The best hiking in the Alps is presented here: which one will convince you to wear your shoes?
Your next holiday is approaching, and you want to give yourself a break at altitude? Do not hesitate, go for it in the Alps!
On the French side, the massif is shared between half a dozen departments and is full of outdoor activities. Skiing, canyoning, rafting, climbing… What about hiking, then?
You will be amazed by thousands of kilometers of marked trails, stunning panoramas, and snow-capped peaks.
Our team has carefully selected the best hikes in the Alps. Whatever your physical condition, you will be able to stretch your legs in the fresh air. Ibex, raptors, and marmots are already waiting for you!
Here is the list of the 11 most beautiful and best hiking in the Alps, France:
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Page Contents
Best Hiking in the Alps – 11 Most Beautiful Hikes In the Alps, France
1. The Tour of Mont Blanc
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: about 10 days
- Distance: 165 km
- Height difference: 10,583 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
One of the most famous and prestigious itineraries in Europe. 165 kilometers long, this hike in the Alps is usually done in about ten days. It is readily broken into segments shared between the French, Swiss and Italian territories.
For example, the TMB can be started from the village of Les Houches near Chamonix or Contamines-Montjoie. Each part of the course is a unique experience in an exquisite environment. The Mont Blanc massif is home to the roof of Europe, all the same!
2. Mer de Glace via the Grand Balcon Nord
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: about 5 hours
- Distance: 12.9 km
- Height difference: 1,411 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
The Sea of Ice will certainly not leave you with ice. Ok, it was easy! Probably much less than this demanding hike in the Alps. Intended for a public with an excellent physical condition, it follows the path of the Grand Balcon Nord.
Departing from the cable car of the impressive Aiguille du Midi, it connects the Plan de l’Aiguille du Midi to montenvers, famous for its picturesque cogwheel train.
Moreover, you can take advantage of his presence to cheat a little on the descent … High Mountain atmosphere guaranteed! Do you have more time? The Aiguille du Midi and its terrifying “not in the void” are a point of tourist interest the first choice.
3. White Lake via Grand Balcon Sud
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: about 2 hours
- Distance: 7.7 km
- Height difference: 583 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
Welcome to the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, near Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in Haute-Savoie. Your route starts in La Flègère and then takes the famous Grand Balcon Sud to Lac Blanc.
This hike in the Alps offers a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc massif and its needles and the lakes of Chésérys.
Some vertiginous passages without great difficulties are to be expected. For the most astute, know that the flégère cable car can considerably reduce the duration of the route… It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps.
4. The Col de la Vanoise
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: about 4 hours
- Distance: 12.2 km
- Height difference: 874 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
In the heart of Savoy, the Col de la Vanoise dominates the National Park of the same name at 2,517 meters above sea level. To appreciate the beauty of the place, go to the village of Fontanettes near Pralognan-La-Vanoise.
This hike in the Alps starts with a lovely forest trail leading to the picturesque refuge of The Barmettes. You will then walk along pretty meadows and then the moraine of the Grande Casse glacier.
You are almost there: the refuge of the Vanoise is in sight, and with it, a sumptuous panorama of the Chain of the Alps. Many streams will allow you to cool off. Marmots will watch over you (but don’t give them food!).
5. Lake L’Eychauda by Chambran
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: about 3h30
- Distance: 10.9 km
- Height difference: 824 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
Lac de l’Eychauda is a glacial lake located 2,514 meters above sea level in the Ecrins National Park. Particularity: it thaws only during the summer, and icebergs are often observed, even in July-August. It even generates some beautiful waterfalls.
To admire them, leave the hamlet of Chambran near Pelvoux for a fairly short and not too demanding hike. The views are incredible on the Ecrins, especially in spring!
To complete your visit, do not hesitate to climb the Col des Grangettes. Lake L’Eychauda is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps.
6. Passerelle du Drac by the pas du Berlioz
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: 2h20
- Distance: 8.4 km
- Height difference: 415 m
- Difficulty: Medium
This hike in the Alps starts near the town of Treffort in Isère. The trail advances quietly to the step of the Berlioz, a pass. A splendid view of the Ebron footbridge and the Brion bridge is admired from the top of the cliff.
Continue in the direction of the latter that you will cross successively. The footbridge is impressive, especially when the wind rushes into the gorges!
Relatively quiet, this essentially uncovered course just need to protect yourself from the sun during the hot months of the year.
7. The cirque de Saint-Même waterfalls
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Distance: 2.7 km
- Height difference: 226 m
- Difficulty: Medium
This hike in the Alps has everything from an adventure movie. This family trail allows you to reach the Guiers-Vif waterfall in the heart of dense vegetation.
This Savoyard torrent winds near the village of Saint-Même-d’en-Haut between pastures, forests, and rocky paths. The descent of the trail takes a footbridge very close to the waterfall.
Once reached, the waterfall is a real invitation to meditation and a well-deserved picnic!
8. The Cross of the Nivolet
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: 1h45
- Distance: 6 km
- Height difference: 236 m
- Difficulty: Medium
Welcome to La Féclaz in Savoy for this route leading to the Cross of Nivolet. It begins with a rough climb to the chalet du Sire.
You will walk along a cliff to the refuge of Nivolet then, ultimate reward, to the cross of the same name and there… In-cro-yable: it is the whole massif of the Chartreuse that unfolds before your astonished eyes and your calves bent.
This hike in the Alps does not require any special physical preparation, but we do not recommend it to the little ones because it goes up quite hard at the beginning, anyway!
9. La Tournette via the Chemin du Col de l’Aulp
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: about 5 hours
- Distance: 10.1 km
- Height difference: 1,180 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
In Haute-Savoie, the Bornes massif is home to the summit of La Tournette near Montmin. La Tournette is a mountain overlooking the city of Annecy… And who deserves it! Hiking in Haute-Savoie is also famous in the area.
This route allows access to it at the cost of some effort and fears for people sensitive to vertigo. The stony path is sometimes very aerial: “there is gas,” as they say here…
But what a view of the Mont Blanc massif and Lake Annecy! We recommend this hike in spring or early autumn to make the most of it.
10. Lake Lauvitel
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: 2h30
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Height difference: 560 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
It is in the valley of the Vénéon in Isère that begins this beautiful hike. The hamlet La Danchère leads hikers to Lake Lauvitel, the largest lake in the Ecrins massif.
Located at 1,530 meters above sea level, it will first require facing a beautiful climb in the undergrowth, carefully marked. Its bluish-green color is an invitation to swim for the most daring (the water is cool!).
In the heart of the Ecrins National Park, between meadows and peaks, Lake Lauvitel is a must.
11. Laye Wood
Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration: 2h
- Distance: 7.2 km
- Height difference: 353 m
- Difficulty: Medium
This hike in the Alps is located in the town of Tignes in the heart of the Vanoise massif. (There are lots of best outdoor activities to do in Tignes) The route crosses the Bois de Laye by the Gouille de Salin: a charming little lake with crystal clear water.
You will walk along and cross many streams, enjoy the shade of conifers, and admire the pretty Salin waterfall. This hike also allows you to reach Lake Chevril and admire the alpine fauna and flora.
A summary of what the whole massif contains wonderful, in short! So, what do you think are the most beautiful hikes to do, and which best hiking in the Alps are you going to do?
