The 14 Most Beautiful Villages In The Alps

The 14 Most Beautiful Villages in the Alps


Want to go to the mountains? For an unforgettable getaway, here is our selection of the most beautiful villages in the Alps.

The Alps are a fabulous playground for lovers of large natural spaces. The Alps are happy to play for those content to contemplate the historical heritage when they go on holiday. Some of the most beautiful villages in France are located in this green mountain range… then immaculate.

The human being quickly became aware of the beauty of the place and decided to join marmots, eagles, and ibex. In France, from the southern Alps to the rocky foothills of the north, you can marvel at these high-altitude municipalities in every remarkable way.

Travelvibe has therefore decided to present these villages in the Alps, among the most beautiful in the country. Follow the guide!

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The 14 Most Beautiful Alpine Villages, France [Picturesque Alpine Village]

1. The Grave

Most Beautiful Villages in the Alps

This authentic village is an institution in the world of extreme sports. This resort is entirely dedicated to off-piste skiing! Located at the foot of the Meije massif and 3982 meters, the town is close to the splendid Ecrins National Park. It is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps due to its exceptional geographical location.

Remaining wild, the environment of the village offers excellent colors in summer and autumn. If you pass between Isère and Hautes-Alpes during this period, you now know what you have to do.

2. Chamonix

Chamonix, in Haute-Savoie (Cham’, for the intimate), is a mecca for mountain activities. Hiking, mountaineering, climbing, skiing, or paragliding… You can also enjoy some beautiful hikes in Haute-Savoie.

A village is a high place for altitude tourism because of the presence of Mont Blanc. The Mont-Blanc massif (which takes a dash) dominates the town, which seems licked by a monumental glacial tongue!

Chamonix is a village by itself splendid with its picturesque Savoyard buildings. During your stay in the department, take the A40 to Chamonix to understand the latter’s attraction!

3. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is right next to Chamonix. The Prarion, a small mountain, separates them, but the two municipalities share access to the majestic Mont Blanc and its 4,808 meters.

It is also from Saint-Gervais that we take the famous Tramway du Mont-Blanc. This one leads the climbers to the Eagle’s Nest, the starting point of the normal route. Saint-Gervais is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps.

In addition to its breathtaking hiking trails, friendly shopkeepers, and sweetness of life. On Thursdays, the market offers to taste juicy mountain products. Drop by!

4. Bonneval-Sur-Arc

This typical Savoyard village is the highest in Maurienne. It is composed of old stone houses with roofs covered with slates. You know, those rocky plates that replace tiles in Savoy! Bonneval-sur-Arc is also a village resort allowing the practice of skiing or snowboarding in winter.

We recommend that you opt for a dog sled ride to admire the beauty of the place. It is undoubtedly one of the most charming villages in the Alps!

A little anecdote: in Bonneval, the houses do not have a number but have names.

5. Malaucène

Photo credit: Flickr – Lyonel Kaufmann

Malaucène is located in the Vaucluse, at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Between the mountains and Provence, this mythical village for cyclists from all over the world (the Tour de France frequently passes there) is truly splendid.

From the old ramparts to the centuries-old market, from the Porte Soubeyran to the medieval streets… Everything in Malaucène recalls the Middle Ages and lets the visitor imagine himself back in the time of the Comtat Venaissin. Malaucène is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps: you can enjoy the song of cicadas… at altitude. Original, right?

Don’t forget to read the exclusive article on the best markets in France.

6. Embrun

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Embrun perfectly bears its nickname of “Nice of the Alps.” Indeed, its south-facing orientation, sunny climate, and assumed southern side make it a city worthy of the French Riviera: a treasure perched on the side of a rock. Dream promontory on the lake of Serre-Ponçon, Embrun is also and above all, one of the most wonderful villages in the Alps!

A charming old center, a preserved natural setting, and especially the proximity of the Ecrins National Park, yes, a large town in the south of the Alps, and to discover without moderation with that!

7. Saint-Véran

Spending a holiday at altitude is good. Spending a holiday at an altitude in the highest municipality in Europe is still better. Perched at 2,042 meters above sea level, Saint-Véran is “the village where roosters peck at the stars.”

Travelvibe presents the highest inhabited town in Europe, in the Hautes-Alpes! This village has retained its organization in neighborhoods typical of the mountain villages of yesteryear.

If it is one of the most pretty villages in the Alps, it is for its shale wells, the Regional Natural Park of Queyras nearby… and the extraordinary natural flora and fauna that shelter there. Do not miss to contemplate the sundials of the Renaissance era decorated with country motifs and symbols of the region.

8. Valmorel

Valmorel, in Savoie, in the heart of the Tarentaise? A must among the most beautiful villages in the Alps, quite simply. Valmorel alone embodies the spirit and art of living in the mountains. Sumptuous traditional chalets punctuate the slopes, nestled in the heart of sumptuous fir trees.

The Valmorel ski area covers 3,600 hectares between 1350 and 2400 meters above sea level. We appreciate its large expanses dedicated to off-piste: the resort stands out for its preserved environment.

9. Morzine

Morzine is a ski resort located in Haute-Savoie, a stone’s throw from the Swiss border. It is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the best in France. The estate offers beautiful winding slopes in the middle of enchanting forests.

Morzine is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps, famous for its gastronomic establishments where you can taste succulent local productions while admiring the mountains of the Hauts-Forts. Our advice? Leave without further delay!

10. Courchevel

It is also one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps, and its reputation as an upscale destination is not usurped either. Courchevel is six hamlets connected by ski lifts. Its fantastic ski area enjoys an ideal orientation to brighten up your exploits in the powder.

The alpine chalets are all more beautiful than the others, and the restaurants make you discover unique and succulent products, the infrastructures are at the top … in short, all that is missing is you to make this place perfect.

11. Isola

Here is a village in the Alps located in the 06: yes, the Alpes-Maritimes, one of the few French departments to offer sea and mountains! Isola is a village of altitude zebra of medieval alleys that seem out of time.

When we walk through them, we are offered to admire many typical secular monuments. For example, the Bell Tower of St. Peter has very special architecture.

In addition to the famous ski resort, Isola 2000, the village offers countless hiking trails and a chestnut grove. The nautical base of Lac des Neiges and an exceptional panorama of the Tinée valley completes the offer.

12. Crévoux

Crévoux is a commune located in the Parpaillon massif, near Embrun in the Hautes-Alpes. Located at 1600 m altitude in a wild valley, it will appeal to lovers of large natural spaces. Waterfalls, mountain lakes, mountain biking, local products, Crévoux contemplates, feels, tastes, and gets along.

The famous Parpaillon tunnel allows tourists to switch to the Ubaye Valley. The ideal is to go there in winter to explore the area by cross-country skiing. It’s just sublime!

13. Ancelle

Photo credit: Flickr – Pierre Metivier

Ancelle is a charming family resort located on a sunny plateau overlooking the Gapençais basin. The village, charming by itself, is integrated into an exceptional natural setting. Nearby, the Dévoluy and the Champsaur valley are territories conducive to wonder.

Go up the Piolit or the Col de la Moissière to admire, in autumn, the reddish hues of the forests. You can also get there on horseback, horseback riding being a local tourist specialty. Finally, unless you want to fly over them in a hot air balloon?

14. Allos

Allos is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps. Located at an altitude of 1,400 m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the east of the department, it is the jewel of the Val d’Allos.

You can easily access the sublime Mercantour Park and its treasures when you go to Allos. In addition to the adjacent ski resort, Mont Pelat, Grande Séolane, and the Trois-Evêchés massif are the local stars.

Moreover, the highest natural lake in Europe is situated at 2230 m above sea level! Sunny, enchanting, and intoxicating, the village of Allos will seduce you with its authenticity. We guarantee it on account!

Conclusion

The French Alps are home to some of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the world. The charming architecture and rich cultural heritage of these villages make them popular tourist destinations.

Whether you’re looking to ski, hike, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, the villages in the Alps offer a unique and unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. From the quaint village of Allos to the mountain hamlet of La Grave, there’s no shortage of beautiful and enchanting villages to explore in the French Alps. I hope you find the article “The 14 Most Beautiful Villages in the Alps” helpful.

Al Amin Sagor

Hi, I'm Al Amin Sagor. Join me as I share travel tips, personal insights, and amazing experiences that have shaped my adventures. Let's explore together and make lasting memories.

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