Aravis Mountains Added To Inntravel’s Walking Holidays for 2026

B Corp-certified walking specialist Inntravel is adding a brand-new self-guided holiday, set in the little-known Aravis mountain range, to its French programme of (18) hotel-to-hotel walking breaks.

With Inntravel’s route notes, maps and luggage transfers, the itinerary will guide walkers through the quintessential Alpine scenery of Annecy Mountains, south-east of Geneva, and finish in the lakeside town of Annecy.  With the holiday accessible by Eurostar and TGV, Inntravel reports that the new addition, the first in France for several years, is,

“…a reflection of the increased demand for holidays by rail and a renewed enthusiasm for Francophilia.”

A fresh perspective on the French Alps, the route takes walkers through the Aravis mountains, an unspoiled corner of the Savoie Alps, beginning in the traditional village of La Clusaz, via Le Grand-Bornand and finishing in Annecy, known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’.

The new holiday combines charming chalet-style hotels in traditional villages, glorious mountain scenery, and rewarding walking, including some high passes and superb panoramas.  While the wildlife (chamois, marmots, ibex and golden eagles) is spectacular throughout the season, it is the wildflower meadows in June and early July and the autumn colours in September that make the start and end of the season particularly special times to travel.

As a finale to the week, a boat takes walkers along Lake Annecy, a glacial lake and one of the purest in Europe, to the town of the same name.  Two nights are spent here, enough time to enjoy this medieval lakeside spot, famous for its canals, castle and cobbled streets.

While the Aravis Mountains are renowned for outdoor adventure, the region’s hearty Savoyard cuisine is also a draw for visitors. The star is the local unpasteurised cheese, Reblochon, widely featured in dishes like tartiflette, raclette, and gratin de Crozets. Visitors can also savour Diot sausages and Farcement Savoyard, a special loaf made from potatoes and dried fruit.

Price: The French Alps & Lake Annecy self-guided walking holiday costsfrom £1,650pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B (three 3-star hotels, one 4-star hotel), 3 dinners, luggage transported between hotels, route notes, maps and GPS navigation.  Available from 7 June – 15 September 2026.  Flights to Geneva extra.

Image top ©-P. Guilbaud & Le Grand Bornand Tourisme