French Alps Walking & Hiking
- Lakeside Annecy, the Venice of the Alps
- World-class hiking through meadows and pine forests
- Sip the region’s vibrant wines
- The famed mountaineering center of Chamonix, surrounded by a spellbinding battlement of rock spires, glaciers and saw-edged peaks
- Feeling adventurous? Don crampons and heft axes for a glacier hike with expert guides
Alpine Sophistication from Annecy to Chamonix
The setting is captivating: needle-sharp peaks soaring above flower-filled meadows. Storybook villages and forested foothills mirrored in pure blue lakes. And majestic Mont Blanc, towering above it all. Warmhearted people with a knack for enjoying the finer things in life - like climbing mountains and relishing views of their glorious “backyard.” And a pleasing mélange of rustic and chic, where cozy alpine chalets rub elbows with posh boutiques and restaurants. Join us in one of Earth's epic landscapes. Follow in the footsteps of intrepid alpine explorers. Then pamper yourself in a way they never imagined.
Day 1 Lakeside Annecy, the Venice of the Alps, invites you on a guided stroll through its narrow streets past lovingly restored historic buildings 
Explore the 12th-century Palais de l'Isle, Annecy's emblem, which appears to hover above its moat Warm up for your week of alpine adventure with a hike in the hills above Talloires 
Take in the incredible views of Lake Annecy below Visit Ermitage de St. Germain.
Days 2-3 World-class hiking through meadows and pine forests surrounding the chic ski town of Megève A cable car whisks us to 5,175 feet to start our trek - don't worry, there's plenty of climbing left for your legs! Got room on your memory card? Spectacular vistas of Mont Blanc hit you along quiet alpine trails Fuel up with a lunch of regional specialties, including homemade cheeses, at a high-mountain farm.
Day 4 The famed mountaineering center of Chamonix, surrounded by a spellbinding battlement of rock spires, glaciers and saw-edged peaks Mountaineers from the prestigious Compagnie des Guides Chamonix lead you to incredible Lac Blanc at the top of the world - at least it feels that way! Put your feet up at a traditional alpine hut.
Days 5-6 Feeling adventurous? Don crampons and heft axes for an exciting glacier hike with expert guides If not, opt for a tamer hike on the ice field before returning to the Aiguille du Midi cable car - or walk only as far as the spa Reach jaw-dropping views of Mer de Glace, the Alps' second largest glacier, via historic cog railway.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Ahhh, the Alps. Will your favorite moment be gazing at the crystal blue lake of Annecy? Or hiking through wildflowers with awe-inspiring vistas of the famed Mont Blanc? Or perhaps it will be exploring the alpine villages of Megève and Chamonix after being treated to delicious French cuisine? In any case, the Alps is a hiker's haven and sure to move you in more ways than one.- Regional Manager, France
Premiere Inns
Abbaye de Talloires
Talloires (1 night) A beautifully restored 17th-century Benedictine abbey on Lake Annecy whose notable past guests include Winston Churchill, Paul Cézanne and Mark Twain. (spa)
Hôtel Mont-Blanc
Megève (2 nights) A stylish chalet located in the heart of a splendid mountain town. (pool, spa)
Grand Hôtel des Alpes
Chamonix (2 nights) This sophisticated Condé Nast Traveler editor's pick with exceptional Savoyard hospitality has been tucked in Chamonix's vibrant center since 1840. (pool, spa)
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From Sunny Southern France to Beguiling Barcelona
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3, 5 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain
- Guided Walk 1.5 hours
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 5.2, 6.5, 8 miles
- 800 - 2150 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 4, 5, 10 miles
- 900 - 2800 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 3, 6, 7.5 miles
- 800 - 1850 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 3, 5, 7.5 miles
- 940 - 1150 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3.5 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Alpine trails, scenic mountain footpaths. Some dirt roads.More Recommended Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the French Alps tour experts. See our award-winning Europe France walking tours and hiking tours, Europe France biking tours and Europe France multisport tours.
