Chambéry
Once the capital of Savoy, the dignified town of Chambéry has a distinctly Italianate feel that betrays its history as part of Italy. Highlights here include its much-loved and extravagant Fontaine des Eléphants, Chateau of the Dukes of Savoy dating back to the 14th century and 17th century country house, Les Charmettes, once home to the philosopher Rousseau.
Annecy & the Lake
The town of Annecy is one of the most attractive and charming towns in the Alps, set at the northern tip of Lac d’Annecy and surrounded by mountains. Its small medieval quarter is laced with canals, flower-covered bridges and arcaded streets. Perfect for leisurely and relaxing browsing, there are nonetheless some major sights - the formidable 12th Century Palais de l’Isle and the turreted Chateau d’Annecy. One of the largest lakes in France, Lake Annecy is surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and attractive towns and villages.
Lyon
Dramatically sited on the banks of the Rhone and Saone rivers, France’s second city, Lyon, has long been a vital gateway between north and south. It is renowned as the gastronomic centre of the country with a wealth of excellent restaurants from humble bistros to Michelin-starred centres of excellence and is bordered by the two important wine regions of Beaujolais and Cotes-du-Rhone. Sights here date back to Roman times with two theatres which still stage events (and an excellent Gallo-Romaine museum). The old town is an atmospheric warren of cobbled streets, covered walkways and Renaissance palaces, perfect for a leisurely promenade. The main sights include the Basilique de Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Roman theatres, Cathédrale St Jean, 15th century Hotel de Gadagne that houses two museums and Chemin du Rosaire, a beautiful path that leads down from Fourvière offering spectacular views of the city.
Abbey d’Hautecombe & Aix-les-Bains
The beautiful and peacful Abbaye d'Hautecombe, spectacularly situated on Lake Bourget with a wealth of architectural and artistic treasures. This Benedictine monastery contains the mausoleum of the Savoyard dynasty and was transformed by Piedmontese architect, Ernest Melano. Aix-les-Bains, a gracious spa town on Lac du Bourget, famed for its thermal baths and Faure Museum housing the 2nd largest collection of Impressionist paintings in France, including works by Pissarro, Renoir, Degas and Sisley and a collection of some 30 Rodin statues.
Chartreuse & Grenoble
The Chartreuse is a magnificent region of mountains and forests, famed for the Monastery whose monks produced the renowned liqueur, but which is now produced in the town of Voiron. The monks still inhabit the monastery and live in silence and seclusion. Grenoble is a thriving university city, home to the 1968 Winter Olympics, whose sights include the cable car to the Fort de la Bastille, lively Place St-André in the heart of the medieval city, 13th century Church of St-André and several museums.