When you think of the Alps, lakes probably aren’t the first thing that crosses your mind—but they should be the first you cross off your must-see list! On two wheels, Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva come alive—over 7 days, I’ll take you to the famous views and secret trails, and we’ll uncover hidden gems along the way. Beyond the turquoise waters that will keep showing up in every view, we’ll ride past terraced vineyards, charming Alpine towns, and soaring peaks—while staying in upscale hotels overlooking the lake. For an all-inclusive, hassle-free, ridiculously gorgeous journey with a local guide, look no further.
The Lake Annecy to Lake Geneva tour takes us through some of Europe’s most spectacular alpine landscapes, from turquoise lakes and charming villages to UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. Over 7 days, we’ll enjoy scenic trails around Lake Annecy, climb to Semnoz for panoramic views, cross the Green Valley to Evian, and cruise Lake Geneva by boat to Lausanne. We’ll enjoy the delights of Lavaux’s terraced vineyards, stay in upscale hotels like the Imperial Palace in Annecy and Hotel Léman above Vevey, and choose between road or e-bikes for a fully tailored adventure!
You’ll arrive in Annecy in the afternoon, with time to settle into your hotel and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the old town or simply relax and soak in the views before the adventure begins. The evening is yours to rest, recharge, and prepare for the journey ahead!
Accommodation: Imperial Palace Hotel
We begin our adventure with a leisurely tour around Lake Annecy, following a flat and enjoyable route that showcases the lake’s turquoise waters framed by majestic mountains. Along the way, we pass through charming villages such as Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or even take a refreshing swim.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 42 km (26 mi)
Elevation gain: 380 m (1,250 ft)
Accommodation: Imperial Palace Hotel
From Annecy, we’ll ride toward Saint-Eustache before taking on the climb to Semnoz, a renowned ascent known for its sweeping views of Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy, and the surrounding Alps. It’s a challenging day on the bike, but one where every effort is rewarded with stunning landscapes and unforgettable panoramas!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 57 km (35 mi)
Elevation gain: 1,450 m (4,760 ft)
Accommodation: Imperial Palace Hotel
Today, we have two options. Option 1 takes us up the legendary Col de la Forclaz, a 53-km (33 mi) ride with 1,000 m (3,300 ft) of elevation gain. The climb is steady and rewarding, leading to one of the most iconic viewpoints over Lake Annecy. It’s the perfect choice for riders looking for a moderate challenge paired with breathtaking scenery.
Option 2 is a longer adventure: an 80-km (50-mi) loop around the Tournette via Thônes, with 1,228 m (4,040 ft) of elevation gain. This route is made for passionate cyclists who enjoy both the challenge of the climb and the stunning alpine panoramas that unfold along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 53 or 80 km (33 or 50 mi)
Elevation gain: 1,000 or 1,228 m (3,300 or 4,040 ft)
Accommodation: Imperial Palace Hotel
After several days exploring the Alps around Annecy, we begin the second part of our journey with a transfer to the Green Valley Regional Park, where we set off by bike toward Évian. From there, a boat carries us across the serene waters of Lake Geneva, with sweeping views of the mountains all around. Once on the Swiss shores in Lausanne, we ride into Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site where terraced vineyards cascade toward the lake. Each turn of the path reveals new scenery, and we pause to enjoy a local wine tasting that connects us to the region’s rich viticultural heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 74 km (46 mi)
Elevation gain: 1,400 m (4,595 ft)
Accommodation: Le Léman Hôtel
On the final riding day, we explore the Swiss countryside around Vevey, visiting Charlie Chaplin Park and taking a detour to Montreux. Along the way, we enjoy the magnificent alpine landscapes before bringing our adventure to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Distance: 55 km (34 mi)
Elevation gain: 1,080 m (3,545 ft)
Accommodation: Le Léman Hôtel
After breakfast, pack up—time to check out of the hotel! If you’d like to stay longer and explore the area, ask your guide for recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
In order to join this Lake Annecy to Lake Geneva cycling tour, great fitness is required. The most you’ll cover within a day is 74 km (46 mi) and gain up to 1,450 m (4,760 ft) in elevation. You can always rent an e-bike at checkout to make your journey a bit easier, but keep in mind that this is a strenuous adventure with significant elevation gains on certain days. Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances.
For more bike adventures in the Alps, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Yes, you can! Your guides offer road bike or e-bike rental—you can add it to your booking at checkout.
Group sizes and pricing
Lake Annecy to Lake Geneva tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Lake Annecy to Lake Geneva cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. Let us know if interested at checkout.
The starting point of your Lake Annecy to Lake Geneva tour is Annecy, France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA).
Once you land, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
You’ll meet your guide in the afternoon/evening of Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
