THE FRENCH ALPS
This region is a breathtaking landscape of soaring peaks, pristine lakes, and deep valleys. This guide helps you discover the charming villages, world-class ski resorts, and stunning natural beauty of France’s alpine heartland.
Why Visit The French Alps?
Winter Sports: Home to some of the world’s most famous resorts, this is a paradise for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
Mountain Adventures: Enjoy a wide range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to climbing and paragliding year-round.
Stunning Nature: Explore iconic landscapes, including the Mont Blanc massif, the Vanoise National Park, and crystal-clear alpine lakes.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (May–June, September–October): The ideal time to visit for hiking and enjoying nature. You’ll find fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and lush green scenery.
Deep Off-Season (November, Mid-April–Mid-May): You can find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. Many resorts and activities shut down during these transition periods.
Peak Season (December–April, July–August): This is the high season for both winter sports and summer activities. Be prepared for crowds and higher prices, especially around major holidays.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Haute-Savoie & Mont Blanc
This area is home to iconic destinations like Chamonix, a mountaineering hub at the foot of Mont Blanc, and the picturesque lake towns of Annecy and Évian. It’s a prime destination for outdoor activities year-round.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the summer crowds in Annecy, rent a bike and explore the lake’s scenic bike path in the early morning. The weather is cooler, and the views are spectacular.
Savoie & The Three Valleys
Savoie is a famous winter sports destination with world-renowned resorts such as Courchevel and Val-d’Isère. It’s also home to the Vanoise National Park, one of France’s oldest national parks, with diverse wildlife and excellent hiking trails.
Your Smart Tip: For a more affordable and relaxed ski trip, explore the smaller, lesser-known resorts in the Maurienne Valley, where the slopes are less crowded.
Isère & Grenoble
Isère offers a mix of urban and alpine experiences. Its capital, Grenoble, is a vibrant university city nestled at the foot of the mountains. The region is known for its beautiful parks and excellent hiking trails.
Your Smart Tip: Visit the Chartreuse Mountains in Isère for a different kind of alpine experience. This stunning, lesser-known range offers excellent hiking and a sense of tranquility away from the major resorts.
The Southern Alps
This area, including parts of the Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is known for its sunnier climate and more rugged landscapes. It’s a great choice for rock climbing and cycling.
Your Smart Tip: While the summer months are busy, you can escape the crowds by visiting the Southern Alps. The area offers unique landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is alpine, with cold, snowy winters and mild to warm summers. Temperatures can vary significantly with altitude. Sunscreen and layers are essential year-round.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: French is the official language. While English is common in tourist areas, knowing a few basic French phrases will be appreciated.
Dining: Enjoying a leisurely, multi-course meal is a key part of the culture. Taking your time and savoring the experience is the norm.
Hiking Etiquette: When on trails, be mindful of others. Uphill hikers have the right of way, and it’s polite to greet fellow hikers with a simple “Bonjour!”
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($35–$60), mid-range hotels ($100–$200), luxury ($250+). Prices are significantly higher in peak season and at major resorts.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($20–$30), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($35–$60 per person), fine dining ($80+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), train ticket (regional).
Activities: Ski pass ($50–$80/day), guided hike ($60+), paragliding ($120+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $80–$120 (hostels, small-plate food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $150–$250 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $300+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car offers the most flexibility for exploring, especially if you plan to visit multiple villages or trailheads.
By Train: High-speed TGV trains connect major cities to the region’s main hubs, and regional trains serve many towns.
By Bus: Bus services connect smaller towns and ski resorts, often as a more affordable option than trains.
Must-Try Food
Fondue Savoyarde: A communal pot of melted cheese (usually a mix of Comté, Beaufort, and Emmental) served with bread for dipping.
Raclette: A dish of melted cheese that is scraped directly onto a plate of potatoes, cured meats, and pickles.
Tartiflette: A rich casserole made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, bacon, and onions.
Crozets de Savoie: Small, square pasta from the Savoie region, often served with cheese, bacon, or mushrooms.
Diots: Traditional pork sausages from Savoie, typically cooked with white wine and onions.
Gratin Dauphinois: A classic side dish of thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream and garlic.
Reblochon: A soft, nutty cheese with an orange-red rind, perfect for melting in tartiflette.
Tarte aux Myrtilles: A classic blueberry tart, a perfect end to any meal, especially in summer.
Must-Try Drinks
Vin de Savoie: The region produces excellent white, red, and rosé wines. The whites, like Jacquère, are known for being light and crisp.
Genepi: A traditional alpine herbal liqueur made from the Genepi plant. It is a popular digestif.
Chartreuse: A complex and powerful herbal liqueur produced by Carthusian monks in the Chartreuse Mountains.
Bières Artisanales: Craft breweries are becoming popular in the Alps, offering a range of excellent local beers.