Alps: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
In the French Alps, you can look forward to breathtaking landscapes all year round. Use your trip to get to know the mountains by hiking. The area around Mont Blanc is particularly attractive. Cities like Grenoble and Val d'Isère are starting points for skiing down into the valley in winter.
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Alps - The most beautiful cities
Chamonix
The French winter sports resort Chamonix is located in close proximity to the border with Switzerland and Italy. The history of this picturesque town can be traced back to the 11th century. Today, Chamonix is one of the most visited places in the Alps and serves as a starting point for skiing and hiking tours. For example, the Haute Route begins in Chamonix and leads through the Valais Alps to Zermatt. However, Chamonix is also a tranquil holiday destination with chic shops and restaurants. Take a stroll through the town center and along the Arve, whose icy waters flow under the picturesque bridges.
Annecy
Thanks to its location on the A41, Annecy can be easily reached from Geneva or Grenoble. The city is considered the gateway to the Massif des Bauges and is famous for its picturesque lake. Visitors also strongly associate the place with the Alps and winter sports. For nature lovers and climbers, Annecy is particularly attractive because of its lake. However, you can also take it easy and visit the many sights of the city. The old town with its bridges spanning the Thiou is enchanting. The Palais de l'Isle, located on a river island, is worth seeing.
Chambery
The Chambéry Castle and the Saint-François-de-Sales Cathedral are considered the city's largest cultural landmarks. During your walks through the town center, it is also worth visiting the Saint-Pierre de Lémenc Church and the art museum. At the Musée Savoisien, you can learn more about the cultural history of the city and its region. The Savoy Alps are considered a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. From Chambéry, you can set off not only on extensive hikes but also on bike tours through the valleys. In addition to the nature parks, the many wine-growing regions are particularly popular destinations where you can taste the fine wines.
Val d'Isère
Val-d'Isère looks like an authentic mountain village. Even the new buildings here are kept in a classic style. The winter sports resort impresses with its rustic charm, which sets it apart from many popular ski communities. For ski fans, access to the nearly 3-kilometer-long Face de Bellevarde is particularly interesting. This black slope is considered particularly challenging and is also the venue for various ski championships. In the village center of Val-d'Isère, there are numerous cafés and restaurants as well as shops. In summer, you can drive over the Little St. Bernard Pass to the neighboring Aosta Valley. To the south, the Col de l'Iseran leads.
Morzine
Morzine is particularly interesting for skiers, hikers, and cyclists. In winter, you can hit the slopes of the Portes du Soleil. The ski area, which includes 650 kilometers of slopes and 12 communities, is located in France and Switzerland. Particularly beautiful in Morzine is the village center, which is kept in an authentic alpine style. When you're not on the slopes, Morzine is ideal for an extended hike. Discover the neighboring town of Avoriaz, the Col de la Joux Verte, or the emerald-green Lac de Montriond. Additionally, a visit to the tropically designed water park Aquariaz, whose name is a nod to its location, is worthwhile.
Courchevel
Due to its altitude, snowmaking facilities, and the north-facing location of its more than 100 slopes, Courchevel is considered extremely snow-reliable. The various districts are connected by slopes, allowing you to glide elegantly and smoothly right to your doorstep in winter. Courchevel offers suitable slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. In addition to 38 red and eleven black slopes, there are also several fun parks in Courchevel. Furthermore, the winter sports resort is known as a gourmet paradise: After a long day on the slopes, indulge in delicacies at one of the 70 exclusive restaurants and then relax in a spa with a mountain view.
Aix-Les Bains
For wellness enthusiasts, the place is a true paradise. Numerous public spas help you enhance your well-being with saunas, sulfurous bicarbonate water, whirlpools, and steam baths. The Belle Époque has left its magnificent traces on many historic buildings and palace villas. Queen Victoria was a frequent guest of the place, which also attracts hiking enthusiasts. The 51 kilometers around Lake Bourget can be moderately hiked. The picturesque route is also interesting for cyclists. A rich cultural history can be glimpsed during a visit to the Roman ruins. The 9-meter-high Arc de Campanus is believed to have been the former entrance to the Roman thermal baths.
Grenoble
Grenoble was transformed into a fortress between the mid and late 19th century. The constructed forts are preserved in their original state to this day. Especially the Fort de Compoire and the Fort de la Bastille are considered landmarks. In the Musée de Grenoble, visitors marvel at one of the most impressive art collections in France. Around Grenoble are some of the largest winter sports areas in Europe, inviting skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and cross-country skiing from November to Easter. Even in the warm season, some gondolas are in operation and take you to the mountain peaks at an altitude of up to 3,500 m.
Alps - 4 most beautiful natural sights
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc, also known as the "Roof of Europe," is a breathtaking natural wonder in the French Alps. With a height of 4,810 meters, it is the highest peak in Western Europe, offering a majestic view of the surrounding Alps. The snow-covered slopes and crystal-clear glacial lakes are a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Whether you are an avid mountaineer or a casual hiker, Mont Blanc offers an unparalleled experience of beauty and grandeur. Come and discover this spectacular natural wonder.
Lake Annecy
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Annecy, nestled in the majestic French Alps. This natural wonder is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, sailing, and diving. The surrounding mountains provide unparalleled opportunities for hiking, cycling, and skiing. The lake is surrounded by picturesque villages rich in history and culture. The stunning landscape, fresh mountain air, and peaceful atmosphere make Lake Annecy an unforgettable experience. Let yourself be enchanted by the natural beauty and experience the tranquility and serenity this place has to offer.
Sea of Ice
Experience the majestic beauty of the French Alps and the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France. Surrounded by rugged mountain peaks rising into the clear blue sky, the Mer de Glace offers breathtaking views that will leave you speechless. The shimmering ice landscape, crisscrossed by deep crevices and caves, is an impressive natural spectacle. Here you can feel the raw power of nature and enjoy the silence of the untouched wilderness. Let yourself be enchanted by the majestic beauty of the Mer de Glace and experience an unforgettable adventure in the French Alps. Come and discover this natural wonder for yourself!
Rouget Waterfall
The Cascade du Rouget, also known as the "Queen of the Alps," is a breathtaking natural spectacle in the French Alps. This majestic waterfall plunges over 80 meters in two stages and offers an impressive display of power and beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery and rugged mountain peaks, the Cascade du Rouget is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The sight of the roaring water carving its way through the rocks is an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to hike, picnic, or simply enjoy the stunning view, the Cascade du Rouget is an essential stop on your journey through the French Alps.
Alps - Climate
Depending on what you plan to do during your vacation with a holiday home in the French Alps, you should choose a different season. The winter months are very popular. Between November and April, it snows in the mountains around Grenoble & Co. During this time, the slopes are perfectly prepared for skiing and snowboarding. Between May and October, however, hikers come to the French Alps. Temperatures rise to more than 20°C. Sunscreen should be included due to the UV radiation at high altitudes, as well as a jacket for possible weather changes. The fewest number of rainy days occur between August and October.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.
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