What to See and Do in the French Alps

Both in winter and summer, the alpine areas of Central Europe offer destinations and activities for everyone. Civitatis is here to bring you some of the top things to see and do in the French Alps.

The eastern part of France and especially the Alps area, shared with Switzerland and Italy, captivates all its visitors. From winter sports enthusiasts to mountain hikers and nature photography aficionados, the French Alps never disappoint. The range of activities to do in this area is as endless as the number of spectacular destinations.

If you’re planning a getaway to the French Alps this post is perfect for you!

Chamonix

The ideal destination to start with might be Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Why? you ask, this Haute-Savoie town is considered the capital of the French Alps. The town is also is the starting point for tons of alpine activities and attractions.

Chamonix will fulfil your expectations for the iconic picturesque alpine mountain village. Its architecture is typical of the region: half-timbered houses, charming streets overlooking the immense mountains…

Of course, Chamonix is also one of the great capitals of alpine skiing. It’s also famous for après-ski, that is, the activities and plans that take place after a day on the slopes. There are plenty of walking tours and fun things to do in the afternoon if you’ve still got the energy.

L’Aiguille du Midi

And once in Chamonix, what is there to do? Well for one, a visit to L’Aiguille du Midi, the highest viewpoint in the French Alps, is an absolute must. It’s located at 3,842 meters (12,600 feet) above sea level!

The best way to reach the summit of Mont Blanc is to take the L’Aiguille du Midi cable car from Chamonix. This is also perfect for hikers, given that the cable car also stops at le Plan de l’Aiguille on its way from Chamonix to L’Aiguille du Midi. Numerous hiking trails begin at this mid-point cable car station, which is located at an altitude of 2,310 meters (7,575 feet).

For those who wish to enjoy the panoramic views of L’Aiguille du Midi with a private tour guide, be sure to check out this private excursion from Chamonix.

Mont-Blanc

When thinking about alpine peaks, one’s mind inevitably goes to the imposing Mont-Blanc. At 4,807 meters (15,770 feet) of majestic glory, it’s the highest mountain in the Alps. This colossal massif, located between France and Italy, is one of the great mountaineering paradises in Europe. The countless hikers and adventurers who have passed through this place have made it even more of a legend.

In addition to the spectacular hiking trails, Mont-Blanc offers a variety of other activities. An exciting alternative to hiking is visiting some of the various viewpoints where you’ll get breathtaking views and be able to photograph the incredible alpine landscapes.

Another way to enjoy Mont-Blanc is to do it from the air. To do so, we recommend checking out this unforgettable helicopter ride over Mont Blanc from the town of Megève.

Grenoble and Chambéry

Other must-see destinations in the French Alps are Grenoble and Chambéry. Grenoble is the capital of the Isère region and is very popular among skiers and hikers. The city also offers many attractions, such as its famous cable car, the imposing Bastille fort, and the Dauphinois Museum, where you can visit a fascinating exhibition about Alpine culture.

Chambéry, on the other hand, is a small Savoyard village that stands out for its picturesque streets and its unmistakable alpine atmosphere. The Fountain of the Elephants, the basilica-cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, and the castle of the Dukes of Savoy are some of its must-see attractions.

To explore these charming alpine towns in a fun and different way, you might consider either the Grenoble Segway Tour or the Chambéry Segway Tour.

Travel to Italy and Switzerland from the French Alps

When you’re figuring out what to do in the French Alps and the surrounding areas, a good option is to travel to nearby Italy or Switzerland. In Italy, one of the most popular and breathtaking destinations is Courmayeur. This beautiful Italian village nestled in the Aosta Valley is characterized by its typical wooden houses and offers spectacular mountain views. Make the most of your trip with this ticket to the Mont-Blanc cable car.

Another highly recommended destination to visit from the French Alps is Switzerland. You can find highly worthwhile cities to visit right next to the French border, such as Geneva. This city is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is home to numerous international institutions. Geneva stands out for its iconic Jet d’Eau and its many parks and gardens. You can tour this Swiss city on an excursion to Geneva from Chamonix in the French Alps.

Annecy

Last but not least, this compilation has to include Annecy, known as the “Venice of the Alps“. This city on the Haute Savoie has canals that imbue it with a very special allure– it looks straight out of a fairytale! It’s connected to the Lake of Annecy, considered one of the cleanest lakes in the world.

In short, the French Alps provide an endless array of options that make this region of France one of the most appealing in the world.