Holidays in the French Alps : peaks, trails and villages

The route begins at the Thollon-les-Mémises cable car, where your luggage is taken care of if you’ve chosen this service. After the cable car ride, you start along a balcony trail overlooking Lake Geneva.

You cross the imposing Mémises massif before exploring the Mottay alpine pastures, where the tranquil surroundings create an authentic, untouched atmosphere.

The day ends with a gentle descent into the Novel Valley, reaching the Neuva alpine pasture for an overnight stay, without luggage.

HIKING TIME : 3h30- 4h

ASCENT : 500 m

DESCENT : 500 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer

From the Neuva alpine pasture, you begin the climb toward Lac de Neuteu, a small alpine paradise. The trail continues up to the Col de Bise, a strategic mountain pass offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and deep valleys.

For the more adventurous, a short detour leads to Lac de Darbon. This beautiful glacial lake, nestled among rocks and glaciers, is a true natural gem and an excellent spot to spot ibex.

You then descend toward the Bise alpine pasture before climbing again to the Pas de la Bosse, a high-altitude pass that leads to a final scenic descent into the charming village of Chapelle d'Abondance. With its stone houses and authentic alpine atmosphere, this village is the perfect place for an overnight stay in a mountain guesthouse.

HIKING TIME : 6h30

ASCENT : 900 m

DESCENT : 1,400 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

The day begins with a climb to Pointe des Mattes, located within the Mont de Grange nature reserve - a true sanctuary for chamois. The trail continues through some of the most beautiful alpine pastures in the Abondance region, a postcard-perfect landscape where lush meadows alternate with towering peaks.

You then reach the Col de Bassachaux, an exceptional viewpoint overlooking Lac de Montriond. From here, a pleasant descent brings you to the village of Les Lindarets, a unique and charming place famous for its free-roaming goats.

If the stage feels too long, two shorter alternative routes are available, offering a gentler option while still capturing the essence of this magnificent day of hiking. The day ends with a transfer to the bottom of the Manche Valley.

HIKING TIME : 7h- 7h30

ASCENT : 1,400 m

DESCENT : 950 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

Today begins with a climb to the Fréterolles alpine farm, a true mountain paradise where cows and goats graze peacefully. You then continue your trek beneath the impressive Terres Maudites, before a short ascent brings you to the Col de la Golèse, at 1,666 meters, offering splendid panoramic views.

After enjoying this tranquil moment, you descend to the hamlet of Les Allamands, a charming village where time seems to have stood still.

The day continues with a climb beneath the slabs of Le Tuet before reaching the Folly Refuge, where you spend the night without your luggage.

HIKING TIME : 6h30- 7h

ASCENT : 1,150 m

DESCENT : 1,100 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer 

Today takes you into the wild and preserved Dents Blanches massif, a true haven of nature. You begin with a climb to the Combe aux Puaires, an unusual and fascinating site characterized by lapiaz - eroded limestone formations that create almost lunar landscapes. After exploring this remarkable area, you descend toward Lac de la Vogealle, a small alpine lake with crystal-clear waters.

The descent continues to the Cirque du Bout du Monde, a spectacular spot where the mountains seem to close in around you, creating an isolated and grandiose setting. You then cross the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, a magical place where multiple waterfalls cascade with power and grace, producing a truly enchanting atmosphere.

The day ends with a transfer to the picturesque village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.

HIKING TIME : 6h30- 7h

ASCENT : 800 m

DESCENT : 1,400 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

The day begins with a climb to the Rouget Waterfall, a spectacular cascade often called "the Queen of the Alps" for its majesty. You continue along the trail to the Pleureuse and Sauffaz waterfalls, two more hidden gems of the region.

The path then leads you into the heart of the Sixt-Passy nature reserve, crossing the Anterne alpine plateau - a vast area offering breathtaking panoramas. This preserved corner of nature is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in the region, Lac d’Anterne. The route continues to the Col d’Anterne before descending to the Moëde-Anterne Refuge, where you spend the night without luggage or showers.

A swim is possible at Lac de Pormenaz, just 15 minutes from the refuge.

HIKING TIME : 6h- 6h30

ASCENT : 1,550 m

DESCENT : 400 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer 

On this final day of hiking, you begin with a short descent to the Arlevé Bridge, marking the start of a dramatic change in scenery. The limestone of the Fiz gradually gives way to the smoothed rocks of the Aiguilles Rouges massif, creating a striking contrast.

The hike continues with a climb to the Col du Brévent, at 2,368 meters, offering a spectacular panorama over the Chamonix Valley and its majestic peaks. From this viewpoint, you can admire Mont Blanc and the surrounding summits in all their glory.

After savoring this unforgettable moment, the descent leads you to Planpraz, where you take the cable car down to Chamonix (+1h30 of walking if skipping the cable car / +1,000 m elevation gain).

HIKING TIME : 5h- 5h30

ASCENT : 800 m

DESCENT : 800 m

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)