Walking holidays in France

Want to go walking in France? The trails around Chamonix 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. There’s plenty of choice with Inghams Summer. 

 

  • More choice. New experiences. That's a real breath of fresh air
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  • All at your own pace. Do as much (or as little) as you'd like
  • Travel, transfers and accommodation included

Recommended active holiday destinations

Walking holidays in Chamonix

With 350km of trails and views for days, Chamonix has the perfect hikes for every skill level.

Walking holidays in La Clusaz

From easy family rambles to thrill-seeking via ferrata climbs, La Clusaz packs 101km of adventure for everyone.

Walking holidays in Lake Annecy

Lake Annecy offers 362km of trails, combining relaxing lakeside walks and cafe stops with rewarding mountain treks.

Walking holidays in Morzine

Explore 200km of trails in Morzine, from wildflower-filled valley strolls to dramatic peaks easily reached by summer lifts.

Chamonix Hiking Around Chamonix

La Clusaz Lac Confins Self Guided Walk Views

Lake Annecy Sunrise Over Lake Annecy

Hiking through meadows (Copyright: Morzine Avoriaz Sam Ingles)

Things to do in France

Discover our top recommended activities for walking holidays in France

  • Moderate walk
  • Approx. 3 hours (one way)

Enjoy fantastic views over the Brévent area and make use of two of Chamonix's mountain lifts, including the iconic Aiguille du Midi where you journey to the halfway station (tickets to the cable cars and lifts are bookable and payable locally).

  • 3km loop
  • Easy walk
  • Enjoy beautiful lake views

The lake is accessible by public transport from Morzine and is the third largest natural lake in the Haute-Savoie region. The terrain is fairly flat around the lake so you can stroll or soak up the sun on the lake shore. If you're looking to extend your walk then you can head to the Ardent waterfall - its a bit of a climb but worth it.

This easy-going walk takes you past some of the lakes around Samoëns. Starting at Espace Culturel, Lacs aux Dames, just outside the village, you’ll follow a mostly flat gravel path towards Morillon and Lac Bleu.

Once you reach Lac Bleu, you’ll find a couple of benches where you can stop and enjoy the peaceful lakeside views. From here, retrace your steps back to Lacs aux Dames. Keep an eye out for cyclists sharing the path and take care on the small wooden bridges, which can be slippery when wet.

  • Grade: Easy
  • Distance: 6.5km
  • Walking time: Approx. 1.5 hours
  • Ascent/descent: 34m
  • Terrain: Gravel paths

Expertly crafted walking holidays in France

Use the filters below to narrow down your options by date, facilities and more, and find the accommodation that’s the right fit for your next summer holiday. 

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Active holidays inspiration

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Recommended Multi-Centre Holidays

Discover our multi-centre holidays that are perfect for walking holidays

  • Image Alt

    Chamonix & Lake Annecy multi-centre holiday

    Combine the thrill of Chamonix with the calm of Lake Annecy for a perfectly balanced escape. Chase adventure on Chamonix’s mountain trails, then unwind with lakeside walks, bike rides and strolls through Annecy’s charming old town.

    7 nights from £2,363pp

    View details
  • Image Alt

    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.

    10 nights from £2,923pp

    View details
Multi-centre
Read our walking product reviews

Why book your summer holiday with Inghams

The summer holiday experts. Discover the great outdoors with Inghams. Find out more

  • A real breath of fresh air

    An expertly crafted summer holiday with more choice, new experiences and more of what you know and love about Europe.

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  • Destinations in depth

    Culture… traditions… local cuisine - you’ll experience much more than the scenery for a richer, more rewarding holiday. 

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  • Award winning service for 90 years

    Excellent service makes an outstanding holiday. And you’ll feel the difference when you travel with us. 

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  • All at your own pace

    Do as much or as little as you'd like – relax, try new activities or find your perfect balance of the two.

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  • Championing the great outdoors

    If natures on your mind, then know it’s on ours too. The landscapes in Europe are special places and we’re determined to help keep them that way. 

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  • We're the whole package

    With a package holiday, everything’s sorted (and protected by ABTA and ATOL) including travel, transfers, accommodation and expert advice tailored to you. 

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Frequently asked questions

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.