8-Day Scenic Adventure Through Annecy, Lyon, and Geneva: A Perfect August Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Annecy Exploration

Annecy, France on August 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Le Freti

Enjoy a traditional Savoyard breakfast featuring local cheeses and fresh pastries in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. The restaurant opens at 8:00am.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Explore Vieille Ville (Old Town)

Stroll through Annecy’s charming canals and colorful streets lined with medieval buildings, perfect for photography and soaking in the atmosphere.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Ciboulette

Savor traditional French cuisine with a modern twist at La Ciboulette, known for its fresh ingredients and elegant dishes. Open from 12:00pm to 2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Château d’Annecy

Discover the history and art exhibitions housed in this stunning castle overlooking the lake. Open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk by Lake Annecy

Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike rental along Europe’s cleanest lake, taking in beautiful views and perhaps stopping for gelato.
Bike rental EUR15, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at L’Etage

Dine on exquisite local dishes like fondue or tartiflette in an intimate setting, open until 10:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Outdoor Activities and Culture

Annecy, France on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Model’Café

Start your day with excellent coffee and croissants at a local favorite, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 45m

9:00am

Boat Tour on Lake Annecy

Take a 1.5-hour guided boat tour around the lake to admire the surrounding Alps and picturesque villages. Tours operate from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Palais de l’Isle

Explore this iconic 12th-century building in the heart of Old Town, now a local history museum, open 10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR9, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Vieux Comptoir

Enjoy a casual lunch with local specialties and fresh ingredients, open from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Hike or Bike to Gorges du Fier

Take a scenic 20-minute drive and explore the impressive Gorges du Fier with wooden walkways over dramatic rock formations. Open 9:30am–7:00pm.
EUR6, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at a Café in Old Town

Unwind with a glass of wine or coffee at local café terrace, enjoying evening ambiance.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Belvédère

Savor gourmet French cuisine paired with lake views, reservation recommended. Opens 7:00pm–10:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Lyon and Explore

Lyon, France on August 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Fuel up with a light breakfast before departing Annecy. Many local cafés open early for pastries and coffee.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Travel from Annecy to Lyon

Take a direct train or drive approximately 2 hours west to Lyon, arriving midday.
EUR30 per person (train), 2h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Brasserie Georges

Located near the train station, this historic brasserie serves classic Lyonnais dishes in a Belle Époque setting. Open daily 11:00am–3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Walk the narrow Renaissance streets, visit traboules (hidden passages), and admire Lyon Cathedral. Open area, free entry.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Spend the afternoon exploring one of France’s finest fine arts museums, open 10:00am–6:00pm except Tuesdays.
EUR8, 2h

6:00pm

Stroll Along the Rhône River

Enjoy the lively riverside atmosphere with parks, cafés, and public art.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Feast on gourmet Lyonnais delicacies from multiple vendors in this famous food market open until 9:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Lyon Cultural Day

Lyon, France on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Mokxa

Enjoy artisan coffee and fresh pastries at this popular café, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 45m

9:30am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Take the funicular or hike up to this iconic basilica offering stunning city views and ornate interiors. Open 8:00am–7:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Roman Theatres of Fourvière

Adjacent to the basilica, these ancient ruins provide a glimpse of Roman-era Lyon. Free and open all day.
Free, 45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Le Café des Fédérations

Enjoy authentic Bouchon Lyonnais cuisine in a traditional setting, open 12:00pm–2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Confluence Museum (Musée des Confluences)

Explore science and anthropology exhibits in a futuristic building, open 10:00am–6:00pm closed Tuesdays.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Parc de la Tête d’Or

Unwind at Lyon’s most famous park, featuring a lake, botanical garden, and zoo. Open 6:30am–10:00pm.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at L’Ourson Qui Boit

Enjoy creative French dishes in this cozy restaurant with excellent wine pairings. Open 7:00pm–10:30pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Geneva and Relax

Geneva, Switzerland on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Bakery

Grab fresh croissants and coffee to start your travel day.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Travel from Lyon to Geneva

Take a direct train or drive approx 2 hours northeast to Geneva, arriving before noon.
CHF40 per person (train), 2h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Buvette des Bains des Pâquis

Enjoy casual lakeside dining with Swiss specialties at this popular spot open from 11:00am to 9:00pm.
CHF30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Geneva Old Town

Wander cobbled streets, visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, and Shop at local boutiques. The cathedral is open 9:00am–5:00pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Jet d’Eau and Lakeside Walk

Admire Geneva’s iconic water fountain and enjoy a scenic stroll along Lake Geneva’s promenade.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Café du Centre

This classic brasserie offers fresh seafood and Swiss dishes; open until 10:00pm.
CHF50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Geneva Museums and Gardens

Geneva, Switzerland on August 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Birdie Food & Coffee

Start the day with great coffee and healthy breakfast options, open from 7:30am.
CHF15, 45m

9:30am

Visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Engage with powerful exhibits about humanitarian efforts worldwide; open 10:00am–6:00pm.
CHF15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Les Armures

Enjoy traditional Swiss fondue in the heart of Old Town, open 11:30am–2:30pm.
CHF40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Patek Philippe Museum

Discover exquisite watchmaking history in a refined setting, open 2:00pm–6:00pm (closed Mondays).
CHF10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Jardin Anglais and Floral Clock

Stroll through Geneva’s popular lakeside park featuring the famous floral clock, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Izumi

Dine atop the Four Seasons Hotel with spectacular lake views and exceptional Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Open until 11:00pm.
CHF70, 1h30m
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Day 7: Day Trip to Mont Salève

Geneva, Switzerland on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Light breakfast before heading out for outdoor activities.
CHF10, 30m

9:00am

Take Cable Car to Mont Salève

A short drive to Mont Salève followed by an exciting cable car ride offering breathtaking views; operates 9:00am–6:00pm.
CHF15 roundtrip, 1h

10:00am

Hiking and Scenic Views at Mont Salève

Explore hiking trails with panoramic vistas of Geneva, the Jura mountains, and the Alps. Trails vary from easy to moderate.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at La Table des Chouettes

Enjoy farm-to-table dining close to Mont Salève, specializing in fresh local produce. Typically open 12:00pm–2:30pm.
CHF40, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Geneva and Rest

Unwind at your hotel or local café after an active morning.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Bayview by Michel Roth

Celebrate your last night in Geneva with Michelin-starred French cuisine and stunning lake views. Reservations recommended. Open 7:00pm–10:00pm.
CHF120, 2h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Geneva, Switzerland on August 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Holy Cow! Gourmet Burger Company

Try one last casual breakfast in Geneva with quality coffee and light bites, open from 8:00am.
CHF15, 45m

10:00am

Leisurely Morning Walk along the Lake

Enjoy fresh morning air and final views of Lake Geneva before packing.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Checkout and Travel to Airport or Train Station

Prepare for departure with sufficient time to the airport or train station based on your travel plans.
Varies, Variable
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