Welcome to a week where misty mountain mornings meet teal-toned alpine lakes. This French Alps itinerary pairs high-altitude thrills in Chamonix—gateway to Mont Blanc—with Annecy’s storybook old town, winding canals, and glass-clear waters. It’s crafted for travelers who love photography, fresh mountain air, and a plate of melted cheese after a day outside.

Chamonix made its name in 1741 when curious aristocrats came to see “the sea of ice,” and it surged again after the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Today it’s a year-round base for cable cars, glacier railways, world-class hiking, and hearty Savoyard cuisine. Annecy, once the seat of the Counts of Geneva, balances Renaissance lanes and pastel facades with a lake so clean locals call it “the blue mirror of the Alps.”

Practical notes: Weather shifts fast in the mountains—pack layers, traction shoes, and rain gear. Book marquee lifts (Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers) early in peak seasons; consider a multipass to save. Getting around is simple with European trains and buses, and Geneva Airport serves both cities efficiently.

Chamonix

Chamonix sits in a dramatic glacial valley under Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc (4,809 m). The town blends alpine heritage with modern cafés, microbreweries, and gear shops—perfect before or after a cable-car ascent to knife-edge viewpoints.

• Top sights: Aiguille du Midi cable car, Montenvers–Mer de Glace railway, Lac Blanc hike (via La Flégère), Brévent panorama, Alpine Museum.
• Signature flavors: Raclette, fondue, tartiflette, and blueberry tart. Pair them with local Savoie wines or a pint from Micro Brasserie de Chamonix (MBC).
• Where to stay: Base yourself in Chamonix Centre for walkable dining and lifts, or Les Praz for quick access to La Flégère.

Book stays: Find apartments and chalets on VRBO Chamonix or browse hotels on Hotels.com Chamonix.

Getting there: Fly to Geneva (GVA). From Geneva Airport to Chamonix, buses take ~1.5–2 hours (~€25–€35). Compare flights and trains on Omio (flights in Europe) and Omio (buses in Europe). Coming from outside Europe? Check fares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights).

Day 1: Arrive Geneva → Chamonix, alpine stroll, Savoyard welcome

Morning: Fly into Geneva. If your flight lands early, grab a coffee and snack for the road; the mountain bus ride is scenic.

Afternoon: Take a bus to Chamonix (~1.5–2 hours). Check in, then stretch your legs along the Arve River promenade and peek into the Alpine Museum to ground yourself in the valley’s exploration history.

Evening: Dinner at La Caleche (since 1946) for raclette or fondue; the wood-filled dining room tells Chamonix’s story in old mountaineering relics. Nightcap at Micro Brasserie de Chamonix (MBC)—grab an IPA and toast the peaks.

Day 2: Aiguille du Midi + Montenvers–Mer de Glace

Morning: Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car early for clear views (allow 2–3 hours; ~€75–€85 return). At 3,842 m, step into “Le Pas dans le Vide” glass box and watch climbers dot the Vallée Blanche below.

Afternoon: After a quick town lunch—try Cool Cats for inventive hot dogs and veggie sides—board the red Montenvers railway to the Mer de Glace (~20 min each way; ~€38–€42). Visit the glacier ice cave and the small museum to see how the “sea of ice” has changed.

Evening: Savory crêpes and cider at La Crèmerie du Glacier or go refined-Savoyard at La Maison Carrier for smoked lake fish and blueberry tart. End with a stroll through Place Balmat under mountain silhouettes.

Day 3: Lac Blanc hike or Brévent panoramas

Morning: If conditions are good, take the La Flégère lift and hike to Lac Blanc (3–4 hours roundtrip; moderate; alpine lakes mirroring the Mont Blanc massif—bring layers). Alternatively, ride up to Planpraz/Brévent for a shorter scenic walk with big views.

Afternoon: Terrace lunch at La Bergerie de Plan Praz—try the diot sausage or baked Reblochon with a glass of Apremont. If weather turns, pivot to the Crystal Museum or a spa session in town.

Evening: Book Munchie for Scandinavian-Asian small plates (miso cod, duck gyoza) or Le Cap Horn for sushi and Savoyard comfort in a chalet setting. Cocktail at Elevation 1904 or a quiet glass of Mondeuse at a wine bar.

Day 4: Courmayeur (Italy) day trip or Chamonix market day

Morning: Cross the Mont Blanc Tunnel by bus (~40–50 min) to Courmayeur. Wander stone lanes, espresso in hand, and browse Italian gear shops—bring your passport.

Afternoon: Long lunch of polenta and Valdostana fare at a centro storico trattoria, or soak at the thermal baths in Pré-Saint-Didier (time-permitting, advanced booking recommended). If staying local, visit the Saturday market in Chamonix for cheeses, saucisson, and mountain honey.

Evening: Back in Chamonix, swing by Moody Coffee Roasters for a late flat white, then dinner at Le Monchu—tartiflette, charcuterie, and a crisp Roussette. Early night to prep for transfer day.

Annecy

Annecy is a pastel labyrinth of canals, arcades, and flower-decked bridges feeding into Lake Annecy’s astonishing blues and greens. Think Renaissance façades, a lakeside promenade, and mountains rising like theatre wings behind a glittering stage.

• Top sights: Vieille Ville (old town), Palais de l’Isle, Château d’Annecy, Lake Annecy cruises, Semnoz viewpoint, cycling the lakeside voie verte.
• Signature flavors: Tome des Bauges, lake fish (omble chevalier), and hearty Savoyard classics. Gelato at Glacier des Alpes is a rite of passage.
• Where to stay: Old Town for canal-side atmosphere; Albigny for lake access and beaches.

Travel from Chamonix: Morning bus or train/bus combo to Annecy ~2.5–3 hours (~€15–€30). Compare options on Omio (trains in Europe) and Omio (buses in Europe).

Book stays: Browse lake-view flats on VRBO Annecy or hotels near the old town on Hotels.com Annecy.

Day 5: Transfer to Annecy, canals and castle, lakefront sunset

Morning: Depart Chamonix after breakfast; aim for a mid-morning bus/train. Check into your Annecy stay and drop your bags.

Afternoon: Walk the Vieille Ville: Palais de l’Isle (the photogenic “little island” prison), then the Château d’Annecy for lake-view ramparts and regional art. Coffee at Brumes (specialty roaster) or hot chocolate at historic Le Fidèle Berger.

Evening: Dinner at Le Freti for bubbling fondue, or try lake fish and market plates at Le Bilboquet. Stroll to Pont des Amours—the classic sunset vantage where canal meets lake.

Day 6: Lake Annecy by boat, Semnoz ridge, and old town wine

Morning: Take a Lake Annecy cruise (1–2 hours) to see Veyrier-du-Lac and Talloires from the water—watch for paragliders overhead. Alternatively, rent bikes and follow the flat voie verte south along the shoreline.

Afternoon: Bus or drive up to Semnoz (1,700 m) for panoramic walks and picnic meadows; on clear days, Mont Blanc glints in the distance. Late gelato at Glacier des Alpes—try génépi or myrtille (blueberry).

Evening: For a splurge, book La Ciboulette (seasonal tasting menus, local produce). Casual option: L’Etage in the old town for Savoyard gratins and salads. Wine bar hop between canals—ask for a Jacquère or Mondeuse by the glass.

Day 7: Market morning, lakeside cycle, departure

Morning: Hit Annecy’s markets (Tues/Fri/Sun) for Tomme de Savoie, walnuts, and mountain honey. Brunch at Le Bar Roux d’Heure (eggs, pancakes, good coffee) before a final loop along the Paquier lawns.

Afternoon: Short bike ride to Albigny Beach for a quick dip if it’s warm, or duck into boutiques along Rue Royale. Depart for Geneva Airport: bus ~1.5–2 hours (~€10–€20) or train via Annemasse (~2 hours). Compare routes on Omio (trains) or Omio (buses); for Europe flights use Omio (flights).

Evening: If staying late, simple, excellent burgers at L’Heure Tourne, then a farewell canal walk as café lights shimmer on the water.

Daily coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner cheat-sheet

• Chamonix coffee & breakfast: Moody Coffee Roasters (flat whites, pastries), Aux Petits Gourmands (viennoiseries), Pâtisserie Richard (tarts, macarons).
• Chamonix lunch: Cool Cats (gourmet hot dogs), La Bergerie de Plan Praz (mountain terrace), Restaurant Le 3842 (high-altitude lunch with views).
• Chamonix dinner: La Caleche (classic Savoyard), Munchie (Scandi-Asian), La Maison Carrier (regional fare).
• Annecy coffee & breakfast: Brumes (specialty coffee), Le Fidèle Berger (historic patisserie), Le Bar Roux d’Heure (brunch).
• Annecy lunch: Canal-side crêperies, bike-lane picnic with market finds, or lakeside snack bars near the Paquier.
• Annecy dinner: Le Freti (fondue/raclette), Le Bilboquet (market cuisine), La Ciboulette (tasting menu).

Getting around and estimated costs

• Geneva Airport → Chamonix: Bus ~1.5–2 hrs, ~€25–€35. Compare on Omio (buses).
• Chamonix → Annecy: 2.5–3 hrs by bus or train+bus, ~€15–€30. Check Omio (trains) and Omio (buses).
• Annecy → Geneva Airport: 1.5–2 hrs by bus (~€10–€20) or ~2 hrs by train via Annemasse. Europe flights via Omio. Outside Europe, compare on Kiwi.com or Trip.com.
• Key activities (2025 est.): Aiguille du Midi €75–€85 RT; Montenvers €38–€42; Lake Annecy cruise €16–€25; tandem paragliding €100–€150.

Where to sleep: See VRBO Chamonix, Hotels.com Chamonix, VRBO Annecy, and Hotels.com Annecy for options from canal-side boutiques to mountain-view apartments.

In seven days you’ll ride above glaciers, sip coffee by canals, and taste the Alps in every course. This Chamonix and Annecy itinerary balances high-altitude adventure with slow-lake afternoons—an alpine week that feels both cinematic and effortless to navigate.