Swiss & French Alps
TRAVEL DATE : REGULARLY
Living at the foot of the French Alps, by the border of Switzerland, there is many mountain treasures to explore. Here’s some places you’ll love:
Les Lindarets aka the Goat Village
The village has free roaming goats wandering around in the summertime (June to September). No matter how old you are, you can buy a bag of treats to feed to these cuties. Also, watch out, they are not so cute anymore when they are chasing you for food. You can enjoy traditional food from the Alps (raclette, tartiflette, fondue, goat cheese salad) on one of the many restaurant’s terraces overlooking over the goats. You can then go for a digestive walk to the Brochaux Waterfall (about half an hour one way).
On the road to Les Lindarets, you will also find the famous Gorges du Pont du Diable. Go for a hike through this impressive Canyon of the Devil that were created by the strong currents of la Dranse de Morzine.
Chamonix
Located at the foot of the famous Mt Blanc, this place offers many possibilities for restaurants, hikes and activities. You can start the day by catching the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi taking you 3842m high and enjoy the impressive view over the Alps. You can also take a train ride to La Mer de Glace and visit an impressive ice cave. Once you are back down at the village, enjoy a walk around the place and stop for lunch for some Savoie specialities. Finish the day with a small hike to a view point over the Bossons Glacier.
Les Contamines Montjoie
This hidden gem in the French Alps is offering plenty of activities in summer or winter. From skiing, ice skating, ice climbing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, horse sledding to swimming, hiking, tree climbing, rafting… This place occupies a very special spot in my heart, and I will let the pictures explain you why.
Sixt fer à Cheval
The area offers many hiking possibilities with various difficulty levels in beautiful surroundings such as the Cheval Blanc and les Gorges des Tines.
Annecy
Also called the Venise of the Alps, you should stop by Annecy city center for exploring the many streets around the canals and go for a boat ride on the beautiful emerald lake.
Gruyères
Let’s move to the Swiss side to this beautiful village where you should head for some architecture exploration and cheese tasting.
Gelmersee / Gelmerbahn
Book your journey for the second steepest funicular in the world (maximum incline of 106 %). After an impressive ride, start your hike around the beautiful glacier lake of Gelmersee and be stunned by the surrounded mountains and waterfalls along the way.
On the road you can also stop by the Gorges de Rosenlaui for a short walk along the very powerful streams of this canyon.
Rochers de Naye
Catch a scenic train ride to the top of this mountain to have an amazing view over the Swiss and French Alps and visit the alpine botanical garden.
Montreux
If you are travelling in November/December, you should stop by the famous Christmas Market of Montreux to enjoy food, find local Christmas presents and see Santa flying in the sky.
