When I moved to France and started my blog, I started receiving occasional requests for information on sightseeing tours of the area. I did some research and realized there WEREN’T any sightseeing tours of the French Alps that I could find. Over the 18 months of living here and motorbiking through the area and finding all the places that only ‘locals’ would know about, I decided to start a tour myself. I’m partnering with a British Tour Operator based near gorgeous Annecy and we have designed a premiere tour that is unique and fantastic. I guarantee that you will not find another tour like this offered by anyone else walking on this planet! I designed it to include the best of the French Alps with a taste of everything wonderful there is to experience here.
Below is the detailed itinerary of the tour. For additional information, visit: www.french-alps-tours.com 
Please tell your friends and family and put it on Twitter and Facebook and anywhere else you think it might be appreciated. Thanks very much! See you in the French Alps!
French Alps Tour Itinerary, June 5-12th, 2010 & September 4-11th, 2010
Day One, Saturday - Arrival
Pick up from the Geneva Airport or Annecy Train Station
A light lunch and a welcome dinner will be served at the hotel. The Aravis Lodge, which will be your home for the first four nights, is a chalet hotel with views of the Alps from both sides of the lodge. The nonsmoking hotel has 17 ensuite bedrooms, two terraces, a gym, sauna, massage room, spacious dining room, a separate well-stocked bar with games, a large living area with a lounge, computer with internet, DVD/TV room with English language channels, and a children’s playroom. No single supplement is charged at this hotel but we have limited rooms, so if you prefer not to have a roommate, reserve early because it’s first come, first served.
Day Two, Sunday - Local Food Specialties and Outdoor Adventures
In the morning, we’ll visit the Maison de Patrimoine, a restored ancient chalet/farm. Then we’ll take a driving tour of the local Alps landscape and visit a traditional fromagerie (cheese making farm) where you’ll taste the local cheeses, some of which include Reblechon, Tommes de Savoie, and chevre (goat cheese). Savoie is known for some of the best cheeses in the world.
Lunch will be a special treat at the Rustic Refuge Restaurant, tasting the local specialties in Col des Annes. This lunch is included in the price of the tour.
In the afternoon, you’ll have three options to choose from:
High Rope Adventure Course: swing by wires and ropes between the high trees of the Alps and tightrope from tree to tree. Two hour circuit for 25 Euros (See my video below for a taste of this experience)
Horseback Riding either by the river or in the hills. Two hour ride for 25 Euros
Walk around and shop in the village of Grand Bornand. Free (unless you buy something!)
After your adventures, return to Aravis Lodge for a Cooking Class featuring the local cuisine. The class will be led by one of Grand Bornand’s best chefs and restaurateurs. Do a good job since you’ll be eating it for dinner!
Dinner at the Aravis Lodge
Day Three, Monday - Mountains and Glaciers
In the morning we’ll do a sightseeing tour of the gorgeous scenery of the Col des Aravis on our way to Chamonix. In Chamonix we’ll take the Aguille du Midi, a cable car, up Mont Blanc to 12,300 feet where you’ll walk through a cave under the ice.
There’s a cafe and shop and a viewing platform where you’ll see breathtaking views so bring your camera.
You’ll have free time for lunch, wandering, and shopping in Chamonix.
We’ll meet again in the late afternoon and drive to Sixt Fer a Cheval and take a short easy hike to see stunning waterfalls. And if time allows, we’ll stop at Samoens, a traditional village known for its exceptional homemade pastries and cakes.
Note: The Mont Blanc tour is dependent on weather for safety reasons and occasional closures of the cable car. It should not be a problem in June or September, but we have to mention it anyway.
Dinner at the Aravis Lodge
Day Four, Tuesday - Annecy and its Spectacular Lake
Annecy, named the Venice of the French Alps, is a lovely Medieval and Renaissance town and sits on one of the most beautiful lakes in France. The town is surrounded by gorgeous mountains that are shared with Switzerland, just 20 minutes away.
We’ll start our Annecy day on the opposite side of the lake exploring Talloires, a quaint, ancient town with a 9th century Abby. We’ll then take a boat across the lake to the town of Annecy. We’ll give you an orientation walking tour and then you’ll have a few hours to eat lunch, explore the city, and shop. Canals run through Annecy and offer a serene and lovely walk. If you are more ambitious, you can stroll up to the Medieval castle or explore the many Medieval buildings, churches or museums.
In mid-afternoon, we’ll meet again for a very special treat. We’re off to Chateau Montrottier to walk the grounds and enjoy the views of this Medieval Castle. A few minutes away are the Gorges de Fier. The Gorges have a cliff hanging, spectacular walkway that clings to the sides of the narrow, deep gorge. You’ll have the opportunity to take the walkway and enjoy the views and the thrill of the experience.
Tonight we offer a special dinner experience. Weather permitting, we’ll be going up the mountain to Col de Forclaz to watch the hang gliders jump off the cliffs. If reserved in advance, you can jump off too with one of the professional hang gliders on a tandem paragliding ride (85 Euros). If that adventure has no appeal, we’re sure having a gourmet catered dinner and watching the hang gliders and sunset will (tables and chairs will be delivered to the mountain).
Dinner and last night at Aravis Lodge
Day Five, Wednesday - Tastings and Pampering Day
We start the day chocolate tasting at a Chocolaterie Artisanale in the small village of Bellecombe en Bauges in Savoie. What a great way to start your day! After our visit, we’re on to Chanaz, a quaint village which sits on the canals of the Jongeiux region. Stroll through the streets or walk to the top of the bridge for lovely views of the village. The highlight will be our visit to the Walnut Grinding Mill where you’ll watch the owner grind his walnuts and have the opportunity to taste the oil and buy the handmade walnut and jam products.
We’ll have lunch at an Auberge in Billeme and then visit a local Vintner and Vineyards in the Jongeiux region where you’ll taste several of the Savoie wines. Savoie has both red and white wines, and some are quite good. This region is the best in Savoie and has won awards for its quality vintages.
After wine tasting, we’ll take you to your new hotel in Aix les Bains. Your hotel is Adelphia Hotel, which sits on Lake Bourget, a few minutes walk from the main Marina where you can take boats to see the lake. The hotel has a spa, saunas and a thermal pool which is free to its clientele and open until 11pm. A great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing! You can also purchase extra services such as massages, facials and hydrobaths. The hotel has views of the lake or the mountains from all of its rooms. Each spacious room is equipped with ensuite bathrooms, flat TVs, air conditioning, desks, and terraces with table and chairs. The hotel has a cafe for drinks and snacks, and a restaurant where you’ll dine in the evenings (dinners are included in the price of the trip). Attached to the hotel grounds are a walking park and a sunbathing area. The hotel also offers its patrons free bus passes to access the town center to take advantage of its many activities.
Aix les Bains is a small city which sits on Lake Bourget and is known worldwide for its thermal baths. In fact, it’s the second largest spa and thermal baths town in France. The Romans used these baths for healing 2000 years ago. Today it is a resort town with hotels, spas, casino, shopping areas, parks and a lovely port, with a sidewalk along the lake. There are also inexpensive boat rides to see the lake. Lake Bourget is the largest and deepest natural lake in France. You’ll have several hours in the afternoon to go to the town spa and thermal bath or just use the ones at your hotel. If you enjoy gaming, spend some time at the first class, stunning Casino, which has a disco and restaurants. Or use the afternoon to take a leisurely stroll along the lake or jump on a boat for a lake sightseeing tour.
Dinner at the hotel in Aix les Bains.
Day Six, Thursday – Historical Tour of Vienne and Lyon
The morning will include a walking tour of Vienne, a small city near Lyon. The town was founded by the Romans more than two thousand years ago. A well-preserved Roman Temple still stands. A trip across the bridge will also reveal Roman ruins with an exceptional Museum displaying several stunning mosaic floors excavated from the site. The town itself has many Medieval buildings including a Cathedral with a Romanesque interior and a Gothic exterior and several well-preserved churches. The Rhone River runs through the centers of Lyon and Vienne.
On to Lyon which boasts a reputation as the French capital of gastronomy. You’ll be free to choose your restaurant for lunch (we’ll have a list of recommendations for you). After lunch, we’ll go on a walking tour of Old Town with a professional guide. Then armed with a Lyon map, stroll the Old Town streets, shop, explore or visit a gallery before we meet and head back to Aix les Bains.
Dinner at the hotel in Aix les Bains
Day Seven, Friday – Chambery and ’You Choose…’
We’ll take a quick walking tour of Chambery and then give you time to do some final shopping and sightseeing of this enchanting, fairytale-like city. The town is known for its Trompe L’oeil paintings used throughout the streets and Cathedral. We’ll meet for lunch at a traditional Savoyard restaurant specializing in the local cuisine. After lunch, since this is a democratic tour, we’ll let you decide by majority where you’d like to spend your last afternoon. Perhaps more time at the spas in Aix les Bains or a walk along Lake Bourget? Or a trip to the St. Hilaire de Touvet for a thrilling ride up the mountain on the Funicular (at 83% grade)? Perhaps a trip to the Chartreuse Regional Park to visit Saint Hugues Church, which is filled with Modern Art paintings from top to bottom? (Below is a video of the Chartreuse region and church taken from my blog).
Our final dinner together will be at the renowned Atmosphere Restaurant which sits on the mountain overlooking Lake Bourget. This exclusive restaurant serves several menus from which to choose your entree, your main dish, and your dessert, not to mention the palette cleansers and little extras brought during the course of your meal. This experience is not only a joy for your palette but also for all your senses since the presentations of the dishes are pure works of art and the smells are heavenly. You can order from an extensive wine list, as you please. (The meal, but not the alcohol, is included in the price of the trip). It is fitting that such a unique trip culminates in this magnificent gastronomical experience.
Last night at the Adelphia in Aix les Bains
Day Eight, Saturday - Departure
After breakfast, transfers to Annecy and/or Chambery train stations and the Geneva Airport
Au Revoir and Bon Voyage!
On October 28th I will celebrate my one-year anniversary of starting this video blog of my new life in France. My original intention was to keep in contact with my family and friends in the U.S. Writing about my experiences didn’t communicate the beauty or interesting travels I was experiencing so I bought a simple video camera and started filming them. It became a passion and eventually I had several hundred regular readers. I must admit that it was a strange sensation having people I’d never met sharing my life and travels via my blog. But I was (and am) very pleased that I was providing entertainment as well as helping people plan their trips and relive past trips, or inspire others to pursue their dreams.
