French Alps in Summer: Places and Experiences Worth Your Time

Article written by Elisa
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Summer in French Alps

A local’s guide to the best of the French Alps in summer: sun, trails, and Alpine life beyond the crowds. If you are in a hurry, jump straight to the list here.

The French Alps in summer are not a secret. But they are still misunderstood.

Most visitors rush to Chamonix for the cable car, tick Annecy off the list in a day, and leave. The discerning traveler knows that this region rewards a slower, more considered approach: a morning hike before the trails fill, a terrace lunch with a glass of Apremont, an afternoon in Briançon that most tourists never reach.

I have explored every corner of this region across all seasons, and summer remains the one that surprises me most. The Alps without the ski crowds are quieter, more authentic, and – in September especially – genuinely extraordinary.

This guide is for travelers who choose their experiences carefully. You will find the obvious classics here but also the places and moments that take the Alps from a great destination to an unforgettable one.

Planning to drive through the Alps? See my French Alps road trip itinerary →

Last update: April 2026

Table of contents:

• Quick Answers: French Alps in Summer
• French Alps Summer Holidays – Month by Month
  • Tour de France in the French Alps
• Best Places to Visit in the French Alps in Summer – Map
• Best French Alps Towns in Summer – Northern Alps (Haute-Savoie & Savoie)
• Best French Alps Towns in Summer – Southern Alps (Hautes-Alpes & Isère)
• French Alps Summer Highlights: Experiences Not to Miss

But Chamonix is also one of the best places to visit in the French Alps in summer. The natural scenery – so picturesque under snow – is just as beautiful in summer and best explored on the many surrounding trails.

Chamonix’s main attraction is Aiguille du Midi, easily reached by a 20-minute cable car ride from the town center. You can also take the Montenvers Railway through forests, tunnels, and viaducts to the famous Mer de Glace (1,913 m), the largest glacier in France.

There’s no shortage of fun activities in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, from visiting the Ice Cave and riding the summer luge (a mountain roller coaster) to strolling through the lively town center, lined with shops and galleries. For something more adventurous, tandem paragliding with views of Mont Blanc is hard to beat.

Annecy – The Venice of the Alps

Best for: Sightseeing, lakeside relaxation, water sports, weekend getaways | Where to stay in Annecy | Rent a car in Annecy

Annecy is one of the loveliest towns in the French Alps – an enchanting place that’s almost certain to steal your heart. Set on the northern shores of Lake Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department, it’s widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in France, with plenty to see and do both in town and nearby.

The city’s charming medieval center is a highlight, with landmarks such as the Palais de l’Isle – now a history museum – and the Château d’Annecy. All around, forested mountains frame the town, creating a truly stunning natural backdrop.

Annecy is perfect for a relaxing weekend escape (see my Annecy two-day itinerary) as well as an action-packed summer in the French Alps. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Annecy: cycle around the lake, take a scenic boat cruise, try stand-up paddleboarding, or unwind on one of the lakeside beaches. Lake Annecy is also a world-renowned spot for paragliding, and has hosted numerous competitions over the years.

Elisa’s Local Tip: Outdoor dining along the canals is in high demand during the summer months. My tip for securing a great spot is to book directly with the restaurant as soon as they open in the morning, requesting a specific table when possible.

Aix-les-Bains and Lac du Bourget

Best for: Sightseeing, spa lovers, boat trips, quiet relaxation | Where to stay in Aix-les-Bains | Rent a car in Aix-les-Bains

Often nicknamed the “Riviera of the French Alps,” Aix-les-Bains has long been celebrated for its elegance and restorative charm. By the late 19th century, the town’s thermal waters had gained recognition for their medicinal properties, particularly in treating rheumatism and respiratory conditions.

Its rise to international fame was largely thanks to Queen Victoria and her daughter, Princess Beatrice, whose regular visits drew Europe’s high society. Soon, Aix-les-Bains became a fashionable spa destination – the place to see and be seen – complete with a casino, a racecourse, and grand Belle Époque villas.

To the west, the town is bordered by Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, stretching 18 kilometers. This scenic setting is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride along the shore. In summer, when the water can reach a pleasant 26°C, the lake is ideal for swimming as well as activities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and sailing. Boats are also available to rent, with or without a skipper.

For those seeking a bit more adventure, hiking combined with packrafting on Lac du Bourget has become an increasingly popular way to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Elisa’s Local Tip: For a romantic dinner, head up to the Belvédère restaurant at the top of the Col de Chambotte –the views from there are truly spectacular. During the high season, be sure to book well in advance.

MINI ROAD TRIP: This road trip itinerary from Lyon to Annecy visits the Lac du Bourget, the Abbey of Hautecombe, Aix-les-Bains, and more!

Yvoire is the most isolated place on my map of the French Alps, but it is well worth the detour! One of the best medieval towns in France, Yvoire has over 700 years of history, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy visiting its ramparts, medieval castle, fortified gates, and cobbled streets.

Don’t miss the Jardin des Cinq Sens, in the heart of the village, listed as a remarkable garden by the Ministry of Culture. There are many pretty shops where you can buy souvenirs and regional products too, or you can rent a boat, with or without a skipper.

In the afternoon, there’s no better way to unwind than with an apéritif or dinner on one of the lakeside terraces.

In winter, some of the best ski resorts in the French Alps are within an hour’s drive, making Chambéry a convenient gateway to the mountains. In summer, it becomes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural landscapes, including hiking in the Massif des Bauges and the Massif de la Chartreuse, canyoning, or enjoying a relaxing day at Lake Aiguebelette. Adventure seekers should not miss canyoning in the Ternèze Gorge, just a short distance from the city.

Elisa’s Local tip: Les Caves du Château (3 Rue du Château) is an excellent address for purchasing regional wines. I booked one of their guided tastings (January to June, in French, on Thursdays) and they offer a particularly good introduction to the wines of Savoie in an intimate, cellar setting.

A former garrison town fortified by the military architect Vauban in the 18th century, Briançon has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, as part of the network of Vauban fortifications in France. At the heart of the town lies the Citadel of Vauban, overlooking the historic centre, where cobbled streets reveal landmarks such as the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, the Church of the Cordeliers, the colourful old townhouses, Place d’Armes, and a series of fountains and sundials that give the town its distinctive character.

The surrounding region offers an impressive range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, paragliding, canoeing, and rafting. Briançon also serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations on day hikes such as Le Monêtier-les-Bains, Saint-Chaffrey, Montgenèvre, and the Queyras Regional Natural Park.

It’s worth visiting for its unique mix of city culture and mountain scenery. The highlight is the Bastille cable car, which takes you from the city centre up to the hilltop fortress for panoramic views over the Alps and the Isère valley.

Other highlights include exploring the historic Old Town, visiting the Musée de Grenoble – one of France’s finest fine arts museums outside Paris – and enjoying day hikes in the nearby Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne mountain ranges.

For history enthusiasts, Grenoble also marks a key point along the Route Napoléon, the historic road retracing Napoleon’s return from Elba in 1815. The city was one of the final major stops on his journey toward Paris.

Saint-Véran features beautiful traditional architecture, including stone houses, log cabins, larch wood fountains, and sundials. Don’t miss the interesting Soum Museum, which shows the organization of a 17th-century farmhouse in total autarky during the long winter months.

As for the Queyras Regional Natural Park, it will delight hikers of all kinds. In summer, there’s mountain biking, horse-riding, tree-top trails, paragliding, and Via Ferrata. Along the GR58 trail (Tour du Queyras), there are about thirty lakes, twenty passes (cols), and twenty peaks to climb. There are other picturesque villages to explore nearby, like Arvieux, Abriès, Aiguilles, Ceillac, Château-Ville-Vieille, or Molines-en-Queyras.

L’Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) is a mountain in the Mont Blanc Massif, accessible by cable car. This is the highest attraction in Europe, offering visitors a unique panorama that embraces the highest peaks of Western Europe. It is also an excellent opportunity to get a closer view of Mont Blanc (4,808 m), the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe.

In just 20 minutes, the Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you from the center of Chamonix to the high mountains. The total visit lasts an average of 2 to 3 hours. Children under 3 years old are not accepted (and it is not recommended for children under 5).

Inside, you can admire ornate interiors, including the royal tombs and beautiful stained-glass details. The atmosphere is serene and contemplative, making it one of the most memorable heritage sites in the region.

From Aix-les-Bains, it is a 35-minute drive to the abbey, but you can also take boat tours departing from Aix that include a visit to Hautecombe (head to the Grand Port for buying the tickets and boarding).

Originally built to defend the Dauphiné against incursions from Savoy and Provence, the fort saw surprisingly limited military action, being used only twice during the religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. In the 18th century, the military engineer Vauban strengthened and expanded the structure, reinforcing its defensive capabilities with additional fortifications.

Today, Fort Queyras makes for an excellent half-day excursion. Now privately owned but open to visitors, it invites you to cross its drawbridge and explore a striking labyrinth of passages, staircases, courtyards, and bastions developed over several centuries, from the 12th to the 19th.

Cheese lies at the heart of Savoyard gastronomy, whether melted into dishes or enjoyed as a course in its own right before dessert. Some of France’s best cheeses (Beaufort, Reblochon, and Tomme de Savoie) originate here, and they can be discovered more broadly along the dedicated Savoie cheese route, which showcases local producers and traditional methods.

The wines of Savoie remain relatively under the radar, yet they offer remarkable finesse and character. The region produces elegant whites, expressive reds, and delicate rosés from indigenous grape varieties such as Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse, and Roussanne. You will also find crémants de Savoie (traditional-method sparkling wines) and other kinds of sparklings. Some local producers also offer guided visits with tastings, providing an excellent opportunity to discover the story behind each wine and purchase directly at winemaker prices.

The Mercantour is home to more than 3,000 animal and plant species – making it the most biodiverse national park in mainland France. It is also a paradise for hikers, with over 600 kilometres of marked trails, including sections of the GR5 as well as long-distance routes such as the Grande Traversée du Mercantour and the Alpi Marittime itinerary.

The park is also dotted with some of the most picturesque villages in the French Alps, including the medieval town of Tende – once an important stop along the historic salt route – as well as Saorge and Saint-Martin-Vésubie, both known for their dramatic settings and preserved heritage. I took the Train des Merveilles from Nice to visit all these villages in the Vallée de la Roya and I loved every second of my trip.

This is another of the great places to visit in the French Alps in summer for hikers. It has more than 740 km of marked trails, including the GR54, which circles the Oisans. The park is also home to a vast animal and plant biodiversity, with more than 4,000 recorded species.

In Parc National des Ecrins, it is also possible to find the purple saxifrage, a plant species that grows at the highest altitude in France (4,070 m!).

The Ubaye Valley is also famous for its rich local cuisine, mixing Alpine, Mediterranean, and Italian influences. You can taste excellent local products, such as Génépi liqueur (made from a plant native to the Alps), Tomme cheese from the valley, and Tourtons.

And there you have it: a local’s guide to the best things to do in the French Alps in summer. From Mont Blanc to hidden alpine lakes and villages most visitors never discover, each of these destinations is well worth the journey.

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About France Bucket List
Hi, I'm Elisa – a French local based in Paris and certified French Wine Ambassador who has traveled every region of France, and writes about it for travelers who are done with generic advice. France Bucket List is for the discerning traveler who wants cultural depth, honest opinions, and local knowledge you simply can't get from someone who visited once.

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