Alps by Design
Itinerary

5 Days: French Alpine Lakes & Spas

A gentle, romantic loop through the Savoie lakes — the prettiest old town in the Alps, then a belle-époque spa on France's largest lake. No summits required.

Length

5 days

Style

Lakes & wellness

Getting around

Train

Pace

Relaxed

Best season

May to September

Budget

$$$

Best for

Couples and relaxed travelers who want lake days, good food, and thermal spas over mountain effort.

Your bases

AnnecyAix-les-Bains

Day by day

  1. Day1

    Arrive in Annecy

    Annecy

    Settle into the canal-laced old town, an early lakeside apéritif as the mountains turn pink across the water.

  2. Day2

    Around the lake

    Annecy

    Cycle the greenway, swim at a lakeside beach, and lunch in Talloires — Annecy at its slow, golden best.

  3. Day3

    A taste of the mountains

    Annecy

    An easy half-day up into the Aravis near La Clusaz for ridge views and Reblochon, back to the lake by evening.

  4. Day4

    Thermal town

    Aix-les-Bains

    Short train to Aix-les-Bains on Lac du Bourget. An afternoon in the thermal baths and a stroll along the belle-époque promenade.

  5. Day5

    Lake & abbey

    Aix-les-Bains

    A boat across the lake to Hautecombe Abbey, a last lakeside lunch, then the train onward.

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