A two-lake tour from Geneva links Lake Annecy with Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, via the spa town of Aix-les-Bains and the historic Savoie capital, Chambéry. Annecy is about 44 km and 40 minutes from Geneva Airport, and the other stops are each a short drive further south, so the route suits a long weekend or a relaxed few days. AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you from GVA, between the towns and back to the airport.
- Annecy: canals, old town and a clear mountain lake, about 44 km / 40 min from GVA
- Aix-les-Bains: spa town on the eastern shore of Lac du Bourget
- Chambéry: former capital of the Dukes of Savoy
- Driving: short legs between each stop
- Border crossing: the route crosses into France
Annecy: the lake and its old town
Annecy is the natural first stop, just 40 minutes from the airport. The old town is crossed by canals of the Thiou river, and the Palais de l'Isle, a medieval building on an island in the canal, is its emblem. Above the old town, the château houses a museum with views over the rooftops. Along the lake, the Jardins de l'Europe and the Pâquier lawn open onto views of the mountains, and the Pont des Amours is a favourite spot for photographs. In summer, boat cruises and lake beaches are popular; out of season, the town is calmer and walks along the shore are especially pleasant. Spend a night or two to enjoy the market days and evening atmosphere.
Aix-les-Bains and Lac du Bourget
From Annecy the road runs south-west to Aix-les-Bains, a drive of well under an hour. Aix has been a spa town since Roman times, and its thermal tradition continues today, alongside Belle Époque architecture from its heyday as a resort for European high society. The town sits on the eastern shore of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake entirely within France, a long, deep lake framed by the Mont du Chat and the Dent du Chat on its western side.
- Take a boat across the lake to the Abbaye d'Hautecombe, the necropolis of the House of Savoy, on the western shore.
- Walk along the lakeside promenade and marinas at Aix.
- Book a spa session to experience the town's thermal tradition.
For a panoramic view, the road over the Mont du Chat looks down over the whole lake, though it is narrow and steep and best left to an experienced driver.
Chambéry: the Dukes of Savoy
Chambéry is a short drive south of Aix and was for centuries the capital of the Duchy of Savoy. Its old town has arcaded streets and pastel façades, and the Château des Ducs de Savoie, with its Sainte-Chapelle, recalls the town's ducal past. The Fontaine des Éléphants, with four stone elephants, is the town's most famous monument and a favourite meeting point. On the edge of town, Les Charmettes, the country house where Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived for a time, is set among gardens and vineyards. Chambéry also makes a good base for exploring the wine villages of Savoie and the Chartreuse massif.
How to plan the tour
A comfortable plan is two nights in Annecy and one or two in Aix-les-Bains or Chambéry, with day visits to the other town. The legs between the three towns are short, so most days involve less than an hour in the car, leaving plenty of time for walking, lake trips and long lunches. Late spring and early autumn are particularly pleasant, with mild weather and fewer visitors, while summer brings lively lake life and swimming. For the return, Chambéry to Geneva Airport is the longest leg of the trip but still a short drive by Alpine standards. Lyon, about 150 km and 1 h 45 from GVA, is also within easy reach of Chambéry if you prefer to extend the trip.
Savoyard food and wine along the way
The region's cuisine follows the mountains: tartiflette with Reblochon, fondue, raclette and diots, the local sausages, often cooked in white wine. Lake fish appear on many menus around both lakes. Savoie wines, made from local grapes such as Jacquère, Altesse and Mondeuse, are fresh and well suited to the food, and the vineyards around Chambéry are easy to visit.
Booking with AirportsTransfers.ch
Book each leg online at a fixed price per vehicle, displayed before you pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur tracks your flight and meets you at GVA arrivals with a name sign, waiting if your flight is late. The E-Class Business Sedan suits two or three travellers, and the V-Class Van is ideal for families and groups of up to seven with luggage. Child seats are available on request, and a chauffeur by the hour, minimum two hours, works well for touring days. For help planning, contact AirportsTransfers.ch on +41 78 346 56 77.
