What to do in the Alps: Top 20 must-sees to visit2026 ranking

Lake Annecy in the Haute-Savoie region offers a unique natural setting with some of the clearest water in Europe framed by mountains. Enjoy swimming, water sports, hiking, paragliding, or cycling. The old town of Annecy, with its canals and castle, adds historical charm. For scenic stays, look for rentals in Talloires or Veyrier-du-Lac.

Le Grand-Bornand, an alpine gem in the Haute-Savoie region of France, shines in winter with groomed runs and traditional chalets. Come summer, green meadows provide a backdrop for hiking and biking. The preserved village showcases local culture and a culinary scene centered on Reblochon cheese. Grand Bornand Ski Resort offers authentic mountain experiences year round.

The Isère and Hautes-Alpes departments share the privilege of hosting Ecrins National Park. Covering the massif of the same name, this park spans over 90,000 hectares and reaches 4,102 meters. With a hundred peaks topping 3,000 meters, it is a premier destination for mountain lovers. Hikers may spot golden eagles, ibex, gray wolves, or lynx.

The Queyras Regional Natural Park is a preserved corner of the French Alps, known for its rugged wilderness and deep cultural roots. Founded in 1977, the park protects a mountainous region where centuries-old traditions thrive alongside a diverse ecosystem.

Hikers can navigate marked trails through dramatic terrain. You will spot chamois, ibex, and various birds. Visit villages like Arvieux to see traditional architecture and sample local goods. The Queyras Regional Natural Park is a prime mountain destination for outdoor adventure.

Set in the Jura mountains within the Savoie department, Lake Bourget has drawn people for millennia. Neolithic village ruins sit along its shores, Romans frequented the thermal springs of Aix-les-Bains, and it served as a medieval trade route to Lyon. Today, it balances modern leisure with preserved nature, inviting visitors to its spa towns and marinas.

Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and across the entire continent. It stands as an iconic symbol of high-altitude terrain in Europe. From Chamonix or the Aiguille du Midi, you can take in expansive views of the glaciers. The massif suits hiking, skiing, or quiet reflection. The Tour du Mont-Blanc is a favorite for trekkers. The region also offers deep alpine culture, blending local traditions, food, and mountain history.

Mercantour National Park, tucked into the Southern Alps, spans 685 square kilometers of protected wilderness. It is home to wolves and ibex. You can hike 600 kilometers of trails, view ancient rock carvings in the Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Wonders), and visit local villages near Isola. Perfect for nature and history lovers.

Tignes Ski Resort is a renowned destination in Savoie that hosted events during the 1936 Albertville Olympic Games. Today, it stands out as one of the most vibrant spots in the country.

Since its first ski lifts opened in 1936, the resort has continuously evolved and modernized. It offers one of the finest ski areas available alongside a huge lineup of activities. Whether you are into skiing, mountaineering, hiking, diving, paragliding, horseback riding, or mountain biking, you will find plenty to keep you busy.

An essential stop for mountain lovers.

Take one of the most dramatic cable car rides on the planet. Departing from Chamonix, this vertical climb reaches over 3,800 meters within the Mont-Blanc massif. Panoramic terraces offer views of iconic Alpine peaks. Test your nerves in the Pas dans le Vide (Step into the Void) glass box, a dizzying height for thrill seekers.

The Aiguille du Midi is reachable from Chamonix via a dramatic cable car that climbs to 3,842 meters in minutes. At the peak, multiple platforms provide views of Mont-Blanc and the surrounding glaciers. You can step into the void, explore the tunnels, or watch climbers depart for high-altitude expeditions.

Located in the Écrins massif, Orcières Merlette is a family ski resort featuring over 100 km of slopes for all skill levels. Beyond skiing, enjoy the ice rink, water park with slides, or dog sledding. Summer brings hiking and mountain biking. With options from apartments to chalets, Orcières ensures a comfortable stay for mountain lovers.

As the gateway to the world's largest ski area, Courchevel offers 150 km of local runs and 600 km of direct access via the 3 Vallées. Six villages from 1100 to 1850 m provide distinct vibes, from the luxury of 1850 to the Savoyard charm of Le Praz. With groomed trails, guaranteed snow from December to April, and Michelin-starred dining, it is an alpine benchmark.

Sitting in the Tarentaise Valley in Savoie, Belleville is home to the Val Thorens ski resort. Perched at 2300 metres of altitude, its village stands among the highest ski resort bases globally. As part of the 3 Vallées ski area, it gives visitors access to 600km of slopes among the 300 000 tourists it welcomes every year. That is just part of the appeal for a resort named World's Best Ski Resort in 2013. You can spend your days rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, or bowling, before heading out to local bars and nightclubs.

With 107 peaks topping 3,000 meters, Vanoise National Park is a premier destination for alpinists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. Its 530 square kilometer protected core offers raw wilderness where wolves, foxes, chamois, and golden eagles thrive. Whether visiting in summer or winter, this massive landscape offers endless opportunities for wildlife observation and mountain exploration.

Les Deux Alpes is a high-altitude resort in Isère, reaching 3,600 meters on the largest skiable glacier in Europe. With 220 km of trails and 2,268 meters of vertical drop, it serves beginners and freeriders alike. An ice cave, panoramic observation deck, and a top-tier snowpark round out the experience. Expect a lively vibe and guaranteed skiing from November to May.

Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, Isola 2000 is an ideal mountain destination for families or groups. With over 120 km of varied terrain, it offers options for all levels, from alpine skiing and snowboarding to dedicated off-piste areas. Enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or ice skating. In summer, the area is perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

An iconic destination at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix has paired high-altitude skiing with Alpine culture since the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Four distinct areas range from 1,000 to 3,275 meters, offering 150 km of runs and premier off-piste terrain. The 20 km Vallée Blanche glacial descent draws skiers globally. Après-ski happens in a town that stays active year-round.

In Morzine, within one of the largest ski areas in Europe, sits Avoriaz Ski Resort. Born from the wild idea of an Olympic champion, the project initially left locals skeptical. After six years of construction, the resort finally opened. Its fantasy film festival gained global fame, while consistent upgrades now provide year-round activities.

Serre Chevalier, a premier destination in the Southern Alps, features over 250 km of trails for all skill levels, a snowpark, and freeride zones. Beyond skiing, enjoy snowshoeing, dog sledding, or the thermal baths in Monêtier-les-Bains. Summer turns the area into a hub for mountain biking and hiking. With hotels and private chalets, La Salle-les-Alpes has options for every traveler.