The 10 best hikes in the Alps
Finding happiness at the end of the trail and marvelling at every moment is something we all seek in the mountains. Through forests and valleys, along its ridges or by its lakes, it has the power to connect us to the beauty of a world without pretence or artifice. From Mont-Blanc to Les Ecrins, passing through La Vanoise, our teams at Cimalpes teams share their most beautiful hikes in the Alps.
Morzine | Lac de Montriond and Ardent waterfall by Mathilde, Assistant Property Manager
With its tall fir forest and a colour palette ranging from dark green to emerald, it's no wonder that it is nicknamed the "little Canada." The lac de Montriond, easily accessible with a free shuttle from Morzine, is undoubtedly a wonder of nature. On the hiking front, a pleasant trail runs along the forested shoreline of the lake. It continues towards the Ardent waterfall, passing through the hamlet of Albertans. The return journey takes you along the other side of the lake. It's a family-friendly walk, perfect for finding some refreshing respite in the heart of summer.
The lac de Montriond also has a recreation area that will delight the whole family: canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, supervised swimming, and fishing are among the activities you can enjoy there during the summer.
Duration: 1hr45 | Elevation gain: 150m | Start: Lac de Montriond car park
Chamonix | Petit Balcon Sud by Pauline, Assistant Property Manager
“The hike that I recommend in the Chamonix Valley is the Petit Balcon Sud. This trail follows the Chamonix Valley from Argentière to Servoz, providing beautiful views of the valley and the Mont-Blanc range at every turn." The trail is a ten-kilometre scenic walk between Les Bossons and Les Tines that is suitable for beginners. Treat yourself to a break at La Floria, a snack bar/restaurant, to admire the Chamonix Valley while enjoying a refreshing drink and a delicious blueberry tart.
Distance: 10km | Elevation gain: 569m | Start: Corruaz bridge, Bossons area (Chamonix)
Saint Martin de Belleville | Lac du Lou by Charlène, Rentals Manager
The lac du Lou is a must-see in the Belleville Valley. " Nestled in the heart of the mountains, with its translucent water, it’s impossible to resist this high-altitude lake” The hike towards lac du Lou begins in the hamlet of Les Bruyères. A well-marked trail guides you through alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers and mountain cottages typical of the Belleville region.
With a gentle elevation gain of 277m, the hike is accessible to children from the age of 8. The lac du Lou refuge, with its terrace overlooking the lake, welcomes you with refreshments and light meals.
Duration: 2hrs | Elevation gain: 150m | Start: Les Bruyères hamlet car park (Les Ménuires)
Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc | Chalets de Miage by Maël, Assistant Property Manager
With its alpine meadows and glaciers, the hike to the Chalets de Miage feels like you’re walking through. It is accessible for both adults and children, with moderate elevation gain but requiring some scrambling experience. The first part of the trail is a bit challenging on the calves, but well worth the reward: the Chalets de Miage (1,549m), nestled amidst lush green meadows, with glaciers and the Dômes de Miage cutting through the sky.
The refuge offering refreshments and snacks (who can resist a blueberry tart?) is the perfect place to recover. You can then decide to push on and hike up to Mont Truc (1,811m) to take in the 360-degree panoramic view.
Duration: 2hrs | Elevation gain: 450m | Start: La Gruyaz car park in the hills above Saint Gervais
Courchevel | Merlet lakes by the Courchevel agencies
The Merlet lakes are one of the jewels of the Vanoise National Park. Nestled in a glacial cirque, in the shadow of the Aiguille du Fruit (3,007m) and the Chanrossa ridge, these lakes are classified as "cold" lakes. Even in the height of summer, their temperature does not exceed 9°C. Despite these chilly conditions, they are home to some acclimatized salmonids (fishing is strictly catch and release). To reach the lakes, the hike begins at the Ariondaz car park or at the top of the Roc Mugnier chairlift, both accessible from Courchevel 1650. After crossing the Col de la Platta (2,408m), you enter a wild territory where ibex, chamois, and marmots abound.
Two refuges welcome hikers in the area: the refuge du Grand Plan and the refuge des lacs Merlet.
Duration: 3hrs30 | Elevation gain: 470m | Start: Ariondaz car park (Courchevel 1650, towards La Rosière lake)
Val d’Isère | Vallon de Prariond by Carla, Rentals Manager
In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, the Prariond valley was carved by the glaciers that feed the sources of the Isère River. It opens onto the ridges that separate France and Italy, offering an exceptional view of its neighbour, the Grand Paradis National Park. For a family outing, head for the refuge de Prariond, at an altitude of 2,324m. It's a beautiful hike starting from the St Charles Bridge (in the hamlet of Le Fornet), passing through the Malpasset gorges and the playground of marmots.
Experienced hikers can venture further in their exploration, heading towards the Col de la Galise (2,987m) or the Col de la Lose (2,957m) and its exceptional viewpoint over Lago Serru and the Italian side of Gran Paradiso.
Duration: 2hrs | Elevation gain: 268m | Start: Saint Charles bridge, Le Fornet hamlet. Note: As you will be hiking in the heart of a national park, please follow the rules listed on a sign at the beginning of the trail.
Tignes | Vallon de la Grande Sassière by Manon, Assistant Property Manager
"If you're looking for a family hike in a protected natural environment teeming with mountain wildlife, with a lake as your objective, this is the hike for you" says Manon. The walk takes place in the heart of the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve, which is particularly rich in fauna and flora. Ever heard of the Astragalus of Lienz or the Alpine Hawksbeard? They are among the 32 protected flower species found here. The not so shy marmots gladly pose for photos. If you pay close attention, you can also observe weasels, snowshoe hares, and chamois, grazing in the grassy expanses at the foot of the cliffs.
A wide trail leads to Lake Sassière, a natural lake elevated by a dam to supply the tignes’ hydroelectric system. You'll be amazed by the blue expanse of the lake, watched over by the Pointe de la Grande Sassière and the Tsanteleina!
Duration: 1hr30 | Elevation gain: 180m | Start: Le Saut car park, accessible via Villaret du Nial road
L’Alpe d’Huez | Emparis plateau by Sarah, Rentals Manager
Imagine a vast plateau, a huge grazing area, with a steppe-like landscape maintained by cold weather conditions, meandering streams flowing through lush alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. This is the Emparis plateau, THE balcony looking out onto the Meije and its glaciers.
Starting from Col Saint Georges, the hike takes you on a loop on the plateau, passing by its three lakes: lake Erié, seemingly suspended over the void; lake Noir, perfect for a picnic while enjoying the view of the Meije; and lake Cristallin, the final stop before returning to the starting point. With a reasonable elevation gain, the hike is accessible to families who have a taste for walking.
Distance: 8km | Elevation gain: 424m | Start: Col Saint Georges above Besse, a village located 20km away from l’Alpe d’Huez
La Rosière | Lancebranlette by Laurane, Assistant Property Manager
On the French-Italian border, La Rosière is the perfect destination for hiking on both the slopes of Tarentaise and Val d'Aosta. Starting from the Col du Petit Saint Bernard and its hospice, Lancebranlette is one of those Franco-Italian summits that offers a breathtaking panorama of the Vanoise Massif, Mont-Blanc, the Italian Alps, and, some say, even the Matterhorn. "This route is best enjoyed early in the morning or at the beginning of the evening," says Laurane, to fully appreciate the magic of the peaks bathing in golden sunlight.
On the way down, you can take a detour via the Lac Sans Fond (the Bottomless Lake). This lake is a great objective for a family walk, as it is easily accessible from the pass (about 1 hour of walking for a 300m elevation gain).
Duration: 4hrs | Elevation gain: 800m | Start: Col du Petit Saint Bernard hospice
Serre Chevalier | Lac de la Douche by Céline, Rentals Manager
Between Mont Tabor and the Ecrins Massif, the Serre Chevalier region is full of exceptional natural sites to discover on a hike. Céline recommends an easy walk for the whole family to discover a lake in the heart of the Ecrins National Park: the lac de la Douche (1,901m). The trail, mostly shaded and cooled by the Petit Tabuc stream, is perfect to follow in the summer. With its turquoise blue water that typifies glacial lakes, the lac de la Douche is a favourite among photographers. The more adventurous hikers can continue the hike to the Col d'Arsine (2,348m) and reach the Lac d'Arsine (2,450m) at the foot of the glacier.
Duration: 1hr30 | Elevation gain: 350m | Start: Le Casset hamlet, Pré Poncet bridge crossing the Guisane river Note: As you will be hiking in the heart of a national park, please follow the rules listed on a sign at the beginning of the trail.
