Walking Holidays in France

One of Chamonix's most famous attractions, the Aiguille du Midi cable car, whisks you up into the mountains to an altitude of 3,842 meters. At the top, you’re in the midst of the Mont Blanc Massif with jaw-dropping views towards surrounding peaks including views of the Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. For an added thrill, step into the glass skybox known as ‘Step into the Void’, which suspends you over a 1,000-metre drop. You’ll also find a small museum detailing the history of climbing in this area. You may want to purchase tickets to the Aiguille du Midi cable car in advance as it's very popular during the summer months.

Chamonix has a great range of events during summer. We've listed a few of our favourites below. Please be aware dates are subject to change and should be checked in advance, tickets might also be required and may need to be booked and paid for in advance:

• Fête de la Musique, Chamonix (usually held around 21st June) - This isn't just an exclusive event to Chamonix but is celebrated in many French towns and villages to mark the summer solstice. Enjoy a variety of music from amateur bands to classical musicians.
• Marathon du Mont-Blanc (usually held around the end of June) - Not for the faint hearted, this challenging race climbs to over 2,000 metres and is great viewing for running fans.
• Climbing world cup (usually held in early July) - Chamonix centre becomes a stage for the climbing world cup where you can watch these impressive athletes take on daring climbing walls.
• Cosmo Jazz Festival (usually held around the 22nd July) - Enjoy fantastic live music and a great atmosphere.
• Fête des Guides (usually held around the 15th August) is a celebration of mountain guides, you'll find plenty of activities in the valley as well as concerts to celebrate the occasion.
• Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (usually held at the end of August) - this ultra marathon follows the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc and is a chance to see some incredible athletes take on this mountain challenge.

No trip to Chamonix is complete without savouring its hearty alpine cuisine. Indulge in regional specialties such as tartiflette, raclette, and fondue. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for watching the world go by or admiring those mountain views.

Chamonix’s charming town centre is perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and exploration. Browse boutiques offering outdoor gear, local crafts, and gourmet products. Be sure to stop by one of the many cafés for a coffee or an ice cream while soaking up the lively atmosphere. 

For those wanting to learn more about Chamonix's rich history then there's the Alpine Museum. Housed in a historic palace, the museum showcases exhibits on the region’s mountaineering heritage, the development of tourism, and the area's unique natural environment.

Take the Montenvers cog railway up to the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier. This little red cog train offers fantastic views towards Chamonix as it climbs into the mountains. While the glacier itself has receded due to climate change, it's still a popular sight to see. You’ll also find a small glaciology museum and ice caves carved into the glacier, you can literally wander inside the glacier with impressive ice sculptures also on display (the museum and ice caves are only open during selected months). Please note that the Montenvers cog railway will be closed for site works from 12 - 23 May 2026.

Chamonix Leisure Park - This leisure park is close to Chamonix's town centre is great fun for kids of all ages. You'll find play areas, carousels, water games, mini karting and the alpine coaster, the luge. 

Accro Park of Les Gaillands - This adventure park is just outside of Chamonix in the Gaillands forest. There's playgrounds, high ropes courses, small ziplines as well as picnic areas.

Lac des Gaillands - For a more leisurely outing, head to Lac des Gaillands which is around a 30 minute walk from the centre of Chamonix. This tranquil lake is perfect for a picnic, a gentle stroll, or simply soaking in the stunning mountain views. 

There are plenty of bike paths in the Chamonix valley and there's no better (or easier) way to explore them than on an e-bike. A guide will take you through the bike paths, showing off the landscapes around you. The e-bikes mean you can getting a little extra help on those mountain paths and enjoy the journey, use as much or as little power as you like to help boost you along.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Glide in the air surrounded by the gorgeous mountains and see the Chamonix Valley from above. Seeing Mont Blanc from the Brevent mountain range, these are views you won't forget. You'll be in a tandem flight so your professional paragliding pilot will guide you in the air.

Please note the minimum age is 10 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

A 6 kilometre adventure down the rapids, on the top part of the Arve and its faster currents. The team will make you feel in safe hands as they guide you down the river and be sure to look up and take in those views. Brace yourself for some chilly water though, the water runs right off the glacier here so it's pretty cold but lovely and refreshing on those warm summer days.

Minimum age is 10 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Abseil, jump and swim your way through the water. Enjoy natural rock slides as you plunge into pools of clear water, and have a fun day out exploring the canyons.

Minimum age is 8 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Located between the lake and forest, the Gaillands climbing site is the ideal playground for rock climbing. Supervised by a mountain guide who will take you through the various routes of the climbing wall, everyone can take this activity at their own pace.

Minimum age is 6 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Visit the small city of Annecy, known as the 'Venice of the Alps', its canals, the old town and historical churches. The most famous buildings are the Palais de l’Isle and the Basilique de la Visitation above Old Annecy with a free exhibition of bells (usually from mid-May onwards, subject to change).

The area was also associated with the French Resistance, the British agent Odette operated locally and the story of the Plateau de Glières, where resistance fighters were based and there was a big battle is told in the Resistance Museum.

The village of Talloires on the Eastern side of the lake was built around an 11th century abbey. The most well known castles in the area were built by the Dukes of Savoy including Annecy, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Montrottier.

There's a flat cycle path around Lake Annecy and this scenic ride follows the outline of the lake with fantastic views across glistening water and towards pretty villages, castles and mountain peaks. The path also goes along to Albertville on an old rail track.

Visit the Bout de lac Nature reserve and enjoy woodland, meadows and marshes, and there's even an old tower giving an elevated view. The paths in the hills around Talloires offer great intermediate hiking and a chance to discover summer-time Alpine nature at it's best. Visit the Cascade d’Angon waterfall and the Roc de Chère Nature Reserve.

This impressive promontory above Talloires bay does not immediately look accessible for walkers, but it has trails throughout, a golf course and a restaurant. A day out exploring the Roc de Chere and Menthon Saint Bernard is a great way to spend a day of your holiday. Menthon Saint Bernard is also home to the Chateau de Menthon, an 11th century gorgeous castle.

There are many friendly and local cafés to choose from, all offering good coffee with croissants, as well as beer and cold drinks. 
There are a huge number of eating options, from humble to two Michelin stars, in and around the lake and the city itself. It's also worth going to Annecy and catching the market on Fridays. Talloires also has a local market on Thursdays (usually held 19 June to 26 Sept).

Lake Annecy has some great festivals throughout the summer season and we've listed a few of our favourites below. Please be aware that some events are ticketed and may need to be booked and paid for in advance, event dates are approximate and should be checked before booking.

• Annecy Fête du Lac firework festival (usually held around the 1st of August)
• Annecy International Animated Film Festival (usually held early to mid June)
• Talloires Music Festival with fireworks (usually held around late Aug)

The area of Morzine is known for its cycling with the Tour de France often passing through the town. Its mountainous surroundings make for some challenging climbs and exhilarating descents. Road cycling is very popular in this area and it's one of the Alps' leading destinations for mountain biking.

Morzine has a great range of sports events during summer. We've listed a few of our favourites below. Please be aware dates are subject to change and should be checked in advance, tickets might also be required and may need to be booked and paid for in advance:

The Passportes du Soleil - is usually held at the end of June and marks the beginning of some of the lifts opening and is a great event showcasing the bike trails in the area.

Tour de France Morzine - watch the worlds most famous road race, Morzine is known for its challenging mountain climbs so you can watch the racers be put to the test.

L'Etape Morzine - If you love the Tour de France then you might also love the L'Etape Morzine, its a chance for non-professional cyclists to experience the same section of course as the professionals, if you're not looking to sign up then spectating is just as much fun, the town has a great atmosphere at this time of year and it's exciting to be a part of the experience.

The picturesque village of Lindarets has plenty of restaurants to choose from, serving cheese, wine and traditional Savoyard cuisine. The village is also home to hundreds of wild goats that you'll see roaming the pathways and streets freely - just be sure to keep your distance.

Sunset at Brochaux waterfall is a magical experience, perfect also for a picnic lunch. You’ll likely have a goat or two for company that have wandered up from Lindarets.