Looking for the most beautiful French Alps towns to escape the heat this summer? Stop looking, here are 17 French Alps towns you have to add to your itinerary!
Did you know that the French Alps are as worth to visit in summer than they are during winter? Incredible sceneries, less hot than the French coast, less touristic…
There are so much reasons to head there this summer instead of heading to the French Riviera. And to help you plan your trip, here are the most beautiful French Alps towns you should add to your bucket list!
How do I know where to go, you might ask! Well, I have been lucky enough to grow up there… So believe me, these towns are truly the best to visit!
This post highlights the most precious French Alps towns you should visit this summer!
If you are looking for a shorter French Alps Itinerary, HEAD THIS WAY!
thonon-les-bains
Located in the department of Haute-Savoie, Thonon-les-Bains (referred to as Thonon) is a lovely town on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Western Europe, so that’s one more reason to add Thonon to your list of the best French Alps towns!
Take a stroll along the shore, visit a castle, try local cuisine… And when you start feeling too hot, take a dip in the lake to cool off! Trust me, Thonon-les-Bains is the perfect place to spend a sunny summer day!
To start planning your day there, head this way!
Le Grand-Bornand
Usually known as a ski resort, Le Grand-Bornand is much more than that. Visit during the summer, and you will be amazed by the natural beauty of this place.
This lovely mountain village has everything to offer. From hiking trails to alpine lakes, unique architecture, guided tours about cheese and crafts…
Whether you are looking for a sportive vacation or simply relaxing in nature and enjoying peace and quiet, Le Grand-Bornand is a place you should add to your French Alps towns bucket list!
Check this out for more details about this place!
Barcelonnette
Barcelonnette, also known as the most Mexican French town, is located in the southern part of the French Alps.
The history of this place is what makes it so interesting and worth adding to your French Alps towns itinerary. But why is it the most Mexican French town, you might ask? The answer is simple—check it out!
Two centuries ago, many people from Barcelonnette migrated to the American continent. Some of them settled in Mexico, where they opened successful businesses. After a while, they decided to return home with their families, bringing back the culture, language, food, and customs to Barcelonnette. And that’s how this small French Alps town became a small piece of Mexico in the French Alps.
If you want to immerse yourself in the singular culture of this place, visit during the second week of August when the Festival Latino-Mexicano takes place every year
Sisteron
Sisteron, where the French Alps meet Provence… Located in the southern part of the French Alps, just an hour and a half north of the well-known city of Marseille, you will be charmed by this lovely town in less than a second.
The French Alps town faces the “Rocher de la Beaume” (Rock of La Beaume), which makes it look unique when viewed from afar. If you wander around the historic center, you will discover, along the narrow streets, a mix of architectural styles in the buildings constructed throughout the years.
If you are feeling a bit adventurous, walk up to the Citadel and enjoy the panoramic view over the city and the river!
For more information about Sisteron, take a look at this page!
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Known to be one of the most beautiful village of France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is another lovely French Alps town that you can’t miss when exploring this part of France.
Take a stroll around the small town, visit the Oratory path and chapel of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, the Sainte-Madeleine grotto, or discover the natural environment. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, take a look at their official website!
Briançon
Did you know that Briançon is the highest city in France (with more than 2000 inhabitants)? Located at 1326 m above sea level, the UNESCO city is to add to your French Alps bucket list.
A few things to do and see while you are visiting the fortified city…
Visit la Cité Vauban, the Asfeld Bridge, walk around La Schappe, a lovely park with gardens… And if you are feeling adventurous, go on a canyoning adventure!
La Grave
Small ski resort in the middle of the mountains, La Grave is a real haven of peace. And especially if you go during summer as the ski resort will be closed.
If you are looking for a place to disconnect in nature, it is the place to go!
Enjoy the surrounding hiking paths with breathtaking views leading to Alpine lakes. And if you are feeling adventurous, go on a rafting excursion!
Évian-les-Bains
If you are not into hiking or spending all your days in nature but still want to enjoy the most beautiful French Alps towns, Evian-les-Bains will be the perfect match for you.
On the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French), the city is the perfect place to relax during spa days, slow down and eat delicious local food.
To plan your trip between lake and mountains, head to their official website and make sure to not miss a thing!
Aix-les-Bains
You didn’t know the perfect mix between nature, relaxation, and history existed? Head to Aix-les-Bains and discover it for yourself!
On the shore of Lake Bourget, you’re in for a lovely vacation! Boat ride on the lake, swimming, thermals baths days, history and cultural discoveries… Aix-les-Bains is a real gem when it comes to French Alps towns! Don’t miss out and add it to your summer itinerary!
Annecy
Looking for the most beautiful town in the French Alps? Annecy might be it!
Get lost in the old town and wander around the cobbled streets, take a look at the pastel houses and try as much food as you can! Local cuisine in this region of France is something else… And if you like cheese, you will be in heaven there!
If the weather is nice, rent a pedal boat and go on an adventure on Lake Annecy. An activity that will make all the family happy, from the youngest to the oldest!
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
It doesn’t matter where you come from; you’ve probably heard of Mont-Blanc before… And if you haven’t, it is time to get on the page!
Mont-Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe, and even if you’re not into hiking, you should see it at least one in your life!
From the town of Chamonix you will get the best view of the majestic mountain… And there is so much more to do while you are there!
To make sure you don’t miss a thing on your trip, take a look at their website!
Saint-Véran
If you want to avoid the crowds this summer, head to the small French Alps town of Saint-Véran.
You should be aware though that a part from hiking, enjoying the natural environment, and immerse yourself in the local culture, there isn’t much to do.
But if you are looking for a peaceful and simple vacation, it is one of the best destination to visit in the French Alps!
Beaufort-sur-Doron
You might think that the biggest tourist attractions in Beaufort-sur-Doron is the peace and quiet? The mountains? The lovely chalets that you will see all over the town? Sorry to tell you that you are wrong…
When you visit Beaufort-sur-Doron, there is one thing you can’t miss out… And it is… THEIR CHEESE!
Have you ever heard of the Beaufort cheese before? If you haven’t, it’s ok, you’re about to discover it!
Visit a cheese factory to understand how it is made, and don’t forget to try it during the tasting. If you like cheese, you will probably leave this lovely French Alps town with a kilo or two of Beaufort in your luggage!
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Another great place to admire the majestic Mont-Blanc! Bourg-Saint-Maurice is located on the Italian border, so if you have time you can even make a little detour in the Italian Alps!
And while you are there, enjoy the views, the hiking paths, and don’t forget to wander around the cobbled streets.
Grenoble
Known as the capital of the Alps, Grenoble is a rather big city with a ton of things to do. Shopping, restaurants, bars, museum, anything you want to do you could do it in Grenoble.
If you want to visit the surroundings, there are 5 mountains chains that are close to the city, and accessible by bus if you plan it well. Belledone, Vercors, Chartreuse, Oisans and Triève!
Nevertheless, if you don’t want to plan anything but still want to go on a little hike, you can climb up to the Bastille from the city center of Grenoble. From up there, enjoy the panoramic view over the city. And if you don’t want to walk, you can simply use the cable car to get up there!
Uriage
Half an hour away from the city of Grenoble, you can visit the lovely town of Uriage. You might have heard of the cosmetic brand of Uriage… that’s where it comes from!
Between spa during the day and casino at night, you can have a very relaxing time in this lovely French Alps town. And if you want a less relaxing day, half an hour away from the small town, you can get to Charmousse, a ski resort from where you will have numerous path to discover the Belledonne mountain chain!
Valloire
Last but not least of your 17 French Alps towns, the lovely ski resort of Valloire, which turns into a haven of peace during summer.
Scenic views, beautiful hiking paths and cultural activities, everyone will find something they love to do in Valloire.
There are so many things to do there that I advise you to check their website out to make sure to plan the best trip possible!