What to do in the Northern Alps? Our guide
Wide open spaces, vertiginous peaks, picturesque villages, breathtaking landscapes: the Northern Alps Extend your arms to you. Between crystalline lakes, deep forests, majestic glaciers and emblematic mountains such as Mont-Blanc or Vanoise, this region of the French Alps is a real a concentrate of nature and adventures. In this guide, discover all our ideas to fully experience your vacation in the Northern Alps!
Discover the Northern Alps: a life-size playground
The Northern Alps have everything for Seduce mountain lovers, summer and winter. Located between Lake Geneva and the peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif, this part of the French Alps includes a mosaic of breathtaking landscapes, ranging from glaciers to flowery mountain pastures, through high-altitude lakes and deep forests, not to mention charming villages.
Here, the seasons punctuate the experiences: magnificent hikes, swimming in pure water or skiing in the Alps on the most beautiful ski areas in the world. The Northern Alps are also home to numerous protected natural areas, including the prestigious Vanoise National Park (the first national park in France).
What to do in the Northern Alps? 6 activities
1. Hike through the postcard landscapes
The Northern Alps have an infinity of breathtaking trails. Among the must-sees, Lac Blanc (above Chamonix) is one of the jewels of the Mont-Blanc massif. Easily accessible via the ski lifts from La Flegère, this high-altitude lake reflects the snowy peaks like a mirror. A hike not to be missed for lovers of photos and alpine panoramas!
Another popular spot: the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges, with its plunging views of the glaciers. The Beaufortain is wilder. It seduces with its soft ridges, its wooden chalets and its flowery valleys. The trails around the Vanoise massif are also a must, especially the Vanoise pass between Pralognan and Termignon.
But the Northern Alps also have itineraries for all levels. For families, easy walks around the lakes (Lac Bleu in La Plagne, Plan de l'Aiguille trail in Chamonix) allow children to be introduced to Walk at altitude.
The most seasoned can start big crossings like the GR5 (which connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean) or the Tour du Mont-Blanc, a mythical itinerary around the highest peak in the French Alps with its highest points at 4,810 meters.
2. Explore major natural sites and parks
The Northern Alps are rich in protected natural areas. The Vanoise National Park, the oldest of France's national parks, is a paradise for hikers, photographers and lovers of alpine wildlife. Its landscapes (between glaciers and mountain pastures) are of striking beauty.
The Bauges Regional Nature Park (between Annecy and Chambéry) offers you a more confidential setting, perfect for quiet walks. Not to mention the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve (facing Mont-Blanc), a hotspot for biodiversity.
Among the emblematic sites, the Mer de Glace is accessible from Chamonix by the Montenvers small train: it allows you to approach a majestic glacier and to observe its evolution due to climate change.
Lower, the Lac d'Annecy is considered to be one of the purest in Europe: it is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or hiking on the heights. As for alpine passes like Iseran or Galibier, experienced cyclists discover legendary challenges and sensational views of the Mont-Blanc or Vanoise mountains.
3. Experience the mountains in winter: skiing, snowshoeing and sensations
The ski resorts of the Northern Alps make the whole world dream. The Domaine des 3 Vallées includes Val Thorens, Courchevel and Méribel: it is simply the largest ski area in the world with more than 600 kilometers of interconnected trails. And we appreciate the ultra-modern ski lifts that facilitate connections between the valleys!
Further south, Val d'Isère and Tignes form L'Espace Killy, another giant of ski areas renowned for its sporty slopes and spectacular panoramas. The Northern Alps are also home to charming family resorts such as La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Les Gets or Morzine.
But one Ski vacation in the Northern Alps is not limited to downhill skiing: nature lovers can enjoy snowshoe walks, cross-country skiing through snowy forests or even XXL sledge descents. For a unforgettable experience, try a dog sled ride or an ice skating session on the frozen lakes! You can also treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in a mountain spa overlooking the peaks.
4. Discover charming villages and the Alpine lifestyle
Beyond the resorts, the French Alps are punctuated by charming villages with a rich heritage. Yvoire, on the banks of Lake Geneva, seduced by its medieval character. Bonneval-sur-Arc is ranked among the most beautiful villages in France: admire a postcard setting at the foot of the Vanoise massif.
Samoëns, Les Gets or even the towns of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice are excellent starting points to discover the Alpine valleys and enjoy traditional markets, village festivals and local artisans.
And it's impossible to mention a stay in the Northern Alps without talking about the cuisine! Les iconic dishes like Savoyard fondue, tartiflette or crozets au gratin warm hearts after a day on the slopes. On the land side, the AOP products such as Beaufort, Reblochon or Abondance make local cheese factories famous. And to accompany these flavors, Savoy wines (Mondeuse, Jacquère, Roussette) can be enjoyed on the terrace as well as by the fire.
5. Practicing unusual and sporting activities
When the snow melts, the mountains turn into a huge field of adventure. The Northern Alps have magnificent mountain biking spots (especially in Les Gets or La Plagne) with bike parks designed for all levels.
Lovers of thrills can start in paragliding from the heights of Annecy or Chamonix, while climbing fans will try their hand at Via ferrata or climbing in natural gorges and cliffs. And for total immersion, why not spend a night in a refuge at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters? Some shelters, such as that of the Afternoon tea (access to Mont-Blanc), will give you a unique experience between heaven and earth.
6. Visit cities and cultural places not to be missed
Some cities in the Northern Alps alone are worth a visit. Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, charms with its turquoise lake and flowery canals. As for Grenoble, the city is surrounded by mountains, it is a real mixture of nature and culture.
Chambéry (former capital of the Dukes of Savoy) has a remarkable historic city center, perfect for a cultural break between two hikes. Lovers of history and culture, Fort de l'Esseillon is an impressive structure perched on the cliffs. Don't leave without visiting too Hautecombe Abbey, which dominates Lake Bourget.
