterfront hotel. As you explore the quaint medieval city of Chambéry, a two-night stay in an elegant 15th-century chateau leaves you feeling like royalty.
Tour Highlights
- Cycle well-paved bike paths amid stunning alpine beauty in France and Switzerland.
- Pedal along three stunning lakes of the Rhône-Alpes region–Geneva, Annecy, and Saint-André–delighting in bike paths along the Rhône and Isère rivers.
- Savor Swiss and French cuisine and wine to fuel and enhance your journey, from fondues and Fendant to coq au vin and Pinot Noir.
- Stroll the atmospheric medieval Old Towns of Annecy and Chambéry, grand cultural capitals of once-mighty French kingdoms.
- Savor a two-night stay in a grand French château, built in 1450 by a chivalrous noble family.
Positive Impact
VBT is proud to support Wine to Water with a donation on behalf of each guest on this tour. Wine to Water is an international organization providing access to clean drinking water and emergency supplies in water-challenged regions. We believe in giving back to the places that have enriched the lives of our guests. We’re committed to identifying and supporting sustainable initiatives in a variety of areas including education, world health, economic equality, safe drinking water, the environment, and the preservation of cultural traditions.
What to Expect
This tour offers easy terrain on well-paved bike paths and low-traffic country roads. Most paths follow rivers and lakes, with mountains far in the distance. It is ideal for beginning cyclists. Longer mileage options are offered on some days for more avid bikers.
- Daily Mileage: 5-39 miles|
- Biking: 1-5 hours|
- Group Size: 20
Cyclists
Support
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
May67º/50º
Jun73º/57º
Jul80º/61º
Aug79º/60º
Sep72º/54º
Oct61º/47º
Average
Precipitation:
May3.0 in
Jun3.1 in
Jul2.6 in
Aug3.1 in
Sep3.0 in
Oct3.4 in
Air Package |
Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare |
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Airport car service for arrival and departure |
||
One night in Chamonix (FR) and one night in Lyon (FR)* in conveniently located hotels with daily breakfast. *On some dates, Geneva (CH) is offered instead of Chamonix and Lyon. |
||
6 nights in fine hotels and a French château |
||
12 meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners |
Step-Through Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Road Bicycle (Carbon frame)
See More >Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
See More >Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
See More >Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
Support Vehicle
Luggage Transportation
Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
Welcome Reception
Facilitated Cultural Experiences
Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure
Accommodations (Please Note: Days are based on the Air Package Itinerary. Accommodations may vary depending on departure date. )
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2024 Pre-Trip Extension - Chamonix
2 Nights From
$295
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $245
- 2 nights at Hotel Le Morgane or Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons
- Airport car service for arrival
- Daily breakfast
- City information
Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.
A VBT representative will greet you at the Geneva airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel in Chamonix. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hôtel Le Morgane
This elegant and environmentally friendly four-star hotel offers mountain views and a fine-dining restaurant just a short walk away from Chamonix’s pedestrian main street. Contemporary, tranquil guestrooms are naturally cooled without air conditioning, and plush with wood accents and neutral tones. A spa complete with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and treatment facilities is on site.
Air Package Only
2024 Post-Trip Extension - Lyon
2 Nights From
$295
per person, double
occupancy
Single Supplement: From $245
- 2 nights at the Hotel Carlton Lyon MGallery
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast
- City information
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Lyon airport will be provided (an approximately 60-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Carlton Lyon MGallery by Sofitel
The Hotel Carlton Lyon MGallery by Sofitel is a fully renovated, stylish, 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Lyon’s pedestrian historic center. It has retained its authenticity and personality by combining contemporary comfort with sophistication and refinement. A five-minute walk from the Metro Bellecour, the hotel is the ideal base from which to discover Lyon: the Opera, museums, Cathedral St Jean, shopping streets, and the Rhône River are all nearby. Each of the air-conditioned rooms offers lush décor and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Onsite, you may relax in the plush lobby bar under the soft light of pearl chandeliers.
This is a great trip. The views of the snow covered alps as you rode were spectacular as were the lovely villages (late May trip). It would even be better if we wound through a few more small towns instead of so many bike paths. I personally wouldn't have minded a few hills. What made the trip, however, were our two guides, Michel and Cedric, The have been friends for thirty years. It showed and their comic interaction was most entertaining. Cedric gave a few days of Swiss history which was excellent. They were both excellent bike mechanics, which always helps. The hotels were diverse, from 1000 year old abbeys to newer, high end ones. The food and wine were also great. 5 STARS!
Switzerland, France, Lake Annecy, Lyon
Fabulous jaw-droppingly beautiful views, with unique and comfortable accommodations organized by knowledgeable, professional guides. Be sure to include the Mont Blanc pre-trip and the post-trip in Lyon.
Gratitude
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