French Alps Holidays

Name: French Alps
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (666 reviews)

Four of the Most Beautiful Hiking Routes in the French Alps

Lac Blanc

Framed by the Aiguilles Rouges mountains and the Mont Blanc massif, Lac Blanc is one of the most picturesque lakes in the French Alps. Its azure water reflects the shimmering mountain scenery, attracting seasoned walkers from around the globe. Begin the trek from La Flégère and take the circular route that leads to Lac Blanc, stopping along the way to appreciate the mountain views. If you prefer to rest on your return, ride the cable car from La Flégère to Les Praz.

Grand Balcon Sud

Sweeping along the Chamonix Valley and reaching around 2,000 metres, the Grand Balcon Sud is a fantastic hiking trail. It also offers unparalleled views of the Mont Blanc massif, which lies on the valley’s opposite side. The route follows a relatively flat trail before climbing more steeply up to Lac Blanc. From here, you can take in the dramatic views of Aiguilles Rouges and Mont Blanc before heading back down to the hamlet of Les Frasserands.

Aiguillette des Posettes

A classic Tour du Mont Blanc route, Aiguillette des Posettes combines views of the Chamonix Valley, Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, and even across to Switzerland on a clear day. You can access the route either from Tré-le-Champ or Trient; however, it is easier to start from Tré-le-Champ. On your return, visit the Refuge du Col de Balme for food and drink on the outside terrace as you soak up the views.

Haute Route

A long-distance skiing trail during the winter, the Haute Route transforms into a spectacular walking track in summer. It runs around 140 miles from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, following a high alpine trail overlooking beautiful valleys that lie beneath 10 of the tallest peaks in the Alps. The landscapes are punctuated with glacial lakes and flower-strewn meadows − one of the prettiest backdrops seen on our walking holidays in the Swiss and French Alps.

French Alps Trips

Situated in southeast France in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Rhône-Alpes regions, the French Alps boast spectacular views. During our French Alps holidays you’ll discover cascading waterfalls, pristine forests, crystal clear lakes and the highest mountain peak in the Alps mountain range, Mont Blanc.

From gentle trails that climb along the Val Veny beneath the immense glacier de Mirage, to challenging ascents to the Col du Reidmatten, our French Alps walking holidays are designed to present you with the most stunning mountain vistas. Mont Blanc is undoubtedly the piece de resistance in the French Alps, soaring almost 5,000 metres above sea level and offering some of the finest walking trails. The series of tracks connects seven beautiful valleys, each with its own unique charms.

Alternatively, take on the challenge of walking along the famous Haute Route, which takes you along a lofty alpine trail from Chamonix to Zermatt. Stretching for around 100 miles, you can trek from Mont Blanc to the epic Matterhorn. While this is one of the most demanding walks on our French Alps holidays, you’re rewarded with incredible scenery made up of lakes, valleys and mountains.

With spectacular mountain trails, wildflower pastures and remote mountain villages to explore, walking in the French Alps allows you to truly discover the natural beauty this region has to offer. Come wintertime, you can explore snow-covered meadows and rugged peaks before returning to your accommodation to warm up in the Jacuzzi.

Our French Alps Hiking Holidays

8 Days from £ 1645

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Walk the best of Mont Blanc Circuit in France and Italy

Walking & Trekking

15 Days from £ 4449

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Walk the classic circuit through France, Switzerland and Italy

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from £ 2299

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

A fast and light way to complete the Mont Blanc Circuit.

Walking & Trekking

15 Days from £ 2499

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Walk the iconic alpine trail through France, Switzerland and Italy

Walking & Trekking

Trek the classic 'Haute Route' from France to Switzerland

Walking & Trekking

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Ten challenging but supremely rewarding walking days, each ending in comfortable accommodations with ample time to get clean, enjoy fantastic food, rest and recover for the next adventure. Three well-spaced rest days to relax and enjoy the charming towns of Chamonix, Courmayeur and St. Gervais. Breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif at all angles in various conditions. Life affirming moments overcoming the Cols (mountain passes). Delightful interactions with fellow trekkers from around the world, and exposure to French, Swiss and Italian cultures. Thrilling optional activities including tandem paragliding (highly recommended) and a visit to the amazing Aiguille du Midi.

Lawrence Leclair Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

We recently completed the Tour, having waited a few years after a ‘covid cancellation’ and whilst being fortunate with the weather (there were high temperatures before our trip and heavy rain afterwards), we enjoyed it immensely. The physical challenge was huge, perhaps not unexpectedly and the scenery utterly beautiful. If I could sum up our experience I’d say that our previous two major treks were in the Himalayas amongst mountains almost twice the height but this did nothing to lessen the majesty and sheer beauty of the Mont Blanc region. Any disappointments such as too much shopping for lunch and a poor hotel experience in St Gervais were minor niggles.

David Handcock Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

14 day trip with 10 days of walking

Alison Buckley Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

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When is the best time to hike the French Alps?

When planning your trip, you’ll need to take into consideration the weather as well as the length of daylight hours. Ideally, the best time to hike in the French Alps is between June and September. During these months the temperatures are at their warmest and there are more hours of daylight. Although there is generally less rainfall in the summer, this can change as the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. It can get extremely cold on the high peaks and there’s always a chance of snow. September tends to be less busy than in the summer, but the shorter daylight hours does mean you’ll need to begin your walks earlier in the morning.

What are the prettiest towns in the French Alps?

Made up of stunning mountain scenery, the French Alps are home to many villages and towns, all of which are exceptionally beautiful, and each has its own unique charms. Annecy lies in Haute-Savoie and is famous for its beautiful lake and colourful old town. Champex Lac, Orsières and Les Contamines are all equally as pretty and can be found on the Tour du Mont Blancs. Chamonix is arguably the most well-known town on French Alps holidays and is popular with the skiing crowd in winter.

FAQs on French Alps Holidays

Where is the best place to hike in the French Alps?

World-renowned for their outstanding natural beauty, the French Alps are blessed with incredible scenery and wildlife and offer some of the finest walking routes in the world. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, has several routes that guide you along its majestic peaks. Chamonix to Zermatt takes you from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn and even though it’s a demanding route, it showcases the best of the alpine landscapes. The Tour du Mont Blanc is another spectacular route which circumnavigates the massif. Alternatively, if you prefer to enjoy views of Mont Blanc, then Aguilles Rouges takes you among nature reserves and alpine lakes where you can soak up the mountain vistas.

Where is the best starting point for hiking in the French Alps

Beginning and ending in the town of Chamonix, the Tour du Mont Blanc has several starting points. One of the most popular is Les Houche, just several miles from Chamonix where it sits at the foot of the mountain. Other starting points include Les Contamines in France, Champex in Switzerland or Courmayeur in Italy. The trail runs all the way round Mont Blanc and crosses through each of the three countries.

Can you camp in the French Alps?

If you prefer to get closer to nature on your hikes, camping is a great way to immerse yourself in the wild landscapes and see the local wildlife. We offer the Tour du Mont Blanc with camping which provides stays at comfortable campsites where you can enjoy phenomenal views and star gaze below the dark skies – the kind of experiences you wouldn’t get when staying in a hotel. The tents are spacious and can sleep two people and if you would like extra comfort, you can hire mattresses and sleeping bags. You can even enjoy three-course meals in camp!

Meet the Expert

Danny Bell – Product Manager

“For the quintessential French Alps experience, join our best-selling Mont Blanc Highlights trip. You’ll sample some of the most iconic walks of the Tour du Mont Blanc and return to your unique chalet in Chamonix, providing a memorable summer hiking adventure.”