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ESY-015127978 - © - CSP_fullempty
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Thiou river, Palais (palace) de l'Ile, riverside
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France, Savoie (73), Aix-les-Bains, Place Carnot
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Mountain Peak
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Chamb?ry (France). Tourists are strolling in Place Saint L?ger
The Lakes and Massifs of the French Pre-Alps
Road Trip to the heart of Bauges and Chartreuse
- Mountains
- Nature & Discovery
The Bauges and Chartreuse massifs welcome you for a relaxing stay in nature with lakes and mountains. From Annecy to Grenoble, you will pass through exceptional locations and breathtaking panoramas. Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget, Lake Aiguebelette, thermal baths, Grande Chartreuse, cities of art and history, there is something for everyone. By car, the pre-Alps await.
Ref : 510
Customize your trip
Annecy Grenoble
Day 1 - Annecy - Aix les Bains
Annecy is defined by its old town and its gardens, the Saint-Maurice church, its Palais de l’île, its chateau museum, its Rue Sainte-Claire, its gardens and its Champ de Mars. A town where it pays to walk with eyes looking upwards to observe its treasures. But Annecy is above all the lake, a magnificent and vast sheet of crystal waters in which the town soaks its feet. Relax on its beaches after a walk or bike ride through this majestic setting before heading towards Lake Bourget to spend the evening in Aix-les-Bains.
- Distance : 33 km
- Duration : 0h44
Day 2 - Aix les Bains - Chambery
A spa town at the foot of the Alps, Aix-les-Bains is reflected in the beautiful waters of Lake Bourget. Take a tour of this spa town where everything radiates well-being, enjoy a spa session in a setting renowned for the quality of its treatments, and take a stroll alonng the shores of the lake. Your next destination is the Bauges Massif, part of which is crossed in order to reach Chambery. Near the lakes, this former capital of Savoy enjoys a mild climate in a mountainous setting. With the imposing Chateau des Ducs de Savoie, this well-preserved medieval town is a joy in both sight and spirit where you can admire its mansions, carillon, the fountain of the Elephants and trompe-l’œil facades.
- Distance : 17 km
- Duration : 0h28
Day 3 - Chambéry - Aiguebelette - Chambéry
A little emerald gem with waters undisturbed by motor boats, Lake Aiguebelette warrants an extended stay on its shores. Plan to have lunch and spend a refreshing afternoon alternating between water sports, swimming, walking and rest. Return to Chambéry to spend the evening.
- Distance : 62 km
- Duration : 1h46
Day 4 - Chambéry - Voiron
Leave behind the Bauges massif and head towards Chartreuse. After visiting the Grande Chartreuse Museum, which will allow you to fully appreciate the building, take the one hour walk to the magnificent Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse which can be viewed from outside to avoid disturbing the silence of the monks. From Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, the more sporty can tackle Grand Som, the fourth summit of the Chartreuse, which offers a 360° view of the surrounding mountains and monastery below. Charmant Som offers a more accessible hiking option with a 1h30 circuit. Take the road to Voiron, known as the manufacturing town of Rossignol skis as well as the famous Chartreuse, a liquor based on plants produced by the monks and for which they alone hold the secret. Don’t miss the hugely informative visit of the distillery, at the end of which a tasting of the liqueur is offered.
- Distance : 76 km
- Duration : 2h1
Day 5 - Voiron - Grenoble
End your stay in Grenoble, beautifully located between Chartreuse, Vercors, and the Massif de Belledonne. A metropolis of art and history with a deep heritage, a walk around it will allow you to discover its old centre, museums, cathedral, the Maison Stendhal and the former Palais du Parlement du Dauphiné.
This marks the end of your stay. Though you may want to extend your stay in Grenoble to enjoy the many hike and tour options available for the area.
- Distance : 27 km
- Duration : 0h46
