What an amazing week we have had in the French Alps! It was the first time we have travelled with Exodus and would certainly travel with them again. So well organised from start to finish, from the information given beforehand, the pick ups, accommodation, hospitality, food and hikes. All amazing! The quality of food produced by Carolina and Seb was top class.
Our guide Adrian was so kind, funny and knowledgeable of this area he made hiking so enjoyable.
French Alps Holidays
Four of the Most Beautiful Hiking Routes in the 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
Lisa Short Mont Blanc Hiking Highlights
Jackie Foster Mont Blanc Hiking HighlightsAmazing experience with a very knowledgeable guide.
Scott Barrow Mont Blanc Hiking HighlightsGreat: the chalet, the hosts, Chamonix,the guide, the hikes, the rest day, my fellow hikers
Not great: the altitude, at least at the beginning, then I got more used to it
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.”
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