The Tour of the 3 Lakes by bike: from Annecy to Geneva via Le Bourget
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAnnecy / French Alps
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AgeFrom 3 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions42.43 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Three lakes, two countries, and the Alps as your backdrop: embark on a 4-day cycling trip between Annecy and Geneva, discovering the lakes of Annecy, Bourget, and Léman. From the "Venice of the Alps," the greenways will lead you between turquoise waters, Alpine peaks, and the vineyards of Savoy.
Along the ViaRhôna, discover a Savoie full of character: medieval heritage in Conflans, thermal break in Aix-les-Bains and wild landscapes along the Rhône punctuate this 230 km adventure.
Then it's off to Switzerland and Lake Geneva! Geneva and its famous Jet d'Eau mark the arrival of this Tour des 3 Lacs, a beautiful escape combining cycle touring in the Alps, Savoyard heritage, great lakes and Franco-Swiss culture.
With our one-way service, your journey always moves in the same direction: pick up your bike at the start, leave it at the finish and fully enjoy the ride, without having to backtrack.
The highlights
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The 3 pearls of the Alps: Annecy, Le Bourget and Lake Geneva combined in a single journey
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Travel through the vineyards of Savoy and discover the Savoyard heritage
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From Annecy to Geneva via the ViaRhôna, between mountains, thermal spas and great lakes
Photos
Sport
Level
Gravel biking
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for travelers in normal physical condition who are used to regular physical activity. You don't need to be an experienced cyclist: the stages are designed to allow everyone to ride at their own pace and fully enjoy the route.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 58 km
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Annecy to Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 57 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your cycling adventure begins on the shores of Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. After collecting your equipment with the one-way service, you leave the turquoise waters behind and set off on a comfortable greenway. This route, without any technical difficulties, offers breathtaking views of the Aravis mountain range. Cycling towards Ugine, then Albertville, you enter the heart of the Alpine valleys. Before reaching your rest stop, take the time to climb up to the medieval town of Conflans to admire its historical heritage. You end this first day in Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère, marking a perfect transition between lake and mountains on this tour of the three lakes.
Day 1 -
Heart of Savoy and Lake Bourget
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 66 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head west for the next leg of your 3-lake cycling tour. You'll cross the vineyards of the Combe de Savoie under the watchful gaze of Miolans Castle, on your way to Chambéry, the historic capital of Savoy.
After a cultural stop in Chambéry, the route heads north to reach the second jewel of your 3 lakes cycling tour: Lake Bourget.
Here you are in Aix-les-Bains, on the Riviera of the Alps. Facing the largest natural lake in France, you realize the full beauty of this 3-lake cycling tour, between deep waters and protective mountains.
Day 2 -
Along the Rhône
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 46 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting from Aix-les-Bains, follow the wild coastline. The steep cliffs plunging into the water offer one of the most spectacular panoramas of the 3 lakes cycling tour.
A stop in Chanaz, the "Little Venice of Savoy", is a must. This is where your route leaves Lake Bourget to join the Rhône, the guiding thread for the rest of your 3-lake cycling tour.
You now follow the river to Seyssel. This small town straddling two departments marks a peaceful and bucolic stage, characteristic of the varied atmosphere of the 3 lakes cycle tour.
Day 3 -
Arrival on Lake Geneva
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 61 km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The final stretch! Leaving Seyssel, you cycle with the Rhône as your guide, passing under the imposing Fort l'Ecluse. You are approaching the ultimate goal of your 3-lake cycling tour.
After the Swiss border at Chancy, the landscape opens up to the Geneva vineyards. Excitement builds as you approach the third and final lake on this 3-lake cycling tour: Lake Geneva.
Arriving in Geneva in front of the Jet d'Eau is triumphant. You have succeeded in your challenge of linking Annecy, Le Bourget and Lake Geneva, thus completing the superb loop of the 3 Lakes cycling tour.
Day 4
Accommodation
Throughout your stay, you will be accommodated in 3-star hotels carefully selected for their comfort, hospitality and location suitable for your cycling route.
After each day of cycling, you'll enjoy a comfortable room to rest and recharge before the next stage. We prioritize ideally located accommodations, allowing easy access to city centers, restaurants, and main points of interest.
Access
Enjoy your one-way bike trip!
Go to the starting point
From Annecy train station:
- On foot: This is the simplest and fastest option. Upon exiting the station, head towards Avenue d'Aléry. The journey is almost direct and takes only 4 minutes (approximately 270 meters).
Price details
The price includes
- Hotel accommodation in single rooms
- Breakfasts
- Trip organization
- GPX track
The price does not include
- Luggage transport
- Transport to the meeting point on Day 1
- Lunches and dinners
- Insurance
- Bike rentals
Options
- Mountain bike rental : CHF163.75 / unit
- E-bike rental : CHF248.83 / unit
- Bicycle repatriation : CHF112.52 / unit
- Gravel Rental : CHF237.85 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
The equipment mentioned is included as part of our bicycle rental service.
- Bicycle helmet
- Poncho
- Anti-theft
- Tire repair spray
- Phone holder
- Multi-tool
- 2 x 20L panniers
- Repair kit
Equipment to bring
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cap or buff
- Cycling gloves
- External battery
- Charging cables
Clothing to bring
- Cycling jersey or breathable technical t-shirt
- Windproof and/or waterproof jacket
- Thermal underlayer (if cold)
- Cycling shorts or bib shorts
- Long tights or waterproof over-trousers (if it's cold or raining)
- Lightweight gloves (summer) or thermal gloves (winter)
- Technical socks
- Buff / neck warmer
- Beanie under helmet (if cold)
- Comfortable T-shirt
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight trousers or shorts
- Tights or leggings (if cold)
- Lightweight sandals or flip-flops
- Appropriate shoes
- Waterproof overshoes
- Rain pants
- Breathable waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and gloves