Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bourgoin-Jallieu to Annecy
A road trip from Bourgoin-Jallieu, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes takes about two and a half hours by car, covering a distance of 129 kilometers. The journey is dotted with picturesque villages and scenic spots, making it an ideal route for a leisurely drive. Here are five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Bourgoin-Jallieu to Annecy.
1. Perouges, Ain
Perouges is a well-preserved medieval town located about an hour's drive from Bourgoin-Jallieu. The town's narrow streets and stone houses transport visitors back in time. Visitors can explore the town's ramparts, towers, and gates, and visit the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church. Perouges has a range of restaurants that serve local cuisine, including tarte au sucre and galette.
2. Lake Aiguebelette, Savoie
Lake Aiguebelette is located about halfway between Bourgoin-Jallieu and Annecy, near the town of Chambéry. The lake's clear waters and picturesque surroundings make it a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is also home to a variety of bird species. Visitors can hike around the lake or take a boat tour. Numerous food stalls selling sandwiches and crepes line the shores of the lake.
3. Les Grottes de la Balme, Isère
Les Grottes de la Balme is a cave system located about an hour's drive from Bourgoin-Jallieu. The caves were formed over millions of years and are home to stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. Visitors can explore the caves by taking a guided tour, which lasts about one hour. The caves are also home to a colony of bats. Local delicacies, such as Chartreuse liqueur and crème de noix, can be sampled in the nearby town of Cremieu.
4. Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Haute-Savoie
The Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a fairytale castle located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been owned by the same family for over 800 years. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle's halls, rooms, and towers, which are still furnished with antique furniture and paintings. The castle's gardens offer stunning views of Lake Annecy. The nearby village of Veyrier-du-Lac is known for its Reblochon cheese, which can be tasted at the local cheese shop.
5. Col de la Forclaz, Haute-Savoie
The Col de la Forclaz is a mountain pass located in the French Alps, about 45 minutes' drive from Annecy. The pass offers panoramic views of Lake Annecy, the Aravis mountain range, and the Mont Blanc massif. Visitors can go paragliding, mountain biking, or hiking in the area. The nearby village of Doussard is famous for its Tomme de Savoie cheese, which can be enjoyed at the local cheese shop.
In Perouges, visitors should try the famous galette, a buckwheat pancake filled with savory ingredients like cheese, ham, bacon or eggs. The food stalls around Lake Aiguebelette offer a range of sandwiches and crepes. The caves near Cremieu are an excellent place to sample Chartreuse liqueur and crème de noix. The cheese shop in Veyrier-du-Lac sells a variety of cheeses, including the popular Reblochon. Tomme de Savoie, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese, is the specialty of Doussard.
A road trip from Bourgoin-Jallieu to Annecy is a perfect way to discover some of the most beautiful spots in the French Alps. From the medieval town of Perouges to the fairytale Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, the route has something for everyone. Whether visitors prefer outdoor activities like hiking and paragliding or prefer to soak up the local culture, this road trip offers an unforgettable experience.