French Alps Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Centre Based Destinations: France, Alps & Mediterranean Trip code: AYLCL 2 & 4 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW Bordered by Switzerland to the north and Italy to the east, Haute-Savoie is dominated by the high peaks of the French Alps and glistening lakes, Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Alps’ or ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy can trace its origins back to the time of the Romans. Situated in a commanding position at the head of Lake Annecy, the town offers a variety of quaint cafes, local history and culture. As you stroll through this ancient city, you will see the gorgeous Palais de L’Isle, a historical prison located in the centre of the Canal du Thiou which now houses a local history museum. WHAT'S INCLUDED • A full programme of guided walks with 2 options every walking day • All transport to and from walks • The services of experienced HF Holidays leaders • ‘With flight’ holidays include return flights from the UK and hotel transfers • 7 night's accommodation in en-suite rooms • Half Board –buffet breakfast and 3-course evening meal www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Experience the rich culture of Haute-Savoie • Follow the footsteps of the French Resistance on the Glières Plateau • Visit the Massif des Brauges Natural Park TRIP SUITABILITY This is a level 2 and level 4 graded Activity, Easier walks: 5 to 8 miles (8 to 13km) on good paths. Up to 1,800 feet (540m) of ascent in a day. Harder walks: 7 to 11 miles (11 to 17½km) with some steep ascents and rough sections. Up to 3,600 feet (1,080m) of ascent in a day. ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day Welcome to Hotel Splendid. Unpack and settle in. Day 2: Exploring Lake Annecy Our transport will take us to the start of our walks on the western shore of Lake Annecy. Both groups will return to the hotel using the Lake Annecy passenger ferry. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 1 - St Jorioz And Duingt Distance: 6½ miles (10½km) Total ascent: 800 feet (240m) In summary: Starting in St Jorioz we walk along the lake shore, past reedbeds sheltering birdlife and marinas full of boats before striking inland to climb to a Belvedere giving superb views over the whole of Lake Annecy. We finish our walk in Duingt where we should have time for refreshments before boarding our ferry back to town. Highlight: A delightful boat trip to end the walk – great views of where we have walked today. Option 2 - The Taillefer Ridge Distance: 9½ miles (15km) Total ascent: 1,700 feet (510m) In summary: We also take the lakeshore path from St Jorioz, then climb to the Belvedere. From here we continue on a rougher path, clambering over rock steps to reach the full height of the Taillefer ridge before descending to the village of Entrevernes. A steep path then brings us back down to Duingt and the ferry home. Highlight: Our first encounter with Annecy’s scrambly limestone ridges. Day 3: Glières Plateau The Plateau des Glières was the site chosen as a command post by a Free French resistance group, who were eventually overrun by German forces in March 1944. There is a small museum and evocative memorial to the men of the Maquis. Option 1 - Glières Plateau And Auges Mountain Distance: 6 miles (9½km) Total ascent: 1,600 feet (480m) In summary: We explore the Glières Plateau to better understand the events of Winter 1944. Then heading uphill we reach alpine pastures surrounded by rocky peaks and take the “Wolf’s step” to a magnificent view before descending to a welcoming cafe. Highlight: Don't miss the stunning alpine flowers, both in Spring and late Summer. Option 2 - Chalets Des Auges And Col De La Buffaz Distance: 9 miles (14½km) Total ascent: 2,500 feet (750m) In summary: Taking time to explore the memorial as we cross the Glières Plateau, we continue uphill, over the Pas du Loup to reach the Chalets des Augues, set on a high, remote ridge. Our route takes us on to Col de la Buffaz before climbing to Chalet de l’Ovine. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Highlight: Don't miss the magnificent views from Montagne des Auges to the Aravis Mountains and Mont Blanc beyond. Day 4: The Bauges Mountains Today takes us to the beautiful Massif des Bauges in neighbouring Savoie. With its traditional farms and barns, and unhurried way of life, it feels like stepping back in time. Option 1 - Crêt Du Char And Bellecombe Valley Distance: 7½ miles (12km) Total ascent: 1,500 feet (450m) Total descent: 2,500 (750m) In summary: Starting at the head of the Bellecombe valley, we walk up through woods and high alpine farms to reach the Crêt du Char for great views in all directions. We then pick up a track which contours under the Montagne du Charbon before descending to Le Reposoir. Our walk ends by following the valley path down to the village of Bellecombe. Highlight: Don't miss the traditional Savoyard Barns surrounded by lush green meadows. Option 2 - Dent Des Portes Distance: 10 miles (16km) Total ascent: 3,000 feet (900m) In summary: From Reposoir we head south to a low col before striking uphill with the imposing Dent des Portes directly above us. A very steep path takes us up to the airy ridge of Montagne du Charbon. We descend via the Col de Bornette and continue down the valley to reach Bellecombe with its welcoming cafe. Highlight: On a clear day with a good head for heights we can summit the “tooth”. Day 5: Free Day 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. Day 6: Into The Heart Of The Aravis Both groups will journey by coach to the start of these walks at Les Confins and finish at the Col des Annes. This area is dominated by the towering limestone peaks of the Aravis mountains. Option 1 - Above The Borne Valley Distance: 6 miles (9½km) Total ascent: 1,800 feet (540m) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 In summary: Our walk contours high above the valley of the Borne river and beneath the great peaks of the Aravis Mountains to reach the head of the valley. From here we ascend to the popular Col des Annes where we can enjoy refreshments and perhaps see cheese being made by the “Alpagistes”. Highlight: Don't miss the Reblochon Fermier and Tomme de Savoie cheeses made in the mountains. Option 2 - Refuge Gramusset And Tête Des Annes Distance: 9 miles (14½km) Total ascent: 3,600 feet (1,080m) In summary: Our walk follows a similar, but higher route to the head of the valley. From here we strike uphill to reach the Refuge Gramusset, used by climbers to summit Pointe Percée high above us. Descending, we scramble over limestone rocks to reach Col de l’Oulettaz, before following a ridge to Tête des Annes and down to the cafes on the col. Highlight: The path to Refuge Gramusset. It's marmot territory – keep your eyes peeled. Day 7: Eastern Shore For our final walks of the week we visit the eastern shore of Lake Annecy. Our transport takes us to the Col de Bluffy to start – with the harder walk heading north and the easier walk south. Option 1 - Cascade D’Angon And Talloires Distance: 5½ miles (9km) Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m) In summary: We head south through woodland to reach Planfait high above the lake, before descending through pastures and villages to reach the Cascade d’Angon. It’s possible to walk beneath the waterfall, but it can be very slippery. From here we descend a medieval track to the lake shore at the pretty village of Talloires. Highlight: Don't miss Planfait. It's a favourite take-off area for paragliders – an option for your free day. Option 2 - Mont Veyrier Distance: 9½ miles (15km) Total ascent: 2,800 feet (840m) In summary: Heading north on the Tour du Lac d’Annecy path we climb almost continually to reach the high limestone ridge of Mont Baron and continue along the rocky crest of Mont Veyrier, before descending steeply to the lakeshore and stroll back to the hotel. Highlight: The breathtaking views from Mont Veyrier ridge down to Annecy and beyond. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 8: Departure Day We hope to see you again soon. ACCOMMODATION Hotel Splendid This 3-star hotel is conveniently located overlooking the Canal du Vasse and a short walk from the medieval centre of Annecy as well as the lake, which is access via a large and pleasant public park. Accommodation Info Rooms There is a ground floor reception and the bedrooms are on the first, second and third floor with views to the Lake or overlooking the old town. The hotel has 47 ensuite rooms with telephone, TV, free room safe, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilites as well as a coffee machine. The owner of the hotel has thoughtfully provided a small library of books in each room.