Known as a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, the French Alps offer an incredible diversity of landscapes, trails and true authentic mountain experiences. Snow-capped peaks, green valleys, crystal-clear lakes and picturesque mountain villages make it a popular destination for nature and mountain sports enthusiasts. For lovers of high altitude hiking, the French Alps offer many trekking opportunities, with iconic peaks among the highest in Europe such as the Mont Blanc, which rises at 4,810 meters above sea level. One of the best attributes about the French Alps is the variety of hiking routes for all levels. Famous long-distance routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc, trails in the Queyras, Ubaye or Vanoise regions also offer spectacular views.
The French Alps are also home to some famous ski resorts : Val d'Isère-Tignes, Serre Chevalier, Val Thorens. During winter-time, ski resorts attract thousands of tourists in search of snowy landscapes and winter sports such as snowshoeing, skiing, cross-country skiing, etc. In the summer, the French Alps become a beautiful place to be for hikers, you can even enjoy a little swim in a mountain lake.
Beyond the beauty of the landscapes, it's the culture and atmosphere that make hiking in the French Alps truly special. You will pas through charming alpine villages, spend a night in cozy refuges and taste local cheeses and mountain specialties along your hike.
When is the best time to go to the French Alps ?
- June to September : During these months, you will have time to go hiking. Generally, the trails are clear of snow and the mountains refuges are open. July and August offer warm temperatures and long daylight hours, however they are also the busiest months. Early September is often quieter to go hiking.
- November to May : Usually, you can enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. January and February guarantee the best snow conditions, while March often brings a mix of sunshine and good snow coverage - perfect for those who want to avoid the peak crowds of school holidays.
What are the best hikes to do in the French Alps ?
- Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 days : one of the most renowned long-distance hikes in Europe, the TMB is approximately 170 km long. It usually takes 7 to 11 days to complete. Along the way, you have panoramic views of Mont Blanc, glacial valleys and alpine meadows.
- Tour du Queyras : Located in the south of the French Alps, you can hike along the GR58 which is a 108 km loop trail that allows you to discover a lesser-traveled to area.
- Tour of the Ecrins : This challenging route takes you along the GR54 for 180 km. It typically takes 7 to 12 days to complete. You walk through rugged alpin terrain, remote valleys, and beautiful panoramic views of glaciers and peaks.
- Mercantour : Discover the Vallée des Merveilles and its engravings as well as the diversity of its landscapes.
- The Verdon gorges : Go on a 6-day trip to the Verdon gorges, between desert plateaux and immense cliffs where you follow Europe's largest canyon.
- Vercors park loop : Vercors is a beautiful paradise for hikers where you walk through open valleys, vast forests and beautiful scenic lookout points.
- Clarée : You hike through one the wildest routes in the Alps and for the most adventurous, you can climb Mount Thabor and stop at one the high altitude lakes for a picnic - or a swim if you feel like cooling down.
For your holiday in French Alps, we offer a self-guided holiday, meaning you can choose your departure date, your itinerary and the type of accommodation you wish to be in. During this trip, we provide you with an online route map, an online roadbook and a guide application with detailed itineraries of the territory. This way, you can explore the trails in complete freedom, following the directions on the given online documents.
Why choose La Vie Sauvage for your next trip to the French Alps ?
When you go with La Vie Sauvage, you get an all-inclusive package, including hotel reservations, transfers and practical advice on how to explore the French Alps in the best possible conditions. Our holidays are designed to offer you total immersion in nature, with carefully selected itineraries and quality supervision.
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