CHAMONIX

The mountain town of Chamonix in the shadow of Mont Blanc is not to be missed. Take the driving route via Flumet and Megève, which is far more scenic than the motorway route. In the summer months Chamonix is a mecca for adventure sports—climbers, hikers and mountain bikers flock to experience the challenges of the mountains. Chamonix is also famous for its spectacular cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m), built in 1955 when it was the highest cable car in the world. Together with a cable car system going up to the Pointe Helbronner (3462m) from Entrèves in the Aosta Valley (Italy), it is possible to cross the entire Mont Blanc massif by cable car (the latter is only open during the summer).

Also go for a trip on the Montenvers Railway which goes from the centre of town to Montenvers, above the Mer de Glace. The town centre has a number of bars, shops and restaurants and parking is well signed and central, allowing for easy access to the pedestrian streets. Also don’t miss the Musée Alpin which charts the history of the town from the arrival of the first climbing tourists in the 18th century.

ANNECY

This beautiful town on the lake is known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ due to its picturesque canals and maze of cobbled streets in the Old Town. The lake is the second largest in France and is said to be the cleanest in Europe, making it perfect for a swim on a warm summer’s day. The lake has a number of pretty villages along its banks and in particular Talloires which is well worth a stop for coffee or a drink. Park in the main Hôtel de Ville car park and then you are close to the Old Town where you’ll find a host of bars, restaurants and shops. Wander to your heart’s content, browsing along the cobbled streets and alleyways. Tuesdays and Fridays are market days in the Old Town.