As the days draw out and we start to catch a glimpse of summer, it’s the perfect time to discover some of the best walks in the French Alps. From gentle walks for all the family, to more challenging routes for the experienced hiker, the French Alps offer stunning scenery and an endless variety of routes for all abilities.
Read on to discover some of our best walks in the French Alps…
Rocher du Roux- Lake Annecy
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 2h
Distance: 5.3km
Starting at the beautiful viewpoint of the Col de la Forclaz, a magnet for paragliders, this 5.3km walk is the perfect family activity to try in Annecy. The route sets off on the edge of the forest, before meandering through woodland for the majority of the walk. With panoramic views over Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains, this route is sure to provide you with breathtaking scenery you won’t forget!
The ViAnnecy app for your mobile is a must for your next walking holiday in the Alps. Choose from a variety of different options based on skill level and location and easily download your routes to get started!
Download ViAnnecy for Android.
If you’re heading to Annecy this summer, walking is just one of the brilliant activities you can add to your itinerary! Have a read of our 10 amazing Lake Annecy Water Sports to try on your summer holiday for more inspiration!
Lac Blanc – Chamonix
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 2-3h
Distance: 6km
World renowned for its stunning scenery and a multitude of Alpine activities, it comes as no surprise that Chamonix is also home to some of the best walks in the French Alps. There are so many fantastic trails to choose from, however the Lac Blanc hike is arguably one of the most popular routes in the area. With picture-perfect views of the lake, this 6km hike will highlight the best that Chamonix has to offer- if you’re lucky you may even spot ibex and marmots en route! For more information, take a look at the Tourist Office Page.
Discover our selection of properties in Chamonix
The Hameau des Alpes – La Clusaz
Difficulty: Very Easy
Duration: 1h
Distance: 2km
La Clusaz is home to hiking trails for all levels, however if you’re looking for a more leisurely stroll, the Hameau des Alpes is the perfect route for the whole family. This leisurely loop through the La Clusaz valley will give walkers a taste of the Aravis, without the challenges of a more strenuous hike.
A great advantage of this walk is that you can bring along your four-legged friend! If you love to bring your pet along on your walking holidays in the Alps, take a look at these dog-friendly hikes in the French Alps.
La Cascade des Brochaux – Avoriaz
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1h50
Distance: 7.4 km
Despite its vast scale, the Portes du Soleil (literally meaning ‘The Doors of the Sun’) remains charming and unique, making it a hotspot for some of the best walks in the French Alps. A stunning waterfall, green pastures and even some mountain goats are some of the sights in store along the way, making it a fantastic option if you are looking to immerse yourself in nature! After visiting the goats, take the Lindarets chairlift, which will lead you to the Avoriaz ridge. From here, you can embark on the one hour walk to arrive at the stunning Brochaux waterfall, the perfect spot to cool off on a summer’s day! Simply tap the route into Google Maps for more details.
If you’re planning your first trip to the Morzine-Avoriaz area, then take a look at our destination guide to see the best of what these fantastic resorts have to offer!
Pas de Cherferie – Les Menuires
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 5h
Distance: 34km
Setting off from the hamlet of St Marcel, and covering over 30km, this route is one for the more experienced hikers. Despite being one of the more difficult routes, the views of the Vallée des Belleville and Méribel are sure to make the challenge worth it! So if you’re up for it, this is definitely one to try when you are walking in the Alps in summer!
With plentiful sunshine, fresh air and vast open spaces, there are so many reasons to get outside and get walking in the Alps in summer! Pack a picnic, map out your route and have your phone handy to capture those stunning mountain views on your walking holiday in the Alps!
Don’t forget to follow @ovonetwork and use the hashtag #ovonetwork, to have moments from your best walks in the French Alps featured on our social media!
