In Annecy, just before sunset, the lake turns silver-blue and the mountains glow pink at the edges. Locals stroll along the canals with fresh bread tucked under their arms, café terraces are buzzing, and the scent of melted cheese and mountain herbs drifts from tiny bistros. It’s the sort of scene that makes you stop mid-step and think ‘this is why people fall in love with France.’ And this September, Best of France Travels invites you to experience it all on their beautifully curated Magnificent French Alps Tour — a small group tour that blends culture, gastronomy, stunning scenery, and authentic local experiences in one of France’s most enchanting regions.
This is not a rushed, whistle-stop itinerary. It’s immersive, relaxed travel with soul. Think leisurely lunches, hidden gardens, lakeside villages, and mountain panoramas.
A Small Group Tour with a Personal Touch
One of the greatest pleasures of travelling with Best of France Travels (who have been hosting tours for more than 20 years) is the authenticity of the experience. With a small group, the pace is never rushed, and it’s more like travelling with friends and nothing like joining a large coach tour.
Your host-guide, Australian-born Shannan Carter, who lives In the south of France, and knowledgeable local guides lead a tour that’s truly special with stories, local insights, and thoughtful touches that independent travellers often miss. Whether recommending a tucked-away auberge where you’ll find traditional mountain dishes like creamy tartiflette, a Reblochon cheese-fest, or raclette – cheese melted over potatoes and charcuterie, or sharing the history behind a medieval alleyway, or introducing local producers, their passion for France shines throughout the journey. And you’ll find that there’s time to linger, sip another coffee by the lake, and truly absorb the atmosphere.
Annecy – The Venice of the Alps
Few places in France are as instantly captivating as Annecy. Its pastel-coloured houses line flower-draped canals that weave through the old town, while the crystal-clear lake reflects surrounding Alpine peaks. Wander through cobbled lanes where market stalls overflow with mountain cheeses, saucisson, fresh berries, and golden pastries.
Pause beside the Palais de l’Isle, a former prison now museum which sits in the canal, listen to the church bells echo across the old town, stroll along the lakeside promenade where swans glide silently across turquoise waters.
Exploring the Countryside Around Annecy
Beyond the town itself lies a landscape of rolling green pastures, tiny hamlets, flower-filled balconies, and dramatic Alpine vistas.
September is an especially glorious time to visit, the summer crowds have departed, the temperature is mellow, and the countryside begins to glow with early autumn colours. Farmers’ markets brim with seasonal produce, vineyards shimmer in the late afternoon light, and the mountains seem even more majestic under crisp blue skies.
As you travel through the Haute-Savoie countryside you’ll discover a quieter, deeply authentic France — the France of church spires, family-run farms, hidden chapels, and generations-old traditions.
A few Highlights on the Magnificent Tour of the French Alps
Visit medieval Yvoire, perched on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), it’s fairy tale pretty with a maze of stone lanes bursting with flowers in every window box and archway. Boats bob gently in the harbour while narrow streets lead to artisan boutiques, lakeside cafés, and ancient ramparts. Sit beside the lake with a glass of crisp white wine and simply watch the light dance across the water toward Switzerland beyond.
For sheer drama, few destinations rival Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Nestled beneath mighty Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain, Chamonix combines glamorous Alpine charm with awe-inspiring scenery. Snow-capped peaks tower above elegant streets lined with cafés, pâtisseries, and chic boutiques. The mountain air feels impossibly fresh. Cowbells echo across distant slopes. Glaciers shimmer high above the valley. Everywhere you look, the scenery is cinematic. Whether enjoying the lively town atmosphere or simply gazing up at Mont Blanc from a sunny terrace, Chamonix leaves a lasting impression.
Tucked away in a peaceful village, is an extraordinary garden. The Jardin des Secrets feels like stepping into a dream. Roses climb ancient stone walls, shaded pathways reveal quaint courtyards filled with flowers and fountains, it’s a unique experience – the sort of hidden gem most visitors to France never discover.
A True French Experience
What makes the Magnificent French Alps Tour so special is its balance of beauty, culture, and genuine connection. “You won’t simply see the Alps — you’ll taste them, hear them, wander through them, and meet the people who call this extraordinary region home” says Shannan.
With Best of France Travels handling the details, all you need to do is relax and enjoy every moment.
Discover a journey filled with mountain charm, unforgettable flavours, and the authentic soul of France: bestoffrancetravels.com
