Holidays in the French Alps

Walking in the French Alps is the perfect way to explore the Haute Savoie. From alpine pastures to soaring peaks, set off to discover the wonderful hiking trails and local specialities of this spectacular region. Now you just need to decide which trip is for you.

Tour du Mont Blanc - moderate to strenuous - The classic Tour du Mont Blanc takes you through France, Italy and Switzerland. Walk amongst one of the most impressive and beautiful mountain ranges in the world, making it one of the most popular hikes in Europe. We have a collection of itineraries, with one to suit everyone. The itineraries that embark on the complete circuit are split into hut or comfort trips, depending on the comfort level you are looking for. Alternatively, if you want to walk in the region without embarking on the complete circuit, check out our Classic Walks of Mont Blanc trip.

Walker’s Haute Route – strenuous - If you want to enjoy the rewards of taking on one of the world’s great hikes, then you can’t go wrong with the Walker’s Haute Route. It explores the best of the Pennine Alps between Chamonix and Zermatt. But you do need to be physically fit as this is a strenuous high mountain hike without baggage transfer available. You should be happy navigating in poor conditions and have a head for heights.

GR5 - moderate to strenuous - This trail is perfect for those looking for challenging Alpine hiking, away from the crowds with some added comfort. Prepare for some long days with significant ascent, descent, and light scrambling. Bag transfer is included, helping to lighten the load. Stay in comfortable 3* hotels and atmospheric mountain huts and enjoy a free day in Chamonix at the end, allowing you to relax and reflect on your rewarding hike.

Walking Poles - There is a lot of chat about the pros and cons of walking poles, but in the French Alps, they are verging on an essential piece of kit. The nature of these trips is that you climb and descend every day, and this is where poles come into their own, providing extra stability on these gradients, taking the pressure off the ankles. 

Sample the local fare - Cheese, mushrooms and cured meat are the staples in the Haute-Savoie area, and you will come across these on every menu in every restaurant. They are all of a very high standard, and we would definitely recommend having at least one Raclette, Tartiflette or Fondue while you are on the trip. There is something about the comfort and heartiness of melted cheese that goes well with walking in the Alps. 

Learn the language - While it is not essential to be fluent in French or Italian to take the trip, it always makes a trip more immersive when you can converse with the locals. While many people will speak English, knowing the pleasantries is helpful. We have compiled a list of useful phrases on our blog. 

Firstly, where is the Haute Savoie? It is a region situated in the French Alps, that borders Switzerland and Italy, situated in the southeast of France.

Savoyard cooking is rooted in its geography. Being in the mountains, much of its traditional food is based on what was available, which is potatoes and plenty of dairy. Both are produced locally in the summer and are easy to store during the long winter months (the dairy, of course, in the form of cheese). This is why you will find an abundance of cheese and potatoes-based meals. When in the Haute Savoie, treat your taste buds to some of the following local produce and dishes:

Reblochon – A local cheese that is not dissimilar to Brie in its texture, has a soft washed-rind and smear-ripened made from raw cow's milk with a mild flavour.

Savoyarde Fondue – Enjoy a pot of bubbling, melted cheese soaked up by pieces of cubed bread. Savoyarde Fondue consists of three cheeses: Comté, Beaufort and Tomme de Savoie, they are complemented by a little white wine, garlic and kirsch.

Tartiflette – Try the local dish, made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions. It is often served as an après-ski meal, tartiflette conveys an image of Alpine authenticity and conviviality and is a perfect way to fill a rumbling stomach after a long day's hike.

If you are looking for something a little sweeter, try

La Tarte aux Myrtilles (Blueberry tart) - This traditional dessert is hugely popular across the French Alps, and for good reason. Blueberries grow in abundance throughout the Alpine forests, yielding plenty of fruit in the summer.

Croix de Savoie - A croissant style pastry in the shape of a cross, filled with custard and sprinkled with sugar, this is breakfast for the hearty.

To wash it all down, enjoy a digestive of Génépi, a traditional herbal liqueur made locally from the Artemisia genepi plant.