Cycling Lake Geneva to Chambéry Plus! Lyon – Benhke

Highlights: Medieval port town Yvoire, welcome dinner

Welcome to the tiny port village of Yvoire, a romantic medieval settlement on the shores of Lake Geneva. Take in the views and explore the cobblestone streets where seemingly every balcony and windowsill are lined with blooming flower baskets. This afternoon we’ll fit bikes and head out for a scenic test ride. In the evening we’ll meet up again for our welcome dinner together.

Highlights: Shady forests, farmland, enchanting villages, Thonon le Bains

This morning you’ll pedal along tiny shaded lanes through forests and enchanting villages on a loop ride into the alpine interior of eastern France. Stop by the Lake in Thonon les Bains and enjoy your lunch and an afternoon of exploration or relaxation. If you’re in the mood to explore, take a short boat ride across the lake to Switzerland and visit Nyon.

Highlights: Annecy, the Venice of the Alps

You’ll touch briefly the Swiss border this morning on your way south to our next destination, Lake Annecy. We’ll meet up in La Roche sur Foron where you can opt to take a train into Annecy. If you’re looking for an added challenge with stunning views, we’ll set you up with an extra ride all the way to Annecy. You’ll quickly see why this town is commonly referred to as “Venice of the Alps” with its whimsical canals and ancient architecture nestled below snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the winding cobblestone streets of the Vieille Ville (old town) as you pass pastel houses and bright flower boxes.

Highlights: Lake Annecy

Grab some picnic supplies in Annecy’s gorgeous historic center then take off around the lake for incredible views. If you prefer a day off the bike, Annecy provides something for all tastes. Lounge on the beach of the lake’s crystal-clear water, rent a paddle boat, or visit some of the city’s historic monuments. Be sure to get a “glace artisanal” this afternoon – without a doubt some of France’s best ice cream is in Annecy.

Highlights: Aix les Bains, Lac du Bourget

This morning we leave Annecy for an intriguing ride through forests, hills, and across the “Pont de l’Abime,” a stunning suspension bridge constructed in the 1800’s. Stop and enjoy the views of France’s deepest lake, the Lac du Bourget, before pedaling a bike path into charming Chambéry, our home for the next two nights. Located in a valley, Chambéry provides almost a 360 degree view of the French Alps and has been an important crossroads dating back to the 11th century. Though it’s hard to beat Chambéry’s rich history and stunning views — the diverse culinary scene might be a contender. Dinner is on your tonight so you have an opportunity to see how they compare.

Highlights: Abbaye d’Hautecombe

Your options are endless today. Pedal up to the lake for a swim or continue your exploration of the city, where you can enjoy a relaxing aperitif below the castle. For those looking for a gorgeous cycling challenge, we’ll propose an exhilarating vineyard loop to the secluded Abbaye d’Hautecombe, with a history that goes back to a religious community founded there in 1101. We’ll experience some of the Savoy’s most famous culinary specialties this evening: fondue, and raclette!

Highlights: Guided tour of Cluny Abbey, Saone river

After breakfast this morning we’ll shuttle to the historic Cluny Abbey. This was once the largest church in all Christiandom! You’ll learn its intriguing history with a local guide. After the tour enjoy a relaxing lunch in a local cafè before pedaling to our elegant hotel in the center of Macon, on the bank of the Saone river. We’ll enjoy some delicious Beaujolais during dinner together this evening.

Highlights: Stunning wine country ride

This is the France you dream about! Our loop ride today weaves through picturesque Beaujolais villages and vineyards, farm houses, wineries, and turreted villas. We’ll enjoy a delicious wine tasting at a local enoteque on the Saône River this evening.

Highlights: Vineyards and medieval villages

If you thought yesterday’s ride was nice, wait for today! Ancient Romanesque chapels await you in picture-perfect hamlets. Each town is an immaculate masterpiece. We’ll be in Villefranche sur Saone this evening, the capital of the Beaujolais.

Highlights: The heart of Beaujolais, Theizé and many other medieval villages

Today’s ride takes us through the heart of the Beaujolais wine region, where vineyards have flourished since the Romans first produced wine here. This scenic landscape is home to the Gamay grape, the foundation of Beaujolais wines. While the region produces many fine wines, its most famous is arguably Beaujolais Nouveau, a young, fresh wine that became popular in the 19th century when winemakers delivered the first bottles to Lyon’s restaurants just three months after harvest. Along today’s route, we’ll pedal through Theizé, a picturesque hilltop village, where the medieval Château de Rochebonne stands as a testament to the area’s rich history.

Highlights: Pierres Dorées

Today we’re pedaling in the land of the “Pierres Dorées.” These picturesque villages carved from “golden stones” have the warmest golden-orange glow you’ve ever seen. We’ll weave through these hamlets until we get to the banks of the elegant Saone river, which we’ll follow on bike paths that lead into the heart of Lyon. We’ll celebrate this amazing cycling trip together at (what we think) might be Lyon’s best restaurant.

Highlights: Guided visit of Lyon

Our journey ends this morning after a fascinating guided tour through Lyon and its secret passageways. For those of you who would like to spend more time visiting this unique city, we’ll suggest some highlights. It was a pleasure having you join us.