By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Escape the Crowds and Experience Tranquil Beauty in a Lesser Known Destination
Italy's northern lakes like Como, Garda, and Maggiore may dominate social media with their shimmering waters, glamorous villas, and lakeside espressos. However, the Alpine lakes of France offer an equally picturesque yet more tranquil experience.
When my sister suggested Lake Como for a 40th birthday trip, I hesitated. The sheer volume of social media images of Italy's northern lakes also hinted at their inundation with tourists. I wondered if there was a European destination offering the same charm, history, and glamour but without the crowds. Enter: France's Alpine lakes.
Lake Annecy had already caught my attention. Its eponymous town, often referred to as the "Venice of France" for its picturesque canals, promised a captivating experience. The historic old town, wrapping around its 16th century cathedral, features labyrinthine alleyways, cobbled streets, and colorful townhouses crisscrossed by canals and the River Thiou. In spring and summer, vibrant blooms along the waterways create a doubly enchanting scene with their reflections in the water. Annecy boasts charm, history, and glamour, with lavish chateaus and castles scattered around the lake, some available for overnight stays.
The region's allure extends beyond Annecy to encompass four sparkling lakes Leman, Annecy, Bourget, and the petite Aiguebelette each dotted with enchanting towns and trails. To confirm my suspicions, I spoke to locals.
"I love swimming in these lakes. The mountain water is absolutely spectacular," said Richard Hoskisson, a travel expert living in the south of France who frequently visits his sister on Lake Leman, Annecy's northern neighbor (known to the Swiss as Lake Geneva). "The water is just this blue that I haven't seen in Como or Garda. It's wonderful to swim in."
Conversations with Hoskisson and others convinced me to expand our trip beyond Annecy to include Leman and Bourget. Geneva International Airport, located in Switzerland, serves as the easiest point of entry to the region. Lake Leman's shoreline is 60% Swiss and 40% French, with border crossings typically hassle free. "When crossing the borders between Switzerland and France, there are usually no checks," Hoskisson explained. "You simply drive along the road, and suddenly you're in another country."
Upon landing, you can easily reach France's spa town of Évian les Bains by train or ferry along Lake Leman. While Évian is famous today for its bottled water, its mineral springs and thermal spas have made it a popular wellness destination for centuries. My design obsessed sister would undoubtedly appreciate the town's Belle Époque charm, exemplified by the historic Buvette Cachat building and the Palais Lumière, which now serves as an exhibition and cultural center.
A short drive away is the town of Thonon les Bains, where locals recommend riding the funicular for expansive views across the village, harbor, and lake. While you can take a train, Mohd Rizwan, director of luxury travel company Travelosei, suggests renting a car in Évian for the flexibility to explore the lakes' surroundings. Having a car facilitates visits to destinations like Moulin de Léré, a Michelin-starred restaurant in a 17th century mill amid pine-forested peaks. Chef Frédéric Molina and his wife Irene Gordejuela serve authentic regional flavors, including pasta with fresh goat cheese and fish sourced from Leman.
From Thonon, Hoskisson recommends visiting Yvoire, a medieval town known for its ivy strewn stone townhouses and one of France's most beautiful gardens Le Jardin des Cinq Sens. Each section of the garden is designed to engage one or more of the five senses. I imagined enjoying a Champagne breakfast at Yvoire's Villa Cécile, taking in the view of Leman before mapping out our next destination.
According to Carole Cailloux, founder of local lifestyle magazine MokaMag, cycling around Lake Annecy is a beautiful way to discover the area, with stops at small beaches like Menthon Saint Bernard or Talloires. The 42km route is manageable in a day, with regular stops to replenish energy. "For gourmets, Les Délices de Manon offers incredible macarons in Annecy. The cheeses from Fromagerie Pierre Gay are a delight, and Philippe Rigollot Pâtissier & Chocolatier is a must visit."
Menthon Saint Bernard is an essential stop in Annecy, noted Hoskisson. The imposing Chateau de Menthon, set high above the lake, offers spectacular views and a rich history. While in Menthon, he suggests booking a meal or overnight stay at the Palace de Menthon, reminiscent of Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel.
The region is known as "the Riviera of the Alps," according to Lorène Belotti, press officer for Aix les Bains Tourism. Lake Bourget, France's largest and deepest freshwater body, can be reached by a one hour train from Annecy or by car. The lake's waters change color according to the mood of the mountains, offering serene spas and plenty of water sports. Belotti recommends "packrafting" an inflatable kayak that fits into a backpack to explore Bourget, allowing you to hike along the wild coast and kayak on the water after a picnic in a cove.
"What I love most about this region is you can be as active as you want," added Mohd. "You can go hiking, boating, even paragliding or simply relax and stroll the small towns." Cailloux echoed this sentiment, noting that the lakes share similarities with Lake Como or Lake Maggiore but with a more sporty and active dimension. The combination of natural beauty and opportunities for adventure makes her fall in love with the region every day.
While the Italian lakes may be destined for the Instagram spotlight, France's Alpine lakes offer an understated elegance and a lower maintenance complement to Italy's flashy opulence. Thoroughly convinced, my sister and I are packing our bags for eastern France. This experience has me wondering where else we've overlooked in favor of overly documented destinations.
