Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva & Annecy

MONT BLANC & FREE AFTERNOON

Fortified by buttery croissants and rich coffee, our exploration of this glorious region begins by boarding the narrow gauge ‘rack’ railway ascending nearly 900 metres (3,000 feet) from the valley floor to Montenvers' alpine meadows. Climbing through pine-scented forests, across viaducts, over meltwater streams and through cavernous tunnels, a sense of anticipation mounts until the tip of Europe’s longest glacier appears. Seven kilometres of Mont Blanc’s ice and snow converge here, forming the “Mer de Glace” (‘Sea of Ice’). 

Should you wish you can take a cable car for the spectacular ride towards the glacier surface. A cave is carved into the ice and touching its sides you really understand why glaciers promote so much erosion,while the adjacent Glaciorum is a fascinating exhibition explaining the processes of glaciation. Don’t forget to look out for Nutcrackers and Black Woodpeckers, deer, mountain goats and perhaps an Ibex. This afternoon is free to explore Chamonix.

ANNECY

More glorious views as we drive to charming Annecy, where our guided walk reveals the fascinating history of this medieval lakeside town. There’s a real sense of ‘getting away from it all’ as we stroll amongst pastel-coloured, flower-bedecked houses, through twisting alleys alongside narrow canals, and admire the magnificent turrets and towers of its 12th-century castle, which was once the court of the Counts of Geneva. Annecy has many welcoming cafes and restaurants, but for lunch perhaps picnic on local cheeses, hams and patés by the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, said to be Europe’s purest lake.

After a lake cruise, look out as we journey home for the red and white Savoyard Cross flags and “Savoie Libre” messages painted on the valley sides – reminders that this passionately independent region only became French in 1860.

CABLE CAR TO AIGUILLE DU MIDI

Heading high – then even higher – to a land of snowcapped summits with jagged, iron-red pinnacles. We are on a cable car whisking you over 3,842 metres (12,568 feet) to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, towering above almost every other surrounding mountain. The upper section of the ride spans almost a vertical mile above the tumbling ice of the Pelerins glacier and the rock face of the Aiguille itself – note the climbers making the ascent the hard way. In fact, this is Europe’s highest point without climbing yourself! 

Marvel at adjacent Mont Blanc, the surrounding French, Swiss, Italian Alps and, on a clear day, the Matterhorn, and Monte Rosa 80 kilometres distant. You can lunch at Europe’s highest restaurant, too, but there is one surprise left: ‘step into the void’ – a walk onto a clear glass floor hanging high above the rocks below!

The Aiguille du Midi may close at short notice for maintenance work, in the event of this an alternative itinerary will be offered.

YVOIRE & EVIAN LES BAINS

A change of style as we travel to Lake Geneva. First, we discover one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’ – 14th-century Yvoire. Wonderfully picturesque, it is dominated by a turreted castle and onion-shaped church steeple, but also boasts a tangle of alleys lined with balconied houses billowing with wisteria displays.

Nearby is the spa town of Evian Les Bains, where in the 19th century its waters were held to be a ‘cure all’ for kidneys – this was big news due to the French fascination with wine and cognac! These medicinal qualities made Evian Les Bains one of the Belle Epoque’s most fashionable destinations for socialites and royalty, including Marcel Proust, the Aga Khan and George V. The world first film-makers, the Lumiere brothers, built a classic example of grandiose spa architecture here, now hosting cultural exhibitions, but the jewel in Evian’s crown is its Art Nouveau Promenade. Take a stroll along here, then take the water, filtered through the Alps for 15 years, at the Source Cachat.

AOSTA

Today we encounter Europe’s longest tunnel – 11km under Mont Blanc itself – emerging in Italy. It’s astonishing that a short journey can result in such a change in people, style and climate, let alone the language and overall culture. We arrive at little-known Aosta, a remarkable mix of ancient culture and yet more spectacular scenery. It name derives from Augustus Praetoria and we have a guided walk of the Romans’ extensive legacies here, including an amphitheatre and an arch that originally formed the town’s entrance and incredibly still retains some of its original marble façade.

CHATEAU CHILLON & MONTREUX

Today we drive through the Mont Blanc range, winding down the many hairpins to the fledgling River Rhone, before crossing into Switzerland to Chateau Chillon on Lake Geneva – inspiration for Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”. Almost perfectly preserved, this medieval castle is Switzerland’s most visited monument with a host of original features, including coats of arms, iron fireplaces and much of the original wooden structure and interior decoration. This being Switzerland, the castle’s medieval clock still works! 

We then drive along the lake to Montreux, a picturesque resort town surrounded by vineyards and nestled against the Alps. You have free time to wander, so perhaps enjoy a peaceful stroll along the promenade, lined with colourful flowers, Mediterranean trees and belle-époque buildings. Look out for the bronze statue of Freddie Mercury, who fell in love with Montreux and settled here – if you’re a fan, you may wish to try the Queen Studio Experience in the renowned casino. A short walk away from the lake is the Old Town filled with cafés and restaurants, where you can sit and watch the world go by.

RETURN JOURNEY

Return to Geneva or Annecy for your homeward journey after an awe-inspiring holiday.