'This mad holiday activity combines near-death experiences with cheese and wine'
When our tour guide asked me if I fancied trying an e-bike – and mentioned that we'd be stopping for cheese and drinks en route – I didn't need asking twice.
On holiday in the French Alps, staying in a stunning chalet above Lake Annecy, it sounded like a perfect way to spend an afternoon. I pictured myself pootling along flat, leafy trails, taking breaks to marvel at the dazzling, turquoise water or nibbling local cheese while I sipped a glass of wine.
I was heading out with a group and a guide, and after a quick e-bike tutorial – I'd never ridden one before, but our instructor made everything clear – we set off, making our way to the centre of La Clusaz, a charming Alpine village famous for its winter skiing and summer sports.
So far, so good. This terrain was pretty easy, and I figured that once we left the town behind, we'd start enjoying some cheese and chilled-out cycling vibes. But as our guide zipped through the streets, I realised we were heading to some kind of registration point. When we got there I was given a number to pin on my back and I thought I heard someone say something about ski lifts.
Looking around I noticed a timed finish line, info points and billboards covered in printed route maps… and realised, like an idiot, I'd signed up for what looked suspiciously like an Alpine mountain bike race.
Before I could worry or ask for more details, we were on the move again and heading up, up, up towards the mountain. I live in West Yorkshire, in a valley known for its rugged landscape and killer hills – but even by my Pennine standards, this was steep.
The e-bikes handled the gravel and incline with ease, though, and in a few minutes, we were having our bikes hauled aboard the ski lift and gliding towards the 1500m-high summit. Making our way to the start line, we passed a lot of serious-looking cyclists, checking their smart watches and adjusting their designer shades.
My Aldi cycling shorts and Zara vest were holding up well, but looking down the town seemed a long way away and we were all feeling a bit out of our depth. It was at this point that one of our group revealed that the last time she tried mountain biking she'd fallen off and injured herself, leaving her traumatised, another mentioned she'd not been on a bike of any kind for 20 years.
Our lovely guide reassured us that there were a few races that day and we were joining, the Rando 3 Fromages, a relatively easy 12km version and we could stop or walk whenever we needed to.
As he said, we'd spend a couple of hours making our way downhill, stopping off to fortify ourselves with local cheeses, provided by artisan farmers. Held every year for the last four years, the Rondo is the easiest part of a dedicated biking and mountain sports weekend, the Bélier VTT.
It's one of several that take place here as the region pushes to extend its tourist season, tempting visitors to explore its picture-perfect Alpine villages in the warmer months too. A summer trip is definitely something I'd recommend.
We stayed in an amazing, luxury chalet, perched in the mountains, just above the popular ski base of La Clusaz. Less than an hour's drive from Geneva airport, we woke every day to crisp fresh air, endless blue sky vistas and the soothing sound of cattle bells.
The popular town of Annecy – dubbed 'the Venice of the Alps' – is a short drive or bus journey away too and the weather was perfect. We visited in mid-June. It was glorious, a sunny 27 degrees most days but pleasant and cool in the evening and with no shortage of things to do.
This is a sporty place, where residents and visitors like to keep fit so if biking, hiking, water sports or trail running appeal, you're in the right place. And today we were joining the Alpine sports crew.
As we hit our first downhill track, littered with giant rocks and with a sheer drop to our left, it's fair to say we were all absolutely terrified. Our instructor had told us how to tackle these steep inclines – stand up on the pedals, keep your legs straight, use one finger on the sensitive brakes (any more and you'll fly off) and don't avoid the rocks, go over them.
There was a lot of wobbling, some swearing and I definitely said a prayer or two – but I followed his advice, and amazingly, it worked. After the first few terrifying descents, I started to find my rhythm and actually embrace the thrill of flying down a mountain on two wheels.
All around us were scenes of vast, panoramic beauty as we rushed past towering pines and delicate alpine blooms, watching farmers herd goats and nudge cattle across the peaks. After a few miles we hit our first cheese station wolfing down freshly cut bread and goat's cheese, served by local producers.
There was more cheese and more twists and turns on the way down. We crossed gentle streams and lush fields before cycling through a blast of welcome rain on our final, gnarly descent back to the registration point.
I crossed the finish line in just over two hours. I was soaked to the skin, full of the best cheese I've ever tasted, covered in mud but somehow still in one piece and beyond elated. It was a high-octane Alpine experience I'll never forget – and now that my legs have stopped shaking, one I might even repeat next year.
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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful town dubbed 'Venice of the Alps' Brits are just discovering
This Alpine gem of Annecy has become increasingly popular with Brits over the last few years, coming to ski in winter, have fun on the lake, and soak up its European elegance and history in the warmer months It's been dubbed 'the Venice of the Alps' and is home to Europe's cleanest freshwater lake. And the French town of Annecy definitely lives up to the hype. This Alpine gem has become increasingly popular with Brits over the last few years, coming to ski in winter, have fun on the lake, and soak up its European elegance and history in the warmer months. It's easy to see why it's such a hit. With its charming medieval old town, amazing food culture (it's home to eight Michelin-starred restaurants), brilliant sports facilities, and great transport links (Geneva Airport is 40–60 minutes away, Lyon just over an hour), Annecy really does have it all. Here's our guide to 24 hours in and around the famous lake. Try your hand at water sports Lake Annecy really is the jewel in the crown of this gorgeous region. Framed by snow-frosted mountains and with sparkling aquamarine waters and accessible beaches, it's a magnet for visitors and locals alike. Officially the cleanest lake in Europe, it's large enough to accommodate lots of people without ever seeming crowded, and there are lots of water sports centres dotted around its edges. We went to Doussard, a quieter corner of the lake, to try our hand at kayaking (safe and fun) and paddleboarding (also fun but harder than it looks). Parasailing and swimming – the water was a balmy 18 degrees when I visited – are other great options, and cyclists are well-catered for here, so hiring a bike and hitting some of the 40km of lakeside trails is a great way to enjoy the seemingly endless views. There are coffee huts providing refreshment stops along the trails – very civilised! Chill like a local with a picnic in the lakeside park Annecy is packed with great places to eat, but if you're on a budget, a park picnic is a fab way to live like a local and soak up some rays. Residents flock to Les Marquisats, the beach closest to the old town, after work, so grab a bottle of rosé and join the party. Saint Jorioz is another well-equipped option. With lots of shaded areas, a diving board, volleyball and pétanque courts, it's perfect for families. It gets busy here in high summer, so head there early to avoid the crowds. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, so you won't feel shortchanged. Say Je T'Aime at the Pont des Amours So it's not an altogether original idea, but it is a cute one – and who can resist a romantic iron bridge, especially when it comes with killer views? The Pont des Amours has become a spot where lovers add their lock and these days, snap some Insta-perfect shots. It's a great spot for lake-gazing too. Legend has it that if you're single, you'll fall in love with the first person you see as you cross. You've been warned… Embrace your inner foodie with artisan eats and Michelin-starred dining The food is amazing here – with a strong emphasis on Alpine cuisine and cheese. But alongside traditional favourites like reblochon cheese (the best I've ever tasted), gratin, raclette, and croziflette, there are plenty of contemporary menus to choose from, and a new gourmet hall opens later this year. If you're feeling spenny, check out some of the town's Michelin-starred establishments. For classic Annecy fare, Le Freti offers huge main dishes for less than 20 Euros, while La Cuillère à Omble is unbeatable for fresh seafood, veggie delights, and stunning lakeside vistas. I tried local aperitif Génépi too. Made from a sage-like herb and 40% proof, it's not for the faint-hearted but tasted fresh and sweet. Sample the ice cream This town loves its ice cream – and at last count, there were at least ten parlours to choose from. Most of the best places are in the old town; head to Rue Sainte-Claire, where Le Palais des Glaces, Chez Poustache, Glacier Perrière, or Glacier des Alpes all come highly recommended. Or you can take your pick or buy from one of the many street vendors – lots of these have been plying their trade for generations. Top tip – keep an eye out for ice cream that looks too bright in colour; it's probably had lots of artificial dyes added. Opt for paler versions to enjoy higher quality, artisan scoops. Take to the boats There are boats galore here, so it's worth trying out at least one during your stay. Channel your inner James Bond or dial up the romance with a luxurious wooden gondola, charter a sailing boat, or just hire a pedalo for an hour. To see the lake up close and find out more about the people who live and work on its shores, a guided boat ride is a must. Crossing the aquamarine water on a sunny day is an experience I'll never forget – views to die for and lots of opportunities for bagging great souvenir photos. The Compagnie des Bateaux d'Annecy offers an hour round trip for under 20 Euros – or upgrade to a restaurant experience for Euros 69. Discover medieval and modern Take a guided tour of Vieille Ville – the old town – and find out more about how the town was formed, its resistance role in World War II, and how modern residents live today. If you're on foot, head up one of the pretty, steep cobbled streets for a breathtaking 360° view of the town and lake and enjoy spotting the many carved trout figures added to churches and older buildings – a symbol of civic pride. Convertible bus tours offer a more laid-back way to see the sights in style. Book it
Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
Never mind the Med — I stumbled on real summer magic in the Alps
The Bernese Oberland may be a haven for skiers come winter, but at this time of year, the soundtrack is altogether different. The swoosh of the slopes is replaced by the clanging of cowbells and the sound of the Alphorn echoing through the valleys. I'm here for a celebration of the region's most elite residents. Not the A-list glitterati that descend on Gstaad with the first snowfall, but its 11,000-strong population of Simmental cattle. At the dawn of springtime, these beautiful beasts are led to Alpine pastures for their annual summer sojourn, where lush grass and wildflowers make for the sweetest milk. It's a land of postcard views (if you haven't seen the Swiss Alps in summer, imagine if Disney made mountain vistas), of cooling lakes for post-hike dips and of Alpkäse, the showstopper cheese of the region that can only be made from the milk of cows who have spend their 90 day summer vacation grazing at high altitude. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. My adventure begins in Adelboden, a Heidi-like village nestled between the mountains at 1,350m. I check into The Cambrian, a boutique hotel owned by two Welshmen who fell in love with the region as youngsters and brought a dose of the Welsh valleys to the Swiss ones when they bought the property in 2009. (B&B from around £215 per night.) Bedecked with nods to home, such as wool blankets and intricate woodwork, it boasts spectacular views across green mountainside, the ever-present soundtrack of tinkling cow bells permeating from afar. Thanks to the impeccable Swiss transport system, journeying to the heart of the Oberland couldn't be simpler. Fly to Zurich, take a train via Bern to Frütigen, and then it's 30 minutes by bus (all of which are on time to the second …), which trundles into the village station directly opposite the hotel. Car-free travel couldn't be easier when the excellent Swiss Travel Pass (from £229 for a three-day ticket) covers everything. Adelboden in the summer is a haven of pavement cafes and children playing in the square. A walking tour of the village takes in the 15th-century church before we head for the hills, the most challenging part made infinitely easier thanks to a glorious system of gondolas taking the hard work out of the hike. The Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg region is a haven for hikers of all fitness levels, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a route that doesn't take your breath away. High up on the Alpine pastures, we finally get a taste of the famous Alpkäse, thanks to cheesemaker Peter Germann. Spending summers in his mountain hut, he lovingly makes each wheel by hand as his father Adolf did before him, and his father before him. Passing walkers can pick up a hunk to accompany their mountainside lunch. We were welcomed with open arms, plied with plates of sweet nutty cheese, fresh bread and butter and coffee, and invited to have a go at the cheesemaking process: carefully heating the milk, scooping out the curds, straining the whey and shaping it into a press where it's weighted for 24 hours before being salt brined for half a day, then put away on a shelf to age for at least 12 months. It's certainly a labour of love given the yield, and since Alpkäse is a protected name – and a rarity compared to most Swiss cheeses – it makes it even more delicious. Drunk on cheese in the summer sun, a refreshing dip in the reservoir is much appreciated before heading back down the mountain and indulging in The Cambrian's open-air spa, watching the sun set and the stars emerge twinkling over the mountaintops. With views like this, it's easy to see why the owners chose to settle. From Adelboden we embark on a scenic journey to Gstaad, the setting for the week's most glorious of summer celebrations. 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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'This mad holiday activity combines near-death experiences with cheese and wine'
Claire Donnelly visited Lake Annecy in France, launching herself down the sides of mountains on an e-bike in pursuit of thrills, strong cheese and delicious wine When our tour guide asked me if I fancied trying an e-bike – and mentioned that we'd be stopping for cheese and drinks en route – I didn't need asking twice. On holiday in the French Alps, staying in a stunning chalet above Lake Annecy, it sounded like a perfect way to spend an afternoon. I pictured myself pootling along flat, leafy trails, taking breaks to marvel at the dazzling, turquoise water or nibbling local cheese while I sipped a glass of wine. I was heading out with a group and a guide, and after a quick e-bike tutorial – I'd never ridden one before, but our instructor made everything clear – we set off, making our way to the centre of La Clusaz, a charming Alpine village famous for its winter skiing and summer sports. So far, so good. This terrain was pretty easy, and I figured that once we left the town behind, we'd start enjoying some cheese and chilled-out cycling vibes. But as our guide zipped through the streets, I realised we were heading to some kind of registration point. When we got there I was given a number to pin on my back and I thought I heard someone say something about ski lifts. Looking around I noticed a timed finish line, info points and billboards covered in printed route maps… and realised, like an idiot, I'd signed up for what looked suspiciously like an Alpine mountain bike race. Before I could worry or ask for more details, we were on the move again and heading up, up, up towards the mountain. I live in West Yorkshire, in a valley known for its rugged landscape and killer hills – but even by my Pennine standards, this was steep. The e-bikes handled the gravel and incline with ease, though, and in a few minutes, we were having our bikes hauled aboard the ski lift and gliding towards the 1500m-high summit. Making our way to the start line, we passed a lot of serious-looking cyclists, checking their smart watches and adjusting their designer shades. My Aldi cycling shorts and Zara vest were holding up well, but looking down the town seemed a long way away and we were all feeling a bit out of our depth. It was at this point that one of our group revealed that the last time she tried mountain biking she'd fallen off and injured herself, leaving her traumatised, another mentioned she'd not been on a bike of any kind for 20 years. Our lovely guide reassured us that there were a few races that day and we were joining, the Rando 3 Fromages, a relatively easy 12km version and we could stop or walk whenever we needed to. As he said, we'd spend a couple of hours making our way downhill, stopping off to fortify ourselves with local cheeses, provided by artisan farmers. Held every year for the last four years, the Rondo is the easiest part of a dedicated biking and mountain sports weekend, the Bélier VTT. It's one of several that take place here as the region pushes to extend its tourist season, tempting visitors to explore its picture-perfect Alpine villages in the warmer months too. A summer trip is definitely something I'd recommend. We stayed in an amazing, luxury chalet, perched in the mountains, just above the popular ski base of La Clusaz. Less than an hour's drive from Geneva airport, we woke every day to crisp fresh air, endless blue sky vistas and the soothing sound of cattle bells. The popular town of Annecy – dubbed 'the Venice of the Alps' – is a short drive or bus journey away too and the weather was perfect. We visited in mid-June. It was glorious, a sunny 27 degrees most days but pleasant and cool in the evening and with no shortage of things to do. This is a sporty place, where residents and visitors like to keep fit so if biking, hiking, water sports or trail running appeal, you're in the right place. And today we were joining the Alpine sports crew. As we hit our first downhill track, littered with giant rocks and with a sheer drop to our left, it's fair to say we were all absolutely terrified. Our instructor had told us how to tackle these steep inclines – stand up on the pedals, keep your legs straight, use one finger on the sensitive brakes (any more and you'll fly off) and don't avoid the rocks, go over them. There was a lot of wobbling, some swearing and I definitely said a prayer or two – but I followed his advice, and amazingly, it worked. After the first few terrifying descents, I started to find my rhythm and actually embrace the thrill of flying down a mountain on two wheels. All around us were scenes of vast, panoramic beauty as we rushed past towering pines and delicate alpine blooms, watching farmers herd goats and nudge cattle across the peaks. After a few miles we hit our first cheese station wolfing down freshly cut bread and goat's cheese, served by local producers. There was more cheese and more twists and turns on the way down. We crossed gentle streams and lush fields before cycling through a blast of welcome rain on our final, gnarly descent back to the registration point. I crossed the finish line in just over two hours. I was soaked to the skin, full of the best cheese I've ever tasted, covered in mud but somehow still in one piece and beyond elated. It was a high-octane Alpine experience I'll never forget – and now that my legs have stopped shaking, one I might even repeat next year. Book it
