I’m starting to plan a trip to France next spring. I’m a frequent visitor to France but am going to explore a region I haven’t been to before. I’ve always wanted to go to Annecy, but I’m not sure what else to incorporate into the itinerary. I was thinking of flying into Geneva, spending a night or two there as my friend has never been to Switzerland, then spending a few nights in Annecy, and then....??? We’ll probably have about 10 days for the trip in total, and we’d like not to have to change hotels every night or two. Should we use Annecy as a base? Or perhaps Grenoble? Or another town? Recommendations/suggestions most welcome! Thank you. (We plan to use trains or, if/when that’s not feasible, hire a driver...neither one of us particularly wants to drive.)
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2662 posts
I just did the Rick Steves Eastern France tour, which included a stop in Annecy. Maybe you could read the itinerary and see if anything grabs your interest? Annecy was pleasant, but I'm not sure it would be worth days.
Posted by
shingle springs, CA, USA
782 posts
You can go to Chamonix from Annecy,we stayed in both towns but you can day trip from Annecy.At Chamonix take the gondola ride to Agile du Midi,spectacular scenery,best ride I have done.
Mike
Posted by
3 posts
You can choose Grenoble as a base but the city really has much less charm than Annecy so I wouldn't recommend it. Plus if you want to exclusively use trains, from Annecy you have a lot of options.
After visiting Annecy, if you want to see another beautiful lake, head to Lac du Bourget, in the towns of Aix-les-Bains or Le Bourget-du-Lac. The landscapes are magnificent in spring (trains connect Annecy to Aix-les-Bains in 20 minutes).
If you like hiking, the Chamonix resort may be a good idea, you will have wonderful views on Mont Blanc (you can also take the train from Annecy, you will be there in less than 2 hours).
And if you want to end up your stay with a big city you should go to Lyon (2-hour trip from Annecy).
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
If you fly into Geneva, consider making your Swiss home base elsewhere along that lake, such as at Lausanne or Montreux. Trains run frequently all the way around the Swiss side of lake and to Chamonix by way of Martigny, a pretty scenic route.