French Alps

Set against the dramatic peaks of the French Alps, this trip brings together Alpine lake swimming, valley running, and mountain cycling across three stunning base camps. From swimming in crystal-clear waters to conquering iconic Tour de France cols, every day balances daily adventures, local hospitality and incredible mountain scenery.

Take a look through, get excited, and we’ll see you in Savoyard!

Adventure Snapshot
Location
Duration
7 Days
Dates
Start Location
Annecy
Dates
Dates
11 - 18 September 2027
Price
Price
From £1,750
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MAP

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

‍Today is all about getting everyone safely landed, settled, and relaxed. We’ll run two scheduled airport pickups from Geneva and bring you straight to our opening basecamp at Hôtel Beauregard. Look out for the Tri Adventures team waiting for you in arrivals.

Once you arrive, take some time to unpack, soak in the view, and settle into your room. If you arrive early, you will have time to explore Annecy old town, stretch the legs with a lakeside run or just relax by the hotel pool. In the evening, we’ll gather for our first group dinner at Restaurant la Terre de Bellevarde to get to know each other, go over the plan for the weekend, and toast to the start of the trip.

Day 2: Annecy From Every Angle

We start the day early with a light pre-breakfast before taking a short walk down to the shores of Lake Annecy. From there, you will jump into the crystal clear water for a scenic 1.5 km point to point swim, with support kayaks alongside guiding the way. Afterwards, we will head back to the hotel to refuel with a full, well earned breakfast.

Next up, it is bike time! We will roll out for a classic 40 km cycle clockwise around Lake Annecy, taking in the stunning mountain backdrops before stopping at Le Bon Wagon about 10 km from the finish for a quick coffee and refuel. The loop brings us straight back to the hotel, leaving the afternoon completely free for you to spend as you like, whether that is exploring historic Annecy, renting SUPs on the lake, relaxing by the pool, indulging in a local cheese and wine tasting, or squeezing in an extra unsupported session. Dinner is not organised tonight, but we will provide a curated list of our favourite local restaurant recommendations for you to explore.

Swim Route
Cycle Route

Day 3: The Alpine Ascent

Today we climb! The day starts with a full hotel breakfast, and the bike mechanic will arrive in time to make any final setup tweaks before we set off on our longest ride of the trip. We retrace part of yesterday's route before heading off into scenic Savoyard. The first aid station of the day will be 22 km into the ride, giving you the opportunity to refuel, rest the legs, or make any adjustments to the bike with the professional mechanic.

Then the real fun begins with the epic 11 km climb up the Col de la Croix Fry. We will stop at a cafe just past the summit to refuel before tackling the iconic Col des Aravis. A third aid station awaits just past the medieval village of Flumet, leaving around 25 km mostly downhill into Saint-Gervais as we arrive at basecamp two, Hotel des 2 Gares.

Depending on your arrival time, there should be plenty of time to rest and recover before dinner. If you have extra time, there is the opportunity to explore Saint-Gervais, visit the thermal spa, or even take the train up to the base of Mont Blanc. We will then gather for a group dinner in Saint-Gervais to celebrate a great day of cycling.

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Cycle Route
Challenger Cycle Route

Day 4: Reflections of Mont Blanc

Day four starts early with a light pre-breakfast before we head to Lac de Passy for a serene morning swim. Framed by the imposing peaks of Mont Blanc in the background, you will swim a 1 km loop across the clear waters, with the option to hop out after the first kilometre or complete a second lap for a 2 km swim. Afterwards, we will head back to the hotel to enjoy a full breakfast.

Late morning, we set off on our first organised run of the trip, traversing some beautiful alpine trails before arriving at a scenic picnic by Lac Vert. Here, you will enjoy a selection of traditional Savoyard cuisine and drinks surrounded by nature before we return to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. We can arrange transfers to and from the stunning ski town of Chamonix, as well as advise on additional cycling routes in the area that are not on our main itinerary. Dinner is up to you tonight, giving you the chance to explore Saint-Gervais at your own pace before we prepare to head to our third basecamp tomorrow.

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Swim Route
Run Route

Day 5: Rest or Rise

Day five is officially a planned rest day as we transfer from Saint-Gervais to our final base camp at Lac de Montriond in Morzine. En route, we will stop to visit the dramatic Cascade du Rouget waterfall for a gentle riverside walk, followed by a visit to a local traditional fruitière to tour the ageing cellars and sample authentic Savoyard cheeses paired with regional wines. We will arrive at our lakeside base camp with plenty of time to unpack, unwind, and relax by the water.

However, we never force rest upon anyone, so we also offer the option of two wheels instead of four. You can choose to cycle the transfer route from Saint-Gervais to Lac de Montriond, tackling classic Alpine ascents including the stunning Col de la Joux Plane. Backed every step of the way by our support vehicle, complete with on-board nutrition, mechanical assistance, and full luggage transfer.

Cycle Route

Day 6: Heart of the Chablais

Day six has a bit of everything. We start the morning right on our doorstep with a swim in the calm, emerald waters of Lac de Montriond. After drying off and refueling, we clip in for an incredible mountain cycle loop through the Chablais region, taking in winding alpine passes and scenic valley roads. Along the route, we will stop off at the famous Village des Chèvres (Les Lindarets) for a well earned lunch amongst the roaming local goats and traditional wooden chalets.

In the afternoon, the choice is yours. You can join us for an invigorating trail run elevated high in the surrounding mountains, or take some free time to unwind and explore the area at your own pace, including taking a stroll along the stunning Cascade de Nyon and gorge walk. We will regroup in the evening to share stories over dinner and prepare for our final full day in the Alps.

Swim Route
Cycle Route
Run Route

Day 7: Homeward Bound

Departure day is here, but we will make sure your trip finishes as smoothly as it started. We will run two scheduled group transfers from Morzine back to Geneva Airport throughout the day. Anyone with an early flight can enjoy a final relaxed breakfast at base camp before our team loads your luggage and takes you directly to the airport terminals.

If you have a later departure flight, you can spend your final morning relaxing by Lac de Montriond, enjoying a leisurely coffee, or fitting in one last piece of Alpine adventure before setting off. We will then gather everyone for the final transfer back to Geneva Airport, saying our goodbyes as you head home after an unforgettable week in the Alps.

Trip Overview & Format

The French Alps trip is a true journey based adventure that takes you across three iconic alpine basecamps: Lake Annecy, Saint-Gervais-les-bains, and Morzine.

Rather than staying in one valley, we use scenic road cycling as our main way of travelling between these legendary spots, taking on world famous Tour de France col climbs while our team transports your luggage seamlessly ahead:

  • Three Unique Basecamps: We begin along the turquoise shores of Annecy, journey past the towering peaks of Saint Gervais at the foot of Mont Blanc, and finish amidst the vibrant mountain culture of Morzine.
  • Standard vs Challenger Routes: On most activities, you can choose between a classic Standard route and an extended Challenger loop, giving you total freedom to match your daily effort to your legs and ambition.
  • Rich Alpine Culture and Cuisine: Each day is infused with local Savoyard culture, from sampling regional cheeses to enjoying hearty mountain lunches, local wines, and relaxed post ride coffees in historic villages.
  • Balanced Multisport Flow: Swimming in pristine alpine lakes and running along tranquil valley trails are woven into the week, creating an authentic exploration of the Haute Savoie region.

Total Distances & Volume

Over the course of the week, total volumes are designed to challenge and inspire without causing total burnout. Every single activity is completely optional, meaning you can join full sessions, hop into the support van mid activity whenever your legs need a break, or take an entire morning off to relax:

  • Swimming: 3 km to 6 km total across 3 open water lake sessions in pristine alpine waters.
  • Cycling: 100 km to 300 km total across the week, featuring iconic alpine passes with cumulative elevation gains between 3,000 m and 5,000 m depending on whether you select Standard or Challenger options.
  • Running: 15 km to 30 km total across scenic lakeside trails and gentle alpine valley paths.

3 - 6km

100 - 300km

15 - 30km

Fitness & Terrain

September in the French Alps offers world-class cycling passes and breathtaking lakeside running and swimming routes, designed for active athletes with a solid base fitness.

  • Fitness Base: A good level of endurance fitness is recommended. You should be comfortable spending 3 to 5 hours in the saddle with sustained climbing, though flexible Standard and Challenger route options let you tailor your daily effort.
  • Cycling Terrain: Expect iconic mountain cols with sustained gradients averaging 6% to 8%, sweeping technical descents, and smooth alpine valley roads.
  • Running & Swimming Terrain: Swimming takes place in clear, calm alpine lakes. Running routes feature a mix of flat lakeside paths and gentle, scenic valley trails.
  • Ability Grouping: Guests naturally pair up by pace and ambition during the initial briefing, with full support van coverage available whenever your legs need a rest on longer ascents.

Weather

Mid-September in the French Alps brings ideal conditions for training, with fresh mountain air and pleasant daytime warmth.

Air: Daytime highs average 18°C to 22°Cin the valleys, dropping to around 10°C to 12°C in the early mornings, evenings,and high mountain passes.

Water: Lakes Annecy, Passy and Montriond retain summer warmth into mid-September, averaging 18°C to 20°C. A wetsuit is recommended for our swim sessions.

Packing Recommendation: Mountain weather can change quickly on high descents, so bringing a lightweight windproof gilet, arm warmers, and rain jacket is highly advised.

Support & Safety

Our support infrastructure is designed to give you total peace of mind in the water, on the road, and on the trail so you can focus entirely on the journey.

  • Water Safety & Open Water Support: Swim sessions in pristine lakes are fully briefed and monitored with safety coverage on hand to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident.
  • On Road Support Van Coverage: Mobile support vehicles sweep cycling routes, stocked with water refills, sports nutrition, real food snacks, tools, spare tubes, and extra layers.
  • Trail & Route Safety: Dedicated briefings precede every run session, with live route tracking and mobile support positioned at key access points.
  • Live GPS Tracking & Navigation: Personal live tracking units and pre-loaded GPS devices are supplied to every guest, allowing our team to monitor your real time location across valley trails and mountain passes.

Equipment & Bike Hire

Bringing the right kit ensures you stay comfortable, performing at your best, and looking like you know what you are doing across changing mountain conditions.

  • Swimming Gear: A fitted wetsuit is recommended due to mid September lake temperatures. Tinted goggles are also recommended due to our sunrise swim starts. Swim caps & tow floats will be provided.
  • Cycling Kit: You are very welcome to bring your own bike. Wearing a helmet is strictly mandatory on all rides.
  • Bike Hire Process: If you prefer to hire a bike, you can request a premium carbon road bike or e bike directly inside your post booking Guest Portal. Just submit your measurements, frame size, and pedal preference, and we will have your machine prepped, polished, and waiting at base camp.
  • Running Gear: Quality road or light trail running shoes are recommended.
  • Layering & Weather Protection: Lightweight windproof gilets, arm warmers, thermal layers, and a packable rain jacket are recommended. The alpine views are breathtaking, but the descent winds can quickly remind you that you are at 2,000 metres.

Timings & Transfers

We provide two scheduled transfer windows on arrival and departure days to offer maximum flexibility when booking your flights.

  • Arrival Airport & Meeting Point: Geneva Airport (GVA) is our primary gateway. Our team will meet you in the arrivals hall before loading your luggage and bikes into our support vehicles.
  • Scheduled Transfer Windows: On Day 1, scheduled pickups from Geneva Airport depart at 12:00 and 18:00. On the final day, scheduled drop-offs at Geneva Airport arrive at 11:00 and 17:00.
  • Briefings: Briefings take place at least once a day, timed around that day's scheduled activities to talk you through routes, weather, and logistics.
  • Flexible Daily Starts: Activity start times vary based on the day's itinerary, weather conditions, and session lengths, with some days starting earlier or later to give you the absolute best experience on the road, water, or trail.
  • Private Transfers: If your flights fall outside our scheduled transfer windows, private taxi options or advice can be provided through your post booking Guest Portal.

Travel Docs & Insurance

Ensuring your paperwork and insurance cover are sorted well ahead of departure keeps your journey smooth and worry free.

  • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years.
  • Entry Regulations: Because our travel route touches both Switzerland (Geneva Airport) and France, please ensure you verify the specific visa and entry requirements for your passport nationality for both countries prior to travel.
  • Mandatory Sports Travel Insurance: You must hold adequate travel insurance that explicitly covers road cycling, open water swimming, mountain trail running, and emergency medical repatriation in the French Alps.
  • Health Coverage Cards: Guests holding European or UK health coverage cards should carry them alongside their primary private travel insurance policy.

Dietary Requirements & Catering

We take fueling seriously, ensuring every meal and feed station provides delicious, high quality options tailored to your dietary needs.

  • Handling Dietary Preferences: Vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, and those with gluten, dairy, or nut allergies are fully catered for throughout the trip. You can submit your exact dietary preferences and medical allergies in your post booking Guest Portal.
  • Included Meals Overview: Your booking includes daily breakfasts, 4 scheduled group lunches, and 3 scheduled group dinners featuring fresh, authentic Savoyard cuisine alongside options suitable for your dietary needs.
  • On Route Feed Stations: Our mobile support van is stocked daily with a mix of sports nutrition products like energy bars, gels, and hydration electrolytes, alongside real foods such as fruits, nuts, sandwiches, and local snacks.
  • Local Culinary Culture: On open or non included meal evenings, our team will provide recommendations for top local restaurants in Annecy, Saint-Gervais-les-bains, and Morzine.

Currency & Local Spending

Managing payments during your trip is straightforward, with card payments widely accepted across both Switzerland and France.

  • Currencies: Euros (€) are used in France, while Swiss Francs (CHF) are the currency in Switzerland (Geneva Airport).
  • Card Payments: Contactless and major debit or credit cards are accepted at nearly all hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shops throughout the region.
  • Cash Recommendations: Carrying a small amount of Euro cash (€20 to €50) is recommended for quiet mountain cafes or rural bakery stops along our cycling routes.
  • Tipping Culture: Service charges are included in meal prices in France, but leaving small change or rounding up for good service in cafes and restaurants is always appreciated.

Optional Activities

Beyond triathlon, the Haute Savoie region offers incredible outdoor and wellness experiences for rest periods or non training partners.

  • Spa & Wellness: Relax sore muscles with thermal baths and luxury spa access in Saint-Gervais-les-bains or hotel wellness facilities across our basecamps.
  • Mountain Sightseeing: Take iconic cable cars up to breathtaking viewpoints such as the Aiguille du Midi near Chamonix or enjoy scenic walks around Lake Annecy and Morzine.
  • Water Sports & Exploration: Stand up paddleboarding, kayak rentals, and lakeside promenade strolls are available during afternoon downtime in Annecy and Lake Passy.
  • Local Shopping & Wine Tasting: Explore historic old town markets, regional cheese cellars, and local Savoyard wine tasting venues during quiet evenings.

Booking Process & Guest Portal

Reserving your spot is quick and secure, unlocking instant access to your private post booking hub.

  • Reserving Your Spot: Secure your place on the trip with an initial deposit. Remaining balances are due 1 month prior to departure.
  • Instant Guest Portal Access: Upon confirmation, you receive immediate access to your private online Guest Portal to manage all your trip preparation in one central hub.
  • Submitting Details: Easily input your flight itineraries, medical insurance details, emergency contacts, and dietary requirements.
  • Gear & Bike Rentals: Request bike hire options, specify your exact frame size and pedal preferences, or order official Tri Adventures kit.
  • Trip Guides & GPX Tracks: Access comprehensive packing lists, detailed daily itineraries, and downloadable route files for your GPS bike computer or smartwatch.

What's included

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  • Accommodation: Full stay at our handpicked alpine base camp hotels.
  • Daily Breakfasts: Full breakfast provided every morning of your stay.
  • Scheduled Group Lunches: 4 group lunches served during activity days.
  • Scheduled Group Dinners: 3 group evening dinners hosted across the week.
  • Drinks with Meals: Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks served during the 4 included lunches and 3 included dinners.
  • On Route Support: Dedicated mobile support vehicles sweeping every cycling and running route.
  • Feed Stations & Sports Nutrition: Fully stocked support van feeds with fresh food, snacks, water refills, energy bars, gels, and hydration mixes.
  • Airport Transfers: Scheduled group transfers to and from the designated regional airport.
  • GPS Navigation Devices: Pre-loaded bike computers and smartwatch routes supplied for every guest.
  • Live GPS Tracking: Personal live tracking units for real-time safety and route monitoring.
  • Luggage Transfers: Seamless baggage handling between base camp locations along the route.
  • Safety Briefings & First Aid: Daily route briefings, mechanical assistance, and mobile first aid coverage.

What's not included

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  • Flights & Travel: Flights or train travel to and from the arrival airport.
  • Personal Bike Hire: Rental fees for road bikes or e-bikes.
  • Travel & Sports Insurance: Mandatory medical, activity, and cancellation insurance.
  • Out of Schedule Meals: Dinners and lunches outside of the 3 included dinners and 4 included lunches.
  • Out of Schedule Drinks: Alcoholic drinks, spirits, or bar orders outside of scheduled group meals.
  • Personal Gear & Spares: Personal cycling kit, helmets, shoes, and specific bike replacement parts.

Hôtel Beauregard

Annecy
In Annecy we’ll be staying at Hôtel Beauregard on the westside of Lake Annecy, just 100 meters from the lake. Annecy Old Town is an 10-minute drive away, we can arrange a transfer for anyone that wants to visit Annecy on Friday afternoon. Otherwise it’s a 3km run to the center of town if anyone is feeling fresh after the flight.

Hôtel des 2 Gares

Passy
In Saint-Gervais we will be staying at Hôtel des 2 Gares, ideally situated right near the train station and the Mont-Blanc Tramway. The town centre and thermal baths are just a short walk or quick bus ride away, perfect if you want to explore or relax after a day in the saddle. Alternatively, there is a scenic trail right from the doorstep if anyone fancies a gentle warm down run after arriving.
Lac de Passy

Hotel du Lac

Morzine
The Hôtel du Lac sits in a haven of peace on the shores of Lake Montriond, close to the world-renowned mountain resort of Avoriaz and the village of Morzine.
Stunning swims, Cycle touring and run exploring all in a beautiful location - what more could you ask for.
Emma
A fantastic way to get to be able to see, experience, and share a new destination.
Rob
A few weeks later the stunning scenary and experiences we had still feel like a dream
Carys
Best trip of my year!
Jack
Stunning swims, Cycle touring and run exploring all in a beautiful location - what more could you ask for
Emma

Ready for the Alps?

We hope this page has described all the information you need, but don't hesitate to ask us if you require a little more. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
Run group

FAQs

How does luggage transport work between our basecamps?
What happens if I want to skip a climb or get tired mid ride?
Do I need to be a strong open water swimmer to join the lake sessions?