Cycling itinerary: Annecy / Aix les Bains

Beauty of the lake and mountains evolving all the time! Lake Annecy's clear waters are surrounded by moutains which colours change with seasons or light: green in spring and summer, glowing colours in autumn, pristine white in winter. Simply amazing...It is possible to admire the landscape from summits, when paragliding or along the cycle path that runs from Annecy to Savoy. Moreover, thanks to numerous protective actions performed for over 40 years, local people and tourists enjoy a protected environment: lake Annecy is considered as one of the purest lakes in Europe. The clearness and pureness of its water offer the opportunity to practice many water activities: swimming, of course, but also sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, water skiing, scuba diving, fishing... Lake Annecy is a perfect place for sports, leisure and also to discover history and local heritage. Stroll around the colourful, paved streets of Annecy's Old town, discover castles and museums, meet local craftspeople... Lake Annecy is also famous for its markets (with local products, cheese and delicatessen) and restaurants (local or gastronomic cuisine, fish and seafood...).

La cathédrale a été édifiée en 1535 pour être l'église des Franciscains. Mais aussitôt, elle est devenue la cathédrale provisoire des évêques de Genève, réfugiés à Annecy suite à la Réforme protestante qui a eu lieu à Genève.Ancienne chapelle du couvent des Cordeliers, né d’un vœu de piété de Pierre Lambert, homme d’église, l’édifice est construit entre 1535 et 1538. Jacques Rossel, maître d’oeuvre sur le chantier de la cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève, y travaille. L’église de l’évêque de Genève A partir de 1538, suite au passage de Genève à la Réforme protestante et à l’exil à Annecy des membres du clergé catholique, l’église accueille le siège de l’évêque. En 1822, l’église est finalement érigée en cathédrale du diocèse d’Annecy. Entre architecture gothique et Renaissance L’église présente un gothique sévère mais typique. La façade, dernière étape de la construction, change de style, témoignant de l’influence de la Renaissance artistique italienne. Au premier niveau, la façade est divisée en trois parties grâce à des pilastres verticaux. Le deuxième niveau est surmonté d’un fronton triangulaire. A côté des éléments de style renaissant, la façade conserve deux baies en arc brisé et une rose gothique, qui s’inspire de celle que Jacques Rossel exécute à partir de 1511 à la tour sud de la cathédrale de Genève. Vers 1775, afin d’embellir le chœur, un nouvel aménagement est réalisé par l’architecte turinois Giovanni Piacenza.

Le Semnoz mountain, a vast protected area, 16 km long and stretching from an altitude of 450 m to one of 1,699 m. Close to Lake Annecy, it offers a vast terrain for play and discovery in all 4 seasons (skiing, snowshoeing, walks, mountain biking...).Le Semnoz, to the north of the Bauges mountains and bordering the western bank of Lake Annecy, is a concentration of activities. In winter, the ski resort offers an ideal terrain for practicing cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowkiting. In summer, make way for the alpine pastures with their animals, farms and cheese production. It is also the chance to go for a wander along the many walking paths and mountain bike circuits. The resort offers an alpine slide and various downhill activities (devalkart, runix...). You can also discover the botanical path and rock climbing sites. All year round, Le Semnoz - with the Crêt de Chatillon as its highest point - offers a viewpoint indicator and 360-degree view. A magnificent site for admiring the French Alps, with Mont-Blanc in the background.

AQUALAC welcomes young and old all year round. Swimming, water sports, leisure or relaxation, you will be capitivated. Indoor & outdoor pools are available for you.

On the edge of the Lac du Bourget, between the Grand Port and the Petit Port, an 8-hectare area is reserved for strolling and picnics, with stunning views over the lake and the Dent du Chat. Games, rides and refreshments are all available.L'Esplanade du Lac, in Aix-les-Bains, is a promenade favoured by the residents of Aix. Along the edge of the lake, it offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. Setting off from the activity area, this pedestrian walkway is ideal for the whole family: pedal-carts, little wooden horses, rides, trampolines, boat hire and more! There are many facilities nearby, and frequent activities.

Sale of cheeses and local produce. Production of Tome des Bauges, vacherin and Abondance. Watch the production process from a glazed area every morning from 9-10.00 a.m.

Cueillette du thé des Alpes dans les Aravis, de l’absinthe en Maurienne, de la Gentiane dans les Bauges à l’automne…Des cultures aussi : menthes, verveine, mauve et calendula, un peu de génépi… Créé en 1997 par Benoît CLAUDE, le Sanglier...Plantes aromatiques et médicinales...

A suspended metal bridge, built in 1887 by the engineer Baudin. 64 m long, situated 96 m above the Chéran, it links Cusy to Gruffy, and is listed as a heritage site. A plunging view over the chaos of the Chéran. Hike departure point.

Aquapark: destination of your summer at Lac du Bourget! Park of inflatable structures on the water