Explore Lake Annecy Member Breaks

Member breaks in France

7 nights

Grades 1 & 2

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020 3974 8865

Experience the mighty mountain backdrops and rich culture of the Haute-Savoie region with a holiday to Lake Annecy – a glittering jewel on the edge of the French Alps. With a hotel in the heart of Annecy’s historic old quarter, our holidays here line-up lakeside strolls, footbridge walks through the spectacular Gorge de Fier, plus a visit to the Abbey of Tamié – home to an order of Cistercian monks that have made the abbey’s namesake cheese since the 12th century.

What You’ll Love

  • Reliving the golden age of rail travel
  • Exploring the medieval streets of Annecy
  • Enjoying walks with views of the beautiful Lake Annecy
  • Experiencing the rich culture of Haute-Savoie
  • Discovering a multitude of Giants Kettles carved out by the river Fier
  • Soaking up views of Tournette Mountain and Talloire Bay

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers
  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
  • HF Holidays Tour Manager
  • 7 nights' accommodation in Gréoux-les-Bains
  • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
  • All in-destination transport

Trip Suitability

This is a level 1 and level 2 graded Activity, Easier walks: 4 to 6 miles (6 to 9km) with rough paths in places. Up to 1,150ft (350m) of ascent in a day. Harder walks: 6 to 8½ miles (9 to 13km) with some steep ascents and rough scramble terrain. Up to 2,000ft (600m) of ascent in a day.

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Welcome to Hotel Catalpa. Unpack and settle in.

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around Annecy, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Options include:

Visit Château d’Annecy – overlooking Annecy, this grand building was the home of the Counts of Geneva in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle had many extensions and alterations over the next few centuries with large parts built in Renaissance style. The building was later used as a military barracks. Today the castle is a museum; visitors can explore its corridors, towers and terraces and admire its many fine examples of period art and furniture. The views from the castle are another reason to visit.

Cycle around Lake Annecy – you could hire a bike and cycle all the way around Lake Annecy on the 42km bike path. There are several bike hire shops in the town.

Lunch cruise – board the MS Libellule – a floating restaurant - to enjoy lunch as you cruise across Lake Annecy.

Explore Annecy’s Old Town – wander the winding cobbled streets of Annecy’s old town passing through stone arches and walking alongside its canals. The town is known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ and has many interesting shops and restaurants. In summer, many of the canal sides are adorned with colourful displays of flowers; the display on the Thiou lock is particularly beautiful. Look out for the Glacier des Alpes ice cream shop which is said to serve the best ice cream in France!

We hope to see you again soon.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Accommodation

Hotel Catalpa - Annecy

Boasting an enviable location on the shores of Lake Annecy, the 3-star Hotel Catalpa offers comfortable well-appointed rooms with modern touches throughout. You’ll find alfresco seating areas ideal for soaking up the sunshine or enjoying an evening drink, plus a chic little restaurant serving French classics and international dishes. What’s more, you’ll be in strolling distance of Annecy’s charming old town.
  • Very near the lake (100 m), residential area, nice and clean.
  • 53 rooms. the hotel has a restaurant.
  • This hotel got renovated relatively recently (about 4 years ago).
  • Short transfer from train station for rail guests
  • 20 min walk from the city centre along a nice walk by the lake.
  • Shops, pharmacy, bars and restaurants near the hotel.

4 meals will be in the hotel, 2 will be in local restaurants, 1 night free for you to make your own choice of Annecy’s restaurants (6 evening meals included in cost).

  • Air conditioner
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • Bathroom Shower
  • Toilet
  • Hair dryer
  • Safe

More Information

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

The local currency is the Euro (€)

220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK.

There are several ATMs in Annecy where you can obtain money.

Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: ANY07-LML09

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Dates & Prices

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Back to dates
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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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