Day Trips from Les Belleville: Annecy, Lyon, and Beyond

While it's tempting to spend every moment of your summer holiday exploring the trails on your doorstep, Les Belleville's location makes it one of the best bases in the Alps for day trips. From turquoise Alpine lakes to world-class city gastronomy, here are the best day trips from Les Belleville to take during your stay with Snow&Co.

Based in Les Belleville—home to Val Thorens, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, and Les Menuires—you're perfectly placed to explore beyond the mountains.

1. Annecy: The Venice of the Alps

Drive time: Approx. 1h 20m | Best for: Romance, lake swimming, and fairytale architecture.

Consistently voted one of France's most beautiful towns, Annecy delivers on every expectation. Its "Old Town" (Vieille Ville) is a maze of canals, pastel-colored houses, and flower-decked bridges.

• What to do: Rent a pedal boat or a motorboat to explore Lake Annecy, known as Europe’s cleanest lake. Afterward, grab a gelato and walk through the Jardins de l'Europe.

• Local Tip: Avoid the lakeside restaurants with "tourist menus." Head into the narrow backstreets to find the best local Tartiflette or fresh lake perch.

2. Lyon: The Gastronomic Capital

Drive time: Approx. 2h 15m | Best for: Foodies, history buffs, and big-city shopping.

If you need a break from mountain life, Lyon offers a sophisticated urban escape. As France's third-largest city, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with Roman ruins and Renaissance architecture.

• What to do: Take the funicular up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a panoramic view of the city. Then, get lost in the "Traboules" (hidden secret passageways) of Vieux Lyon.

• Local Tip: You cannot visit Lyon without eating at a Bouchon—a traditional Lyonnais restaurant. Look for the "Authentique Bouchon Lyonnais" sticker on the window for the real deal.

3. Courchevel & Méribel: The "Other" Valleys

Drive time: 30–50m (or via the lift system in summer—accessible with your Passeport Ascensionnel!) | Best for: High-end shopping and different mountain vibes.

You don't have to go far to see something new. While Les Belleville is known for its authentic charm, the neighbouring valleys offer a different flavor of alpine luxury.

• What to do: Visit Aquamotion in Courchevel Village—a massive indoor/outdoor water park that is perfect if the weather turns grey.

• Local Tip: If you’re feeling active, you can actually "hike" or mountain bike to Méribel over the Ridge, have lunch, and take the lifts back.

If you're considering a winter trip, our guide to skiing the Three Valleys is worth a read too.

4. Albertville & Conflans

Drive time: 45m | Best for: A quick afternoon trip and Olympic history.

Located at the base of our valley, Albertville hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics. But the real star is the medieval village perched just above it.

• What to do: Explore Conflans, a medieval walled town that feels like stepping back in time. It’s full of artisan shops and has a lovely square for a quiet coffee.

• Local Tip: This is a great stop-off on your way back to the valley after a morning of shopping in the larger supermarkets in the valley floor.

5. Chamonix & Mont Blanc: The Roof of Europe

Drive time: Approx. 1h 45m | Best for: High-altitude thrills and bucket-list views.

Chamonix is the mountaineering capital of the world. Even if you aren't a climber, the sheer scale of the granite peaks and hanging glaciers surrounding the town has to be seen to be believed.

• What to do: Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car. It whisks you up to 3,842m for a face-to-face view of Mont Blanc. If you’re feeling brave, "Step into the Void"—a glass skywalk with a 1,000m drop beneath your feet.

• Local Tip: If the high-altitude cable car feels too intense, take the charming red Montenvers Cog Railway to the Mer de Glace glacier. You can walk inside the glacier itself via a man-made ice cave.

6. Aix-les-Bains: The Riviera of the Alps

Drive time: Approx. 1h 10m | Best for: Spa days, Belle Époque glamour, and "Beach" vibes.

Located on the shores of Lac du Bourget (France’s largest and deepest natural lake), Aix-les-Bains feels like a Mediterranean escape hidden in the mountains.

• What to do: Visit the Hautecombe Abbey, a stunning royal burial ground accessible by boat across the lake. Afterward, stroll through the town center to admire the ornate thermal bath architecture from the 19th century.

• Local Tip: Head to the Revard Belvedere. It’s a 20-minute drive above the town and offers a famous "floating" glass platform with a 360-degree view that stretches from the lake all the way to Mont Blanc on a clear day.

7. Chambéry: The Soul of Savoie

Drive time: Approx. 1hr | Best for: History lovers, local culture, and escaping the tourist trail.

Often overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbours, Chambéry is one of the most rewarding day trips from Les Belleville for those who want an authentic taste of Savoie. As the former capital of the Duchy of Savoy, the city punches well above its weight—a handsome old town, a striking ducal castle, and one of the most characterful main squares in the French Alps await you.

• What to do: Start at the Château des Ducs de Savoie, the ancient seat of the Savoy dynasty, before wandering down the Rue de Boigne—Chambéry's elegant collonaded high street. Don't miss the famous Fontaine des Éléphants, the city's much-loved 19th-century landmark, and save time for the cathedral, which houses a remarkable trompe-l'œil interior that stops most visitors in their tracks.

• Local Tip: Chambéry is the birthplace of Vermouth. Pop into one of the old town's traditional bars and order a local Chambéry Vermouth as an aperitif.

Tips for Your Road Trip

• Start Early: The mountain roads are beautiful but winding. Leaving by 8:30 AM ensures you get the most out of your destination.

• Parking: In Annecy, Lyon, and Chamonix, look for "Parking Relais" (Park & Ride) or central underground car parks (like Parking Mont-Blanc in Chamonix) to save time.

• Check the Lifts: If you are traveling between the Three Valleys using your Passeport Ascensionnel, always double-check the time of the last lift home—you don't want to be stranded in the wrong valley!

Make Les Belleville Your Home Base

Whether you are returning from the bustling streets of Lyon or the icy heights of Chamonix, there is nothing like the fresh, cool air of the Belleville Valley to welcome you home.

Ready to plan your summer in Les Belleville? Explore our full guide to summer activities, or contact the Snow&Co team to find the perfect chalet for your stay.