Holidays to France

From peaceful, lakeside villages to fast paced fun with views of Mont Blanc, walking holidays in France are action packed but relaxed

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The French Alps are cosmopolitan, buzzing with life but also charming, and holidays in France give you a chance to get off the beaten track at the quieter resorts or throw yourself into iconic walks. Exciting Alpine activities and a vibrant social scene will greet you in resorts like Chamonix and Morzine. Step into the Void from the Aiguille du Midi mountain platform or leave the world behind with remote hikes from La Clusaz. With a fantastic network of cable cars, gondolas and funiculars, exploring some of the famous slopes of the ski scene is as easy or hard as you want it to be.

Walking holidays in France

The trails around Mont Blanc, Chamonix, Lake Annecy and Morzine are just begging to be explored whether you’re a serious hiker or looking for gentle trails with the family.

Spend a day hiking to the Mer de Glace - the largest glacier in France or follow the path of the French Resistance into Switzerland. Alternatively, soak up the silence as you explore stunning trails above the pure waters of Lake Annecy or spend your days pottering the lakeside with friends. 

Sightseeing on your holiday in France

A multi-centre holiday in France is often the best way to capture the essence of this diverse region. You will fall hopelessly in love exploring Lake Annecy (the Venice of the Alpes) with its brightly coloured houses, ancient waterways, and sandy beaches. And why not include a few nights in Chamonix that has a touch of luxury and a lot of fun in a town that is as big on chic as it is on dramatic views.

Action packed French holidays

When you’re not out on the trails, there’s plenty to do. You’ll find gentler pursuits on Lake Annecy and Lac de Montriond in Morzine where you can unwind with paddleboards, pedalos, or have a go at wakeboarding. Or go high octane with paragliding, and the Via Ferrata! And for cyclists, test your bike skills on one of the Tour de France stages at Annecy or at the Morzine Bike Park with 650km of trails. 

Holiday in France for fantastic food and drink

It wouldn’t be a holiday in France without superb cuisine and this region serves up some of the best dishes in the country. Before a day’s walking from La Clusaz, visit the weekly market and stock up on Savoy ham and Sapinette liqueur or tuck into a Savoyarde Fondue (think local white wine, cheese, garlic, Kirsch) or Tartiflette as your walker’s lunch at one of the mountain huts.

Regions in France

  • from£749pp
Summer walking in Chamonix

Walk in the foothills of Mont Blanc on a summer holiday in Chamonix. Stroll through nature parks and keep a look out for native wildlife or get up high exploring some of the region's stunning alpine trails.

Best for: Challenging walks, families, nature, activities, food & drink

  • from£839pp
Annecy's Historic Centre

Not only is it one of the prettiest lakes around, but Lake Annecy is also “Europe’s cleanest lake” due to the introduction of environmental regulations in the 1960s. Choose to spend your summer holiday in Annecy or in the charming village of Talloires.

Best for: all walking abilities; couples; families; nature; activities; sightseeing; food & drink 

  • from£869pp
Morzine town

Morzine sits in a beautiful, forested valley and is a great destination for those interested in an active summer holiday with plenty of walking, biking and other activities on offer. With it's chalet-style architecture and friendly atmosphere it has all the charm of a mountain town.

Best for: All walking abilities, families, nature and activities

  • from£589pp
La Clusaz village centre

The picturesque village of La Clusaz, a delightful ski resort in the winter, also offers a fantastic destination for an active summer break.

Best for: all walking abilities, nature and activities

  • from£849pp
Summer holidays in Samoens

The peaceful village of Samoëns is a treat for nature-lovers with beautiful gorges, waterfalls and mountains. Those looking to pick up the pace will find plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area as well as fantastic nature parks nearby and endless valleys to explore. 

Best for: all walking abilities, nature and activities

Currency: Euro

Arrive into: Geneva Airport, Lake Annecy Train Station or Self-Drive 

Travel from: London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh Airport and London St Pancras

France 2025 Deals
July 2025 Deals from £639 pp
August 2025 Deals from £614 pp
Chamonix 2025 Deals from £789 pp

France Holiday FAQs

Why is France great for walking?

Discover the hidden gem of summer in the French Alps, perfect for alpine walking and breathtaking mountain vistas. The trails around Chamonix, Lake Annecy, Samoëns and Morzine are just begging to be explored whether you’re a serious hiker or looking for gentle trails with the family. Our French walking trails allow you to get off the beaten track at the quieter resorts or throw yourself into iconic walks, making France a great destination for your European walking holiday.

Are there walking trails suitable for beginners in France?

There are! The French Alps in summer remain one of the best-kept secrets for alpine walking, and are the ideal place for anyone looking to experience the incredible beauty of mountain scenery, from beginner walkers to experienced hikers. Discover our Walking in France guide to find out more about the breathtaking beauty of the our French resorts.

How hard are the walks in France?

France offers walking trails suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. From gentle paths meandering past Lake Annecy to the mighty peaks of Chamonix. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, France's diverse terrain caters to your preferences, ensuring a rewarding outdoor experience with beautiful, scenic views.

Are there any guided walks available in France?

Yes! Included in your holiday at select French resorts you'll have the chance to join a small group of fellow travellers on up to two exclusive Inghams guided day walks, led by a professional guide. Read our Guided Walks guide to find out more.

Where are the best viewpoints in France?

Enjoy unforgettable views from the Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix and journey into the Mont Blanc Massif for sensational (and chilly) views. If it's good enough for Cézanne then it's good enough for us – the lake views from Talloires village have inspired artists and poets for centuries. From Samoëns, journey to “Le Bout du Monde” or in English “the end of the world” that sits within the Sixt-fer-a-Cheval – you’ll be blown away by the views.

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