There’s much more to the French Alps than skiing, Stephanie Maskery discovers as she samples some summer lakeside pursuits in the Savoie

SLIPPING into the warm sparkling waters, I feel the tensions of the modern world slipping away.

I drift leisurely on top of the cobalt blue waves, watching towering mountains and lush greenery bob in and out of view. It could be an exotic Caribbean getaway but the water is fresh – Alpine fresh.

I’m in the French Alps.

Lake Bourget is France’s largest natural lake. Often referred to as an inland sea, it boasts ten beaches where families can relax on its sandy shores or take a dip in the surprisingly warm waters without the sting of salt.

The Savoie region is better known for its world-class ski resorts, including Val d’Isere and Courchevel, than its sunbathing attractions.

But with summer temperatures often reaching the 30s, from June to September skiers are replaced with hikers and bikers keen to explore the region’s well-established trails. There’s also plenty to enjoy without breaking into a sweat.

We’d arrived earlier in the morning from Geneva airport which is just under an hour’s drive to the lake’s biggest town, Aix-les-Bains, an ancient spa town at the foot of the Alps and our home for the next few days.

Setting out to explore the area, we head to the lake’s star attraction, Hautecombe Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery dating from the 12th Century which is still used as a retreat today.

Perched on a rocky outcrop, its gothic design complete with towering lighthouse is best approached by boat, and tours regularly operate from Aix-les-Bains.

With 40 princes and princesses of Savoie buried here, it’s a favourite with history enthusiasts.

The whole area has a rich history, particularly the medieval city of Chambery. It was once the seat of the Dukes of Savoie, the longestsurviving royal house in Europe, whose heirs are linked to our own royal heritage.

We take a guided tour through the city’s winding, narrow backstreets to see where the great philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau spent his days with his first and greatest love, Francoise-Louise de Warens, a woman 13 years his senior.

The couple’s house, Les Charmettes, on the outskirts of Chambery, is now a museum dedicated to Rousseau.

A highlight of the tour is the city’s cathedral, dating from the 15th Century. Built on old swamplands and supported by 30,000 poles, this remarkable building contains Europe’s largest collection of trompe l’oeil – trick of the eye – paintings.

While it’s easy to get lost in so much history, it’s hard to ignore the region’s staggering backdrop of jagged, snow-capped peaks and deep blue skies and my partner is keen to pursue the promise of a bike ride through the region’s beautiful vineyards.

As someone who prefers to watch the Tour de France on TV with a glass of sauvignon blanc, I am somewhat dreading this outing. Going downhill I can do, but up?

Yet, gliding past golden fields bursting with corn, the jawdropping panorama of Chartreuse National Park opens up before me, wildflowers blooming in shades of pink and yellow along the cycle path.

I spot a hill looming ahead, putting my head down ready for the onslaught. Fortunately it’s not as arduous as I fear, thanks mainly to the electric motor on my e-bike.

I’ve paid ten euros per day for the bike (twice the price of conventional bike hire) but it’s worth every penny. You can adjust the power setting to help you out as much as you want and turn it off completely when cycling on flat terrain.

We hire ours from the station in Chambery and follow the widely-used and easy to follow cycle paths that lead out into the countryside. Our destination is the beautiful lake Saint Andre, just under an hour’s ride south of the town.

The lake nestles beneath the 900m steep-sided cliff face of Mont Granier. Lakeside restaurant Le Saint Andre is the perfect spot to relax and sample a glass of Apremont white wine made with the Jacquere grape grown in this region.

Spurred on by my achievements on the e-bike, I decide to step up the challenge following day – a bigger lake on a normal bike. We embark on a trip to Lake Annecy, possibly France’s most iconic and cherished lake. It’s a stunning sight, with mountains reflected in the blue waters along with the colourful buildings of the romantic medieval town.

Luckily for me, the lake’s cycle path is fairly flat. Bikes can be rented from Sevrier Sports for 11 euros for a half-day and you can pootle along at leisure, stopping at one of the lakeside cafes for a rest.

Our final stop is Yvoire, a picturesque fishing village dating back more than 700 years. Its strategic position on the shores of the vast Lake Geneva has ensured a colourful history and a castle Disney would be proud of.

We are here to visit the lovingly- tended Garden of Five Senses, inspired by designs from the Middle Ages, where visitors are encouraged to feel the velveteen leaves of lamb’s ears and the spiky barbs of thistles.

Reluctantly make our way to the airport, which will be filled with skiers and snowboarders in a few months’ time.

It may be an area famed for winter sports, but with its stunning lakes, beautiful vineyards and rich history, Savoie Mont Blanc holds it own as a summer paradise.