Escorted Tours
Lake Annecy Seven Nights by Rail
We travel by rail to Lake Annecy for 7 nights, staying near Talloires at Les Grillons Hotel and exploring the lake, mountains and nearby towns by coach. The tour includes Annecy, Chamonix, Lake Geneva, Evian, Yvoire and Geneva, with the additional day bringing in Thones, the Resistance Museum, Chateau de Menthon and a Savoyard cheese tasting.
Lake Annecy offers a calm setting for a relaxed week, with Les Grillons Hotel placing us close to the water and the surrounding Alpine scenery. Travelling by rail gives the tour an easier pace from the beginning.
The itinerary balances lake and mountain landscapes with local history, village life and regional flavour. Alongside time in nearby towns, visits to the Resistance Museum and Chateau de Menthon, plus a Savoyard cheese tasting, add depth and a stronger sense of place.
what’s included
At A Glance
itinerary & excursions
2027 Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Journey by Rail to Lake Annecy
Travel by Eurostar & TGV from St Pancras to Lyon via Lille. On arrival, transfer by coach to Talloires (approx. 2 hours) and the Hotel Les Grillons.

Day 2: Chamonix and Mont Blanc Mountain Scenery
A busy and cosmopolitan town, Chamonix sits at the foot of Mont Blanc surrounded by the best of mountain scenery – glaciers, snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows. It is the base for all mountain-based activities, in summer and winter – for spectacular views take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up Mont Blanc itself, or, for those who aren’t big fans of heights, try the Montenvers rack railway which will take you to the foot of the Mer de Glace glacier.

Day 3: Annecy’s Old Town, Canals and Lakeside Views
One of the most attractive and popular resorts in the French Alps, the town of Annecy sits on the banks of the lake surrounded by breath-taking alpine scenery. The imposing château on the hill and the Palais de l’Ile provide much historical interest, and you’ll find the canals and narrow passages of the 16th century old town enchanting, especially when the town’s many flowers are in bloom.

Day 4: Talloires at Leisure

Day 5: Lake Geneva, Évian and Medieval Yvoire
The expanse of Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman to the French) forms a natural border between France and Switzerland. The awe-inspiring scenery and fine climate made the shores of the lake popular for health resorts the most well-known being Évian-les-Bains, where you can take a lovely stroll along the tree-lined waterfront.
Take a bottle along to taste the famous water from the Source Cachat on the Avenue des Sources. Picturesque Yvoire is a lovely medieval village of narrow cobbled streets and stone houses sloping down to the edge of the water. The castle and two stone gateways date from the 14th century.

Day 6: Geneva, Lake Views and the Old Town
In terms of being international and cosmopolitan there aren’t many cities that can compare with Geneva. Its location is fantastic, strung along the shore of mountain-backed Lake Geneva, and it is the place that many international organisations choose to base their European headquarters: you may see the UN, WHO and Red Cross. The museums here are world-class and the old town is wonderfully picturesque, heading up the 16th-century St Peter’s Cathedral, which gives visitors fantastic views over the city, lake and mountains beyond.

Day 7: Château de Menthon, Savoyard Cheese and Thônes
This morning we visit the impressive medieval Chateau de Menthon, dating back in parts to the 12th century and lavishly updated during the Renaissance. It has been home – and remains so – to the Menthon family for centuries. Next we visit “Les Fromages du Fermier”, a Savoyard cheese specialist based in the Aravis, to taste locally made and cave‑aged cheeses from nearby farms.
This afternoon we head to the town of Thônes for a visit to the Resistance Museum which tells the story of the underground fighters in WWII, and have free time for exploration.
Day 8: Transfer Back To Lyon Station To Catch The Return TGV To Lille
Transfer back to Lyon Station to catch the return TGV to Lille and onwards on the Eurostar service to St Pancras.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“The group was fantastic and really added to the enjoyment of the holiday. Karen was extremely efficient and always there when needed, while the family-run hotel and beautifully presented French cuisine made the whole experience feel very special.”
Mrs D, May 2026
“Hotel Les Grillons was excellent and made a wonderful base for the holiday. Karen Dean was also an outstanding tour manager: friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable throughout the trip.”
Mrs R, May 2026
“It’s very difficult to choose just one highlight from this wonderful trip, but Geneva, seeing Mont Blanc and visiting the towns around Lake Annecy will all stay in the memory. Karen Dean and the driver were also among the best tour team we’ve travelled with and helped make the holiday so enjoyable.”
Jane Burke, May 2026
“Lake Annecy was a beautiful location for a holiday, made even more enjoyable by a clean, comfortable and friendly hotel.”
Mark Lockyer, April 2026
“Chamonix was definitely a highlight for me, with the mountain scenery making it such a lovely place to spend the day. The whole trip was very well organised and easy to enjoy throughout.”
Ms S, April 2026
Availability
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Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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