You are planning a trip to France and want to visit the majestic French Alps? Here are 7 places you have to add to your French Alps Itinerary.
This post is all about the best French Alps Itinerary and 7 insane places you have to visit.
ANNECY
You must add the charming Alpine town of Annecy to your French Alps itinerary. Believe me, Annecy’s Old Town will steal your heart.
You can easily visit the entire Old town in a day. If I was visiting Annecy for the first time, here is what I would do.
In the morning: Wander in the streets and just soak up the vibes of the place. Between canals crossing the Old Town and pastel houses, you will immediately fall in love with this Alpine town. And if you have time, and are interested in history, you should go and visit the Château d’Annecy (Annecy’s Castle) which is now a museum.
For lunch: You will see during your morning stroll that the Old Town of Annecy is full of restaurants and shops. If you want to go to a restaurant, I suggest you first look at the reviews on Google, as many of them are “tourist traps”. If you are on a budget or just want a less formal lunch, grab a sandwich and eat it by the Lake Annecy. The view there is breathtaking.
In the afternoon: Go for a walk along Lake Annecy’s shore. The views are beautiful and if you are feeling like having fun, you can even rent a paddle boat.
CHAMONIX
You have probably heard of the Alpine town of Chamonix before. Either for its famous skiing complex, the oldest in France, or because of its localization, on the base of the Mont-Blanc.
If you are looking for insane French Alps sceneries, Chamonix will not disappoint you.
If you are not into mountain sports but still want to make the most of your time in Chamonix, you have two options.
- If you are short on time, you can stay in the Alpine town and enjoy the views from below. Chamonix is lovely, and it is the perfect representation of French Alpine towns. Located at the base of the Mont-Blanc, the highest summit of the French Alps, the views you will get will be out of this world.
- If you have more time, take a cable car to reach one of the summits. This way, you will enjoy the same views as hikers do, but without having to sweat to get there! Just be aware that these cable car rides can be expensive, at least €50/adult, and can quickly add up if you have a family. But the views you will get will be worth every penny.
MONT BLANC
If you are visiting Chamonix, you will be at the base of the Mont-Blanc. So these two stops on your French Alps Itinerary can be done at the same time.
But if you like hiking, you should go on a hike on the Mont-Blanc. (Honestly, this is one of my dreams!) You don’t have to be an avid or experienced hiker to enjoy a day on the Mont-Blanc, as some paths are just crossing the valley.
If you are interested in going for a hike on the highest mountains in the French Alps, go this way!
LES 2 ALPES
Did you know that, this ski resort has the largest skiable glacier in Europe? Just this fact makes it worth a visit!
Whether you go during summer or winter, you will love Les 2 Alpes.
The village is located at 1650m of altitude, but cable cars can take you up to 3600m. (Be careful with altitude sickness, though, it is never a fun experience to live.) So, experienced hiker or not, you will be able to enjoy the views and make the most of your time there.
And if you are a fan of adrenaline, why not try paragliding while you are there?
BELLEDONNE
Located less than an hour away from The Capital of the Alps, Grenoble, the mountain range of Belledonne is home to more than 30 Alpine lakes.
Whether you are an avid hiker or not, you will find a path to enjoy the beauty of this French mountain range.
The easiest lake to reach is Lake Achard, only an hour by foot from the ski resort of Chamrousse, it is accessible during summer or winter. If you are going during winter, just remember to bring warm clothes and snow boots.
If you are into harder hikes, my favorites are Lake Blanc and Lakes Roberts.
But if you are not into hiking or sports at all, don’t worry. Stay in the ski resort of Chamrousse where you will get the mountain views and at the same time be able to enjoy various non-sportive activities.
VERCORS MASSIF
In fact, the Plateau du Vercors is not located in the French Alps but in the French Prealps. Though, I still think it is a place worth adding to your French Alps Itinerary.
The Vercors mountain range has played a crucial role in French history as the Resistance, during World War II, mostly took place there. If you are interested in history, you can visit the Resistance Museum in Grenoble, just an hour away.
You will find in the Vercors a multitude of small towns and villages, as well as a multitude of hiking paths. It is up to you whether you want a relaxing vacation, visiting small villages and having drinks at café terraces, or if you want to push yourself and hike the most beautiful paths of the French Alps.
In both cases, the Plateau du Vercors will give you what you are looking for.
éCRINS NATIONAL PARK
Did you know that France has only 8 National Parks? And the Ecrins National Park is one of them. Located between the Northern and Southern French Alps, the Ecrins look nothing like the previous mountain ranges I have mentioned.
Considered a vast high mountain zone, the National Park regroups more than 150 summits over 3000m and 10,000 hectares of glacier. So if you are into high mountains, this is the place you must visit and add to your French Alps Itinerary.
Be aware, though, that some places are only accessible with a guide during winter to prevent any accidents. If you want to learn more, check their website!
EVIAN-LES-BAINS AND LAke LéMAN
How could you plan a French Alps Itinerary and not add the lovely town of Evian to it?
Located on the shore of Lake Léman (also called Lake Geneva), Evian-les-Bains is commonly known as a city of water. And water in the French Alps often means thermal baths. So if you are tired of hiking and mountain sightseeing, treat yourself to a relaxing day at Evian’s internationally renowned therms.
Afterward, you will be revived to go walk around this lovely town and enjoy the various mountain-related, or not, activities this place has to offer.