Savoy lakes and the Chartreuse massif
From Annecy to the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, an abbey on Lac du Bourget, the dukes’ Chambéry and the forests of the Chartreuse.
- Distance
- 133 km (82 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 50 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 29, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 133 km (82 mi) with 7 stops, from Annecy to Grenoble. About 1 h 50 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France · More road trips from Annecy
Route description
Leave Annecy on the road towards Aix-les-Bains, a Belle Époque spa on Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake entirely in France. Drive round the north end of the lake to its quieter western shore and the abbey of Hautecombe, burial place of the House of Savoy.
Chambéry, the old capital of the dukes of Savoy, has a castle, arcaded streets and the odd Elephant Fountain. From the town the D912 climbs steeply to the Col du Granier, below the great cliff whose collapse in 1248 buried several villages.
Beyond the pass the road enters the Chartreuse, a massif of limestone walls and deep forests. The monastery of the Grande Chartreuse cannot be visited, but the museum at La Correrie and the walk towards the monastery walls give a sense of the place. Finish over the Col de Porte and down to Grenoble.
The Chartreuse roads are winding but open to motorhomes, with an aire at Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. Lac du Bourget has campsites and lakeside swimming from June to September.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Annecy
France - 236 km
Aix-les-Bains
France - 311 km
Hautecombe Abbey
HistorySaint-Pierre-de-Curtille, FranceA lakeside abbey on the wild western shore of Lac du Bourget, burial place of the princes of Savoy. Boats also run here from Aix-les-Bains in season.
- 426 km
Chambéry
France - 514 km
Col du Granier
ViewsEntremont-le-Vieux, FranceA 1,134 m pass below the cliffs of Mont Granier, whose face collapsed in 1248. The terrace looks straight down on Chambéry and the Combe de Savoie.
- 621 km
Grande Chartreuse
HistorySaint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, FranceThe mother house of the Carthusian order hidden in deep forest. The monastery itself is closed to visitors, but the museum at La Correrie shows how the silent monks live.
- 724 km
Grenoble
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Annecy → Hautecombe Abbey · 47 km · 0 h 39 minOn the way: Aix-les-Bains.Overnight nearby, for example: Kanoti (8 km); Aire CAMPING-CAR PARK du port de Virignin (11 km).
- Day 2: Hautecombe Abbey → Col du Granier · 41 km · 0 h 34 minOn the way: Chambéry.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping l'Ourson (4 km); Camping Le Mont Grêle (14 km).
- Day 3: Col du Granier → Grenoble · 45 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Grande Chartreuse.Overnight nearby, for example: Les 3 Pucelles (3 km); Camping Le Vercors (15 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Grenoble: Low-emission zone (Crit’Air). A Crit’Air sticker is required and older vehicles may be banned. Order the sticker from the official website well in advance.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
Themes
FAQs
How long is Savoy lakes and the Chartreuse massif?
3-day road trip of about 133 km (82 mi) with 7 stops, from Annecy to Grenoble. About 1 h 50 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Savoy lakes and the Chartreuse massif?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 50 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Savoy lakes and the Chartreuse massif start and end?
It starts in Annecy and ends in Grenoble.
Which countries does Savoy lakes and the Chartreuse massif pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Savoy lakes and the Chartreuse massif?
OpenStreetMap lists 164 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Le Belvédère, Le Verger and Camping au Coeur du Lac.
When is the best time for Savoy lakes and the Chartreuse massif?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
