From Aosta to Annecy and Geneva

There are journeys where the destination is the main goal, and others where the road itself becomes part of the experience. The location of the Aosta Valley, nestled between Italy, France and Switzerland, invites precisely this second way of travelling: setting off without rushing, crossing Alpine landscapes and watching the language, architecture and atmosphere gradually change.

For those travelling by car or motorcycle, but also for families who want to turn a few days of holiday into a short European itinerary, Aosta can become the starting point for a journey across three countries.

Located in Pollein, just a few minutes from the centre of Aosta and close to the Aosta Est exit of the A5 motorway, Hotel Express Aosta offers a convenient location from which to begin the journey. From here, the itinerary continues towards France, reaches Annecy and its lake, and then heads on towards Switzerland, as far as Geneva.

A journey where the different stops are not separate from one another, but become different chapters of the same Alpine story.

First stop: starting from Aosta

Before heading towards the border, it is worth spending some time in Aosta. The capital of the Aosta Valley preserves Roman remains that emerge directly within the fabric of the modern city. The Arch of Augustus, Porta Praetoria and the Roman Theatre allow visitors to travel through centuries of history simply by walking through the city centre.

For guests staying at Hotel Express Aosta, reaching the city is easy: the hotel is just a few minutes by car from the historic centre. However, within this itinerary, Aosta mainly plays a strategic role: it is the place where the journey begins and a base to which you can return after exploring a part of the Alps that extends beyond the borders of a single country.

The pleasure of travelling begins on the road

After leaving Aosta, the landscape gradually takes centre stage. The mountains accompany much of the route and serve as a reminder that, in this part of Europe, travelling often means crossing territories that for centuries have been meeting points between different peoples and cultures.

For motorcyclists, this is precisely what makes the route particularly appealing: bends, valleys, changing landscapes and stops that can turn the transfer from one city to another into an essential part of the day.

For families, on the other hand, the possibility of dividing the route into several stages helps avoid the typical journey made up of many consecutive hours in the car. In this sense, Annecy is a particularly interesting stop before continuing towards Geneva.

Second stop: Annecy, between canals and mountains

On arriving in Annecy, the landscape changes once again. The mountains remain in the background, but a lake now appears in front of you. Water, the historic centre and Alpine peaks coexist within a relatively compact area, making the city suitable even for a one-day visit.

However, the Annecy area is not defined solely by its urban centre: the lake and mountains make it possible to combine walks, outdoor activities and cultural visits throughout the year.

Walking through the Vieille Ville

The best way to discover Annecy is probably to start on foot. The Vieille Ville, or old town, is crossed by canals and characterised by colourful buildings, bridges, arcades and streets lined with small shops, restaurants and cafés. One of the best-known sights is the Palais de l’Île, built on a small island in the Thiou River. Its distinctive location has made it one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

But Annecy does not necessarily require a packed itinerary. Part of its charm lies precisely in taking the time to walk without constantly following a map: crossing a bridge, stopping beside a canal, turning into a small side street and then continuing towards the lake.

From the old town to Lake Annecy

It takes only a few steps to move from the streets of the centre to the shores of the lake, and here the pace of the journey changes. The lakeside promenade encourages you to slow down, while on clear days the water and surrounding mountains create one of the most distinctive landscapes in Haute-Savoie.

For families, it can be the perfect opportunity to give children a break after exploring the centre. For couples, meanwhile, a walk along the lakeshore offers the chance to discover a quieter side of the city.

And for those planning a longer trip, Annecy can become much more than a simple stop: the surrounding area offers lake-based activities, cycling routes, hiking trails and numerous opportunities to explore the nearby mountains.

Third stop: from Annecy to Geneva

After the intimate atmosphere of Annecy, the journey continues north. The final destination is Geneva, overlooking Lake Geneva and surrounded by mountains.

Arriving in the city immediately introduces a different setting. Geneva is an international city and home to major institutions, while at the same time retaining a historic centre that is easy to explore and a close relationship with the lake. It is precisely this contrast that makes it an interesting final stop on an itinerary that began in Aosta.

The Jet d’Eau and the lakeside promenade

For a first visit, an essential landmark is the Jet d’Eau. The famous fountain reaches a height of 140 metres and has become one of the symbols of the city. The lakeside promenade offers several viewpoints from which to admire it and also provides a good starting point for exploring the centre.

From here, you can reach the Jardin Anglais, home to the Flower Clock, a reference to Switzerland’s watchmaking tradition, before continuing towards the old town.

Discovering historic Geneva

Moving away from the lake, the streets begin to climb towards the Vieille Ville. The historic centre is characterised by narrow streets, historic buildings and small squares. One of its main landmarks is St. Pierre Cathedral, while nearby you will find Place du Bourg-de-Four, one of the city’s historic squares.

This is an area best discovered on foot, without trying to fit too many attractions into the same day. Even for those travelling with children, Geneva can be explored through a relatively simple itinerary: alternating walks with shorter experiences and using the Mouettes, the small boats that form part of the city’s public transport network, can make exploring the lakeside area more enjoyable.

An itinerary suitable for families, couples and motorcyclists

The strength of this journey lies in the possibility of adapting it to your own pace. There is no need to turn it into a race against time. On the contrary, the route works best when each stop retains its own identity: Aosta to begin among history and mountains, Annecy to slow down between the lake and the old town, and Geneva to conclude the journey in a more urban and international environment.

Before setting off, it may be useful to keep a few practical tips in mind:

• Always check the weather, road conditions and any traffic restrictions, especially on Alpine routes;
• Check in advance the required documents, road requirements, tolls and traffic regulations in France and Switzerland;
• In Annecy and Geneva, consider parking your vehicle and continuing on foot or by public transport in the central areas;
• Before departure, always check your route using an up-to-date navigation system: in Alpine areas, road conditions, mountain passes and travel times may vary depending on the season.

Three cities, three countries, one journey

Aosta, Annecy and Geneva represent three different ways of experiencing the Alpine landscape. In Aosta, the mountains and remains of the Roman city welcome visitors; in Annecy, the journey encounters canals, the façades of the old town and the waters of the lake; while in Geneva, the Alpine landscape meets an international city overlooking Lake Geneva. Three cities, three countries and different atmospheres, close enough to be included in the same itinerary yet different enough to create the feeling of having experienced a genuine journey.

If you are planning a road trip through Italy, France and Switzerland, start from the Aosta Valley and make Hotel Express Aosta the starting point for your next itinerary.