Things to do in the French Alps: top 20 highlights in 2026

The water in the lake is so clear you can spot fish swimming three meters down. In the old town, canals wind between pastel houses and medieval facades, all framed by the jagged peaks of the Alps. Annecy feels like a life-size postcard, which is exactly the problem with its massive summer crowds. Visit outside of the peak season to find a slower pace and hotel rates that are far less dizzying.

Sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix delivers the quintessential French Alps experience. You will find high-altitude terrain, a range of outdoor sports, and a preserved mountain town atmosphere that feels like a more rugged version of Aspen. It is the go-to spot for travelers who want to balance intense activity with local alpine culture.

Sitting at the edge of the Alps, Gap offers a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the mountains. You can walk through the historic center to see the cathedral and colorful townhouses, or hike up to the Pic de Charance for a panoramic view of the valley. It is a practical basecamp for trips into the Parc national des Écrins if you are looking to spend your time outdoors.

Abondance dairy cows graze right alongside ski slopes while tractors haul morning milk down to the village creamery. Le Grand-Bornand maintains a working, traditional mountain identity far removed from the glitz of larger Savoie resorts, split between its historic main village and the high-altitude hamlet of Le Chinaillon.

On the agenda: farmers' markets, the high pastures of Le Bouchet, and croziflette made with melted reblochon cheese.

Aix-les-Bains stands as one of the most significant historic towns in the Savoie region, nestled within Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It evolved from a thermal spa town into a fashionable resort destination during the Belle Époque. Today, the town draws visitors for its natural setting, deep cultural roots, and the quality of its mineral-rich waters.

Roman-era landmarks

You will find plenty to keep you occupied in Aix-les-Bains, regardless of your interests. History enthusiasts should head straight for the remnants of the Roman era scattered throughout the town. The Thermes, classified as a historic monument, have been in use since antiquity and offer a clear look at the history of thermal bathing. You can tour the remains of the Roman baths along with the later Art Deco installations and 20th-century treatment cabins. Another key Roman site, the Arc de Campanus, dates to the end of the 1st century and stands near the temple de Diane. For deeper context, stop by the local archaeological museum.

Spiritual and artistic exploration

Aix-les-Bains holds a collection of notable religious and historical sites. Across the lake, the abbaye d’Hautecombe serves as the final resting place for the Counts of Savoy and the kings and queens of Italy, all while overlooking the blue expanse of Lake Bourget. In the medieval center, the église Notre-Dame-d’Aix-les-Bains features intricate stained-glass windows and a Byzantine aesthetic, often serving as a venue for classical music performances. For a serious dose of art, the Musée Faure is the place to go, housing sculptures by Rodin and paintings representing seven major movements from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Swimming and hiking

The geography here is defined by nature. The area around the Lac du Bourget offers paths for walking or cycling year-round. During the summer, you can use local public or private swimming areas like Le Bourget, Le Lido, or Rowing for a swim or a picnic. If you prefer flora, the parc floral des Thermes features manicured flower beds, gazebos, and a Moroccan-style fountain. Hikers have immediate access to trails at Mont Revard, the Dent du Chat, the Bauges Massif, or the Col de Chambotte. Families traveling with children often head to the animal park at La Grande Jeanne or the aviary at L’Impérial.

When to go

Aix-les-Bains is a year-round destination. Summer remains the most popular time for those looking to enjoy the lake and outdoor activities in mild weather. Many travelers also visit during the colder months to utilize the heated thermal baths.

How to get there

If you are driving, the nearest major cities are Lyon (a 1-hour and 20-minute drive) and Grenoble (a 1-hour drive). These cities also serve as the primary gateways if you are flying in from other parts of France or connecting internationally. The town is also well-connected by rail via the Aix-les-Bains-Le Revard station.

Nestled in the Queyras, Arvieux consists of several distinct hamlets connected by footpaths. Potatoes are still grown here at over 1,550 meters of elevation beneath some of the driest skies in the French Alps. Its hamlet of Brunissard sits right along the legendary road to the col de l'Izoard, winding past larch forests and lunar rock formations.

Two elevations, two distinct vibes. Down below, a quiet stone village sits at the confluence of two rivers, framed by a Romanesque bell tower and the Louch waterfall. Up at 2,000 meters, a modern ski resort stretches right up to the Italian border.

It is an ideal base for escaping the crowded resorts of the French Alps in winter and the packed Mediterranean coast in summer, with local options ranging from canyoning to spotting Mercantour marmots.

Located in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur), the town of Guillestre occupies a prime position tucked between two natural parks, the Écrins and the Queyras. Travelers come here for a change of pace and to explore this designated town of Art and History.

A breath of fresh air in nature

Guillestre is defined by its natural surroundings, which draw visitors from across southeastern France throughout the summer. Two major long-distance hiking trails, the GR5 and GR58, pass through the area. For a more family-friendly outing, the Sentier des Marmottes (Marmot Trail) is a local highlight. This path is part of the Natura 2000 network and is best explored from May to October. A large colony of marmots lives in the immediate vicinity and is easy to spot, much to the delight of kids and adults alike. Educational signage along the way explains the habits and distinct whistling calls of these animals.

Nearby, the plan d'eau d'Eygliers is a popular swimming spot during the summer months. It is a recreational area where you can picnic, fish, go kayaking, or take a horseback ride.

The plan de Phazy is another essential stop in Guillestre. This site features a natural hot spring that sits at an altitude of 900 meters (about 2,950 feet) with water temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). Entry to these four pools, known for their therapeutic properties, is free. A short distance away in Réotier, you can see the unusual Fontaine Pétrifiante (Petrifying Fountain).

Remarkable architecture

Take time to wander through the streets of Guillestre before heading into the mountains. Ruelle Sainte-Catherine, which begins at the main square, features beautiful pastel-colored facades with details dating back to the 18th century. Don't miss the église Notre-Dame-d'Aquilon, built in the 16th century using the town's signature pink marble. It is a registered historic monument, noted for its Romanesque bell tower and a Gothic porch framed by lion statues. Right next door, the chapelle Saint-Sébastien is known for its trompe-l'oeil murals. From there, head up to the fort de Mont-Dauphin, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Vauban. It overlooks the entire valley and offers a panoramic view. This defensive complex was never defeated in battle. It is worth visiting with a guide to fully appreciate the intricacies of its design and history, especially during the festivals and events held there throughout the year.

When to go

The best time to visit Guillestre is during the warmer months to take advantage of the swimming and hiking. Winters here can be quite cold. If you are traveling with children, try to time your visit for the Potes de Marmots festival held every August, which features various performances, activities, and workshops for younger audiences.

How to get there

The town is served by train via the Mont-Dauphin - Guillestre station. Regional TER trains connect it to Valence, which is easily accessible by TGV from major French cities. You can also arrive by car (a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Marseille, or 4 hours from Nice).

Perched at an altitude of 1,326 meters, France's highest city raises its Vauban ramparts above the Durance river, serving as a fortified gateway facing nearby Italy. La Grande Gargouille, a paved sloping alley split down the middle by an open water channel, climbs right through the UNESCO-listed citadel.

Hiking in the Écrins, legendary Tour de France mountain passes, and lift-served skiing at Serre Chevalier are all here, just without the crowds or the price tag of Chamonix.

With more than 150,000 residents, Grenoble is a modern city ringed by mountains, just as native son Stendhal famously observed. It built one of the first urban cable cars in the world in 1934, hosted the 1968 Winter Olympics, and went on to develop a major scientific research hub. Innovation is the local habit. Starting in 1987, the city began its green transition with a tram network. In 2014 it became the first major French city to elect a Green mayor, and it has since built a vast bike network, the Chronovélo, which makes it one of the most bike-friendly cities in France.

Grenoble, a city of art and history

The city's history runs deep, and the Musée archéologique Saint-Laurent proves it, with a crypt preserved from the 6th century. When the counts of Albon settled here, it marked the start of a period of major growth. Founded in 1906, the Musée dauphinois (a museum of regional arts and folk traditions) covers the history and culture of the Dauphiné, the historic province of which Grenoble was the capital.

Take a stroll along the quays of the Isère, lively and lined with places to eat. At the Place de la Cimaise, you'll find a handsome fountain showing a lion fighting a serpent, said to symbolize both the greatness of spirit and the courage of Grenoble's people.

Next, cross the passerelle Saint-Laurent, the city's oldest bridge, which links the quais Mounier and Jongkind. Continue toward the city center and the Place Grenette. On the way, stop at the Halles Sainte-Claire for lunch, a covered market that gathers the best of Grenoble's food scene under one roof. Then wander the surrounding neighborhood to see its mansions, especially the one built for the Duke of Lesdiguières, with its lovely gardens. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is close by, along with the former bishop's palace and its museum. Don't miss the Musée de Grenoble, which holds an impressive collection spanning the 13th to the 21st century.

The symbols of Grenoble

Beyond the historic core, no trip to Grenoble is complete without the Bastille, a former military fort perched on a hillside in the Chartreuse massif. You can hike up or ride the cable car, the famous bulles ("bubbles") of Grenoble. The panorama from the top is stunning, day or night.

Then head out to the Domaine de Vizille. The château, surrounded by beautiful English-style gardens, now houses the Musée de la Révolution française. This is where the first Estates General of the Dauphiné met, laying the groundwork for the Estates General of 1789.

When to go

Grenoble works in winter and summer alike. It mostly depends on whether your plans include a stop at one of the many ski resorts nearby!

How to get there

Grenoble is well connected by air through Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport, and it's easy to reach by train. It also sits at the crossroads of the A41, A48 and A51 highways.