France at a glance
- French
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone GMT+1
From peaceful, lakeside villages to fast-paced fun with views of Mont Blanc, walking holidays in France strike the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation
- Hiking on Mont Blanc trails
- Charming villages & peaceful lakes
- Delicious regional dishes
Walking holidays in France
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.
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.
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.
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.
The best of France
-
Sunrise over Lake Annecy -
Chamonix town centre -
Sixt Fer A Cheval near Samoens -
Mountain biking in Morzine -
Sixt Fer A Cheval near Samoens -
Old Town in Lake Annecy -
Lac Montriond near Morzine
Popular walking destinations in France
-
Offers available
![Chamonix Town Centre In Summer]()
Chamonix
France
Mont Blanc views Bursting with summer activities Challenging hiking trailsActivities High Altitude -
Offers available
![Lake Annecy Annecy Canals]()
Lake Annecy
France
Crystal-clear waters Charming old town Enjoy outdoor activitiesActivities Walks for All Abilities -
Offers available
![Morzine Col De Coux]()
Morzine
France
Great value holidays with the Morzine Multipass Lively atmosphere Beautiful mountain sceneryActivities Walks for All Abilities
Multi-centre holidays in France
With plenty of charming and typically French towns on offer with walks ranging from mountain hikes, valley-level walks or lake-side strolls, why settle for visiting one destination in France when you could visit two? Settle by the shores of Lake Annecy before diving into adventure in Chamonix or, hop across the border to Switzerland and delight in some of Europe’s most iconic mountains.
Chamonix & Lake Annecy multi-centre holiday
Combine adventure in Chamonix with tranquility at Lake Annecy for the ultimate holiday. Chamonix, the adventure capital, buzzes with activities. Lake Annecy offers tranquility with lakeside strolls, bike rides and charming old town to explore.
View details
Iconic Mountains multi-centre holiday
Home to some of Europe's most iconic peaks, France and Switzerland make for a fantastic multi-centre holiday with plenty of walking and dramatic landscapes.
View detailsWhat do you want to see in France?
France Insider Guides
See all Insider GuidesFrance FAQs and travel information
Discover the hidden gem of summer in the French Alps, perfect for alpine walking and breathtaking mountain vistas. The trails around Chamonix, Lake Annecy, Samoens 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.