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Arrival with a stopover
The longest driving leg of the trip, so it's deliberately planned as a pure travel day.
In the afternoon, stretch your legs briefly at Wohlensee.
Your trip starts here. Before setting off, it's worth taking a look at Ulm Minster, then it's off towards Switzerland.
A quietly located, well-kept campsite at Wohlensee on the outskirts of Bern. A good stopover after the first long leg, with swimming and a short link into Bern's old town.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arriving at the lake
After setting up at the lake, there's time for a first swim.
The cycle path along the eastern shore is perfect for a relaxed evening ride.
A family-friendly campsite on the southern shore of Lac d'Annecy with a pool and a short cycle link to the lakeshore. An ideal base for swimming, paddling and excursions into the surrounding mountains.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Water & swimming
A deliberately quiet day to arrive and unwind.
Paddling is best in the morning, when the lake is still mirror-calm.
A spacious natural bathing spot on the southern shore with a view of the mountain range. Gently sloping water, a sunbathing lawn and excellent water quality make it ideal for a full day of swimming.
You can hire SUP boards at several spots along the southern shore. The calm morning water is perfect for first attempts, while more experienced teenagers can explore the small coves towards Talloires.
Town & gorges
Visit the town in the morning, before it gets too busy.
The Gorges du Fier are very popular in summer, early afternoon is quieter.
Annecy's old town, with its canals, flower-lined bridges and the Palais de l'Île, is considered one of the most beautiful in the Alps. Wander through the lanes, treat yourself to an ice cream and take in the mountain panorama across the lake.
On a walkway suspended from the rock face, you walk through a narrow, deeply cut gorge above the roaring Fier river. A short but spectacular experience that teenagers particularly enjoy.
Mountain pass drive into the Mont Blanc valley
The pass drive is part of the experience, so allow time for photo stops.
Arrive and set up in Chamonix in the afternoon.
The pass, 1613 metres high, is well known from the Tour de France and offers sweeping views of the Aravis range. At the top, a short stop is worthwhile for the view over green alpine meadows and rugged rock faces.
A quietly located campsite in the Les Bossons district with direct views of the glacier and the peaks. A good starting point for the cable cars and hikes around Chamonix.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
High mountains by cable car
Take the cable car early, when visibility is usually clearest and crowds are smaller.
The altitude can be tiring, so don't rush once you're at the top.
The cable car takes you up to 3842 metres in just a few minutes, with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc. On the panoramic terrace and in the glass box Pas dans le Vide, you seem to be standing freely above the void.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
This lively mountaineering village at the foot of Mont Blanc has a cosy pedestrian zone with cafés and outdoor sports shops. After the cable car, it's a good place for a late lunch and a stroll.
Glacier up close
Many steps lead down to the ice cave, so sturdy footwear helps.
In the afternoon there's time for a swim at Chamonix's outdoor pool or some downtime at the campsite.
Take the historic rack railway from Chamonix up to Montenvers, where France's largest glacier stretches out before you. Steps and a gondola lead down to the ice cave, which is carved anew into the ice every year.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
From Montenvers, a scenic high-altitude path with views of the glacier and the Drus leads back towards the valley. A manageable family hike with a spectacular backdrop, done as a short section or a full descent, as you prefer.
Plateau & switch to the new lakeshore
A bit more driving today, but quiet days at Lac du Bourget to follow.
Have walking shoes ready for the short loop on the plateau.
This vast plateau is a place of remembrance for the Résistance and, at the same time, a wonderful area for walking and alpine pastures. Short circular routes and the memorial make this a rewarding stop for families.
A campsite right on the shore of Lac du Bourget with its own beach and views over France's largest natural lake. A good base for swimming and a peaceful end to the mountain week.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Rest by the lake
A deliberately relaxed day to round off the weeks in France.
If you'd rather stay in the saddle, cycle along the lakeshore instead.
France's largest natural lake invites you to swim, paddle and boat. At the lidos near Aix-les-Bains you'll find gently sloping entries, sunbathing lawns and boat hire.
The atmospheric abbey on the western shore is best reached by excursion boat across the lake. Inside, the richly decorated church and the view over the water are impressive.
Leg back towards home
A leg below the daily limit, leaving time for breaks along the way.
Arrive comfortably at Wohlensee in the evening.
Once again, a good stopover at Wohlensee on the way back. After the drive you can swim in the lake or take a short trip into Bern's old town in the evening.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Journey home
The last long leg, so start in the morning and take breaks.
Stretch your legs once more at a lake in Switzerland or in Zurich along the way.
Your round trip ends here. With plenty of memories of turquoise lakes and white peaks, you'll arrive back home.
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