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Geneva to Talloires Transfer

Talloires, on the shore of the Lake Annecy, is just a 40km transfer from Geneva Airport, making it a convenient choice for a lakes and mountains holiday. And thanks to a new section of motorway opened in 2010, you can travel between Geneva Airport and Talloires in under and hour. Your Mountain Drop-offs transfer will take you directly from the airport, through the Swiss border and straight to this lakeside paradise.

A true hidden gem nestled between the lake and the mountains, Talloires, in the Haute Savoie region of France, is often overlooked by visitors flocking to the town of Annecy just a few kilometres away. But those in the know agree that tranquil Talloires has built its reputation on a certain style of discreet luxury that is very attractive…

Guide section

Talloires Destination guide

Deluxe relaxation in Talloires

What we love most about Talloires is the calm and relaxation. Away from the madding crowds, Talloires really comes into its own with three beaches, four ports and a cluster of boutiques, restaurants and hotels – most of which have incredible lake-side terraces to dine on.

The quality of the hotels is exceptional. Most are three or four star and many feature in the discerning traveller’s bible that is the Michelin Red Guide, so you can expect exquisite service from the likes of the Auberge du Pere Brise, Le Cottage Brise and the Hotel Abbaye de Talloires.

Despite the extreme comfort of your hotel room, we recommend that you do actually venture out and explore Talloires. The centre is typically Savoyard, with small chalets and large manor houses nestled on the steep banks overlooking the lake.

Culture and history in Talloires

There’s plenty of culture in Talloires, with the famous Chateau du Menthon St Bernard, the Abbaye de Talloires and Saint Germain church. The best way to find out more about these buildings all steeped in history is to join a guided visit. These leave every Tuesday evening from the Tourist Office.

On the lake and by the lake in Talloires

Water lovers will be in heaven in Talloires. The lake is the cleanest in Europe and perfect for swimming and other watersports. If you want to embrace the inner daredevil in you, try wakeboarding or wake skate (which are both much cooler and trendy than water skiing!). If you fancy checking out what you can see at the bottom of the lake (and we’re told that in some parts it’s up to 80m deep) there is also a diving school at Talloires.

All of the three beaches (Talloires, Angon and Espace Lac-Angon) in the Talloires area are paying beaches. This does mean, however, that they are spotlessly clean, there are lifeguards on duty and changing and toilet facilities – all perfect for a safe and relaxing time on for all the family.

Cool off in the mountains above Talloires

If it’s hot, hot, hot lakeside, how about heading into the mountains that watch over Talloires and the lake? There’s the Dents de Lanfon at 1768m and Le Lafonnet at 1768m and both boast many walking routes, some quite full-on and others more for the leisurely stroller. For those with a head for heights, you can hike to the summit of the La Tournette at 2351m.

Activities section

Things to do around Talloires

Exploring tranquil Talloires

Pretty much all the things to do around Talloires revolve around the water and the mountains. But there is also lots of history to discover, mother nature to explore and, of course, fine food to be consumed. Here’s a little pick of some things to do in Talloires that are off the beaten track.

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Adventure park

Go wild at Base Nature Adventure! This is pretty wild for Talloires, as you pretend to be Tarzan or Jane flying along zip wires and walk rope bridges high up in the pine forest. You can also have a go a via ferrata on the rocks, or even try the purpose-built mountain bike circuit. Active fun for all and superb lake views included!

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Roc de Chere

Explore the 200-hectare Roc de Chere nature reserve. This is a rocky area that juts out directly over the lake that’s bursting with flora and fauna. It’s a great place to discover on foot and access is free. You can book at the Talloires tourist office for a guided tour during July and August.

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Paragliding

If you’re feeling brave, go on a tandem paragliding adventure above the lake. You’ll head to Planfait at 949m (the minibus goes there) and do a tandem paraglide. You might find yourself flying with local Talloires girl Elisa Houdry, who happens to be a world champion paraglider. A thrilling experience for daredevil visitors to Talloires.

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Posh nosh

Splash out on some seriously fine dining in Talloires. The Auberge du Pere Bise is one of Talloire’s finest addresses. A sumptuous restaurant overlooking the lake, it’ll be a meal to remember from Jean Sulpice and his talented chef team – just don’t expect much change from a couple of hundred euros…

Events section

Upcoming Events around Talloires

Talloires is a lovely place to visit all year round, but in summer time this pretty lakeside town really comes into its own. Here’s our pick of the best summer sunshine events for you.

Arts and Crafts markets – if you’re visiting Talloires, you can’t miss this fortnightly market that takes place every Thursday at the port all summer long. Browse the stalls selling everything from local pottery and paintings of the lake, to homemade jams and cheeses made in the pastures above the town.

Beach Opening – June to August
Talloires, Angon and Espace Lac Angon open officially for the summer season at the end of June – and that means all three areas are surveilled by lifeguards, making them safe places for all the family to relax and enjoy the lakeside loveliness in the sun. They are all paid entry, but there are excellent facilities including changing and toilets, kids’ pools, swimming lessons, deck chair hire, volley ball, petanque and boat hire too.

Pyrotechnic Show – August
Every year there’s a fireworks show accompanied by music in lovely Talloires bay and each year there’s a theme. For example, one year the theme was ‘The Show Must Go On’, with a Queen covers band playing whilst the rockets and catherine wheels go off into the crisp night air above the lake! Starts a 21:00, tickets from 9-59€ available at the Talloires tourist office.

Red Bull Elements – September 
A team relay race event that combines rowing, paragliding, trail running and mountain biking for the ultimate in multidiscipline competition. It all takes place on the lake, by the lake and above the lake at the impressive Tourette summit at 2351m. Why not come along and cheer those courageous sportsmen and women!

The best season to visit Talloires is definitely the summer, when when it comes alive with events on and off the lake, whilst the restauranteurs open their lakeside terraces for food with a view. Mountain Drop-offs provides private transfers by mini bus to Talloires in the summer from Geneva Airport, offering excellent value for money for groups of up to eight passengers.