5 good reasons to stop off at Lake Annecy, on the Route des Grandes Alpes by bike

The Route des Grandes Alpes links Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean and crosses the highest road passes in the Alps: Iseran, Galibier, Bonette, Izoard... A unique adventure, in the heart of exceptional mountain landscapes. Among them, Annecy and its lake, the purest in Europe, offer a magnificent interlude. Discovering them by bike is one of the highlights of your trip. In Sevrier, the Hôtel Beauregard, located by the lake and the cycle path, is an ideal stopover for recuperating or exploring the neighboring passes.

Here are five good reasons to take a break here.

Reason no. 1: Lake Annecy, soothing after the effort

After a sustained stage, the view of the lake and mountains is enough to take the pressure off. The scenery changes with the seasons, but always remains soothing. From the hotel, you're almost immediately drawn to the lakeside promenade, where you can walk, breathe and let your legs relax gently.

Reason no. 2: a base camp on the road to the great passes

Annecy is a strategic point for a series of climbs: Colombière, Aravis, Forclaz, Croix-Fry, Plan-Bois and the Semnoz. Just 3 km from Annecy and right on the cycle path, the Hôtel Beauregard is an ideal base for exploring the region. You can leave the car behind, set off by bike, walk or take the bus: everything is accessible without constraints.

Reason no. 3: a perfect place to recover

After racking up kilometers and elevation changes, recovery is essential. Hôtel Beauregard offers everything you need to relax body and mind:

- Spa to relax muscles.

- Indoor heated pool with mountain views.

- Bright rest areas.

- Outdoor solarium.

- Immediate access to the gentle routes along the lake for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

A secure bike room completes the facilities. The whole package allows you to really cut out, rest your legs and set off again the next day lighter.

Reason no. 4: quiet accommodation for a good night's sleep

Recovering also means sleeping. The 44 renovated, air-conditioned rooms offer a simple, restful setting, often with lake or mountain views. The atmosphere is tranquil, far from urban noise, with nature as a backdrop. For families or groups, self-contained apartments are also available.

Reason no. 5: a gourmet break to replenish your strength

The hotel offers cuisine that highlights local produce and seasonal flavors. At the La Boussole restaurant, enjoy simple, well-crafted dishes, in a dining room or on a terrace overlooking the lake. After a day of effort, sharing a warm meal is the best way to "redo" the day's stage!

And finally, an idea for a stage to faire du vélo autour du lac d'Annecy

Here's an example of a route between Le Grand-Bornand and the Bauges. It takes in the Col du Marais, Faverges, the Tour du Lac d'Annecy greenway, then the cycle path to Saint-Jorioz before climbing the Col de Leschaux. For the more motivated, you can add the Col de Plan-Bois loop to the start, or finish by climbing the Semnoz from Leschaux. At the end of this beautiful ascent and after enjoying magnificent views over the lake, all that's left is to embark on a frantic descent that will bring you back to your home base: the Hôtel Beauregard.

Stopping off at Lake Annecy when you're travelling the various itineraries of which the Route des Grandes Alpes is the backbone, means combining effort, scenic beauty and relaxation. Hôtel Beauregard offers a simple, quiet setting, ideal for recharging your batteries between climbs and fully enjoying your cycling trip.