Chamonix to Lake Annecy

Difficulty level 3/5, intermediate to moderate hiking level, you need to have some prior hiking experience with the ability to hike 4 to 7 hours per day and be able to hike up to +400m/1312ft to +1100m/3608ft elevation gain daily. Some days have longer and shorter options to make the trip easier or more challenging to your preference.

Luggage transfers are included in trip price. You only need to carry a small backpack during hikes with the necessary items for the day. Your luggage will be transported by vehicle to next accommodations. You will meet your luggage every evening between 3-7pm. Bags must be left at hotel reception by 9am each morning.

Limited to 1 bag transported per person and a maximum weight of up to 15kg/33lbs per bag.

Possible for groups of 2 and above.

The tour is usually possible for children from 12 years of age and older.

Dates of departure available, from June 15 to September 10, 2024 or June 14th to September 9, 2025.

Please Note: early season may change available hikes from Chamonix due to snowpack in the higher elevations.

10 days / 9 nights / 8 or 9 days of walking

Start

On day 1 in the afternoon at hotel check-in (~5pm) in Chamonix.

Finish

On day 10 in Annecy after breakfast & hotel check-out (~10am).

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet (documents available in English, French & German) will be sent by email that includes access to our smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only), the list of booked accommodations, any included travel vouchers and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, we can provide a printed version of the travel packet for an additional fee. It will be waiting and available at the 1st accommodation of the itinerary with maps, topo guide and travel folder. This must be requested at the time of booking. There is no welcome meeting at the arrival hotel or general orientation meeting for this tour.

Accommodation / Catering

Accommodation

Accommodations in 3* & 4* hotels or equivalent: 3* in La Clusaz, Le Chinaillon & Le Grand Bornard; 4* in Chamonix & Annecy. Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest lakes in France, there is a beach in Talloires (fees) and a free beach in Annecy where you can swim. You can rent boats and other items at the water sports center in Annecy.

Meals

Breakfasts: Included Lunches: Not included, but easily planned by stopping at huts on some hikes and purchasing picnic items from local stores in the villages where accommodations are located. Dinners: Half-board except in Chamonix, Le Grand Bornard & Annecy (B&B only these nights). There are many restaurant options, including at your hotel, these nights.

Extend Your Stay

It is possible to add extra nights before or after your tour in Chamonix or Annecy. Please contact us for availability.

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Chamonix, France

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Annecy, France

By Plane

Geneva Airport is the closest international airport. Home page Passengers - Genève Aéroport (gva.ch) Airport Transport: There are multiple ways to get from the Geneva airport to Chamonix. Airport transportation is not included in trip rates. Here are good resources to plan your own transportation from Geneva airport to Chamonix. Alpy Bus, or other public transport options exist.

Private transfers are also available and easily set up from the Geneva airport upon arrival.

By Train/Bus

Taking a bus is the quicker option to travel to Chamonix Mont Blanc Sud (bus station). Here are just a few options to check: Swisstours: Regular line from Chamonix to Geneva (swisstours-office.ch) or Flixbus: https://www.flixbus.co.uk/ or Bla Bla Car (bus and carpool options): https://www.blablacar.co.uk/bus

A train from Geneva airport to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (takes about 3 hours). You can check connections here: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-ch/

Annecy to Geneva Airport (~45km/28mi): Annecy to Geneva airport by bus (some buses are direct others take 1.5 to 2hours). You can check connections here: https://www.sbb.ch/en

Annecy Train station to Geneva airport (takes about 1 hour). You can check connections here: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-ch/ Private transfers are also available and easily set up with your hotel staff in Annecy to go to the Geneva airport.

Swimming

Several of our trips are suitable for swimming, either during a stage or at the end of the day. On this trip it is possible every day, except the first day in La Rochelle. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it in the right season. We want to highlight that you are the ultimate decision-maker regarding whether to swim or not. As such, these swims are entirely your responsibility and undertaken at your own risk.

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client's responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in (Note: buy boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Hiking/Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated "puffy" jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

• Backpack – a 30-45 Liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack – for extra hiking clothes and casual clothes.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
• Trekking Poles – telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain. (Note: strongly recommended)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply.
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

• Face Masks; Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are E/F & L type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/"KT Tape", Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

PACKING FOR TRAVEL: It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

"Carry-on Bag(s)" - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

"Checked Bag(s)" - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your "Carry-on Bag" the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked "Travel Bag" (in case luggage is delayed). Hiking footwear is probably the hardest item to replace last minute if items become lost or delayed past the intended start date of the trip. Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP: During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - "Checked Bag(s)" & "Carry-on Bag(s)": This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle/taxi, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is not allowed or easily stored on this trip beyond the 1 bag per person requirement. Maximum 15kg/33lbs per bag per person. There are multiple luggage storage options in both Chamonix and Annecy if needed. An easy internet search will show you options for both towns. Either option would require extra logistics (not included) to leave/retrieve extra luggage before/after your trip.

Day Backpack (not provided): All guests will need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during hikes. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.).

France, a member of the European Union, capital city: Paris.

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

France Country Code: +33

European Emergency Services: 112

Chamonix Tourism Office: Home | Chamonix

Annecy Tourism Office: +334 50450033 / Welcome - Lake Annecy Tourist Office (lac-annecy.com)

Annecy Boat Company: +334 50510840 / Navibus cruise l 2h - Compagnie des Bateaux Annecy (bateaux-annecy.com)

Eastern European Time. Eastern European Time (EET) is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). In the summer: Eastern European Summer Time (EEST)

French. At least some English is spoken in most areas.

France is a Member-States of the European Union and use its uniform currency – the Euro €. France, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. French banks are generally open for the public from 8:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 Monday through Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.

IGN TOP 25 maps 1:25000: N° 3630 OT Chamonix and 3531 OT St Gervais-Les Bains (Days 1-4) N° 3430 ET la Clusaz and 3431 OT Lac d'Annecy. (Days 5-10)