Are you looking for the best hiking trail in the Alps, something tailored to your needs? Let me give you a ranking of the best tracks in the area, suitable for beginners and confirmed hikers.
For a general overview, look at this map pinpointing their starting zones:
Table of Contents
Short and Easy (< 5 Km)
Cascade de la Lance (circular trail)
Distance: 3.2 km
Total Ascent: 313 m
Average Hike Duration: Between 1h30 and 2h
Level: Easy
From the picturesque city of Colmars-les Alpes, embark on a two-step journey through splendid landscapes.
First, this hike takes you on a 1 km walk along the torrential stream of the Lance River amidst a lovely pine forest.
Take the time to admire the charming period houses on your way till you reach the foot of a cliff, a 1.6 km walk, and 1,354 m of altitude from the waterfall you’re looking for.
Note that the highest point of this trail rises to 1,403 m.
In winter, you can enjoy the stunning sight of the frozen waterfall.
Best Time To Go: Between November and March.
Lac des Tritons (circular trail)
Distance: 3.81 km
Total Ascent: 117 m
Average Hike Duration: about 2h
Level: Easy
La Léchère is the starting point of this alpine fauna and flora discovery walk.
From the town’s restaurant, “Les Deux Mazots,” go up the rocky path for 1.5 km until you reach the lake at 2,063 m. You can also pick some wild blueberries on the way.
If you visit in July, keep an eye out: with luck, you’ll spot some newts, eagles, and even marmots around the lake.
Summer is the ideal season for a trip there. At this time of the year, hikers have an unobstructed view of the majestic Mont Blanc.
Best Time to Go: Between June and August.
Refuge des Aiguilles d’Arves (out-and-back trail)
Distance: 4.17 km
Total Ascent: 550 m
Average Hike Duration: 1h30
Level: Easy
Discover the splendid panorama of L’aiguille centrale d’Arves on an exciting hike from Valloire to this local refuge.
Begin by following the road to Col du Galibier to reach the starting point next to the little hamlet of Bonnenuit. Keep in mind that the hike begins at an altitude of 1,650m.
Cross the bridge overlooking the lovely Valoirette River and the Aiguilles torrent, then join the Commandraut path (2,109 m), where you will see the ruins of an old hamlet.
Finally, follow the slopes of Pointe des Ratissières till you arrive at your final destination and bask in the incredible view of the Central and Southern Aiguilles d’Arves.
Best Time To Go: Between September and November.
Lac du Crozet (out-and-back trail)
Distance: 4.07 km
Total Ascent: 405 m
Average Hike Duration: 1h
Level: Easy
Explore Crozet Lake’s region, a hidden gem at the heart of the Belledonne massif. Keep in mind that the hike begins at an altitude of 1,353 m.
Starting From the Quatres Chemins parking lot in Revel Town, head towards the Grésivaudan Valley and its exceptional panorama.
On your way, you can admire one of the truly wild areas of the Alps, the majestic Belledone Mountains range, and the spectacular Grenoblois basin.
Continue for 1.5 km to find Lake Crozet and its stunning infinity pool at 2,033 m altitude.
To fully enjoy that beautiful view, I recommend coming in spring and avoiding the warmest seasons when the lake has been dried up by the heat.
Best Time To Go: from March to May
Medium Difficulty (Between 5 and 13 Km)
Grand Balcon Sud de Chamonix (circular trail)
Distance: 6.93 km
Total Ascent: 529 m
Average Hike Duration: 4h
Level: Medium
First step: take the Flégère cable car near the village of Les Praz to reach the starting point of this exciting hike. The cherry on top: you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc massif.
The ascent is 1.3 km long to the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, located at 2,042 m of altitude. You may catch glimpses of wild ibexes and chamois on your way.
You can grab a bite at the site’s cafeteria to fuel your next efforts on the trail.
Your journey ends once you’ve climbed the small staircase leading to Chéserys Lake, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Mont Blanc.
Best Time To Go: Between May and July.
From Col de Plan Bois to Tour du Sulens (circular trail)
Distance: 12.55 km
Total Ascent: 541 m
Average Hike Duration: 4h45-5h10
Level: Medium
From Col de Plan Bois, next to the town of Thônes, explore the remarkable Sulens Mountains and admire the splendid view of the Charvin and Tournette mountain ranges.
Note that this circular trail rises to an altitude of 1,647 m.
The next step is a 3 km ascent towards des Lanches (at 1,380 m), with an open green vista to admire along the way.
Enter the vast Bois Noirs massif to reach the highest point of the journey, the Col du Plan du Tour, and take the time to appreciate the view of Sulens from on high.
From there, it’s a downward journey to la Frasse and the charming Visitation Chapel.
Best Time To Go: Between March and June.
From Saint-Jorioz Village to Saint-Eustache (circular trail)
Distance: 10.88 km
Total Ascent: 443 m
Average Hike Duration: 2h-2h10
Level: Medium
Walk through the remains of the path that once connected Saint-Jorioz and Saint-Eustache with a surprisingly beautiful landscape as a backdrop.
Begin your ascent from the lovely forest of Semnoz at Saint-Jorioz and venture on the little passerelle over the Laudon.
You’ll have the opportunity to admire the Crêt d’Appêt before reaching the trail toward Saint-Jorioz amidst stunning green valleys.
Keep In Mind: while the journey’s altitude goes only up to a peak of 749 m, it is far from effortless.
Best Time To Go: Between May and August.
From the Col du Pré Vernet to Mont Baron (circular trail)
Distance: 7.03 km
Total Ascent: 534 m
Average Hike Duration: 3h30
Level: Medium
This is undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically pleasing hikes available around Lake Annecy.
Start from a little meadow dubbed pré Vernet and take the winding roads going uphill toward Col des Sauts. Take the time to observe the lake and the city of Annecy from 920 m above the ground.
From Col des Sauts, head towards Mount Veyrier by ascending the rocky trail for 1 km. In no time, you’ll find yourself on the great Mount Veyrier, with its 1,291-meter-high summit.
Time to trek toward the highest point of your journey, Mount Baron (1,299 m), one of the most remarkable viewpoints of Lake Annecy.
Take the Staircase of the Smugglers’ Balcony to start the return journey, but mind the gap! Note that the return trip is not exclusively downhill.
Reach Crène Nord, then Creux du Loup at 1,100 m, before the final 1 km descending to Col du Pré Vernet.
Best Time To Go: Between September and November
Experienced Hikers Only (>13 Km)
From Plan de l’Aiguille to Rochers des Mottets (out-and-back trail)
Distance: 16.87 km
Total Ascent: 387 m
Average Hike Duration: 7h-7h30
Level: Hard
Embark on a unique tour of the must-see landmarks in the Chamonix region.
The itinerary includes four main stops and goes up to 2,322 m.
What is this trail’s distinctive trait? You reach the highest point from the get-go, and then the path mostly proceeds downward.
From Plan de l’Aiguille, make your way to the stunning Blue Lake (at 2,311 m) to enjoy the spellbinding atmosphere of this breathtaking landscape.
Then, begin a 5-km descent to the impressive Sea of Ice, France’s largest glacier (2,226 m).
Take the time to admire the numerous ice formations and cavities carved into the glacier, then head towards Rochers des Mottets at 1,665 meters.
The place is charming, with a bucolic atmosphere and a superb view of the imposing Grands Jorasses Peak.
Finally, count on a 7-km descent to reach the charming town of Chamonix, located at only 1,087 m in altitude.
Best Time To Go: Between March and June
From Château d’Aulan to Col de la Bohémienne (circular trail)
Distance: 14.53 km
Total Ascent: 526 m
Average Hike Duration: 2h30-3h
Level: Hard
How about mixing the pleasure of a touristic expedition and a hiking adventure? This is a two-step journey with a relatively easy beginning and a more demanding end on the way back. Some vigilance is required.
The hike starts at Château d’Aulan. From there, follow the Quinsant Torrent for 1.3 km. The ascent will gradually lead you toward Poët-en-Percip, a charming town that hangs at 1,035 m altitude.
An exceptional panoramic view of the region awaits you there. It may be worth stopping for a lunch break.
When you leave, go east by the forest road and follow the yellow signposts along the path uphill.
Now things get tricky. Stay vigilant while starting your ascent, especially when the ground is wet. Your next destination is the Morenas sheep farm, the last stop before you can head toward the road leading back to your starting point.
Best Time To Go: Between May and August
From Lac Saint-André to Lac Noir (circular trail)
Distance: 16.89 km
Total Ascent: 565 m
Average Hike Duration: 5h
Level: Hard
This trail is better suited to poetic souls than adventurous hikers. Still, it remains a relatively demanding journey.
The journey begins in the village of Saint-André. From there, go up to reach La Palud, then
Bellecombette. From these hamlets, head toward the stone path leading to the forest.
At an altitude of 600 m, you’ll see a lovely glade. Follow the stream of the nearby brook to reach the wondrous and mysterious sight of the Black Lake at 730 m.
It’s the perfect place for a break. Take the time to relax in the sun, far from the shade of the forest. Once well rested, follow the signs back toward Saint-André Lake.
Best Time To Go: Between May and August
Le Tour aux Houches
Distance: 23.37 km
Total Ascent: 1.270 m
Average Hike Duration: 7h
Level: Very Hard
Best Time To Go: Between May and July
If you’re looking for a trail to test yourself and discover new sights, you are in the right place.
To begin this odyssey in the best conditions, start your ascent from Le Tour toward Montroc-le-Planet, Chamonix train station, located at 1.353 m altitude.
From there, it’s a steep climb of the Aiguillette d’Argentière.You can use the ladders available to change up your ascent.
Once you’ve reached the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve (at 2,042 m), take a breather and eat a snack to refuel. You can admire the alpine wildlife in the meantime.
Continue your ascent, one step at a time. Your next stop is the La Charlanon alpine pastures, at 1,852 m. Take the time to enjoy the stunning sight of those vast expanses unfolding before your eyes.
Now, for the last stretch of your journey: a 10-km descent from Col de Brévent to Les Houches. But don’t worry, this long trek doesn’t come without some reward. Along the way, you can enjoy the splendid view of the Mont Blanc mountain range.
Best Time To Go: Between May and July
My Heart’s Choice
Among this ranking of the best alpine trails, I highly recommend this intermediate-level circuit, exploring Mont Baron and Mont Veyrier.
Last but not least: The ascent offers one of the best viewpoints on Lake Annecy. Satisfaction guaranteed!
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
