The 11 most beautiful hiking tours in the Alps

The most beautiful hikes in the Alps are presented here: which one will convince you to wear your shoes?

Your next vacation approach and you want to give you a break in altitude? Don’t hesitate, go in the Alps!

On the French side, the massif is divided between half a dozen departments and is full of outdoor activities. Ski, canyoning, rafting, climbing... What about hiking?

With its thousands of kilometers of marked trails, stunning views and snowy peaks, you will take your eyes full.

Our team carefully selected the best hikes in the Alps. Regardless of your physical condition, you can stretch your legs in the open air. Bouquetins, raptors and marmots are already waiting for you!

1. The Tour du Mont Blanc

One of Europe’s most famous and prestigious routes. Longue 165 kilometres , this hike in the Alps is normally done in about ten days. It is readily divided into segments 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 a grandiose environment. The Mont Blanc massif houses the roof of Europe, all the same!

2. Ice Sea via the Grand Balcon Nord

The Ice Sea will certainly not leave you any ice. Okay, she was easy! Probably less than this demanding hike in the Alps. Designed for a public with a good physical condition, it follows the Grand Balcon Nord trail.

At the start of the cable car of the impressive Aiguille du Midi, it connects the Plan de l’Aiguille du Midi to Montenvers, famous for its picturesque cremail train.

Besides, you can take advantage of his presence to cheat a little on the descent... High mountain atmosphere assured! Do you have more time? The Aiguille du Midi and its terrifying “not in the void” are a point of first choice tourist interest.

3. Lac Blanc via Grand Balcon Sud

Welcome to the Aiguilles Rouge nature reserve, near Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in Haute-Savoie . Your journey starts at 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 as well as the Chésérys lakes.

A few dizzy passages without great difficulty are to be expected. For the most clever ones, you should know that the cable car of the Flégère makes it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the journey...

Also discover:

• Family bivouac under the stars
• Spéléo-rando in the Alps
• Trek and yoga in the Aravis
  

4. The Vanoise Pass

In the heart of the Savoy, the pass of the Vanoise dominates the National Park of the same name to 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 nice forest trail leading to the picturesque Barmettes refuge. You will then go along pretty meadows and then the moraine of the Grande pan glacier.

You are almost there: the Vanoise refuge is in sight and with it, a sumptuous panorama on the Alps. Many streams will allow you to refresh yourself. In summer, marmots will watch over you (but don’t give them food!).

5. Lake Eychauda by Chambran

Lake Eychauda is a glacial lake located in 2 514 meters above sea level in the National Park of Writers. Particularity: it deceives only during the summer and icebergs are often observable, even in July-August. It even generates some beautiful waterfalls.

To admire them, leave the hamlet of Chambran near Pelvoux for a short and not too demanding hike. The views are amazing on the Writers especially in the spring!

To complete your visit, do not hesitate to climb the collar of the Grangettes.

6. Passerelle du Drac by the step of Berlioz

This hike in the Alps starts near the city of Treffort in Isère. The trail progresses quietly to the footsteps of Berlioz, a pass. A splendid view of the Ebron Bridge and the Brion Bridge is to be admired from the top of the cliff.

Keep in the direction of these that you will cross successively. The bridge is by itself impressive especially when the wind blows in the throats!

Rather quiet, this essentially undiscovered course just requires protect themselves from the sun during the hot months of the year.

7. The cascades of Cirque de Saint-Même

This hike in the Alps has a whole adventure film. In the heart of a dense vegetation, this family-friendly path allows you to reach the Guiers-Vif waterfall.

This Savoyard stream winds near the village of Saint-Même-d’en-Haut between pastures, forests and rocky trails. The descent of the trail follows a bridge close to the waterfall.

Once reached, the waterfall is a true invitation to meditation and a well-deserved picnic!

8. The Cross of Nivolet

Welcome to La Féclaz in Savoy for this route leading to the Cross of Nivolet. It starts with a rough climb to the chalet du Sire.

You will walk a steep cliff to the Nivolet refuge and then, ultimate reward, to the cross of the same name and there... Unbelievable: it is the entire Chartreuse massif that unfolds in front of your bahish eyes and your curved calves.

This hike in the Alps doesn’t require any particular physical preparation but we don’t recommend it to the smallest because it goes up pretty hard at first, though!

9. La Tournette via the path of the Col de l’Aulp

In Haute-Savoie, the Bornes massif houses the summit of La Tournette near Montmin. The Tournette is a mountain overlooking the city of Annecy ... And who deserves it!

This route allows you to access the price of some efforts and some fears for people sensitive to vertigo. The rocky path is sometimes very airy: "There is gas" as we say here...

But what a view of the Mont Blanc massif and the Lake Annecy! We recommend this hike spring or early fall to make the most of it.

10. Lake Lauvitel

It is in the Vénéon valley, in Isère that this pretty hike begins. More precisely in the hamlet La Danchère: it leads the hikers to Lake Lauvitel, the largest lake in the Massif des Écrins.

Located in 1,530 meters above sea level , it will first require to face a beautiful rise in undergrowth, carefully marked. Its color of a blue green is an invitation to bathing for the boldest (water is fresh!).

In the heart of the Ecrins National Park, between meadows and summits, Lake Lauvitel is a must.

11. The wood of Laye

This hike in the Alps is located in the town of Tignes in the heart of the Vanoise massif. The route passes through the Laye wood by the Salin Frog: it is a charming little lake with crystalline water.

You will walk and cross many streams while enjoying the shadow of the conifers and admire the pretty Salin waterfall. This hike also allows you to reach the Lac du Chevril and admire the alpine fauna and flora as a whole.

You are decided to explore the hiking trails in the Hautes-Alpes but do not know where to start and you think that the presence of a guide is necessary? Discover Explora Project , the travel agency that organizes for you hikes in the Alps using guides who know the region as their pocket. On the programme: breathtaking landscapes, trails that you alone will have the secret and total disconnection!