This delightful tour visits one of France’s most distinctive and beautiful areas, including the atmospheric city of LYON. Dramatically sited on the banks of the Rhone and Saone rivers, France’s second city has long been a vital gateway between north and south with a wealth of excellent restaurants. There is plenty to see in the city including two theatres dating back to Roman times, which still stage events and an excellent Gallo-Romaine museum.


The old town is an impressive warren of cobbled streets, covered walkways and Renaissance palaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Main sights include the Basilique de Notre-Dame de Fouviere, Cathedral St Jean, 15th Century Hotel de Gadagne and Chemin du Rosaire, a pathway leading down from Fouviere offering spectacular views of the city.

Once the capital of Savoy, the dignified town of CHAMBERY has a distinctly Italian feel. Highlights here include its much-loved and extravagant Fontaine des Elephants, Chateau of the Dukes of Savoy dating back to the 14th Century, and 17th Century country house, Les Charmettes, once the home of the philosopher, Rousseau.

You will stay at the beautiful Chateau des Comtes de Challes***, located in the pretty village of Challes-les-Eaux about 6km from Chambery. Dating from the 15th Century, this friendly, family-owned hotel was converted from a fortified house and offers a very high level of comfort and service. (Full details can be found in our itinerary).

AIX-LES-BAINS is a gracious spa town on Lac du Bouget, famed for its thermal baths and Faure Museum housing a collection of Impressionist paintings and Rodin statues. The nearby Abbaye d’Hautcombe is a beautiful Benedictine abbey that contains the mausoleum of the Savoy dynasty.

The CHARTREUSE is a magnificent region of mountains and forests, famed for the Monastery whose monks once produced the renowned liqueur. The monks still inhabit the Monastery and live in silence and seclusion. There is a small museum at the entrance that depicts their daily lives.

GRENOBLE is a thriving university city, home to the 1968 winter Olympics, whose sights include the cable car to the Fort de la Bastille, lively Place St-Andre in the heart of the medieval city, 13th Century church of St-Andre and several museums.

One of the most attractive and charming towns in the Alps, ANNECY, is set at the northern tip of Lac d’Annecy. Its small, medieval quarter is laced with canals, flower-covered bridges and arcaded streets. Major sights include the formidable 12th Century Palais de L’isle and the turreted Chateau d’Annecy. One of the largest lakes in France is the stunning Lake Annecy. It is surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and attractive towns and villages.