Summer walking in the Alps
In terms of walking in France, the summer alpine resorts of Le Grand Bornand, St Jean de Sixt and La Clusaz are perfect for walkers of all fitness levels and abilities. Whether you prefer fairly flat ground and easy alpine walking, or like to challenge yourself with some steep uphills and rocky mountain scrambles we have just the French walking holiday for you!
Our team will always be on hand to help you decide which walk route will suit you best - offering you maps, walking route cards and instructions or accompanying you themselves on guided walks, you can ensure we will help you get the most out of your time walking in the Alps.
Our easier mountain walks take in fairly gentle mountain terrain, meandering through meadows filled with the local 'Abondance' cows. As you walk along forest paths you can identify the whereabouts of the pastures by the cacophony of cow bells drifting across the grazing fields towards you. During your French walking holiday you'll notice the wonderful flowers in spring, giving way to mushrooms, berrys and superbly coloured fungi in autumn.
Beautiful traditional farms and chalets are dotted through the meadows as
well. These are often a riot of colour in summer with their balconies covered
in geraniums, many with fascinating artefacts outside too - such as old
farm machinery and vacuous wooden drinking troughs carved from single trees.
As you drop down into villages from the open spaces of the mountain walking
trails you will be able to admire the wooden chalets, chapels and farms
of the local communities - largely unchanged in decades. Don't worry though
- you wouldn't be walking in France if there weren't always somewhere to
find a coffee or a beer to refresh yourselves in the alpine sun!
Our more challenging mountain walks generally begin on similar terrain to
the easier alpine walks but soon climb, often fairly steeply, up forest
tracks towards the mountain summits. As you get to more remote areas you
may well be lucky enough to see the elusive Chamois or Boucatains - two
kinds of small mountain deer. The alpine flora can be stunning in the clearings
as well as through the less densely forested areas. As you climb above the
treeline the rock formations are fascinating - enormous slabs of limestone
pavements riddled with rills where the water has coursed down them every
spring when the winter thaws occur. Numerous species of french alpine butterflies
abound at this altitude bringing sharp relief to the scrubby grass and grey
of the rock.
If you would like to experience some extreme guided walking in the alps, reaching the lofty heights of such peaks as Point Percee (2750m) or La Tournette (2352m), it is possible for us to organise a qualified mountain guide to lead you safely to the summit. Contact us in advance if you would like to do this whilst walking in France, although be aware these sorts of walk are always weather dependent.
See our Weather page for more details of the climate, flora and fauna you can expect during your French walking holidays.
All our mountain walks are graded allowing you to pick the routes suitable for your ability. See our Sample Walk summaries of some of our popular walks. If you would like to experience winter snowshoe walking with Walk Weekender, see our winter walking page for details.
We have a selection of rucksacks, waterproofs and walking sticks for you to borrow to help you get the most from your French walking holiday with Walk Weekender.
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