The departments of Savoie, Haute Savoie and Isère are located in the middle of the French Alps. Wonderful lakes, mountains and the gorges of the Vercors Mountains in the Isère department are characteristic of this unique area. I am particularly impressed by the area around the beautiful Lac d'Annecy.
The places and surroundings:
Annecy (Haute-Savoie):
The city of Annecy is of course worth seeing in itself, quaint streets, a green shimmering river that runs through the old town and of course its chateaux with a great view over the city. The weekly market (Tuesday and Sunday mornings) is certainly the highlight. A park right on the lake shore invites you to take a walk and if you feel like it, you can of course also take a boat trip.
Sevrier (Haute-Savoie):
Just a little further south is Sevrier, a place that consists of many districts. A climb to several viewpoints called "croix" is very worthwhile, as the view of the lake and the turquoise shimmering water are a feast for the eyes. The beautiful "Promenade des Seine" riverside path starts at the O'poisson Rouge restaurant, a very worthwhile walk along the natural lake shore.
Saint jorioz
At Port de Saint Jorioz, another promenade starts along the shore, which is also unspoilt and natural, the Sentier des Roselières. Boat jetties invite you to linger or swim. The path is about 3 km long and highly recommended. The restaurant Les Tilleuls has delicious pizza that is also huge.
Duingt (Haute-Savoie):
Duingt is probably the quaintest place on the lake. Quaint, old wooden houses line the mini center and the view of the Chateaux de Duingt, which is located on a peninsula in the lake, is particularly worthwhile from the Créte de Tallifer. A hike starts right in the center and is well signposted. On the ridge you have a breathtaking view over the lake and mountains and directly onto the Chateaux de Duingt.
Doussard (Haute-Savoie)
at the southernmost point of the lake is Doussard, a nice little town and a good starting point for a holiday on Lake Annecy. The nature reserve le Bout du Lac can be explored on a circular route, the flora and fauna are remarkable. Footbridges lead over the partly swampy ground. A view from the southernmost end of the lake is included. Rare birds and plants are native here.
Giez (Haute-Savoie):
A little further away from the lake is the quaint Giez with its original and original mountain houses. A perfect idyll for everyone looking for peace and quiet. A really beautiful alpine village in beautiful surroundings. There are enough hiking trails. A trip to the Grottes et cascades de Seynthenex is particularly worthwhile.
Talloires (Haute-Savoie):
A beautiful, fashionable place with a beautiful lake promenade, certainly in summer but overcrowded. Still worth a visit. Shortly after Talloires, a short hike starts on the Roc de Chère, a ledge in the middle of the lake. The path leads to two really magnificent viewpoints that are very worthwhile.
Pont-en-Royans (Isère):
the picturesque village of Pont-en-Royans is right in front of the entrance to the spectacular Gorges de la Bourne. Steep cliffs rise up behind the place and the green shimmering Bourne flows through the middle. In the Musée de'eau you can learn the history of water and also spend the night and eat. The lookout point "Les trois Chateaux", which can be climbed directly from the center (approx. 1 hour, 250 m ascent), is particularly beautiful. The view of the Gorges de la Bourne is breathtaking.
Choranche (Isère):
cozy mountain village in the middle of the Bourne Gorge. Huge rocks loom around the place. Particularly interesting is the Grotte de Choranche, an impressive grotto that can be visited.
Chanaz (Savoie):
cute village on the Canal de Savière near the northern bank of Lac de Bourget. It reminds a little of Venice in miniature.
Lac d'Annecy
Blick auf Saint Jorioz
Annecy
Chanaz
Chanaz
Chanaz
Pont-en-Royans
Pont-en-Royans
Les Trois Chateaux -Pont-en-Royans
Die Bourne bei Pont-en-Royans
Die Bourne bei Pont-en-Royans
Choranche
Pont-en-Royans
Pont-en-Royans
Pont-en-Royans
Blick auf Annecy
Sevrier
Blick über Sevrier
Blick über Sevrier
Annecy
Annecy
Annecy
Annecy
Giez
Talloires
Gegend bei Giez
Blick auf Duingt
Talloires
Talloires
Talloires
Lakes, mountains and other excursion tips:
The Semnoz plateau (Haute-Savoie :)
The Semnoz plateau is known from the Tour de France. You can go up either via Saint Jorioz or via Annecy. There are several signposted hikes at the top with indescribably beautiful views of the mountains all the way to Mont Blanc. Rustic Fermes offer the "Tomme" cheese known for the area or homemade goat cheese.
Col de Forclaz und Chalet de l'Aulp (Haute-Savoie):
The Col de Forclaz is probably one of the most famous viewpoints above the lake. Paragliders fly off here and you can watch them. Two Auberges and some souvenir shops can also be found. The view is included, of course. The trip to the Col is particularly worthwhile at sunset. If you want to hike the Tournette Mountains, you can drive towards the Chalet de l'Aulp at Montmin and start there. The chalet is also ideal for dining, products from our own production in the midst of untouched nature.
Massif des Bauges (Savoie):
the Massif des Bauges can be reached in half an hour from Saint Jorioz. Small towns and rugged mountains in a less touristy area. Beautiful nature included. The lakes of the Ile de Chéran near Les Mottes en Bauges are particularly beautiful. A promenade leads around the lakes, the water is bright blue. At the parking lot, a hiking trail starts along the Nant d'Aillon to the Cascades de Pissieu, a waterfall in the middle of the forest. Especially in spring, when the Nant d'Aillon has a lot of water, it is a special experience.
Belvèdère de Chambotte (Haute-Savoie):
High above the northern shore of the lake, the restaurant "Le Belvedére" is particularly recommended. You sit in the beer garden and look at the Lac de Bourget. Just drink a coffee and enjoy the view, it's worth it!
Der Mont Revard (Savoie):
Another indescribably beautiful viewpoint is the Mont Revard. At the Belvedére du Revard is another paraglider starting point and you can see them everywhere in the air. The view over the entire Lac de Bourget is breathtaking. Restaurants and tourist accommodation can also be found.
Chute de la Druise and the Gorges d'Omblèze (Isère / Vercors):
in the southern Vercors (Drome department) the Chutes de la Druise are particularly worth seeing. A beaten path leads down to the steep cascading waterfalls. You can picnic and fish by the crystal clear river. A few more small waterfalls can be found in the Gorges d'Omblèze directly behind the idyllic Moulin de la Pipe. Sitting on a terrace by the river is wonderful and the food is phenomenal.
Blanche bei Pont-en-Royans waterfall (Isère / Vercors):
A nice short hike (approx. 40 minutes each way) leads directly from the village to the waterfalls, which are idyllically located in the forest. A magical place!
Chamonix und der Aiguille de Midi (Haute-Savoie):
You can take the cable car from Chamonix to the top of the impressive Mont Aiguille. You shouldn't be afraid of heights. The views from above (3300 m) are breathtaking. You look directly at Mont Blanc, the entire Alps and Chamonix. If you want, you can dare the "le pas dans le vide" (step into the void), a kind of glass box in which you can stand at this insane height
Cret de Talifer above Duingt (Haute-Savoie):
A beautiful hike from the village of Duing can be undertaken on the heights of the Cret de Talifer (approx. 2 hours, 200 m altitude). The views of Lake Annecy and the Chateau de Duingt are wonderful.
Roc de Chère bei Talloires (Haute-Savoie):
Shortly after Talloires, you can take a scenic hike to the Roc de Chère rock in front of it. The path runs through the forest and leads to several great viewpoints directly above Lake Annecy:
My restaurant tips:
Isère:
Auberge des Tracols in Saint Laurent en Royans - Moulin de la Pipe near Omblèze - La Terrasse du Grand Frene (small but beautiful, everything homemade and of the best quality with a terrace and a great view
Haute-Savoie und Savoie:
Chez ma cousine in Doussard-Aubege des Clarinés, Le Chatelard - Azimuth, Annecy - Sens'O, Sevrier - Arcalod, Doussard - Le Confidentiel, Menthon Saint Bernard - Taverne de Pontverre, Pontverre
My accommodation tips:
My favorite above Saint Jorioz (you can only feel good here) The landlady "Claude" is just great .. She lives with her dog, horse and cats in this idyllic house above Lac d'Annecy. The apartment is very modern, clean and comfortable and you actually want to move in right away.
https://www.homelidays.com/hebergement/p1558201a
https://www.homelidays.com/hebergement/p1190845a
Hotel Musé de l'Eau, Pont-en-Royans (via booking com on the front of my page)
http://www.le-mas-de-servant.fr/ (really nice rooms on a crystal clear river with a small terrace and soundproof rooms, you really can't hear anything from the room next door). Including pool
https://www.aloree-dubois.com/
(very nice chambre d'hote with a huge garden, very quiet and great breakfast! studios with living room, bedroom and private bathroom)
My calendars: