Top Rhône-Alpes On the Water

It’s not just the skiing and climbing that makes Chamonix a world-class adventure destination: the area is famous for paragliding, too. Take to the air in perfect safety from 3,900 feet (2,100 meters) on a tandem flight with an instructor. Savor spectacular views of the Alps as your pilot manipulates the wing to ride the air currents from Plan Praz or Plan de l’Aiguille (cable-car ticket not included).

Explore old Annecy with a guide who was born and raised here - not a scripted loop, but the small details, stories and corners most visitors walk straight past. From the Tresum entrance you are in the old town within a minute: the Thiou canals, the Palais de l'Ile, the Sainte-Claire arcades, about 2 km at a relaxed pace in a group capped at 20, in English. At the Jardins de l'Europe your guide walks you right onto the boat. At 12:00 you cast off for a 1-hour non-stop cruise on a quiet panoramic hybrid boat, past the chateaux of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Duingt, docking at 13:00 in the heart of Annecy - perfectly placed for lunch by the canals. Good to know: minimum 5 travelers to run (otherwise free rebooking or full refund); if it rains, the departure is cancelled with the same choice. The cruise is shared (50 seats) with no toilets on board - use the public toilets before boarding. Strollers welcome; not wheelchair accessible.

Start your Lake Annecy cruise the easy way: a private driver collects you at your door - hotel, rental, or any address in the Annecy pickup area - and drops you right next to the pier for the 12:00 departure. No parking hunt, no rushing. Your exact pickup time is confirmed by WhatsApp the day before. Then glide onto one of Europe's purest lakes aboard a quiet hybrid boat. From large panoramic windows, watch the shore unfold: the villas of Veyrier-du-Lac, the chateaux of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Duingt, the cliffs of the Roc de Chere and the bay of Talloires. One hour later you dock in the heart of Annecy, steps from the old town's canals and restaurants - the rest of the day is yours. Good to know: the vehicle is private to your group (2-7 travelers); the cruise is shared (50 seats, sheltered viewing) and non-stop, running rain or shine. One-way only: no return transfer after the cruise. Child seats on request, not guaranteed.