French Château & Majestic Alps

French Château & Majestic Alps

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French Château & Majestic Alps

9 Days Starting in Northern France and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: France, Challes-les-Eaux, Lyon, Annecy, Grenoble, Chartreuse Mountains, Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry, Paris

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

fcma

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

The sheer beauty of this wonderful Alpine region of France leaves you almost lost for words! The Savoie Alps are home to dramatic mountain peaks, charming towns and villages, tranquil Alpine lakes and lush, green valleys. Visits to Aix-les-Bains, Annecy and Chambery will take your breath away. Plus, of course, the gastronomic delights of the charming Château des Comtes de Challes, where we will be based throughout our tour. So let your taste buds be tingled in the Château's lovely restaurant whilst your eyes take in the spectacular Alpine scenery - this wonderful tour is bound to leave lasting memories all round !

Highlights

  • Visits to Aix-les-Bains, Annecy and Chambery will take your breath away

  • Enjoy visit to Grenoble, otherwise known as 'the Capital of the Alps', nestled amongst the dramatic peaks of the Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors mountains

  • Visit Chambery, where Thursday is market day. Shop for souvenirs and local produce or explore the historical old town and admire the beautiful medieval buildings and cathedral

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Travel To Northern France

Location: France

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City-style hotels

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to northern France for an overnight stay.

Day 2 : Arrive In Challes-Les-Eaux

Location: Challes-les-Eaux

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Château des Comtes de Challes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue past Troyes and Dijon, famous for its mustard of the same name. Then towards the awe-inspiring scenery of the Savoie Alps and to Challes-les-Eaux for a six-night stay. When you arrive, enjoy a welcome drink before dinner.

Day 3 : Lyon

Location: Lyon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Château des Comtes de Challes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take the opportunity of an optional excursion to Lyon, France's second city and reputed to be the gourmet capital of France.



Found at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saone Rivers, Lyon’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its charm as a city is undisputed among the French and the old town is a maze of cobbled streets, covered walkways and Renaissance architecture just begging to be explored.



While you're there, don't forget to take a look at the Basilique de Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Cathédrale St. Jean.

Day 4 : Annecy

Location: Annecy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Château des Comtes de Challes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our Alpine extravaganza continues today with an included excursion to the town of Annecy, placed right on the shores of its namesake, Lake Annecy.


As well as a picturesque lakeside promenade, you can wander through the quaint old town which has an abundance of arcaded streets that are criss-crossed by canals. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the Alps', the medieval quarter is a photographer’s delight, with flower-bedecked bridges across the charming canals and the weekly market which springs into life every Tuesday. While you wander around the many attractions, be sure to take in the majestic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 5 : Grenoble & Chartreuse Valley

Location: Grenoble, Chartreuse Mountains

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Château des Comtes de Challes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy an included excursion to Grenoble, otherwise known as 'the Capital of the Alps', nestled amongst the dramatic peaks of the Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors mountains. You may wish to take the iconic cable car over the city’s rooftops to the Fort de la Bastille, a 17th century fortress that has stood the test of time to become an attraction for thousands.


Alternatively, relax in the lively Place Saint André or stroll amongst the fountains of Place Grenette. During the day, we will also have the opportunity to see the Chartreuse massif; a stunning region of snowy mountain peaks, dense forests, deep valleys and lush green meadows.

Day 6 : Chambery & Aix Les Bains

Location: Aix-les-Bains, Chambéry

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Château des Comtes de Challes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our included excursion today takes us first to Chambery, where Thursday is market day. Shop for souvenirs and local produce or explore the historical old town and admire the beautiful medieval buildings and cathedral. The town boasts many Italian influences in its architecture, having all the charm of an Italian hamlet with the dramatic background of Alpine scenery.

The tour will continue to the well-known fashionable spa town of Aix-les-Bains, a Victorian-style year-round resort with a beach on Lac du Bourget; France's largest lake. If you get a chance (and have a head for heights) an aerial cableway 5,000 feet up the fir-covered Mount Revard delivers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area. Wander around the streets lined with shops, restaurants and elegant Belle-Époque buildings. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade and admire the views of the famous Abbaye d'Hautecombe monastery. Our journey back to the hotel will take us through the picturesque Isere Valley.

Day 7 : Day At Leisure Or Chamonix

Location: Challes-les-Eaux

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Château des Comtes de Challes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a final day in Challes-les-Eaux and find out what makes it such a special place to stay. Explore the château, which was the former home of the Dukes of Savoie, enjoy a stroll around the beautiful grounds and wander into the local village for some last-minute shopping and to admire the wonderful views. Friday is market day in Challes-les-Eaux, so make sure to wander the stalls for trinkets and gifts if you get a chance.

Alternatively, join our optional excursion to Chamonix. Browsing around the little shops is a pleasure and you will have a large choice of cafés and restaurants for your midday snack. The town is about 3,500 feet above sea level and sits astride the River Arve, which rises into Mer de Glace; Mont Blanc’s largest glacier and otherwise known as the 'Sea of Ice'.

Day 8 : Travel To Paris Area

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City-style hotels

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave the Alps and head through France to reach our hotel for an overnight stay in the Paris area.

Day 9 : Return Home

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Additional Services

    Travel from a wide range of convenient joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement. Please contact us for our full list of joining points.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    This trip includes coach travel from/to a local UK joining point

  • Fully Guided

  • International Travel

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Transport

    Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach

What's Not Included

Accommodation

You will stay for six nights at the 3-star Château des Comtes de Challes. Situated in two hectares of gardens, overlooking the Challes-les-Eaux Valley, this 15th century castle became a hotel in 1860. Overnight stays in northern France and the Paris area will be in city-style hotels.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    On Leger Coach Holidays, your allowance is one medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Some tours carry a supplement for solo travellers, please ask for details if the Single price is not shown

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Low

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What type of coach will be used?

    You will travel on either our Luxuria Coach or our Silver Service Coach

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Fully escorted by our experienced drivers/crews. And in most towns and cities we either include or offer optional sightseeing tours with expert local guides to help you get the most from your visits.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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