The most beautiful mountain hikes in France?

Hi everyone,

I usually travel abroad in the summer, but given the circumstances, I think this year I’ll be staying in France. I’d love to know which places you’d recommend for the most stunning mountain landscapes and the best hikes.

Thanks in advance for your help!

😉

Are you talking about multi-day trekking routes? In my opinion, the Pyrenees are better suited for that. I prefer the Spanish side, especially Ordesa National Park. That’s under normal circumstances, though. The vibe might not be as good in Spain this year (check out the other discussions on this topic).

Hi,

No, I’m talking more about day hikes—why would you do a multi-day trek?

No, I meant "why not do a multi-day hike"—if the weather’s good, it could be really nice.

For day hikes, Oisans, La Bérarde, Villar d'Arêne, and Ailefroide are amazing.

Good evening, A day trip around the upper Jura: Les Rousses (lake), Prémanon, Lajoux... Crêts and Combes with landscapes of meadows, flowers, cows, and Comté cheese. ... Etc. Happy hiking!

I'd love to know which spots you recommend for seeing the most stunning mountain landscapes and doing the best hikes?

Hey! I’d suggest places where you’re most likely to have good weather while still enjoying pleasant temperatures (not too hot during heatwaves). The entire Pyrenees range works well. The western part (Atlantic Pyrenees) gets more rain (more rainy days), while the eastern part (Eastern Pyrenees; Canigou massif, for example) is drier. I know the Alps better. One region I particularly recommend is the Valgaudemar (for its landscapes), as well as the entire Écrins National Park. There are plenty of day hikes to do in the Valgaudemar. https://www.champsaur-valgaudemar.com/ete/rando-et-velo/balades-et-randonnees/ I like the Vercors and the Trièves (I live there), but in summer, it gets too hot in most areas except on the summits (Grande Moucherolle, Grand Veymont, Montagne de l’Obiou). PS: One of my favorite multi-day loop hikes is the Tour du Mont Thabor, which takes 3, 4, or 5 days depending on the route.

Hi there, It’d be great to specify the kind of hikes you’re thinking of. How long, the possible elevation gain, trails only or some rocky sections, how many hours you can walk in a day, the max altitude, etc....

Hi everyone, and thanks for all your tips!

As you asked, we're mostly looking for hikes around 5-6 hours long, with good elevation gain, rocky sections that aren't too tricky or dangerous, and no extreme altitudes.

Above all, we're after stunning landscapes—I take photos!

Hello, If hiking conditions aren’t an obstacle, all the suggestions already mentioned are great. The Haut Jura offers superb day hikes, with either a forested atmosphere, pastures, and typical valleys of the region, or routes along the highest peaks, with stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif and Lake Geneva. The area is characterized by mid-mountain terrain, making it more "relaxing" and lush in terms of landscapes. Haute-Savoie, with quick access to high altitudes (via cable cars), allows for day hikes with a more high-mountain feel. There are plenty of hikes starting from Chamonix for those focused on high-mountain routes, and many other options from resorts like La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Samoëns, and Châtel (just to name a few), offering breathtaking scenery with alpine lakes, waterfalls, and very "alpine" summits.

Hi,

Thanks for your tips. I'm really into the Mont Blanc massif. As for La Clusaz, I've been there quite a few times in winter, and there are a lot of ski lifts—I'm afraid they might ruin the scenery. We have three weeks, so we won’t be staying in the same place the whole time.

Otherwise, if we decide to do a multi-day hike with nights in mountain huts, do you know if we need to book way in advance, or can we sort it out a few days before?

Thanks again😉

As for La Clusaz, I’ve been there quite a few times in winter, and there are a lot of ski lifts—I’m afraid they really spoil the landscape.

For this resort, there are tons of hiking options, far away from the ski lifts. Some start from Les Confins (toward the resort’s cross-country trails) and allow for long hikes in the Aravis valleys and toward Pointe Percée (the Aravis’ highest peak). Others start from the Col de la Colombière (toward Le Grand-Bornand, just a few km from La Clusaz), and there are even more with starting points just a few km from La Clusaz in the direction of the Plateau des Glières.

As for refuge bookings, it’s really hard to give an opinion right now—sanitary conditions mean attendance is pretty unpredictable....

A few photos taken in the La Clusaz / Grand-Bornand area.

View of the reverse side of the Aravis range.

Bargy range above Grand-Bornand.



View from the Col de Freu (above the Borne Valley in the Glières Plateau area) toward the Mont-Blanc range.

La Roche Parnal, in the same area, accessible from La Roche-sur-Foron.



Also in the Glières area.

View from the same Col de Freu, but toward Geneva.



Col des Anes, with the Pointe Percée summit (the highest point of the Aravis range) on the right.



Plateau de Cenise (above Le Petit-Bornand) with the Jalouvre, Pointe Blanche, and Pointe du Midi summits.



View from Leschaux Rocks (above Le Petit-Bornand) with a panorama of the previous summits.



And a view from Mont Salat, a summit in the Jura Mountains but in Switzerland, toward Lake Geneva and the Alps (above the Les Rousses resort).



All of these are easily accessible as day hikes in just a few hours.

Thanks so much.

That’s really kind of you, and lovely photos ;)

Hey, Every VFer who replies will "preach for their own parish" 😛, so naturally I’m going to suggest the Queyras Regional Park, which I have a particular fondness for. I’d actually planned to go back there this summer, but COVID had other plans 😕

Hi, You're right, the Queyras is beautiful, but for a three-week stay, you might start feeling like you're going in circles with the same type of landscapes. Haute-Savoie has the huge advantage of offering a great diversity of landscapes (from forested areas with pastures to glacial regions) over short distances. Neighboring Switzerland and the Haut-Jura massif are accessible for day trips and offer a wide variety of hikes, from easy to challenging. You could also mention the Haute-Maurienne area in Savoie, with access to the Vanoise Park, and plenty of walks to do while being "based" in Aussois or Lanslebourg.

There are so many beautiful spots—you’ll be spoiled for choice!

The issue compared to mountains outside Europe is: - the crowds in summer - and especially the development—roads everywhere (and traffic noise even at high altitudes), those awful ski resorts, EDF too, ...

Is it the same in the Pyrenees?

The issue with mountains outside Europe is: - the summer crowds - and especially the development—roads everywhere (and traffic noise even at high altitudes), those awful ski resorts, EDF too, ...

I have to admit I don’t quite get the comment... you’re talking about mountains outside Europe and you mention a nuisance from EDF...😕

Hi there,

In the Mercantour area, there are some stunning spots with great chances to see ibex and chamois. The Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Wonders) with its prehistoric rock carvings really lives up to its name too. Some ideas for day hikes and a few photos of lakes:

Lac Long (Vallée des Merveilles)

Lower Lac Long (Vallée des Merveilles)

Lac de Trécolpas (Vésubie)

Lacs de Prals (Vésubie)

Lacs Laussets (Haute-Tinée)

Lac de Tavels (Haute-Tinée)

You’ll run into way fewer people in the Pyrénées, especially if you head to Ariège (but shhh… don’t spread the word too much…). Avoid the Gavarnie area, for example, between July 14 and August 15…

Avoid the Gavarnie region, for example, between July 14th and August 15th.....

And the Pic du Midi d'Aussau area too! (Laruns) For me, it’s been a long time, but I’ve never seen so many people in the mountains! I don’t think it’s getting any better....

Definitely, for example the hike to the Ayous lakes—especially on the weekend! 😠

For us, it would be in September.

I must admit I don’t quite understand the comment... you’re talking about mountains outside Europe and you mention a nuisance by EDF...😕

Hi, Willemspie meant to say that unfortunately, the French Alps have been somewhat spoiled by ski resorts and there’s a lot of crowds on the trails in the summer. That’s why I prefer the Southern Alps—they’re less crowded and have fewer ski resorts.

Otherwise, to answer the question, there are the Rochers Rouges in Vanoise on the way down to Landry and the Entre le Lac refuge.

A few photos taken in the La Clusaz / Grand-Bornand area.

Thanks for the photos—they’re gorgeous! Did you go through the doline below Noirmont, on the Swiss side? I’d love to go there someday.

Hi there, Yeah, regarding the previous post, I realized it was comparing "our" mountains to others outside Europe. As for the "doline" above Noirmont, I must’ve gone there at least fifty times... I know the Haut-Jura like the back of my hiking boots—if not my skis—and the climb to Creux du Craoux (the famous Doline) used to be my training ground back in the day. Last year, I made a little video to "test" my drone (which, by the way, is banned at Creux du Craoux...). It’s not amazing since it was just a test run, but I just uploaded it to YouTube. As soon as it’s live, I’ll share the link on VF. 😉

There we go... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxG8DrExbKg

Hi there, yes, I think this is the place we're talking about. Is it easy to get from Saint-Cergue to Les Rousses? I’ve got the IGN 1:25,000 topo map, but it doesn’t seem like there are many marked trails.

There are several possible access points. Starting from St-Cergue, yes, but it's very long. If you go that way, it's better to leave your car at the Col de la Givrine. Then there's a trail that leads up. Starting from the border (La Cure) is also possible, via a large combe that climbs toward the summit of Noirmont, then continuing along the ridges to reach the top of the doline. Otherwise, the most direct route is a pretty steep trail starting from a parking lot a few kilometers past Les Berthets on the road to Bois d'Amont. See below.

Thanks Perju for the tips! As for the Jura, I don’t think I’ll go back since I’ve already done two trips there and I’d love to return to the Alps 😛

Hi there! There are the Calanques of Cassis. Lots of hikes there. A classic is the Belvédère d'En-Vau: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-la-calanque-d-en-vau-depuis-le-col-de-la/ The spectacular Tour du Mont Puget (my favorite): https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-le-tour-du-mont-puget-a-partir-du-col-de/ One last one I really like, which lets you discover the amazing Pas de la Demi-Lune: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-les-calanques-par-beouveyre-le-pas-de-la/

Further up in the Verdon, there’s obviously the Imbut trail, which has recently been made much safer, so don’t pay too much attention to the sometimes alarmist comments from before mid-2018.

In the 84 and 04 departments, there are tons of gorgeous hikes:

the Gorges d'Oppedette, really nice especially via the variant that goes down into the Calavon (though there’ll probably be no water left in September, unfortunately) https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-les-gorges-d-oppedette/carte-diagramme.html

the Véroncle mills near Gordes are also a must in the region: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-les-moulins-de-veroncle/

In the 84 and 04 departments, there are tons of amazing hikes:

The Gorges d'Oppedette, which are really great, especially the variant that goes down into the Calavon (though there probably won’t be any water left by September) www.visorando.com/...carte-diagramme.html

The Véroncle mills near Gordes are also a must in the region: www.visorando.com/...moulins-de-veroncle/

You’ve gotta love the heat... I’ve explored the Luberon and the Vaucluse plateau for a good twenty years, but no way in summer—it’s way too hot. Further south, even if you like roasting in the sun, most areas are off-limits due to wildfire risks. In the Luberon, it’s a bit less restrictive depending on the route, but you still have to call ahead...

Are the Calanques open in July/August? And honestly, none of this is really mountain hiking... Not at all, actually.

Haha! 🙂 You're right about the mountains, but almost everything I know has already been mentioned. Actually, the Calanques and Verdon can be considered small mountains! And who knows, maybe it’ll give you some ideas? We’ll let you decide...

On the other hand, you didn’t read carefully: it’s September, not July or August—days are shorter and often cooler. For fire-access areas, the Calanques, for example, are open today (green status, access possible 😇). You should check the day before: http://www.calanques13.com/acces-massifs-forestiers.html Just like when you head into the mountains!

A bit more mountain-like (and closer to your place), I did this during the 2019 heatwave, and it was really pleasant! The Combeau Valley: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-vallon-de-combeau/ (FYI, at Col du Rousset on the morning of July 14th: 7°C 😎)

The Verdon’s mountain side: Mont Chiran Observatory (1,900m—that’s a mountain for sure!): https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-l-observatoire-du-mont-chiran/

And one last one in the Mercantour mentioned earlier: the Vens Lakes: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-les-lacs-de-vens-depuis-le-pra/

But in my opinion, September isn’t the best season for mountains: more storms and kind of dreary vegetation. Aim for May-June instead (though there’s a risk of snow patches).

On the other hand, you didn’t read carefully: it’s September, not July or August—shorter days and often cooler.

Okay, I must’ve missed something... Which message?

the Combeau valley:

Oh yeah, I know that one well... a little detour to the Pas de l'Essaure to climb up to Tête Chevalière (view of Mont Aiguille).

To: Patoche09 · July 19, 2020 at 9:17 AM For us it’d be in September.

...a little detour to the Pas de l'Essaure to climb to the Tête Chevalière (view of the Mont Aiguille)

Absolutely stunning view! All the way to La Meije, right? Last year we spotted vultures near the Chamousset shepherd’s hut!

If you're looking for a secluded spot just for the mountains, Ariège is pretty great. But there are also plenty of other spots in the Alps where you can find both stunning hikes and other activities and events, all within a few dozen kilometers. In Oisans, for example, you can hike in the Écrins massif (Venéon valley) or the Taillefer, as well as the wild Belledonne massif. Based in Bourg-d'Oisans, you can easily explore different massifs with varied characteristics—think high-altitude lakes, charming mountain villages, and spectacular little roads.

The issue with mountains outside Europe is - the summer crowds - and especially the development—roads everywhere (and traffic noise even at high altitudes), those awful ski resorts, EDF too, ...

Is it the same in the Pyrenees?

Yes, there are summer crowds, especially in the most famous spots: Gavarnie, Lac de Gaube, Pic du Midi, Lac des Bouillouses, etc. But some areas are spared. Ariège has stayed truly wild outside the Foix-Ax les Thermes corridor. The Basque Country also hides some well-kept secrets. Ski resorts also disfigure some areas, but once again, Ariège and the Basque Country are relatively untouched. As for traffic noise, the Pyrenees are spared compared to the Alps. No highway crosses the range; all truck traffic stays on the "edges" at Irun and Le Perthus. As for EDF, yes, there are dams like everywhere, but I don’t think they have as much visual impact as ski resorts. Some are even beautiful and impressive. And you just have to move a little away from the valley axis to no longer see a dam, whereas a ski resort usually sprawls across several slopes. The worst isn’t the lift pylons but the bulldozed mountains to carve out the pistes. In winter, everything’s white so you don’t notice, but in summer, it’s just hideous.

Avoid Neouvielle in the middle of summer too. It’s way too crowded. And given the crowds, I think a lot of parking lots in some parts of the Pyrenees have become paid. So with all the people, it’s actually less interesting than heading up to a resort where there are still great hikes to do once you’re outside the ski areas.

Hello everyone,

I’m taking advantage of having a few knowledgeable folks gathered here. 😉

In early September, we’ll be spending a week in Les Rousses.

I’ve already picked out some day hikes, including Mont Sala via the Creux du Croue (mentioned by Perju), as well as Petit and Grand Montrond and Colomby de Gex, Crêt de la Neige and Reculet, Pic de l’Aigle and the Belvédère des 4 Lacs, and the Gorges du Flumen...

Do you think these are good choices?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance! 🙂

Hardly anyone on the GR10 in Ariège. Obviously, it's really tough... But even near ultra-touristy spots, like Luchon, some trails, lakes, and bivouac spots that are less accessible or less popular are deserted—Lac de la Montagnette, for example. Basically, everyone goes to the same places.

hi there, for a stay in Les Rousses, it's a great choice. Just a heads-up: it's possible to do a day hike starting from the Col de la Faucille, reaching the summit of Mont-Rond, Colomby de Gex, Crêt de la Neige, and Reculet before heading back—but this requires good physical condition, and it’s a bit of a shame to rush it. The loop is still 35 km round trip... So, I’d recommend splitting it into two sections: Faucille, Mont-Rond, Colomby, and back. Then, Reculet and Crêt de la Neige, starting from the hamlet La Rivière on the D991 after Lelex. Another great hike idea: the Tour de la Dôle, starting from Tabagnoz, for example. You go up to the summit, descend on the Swiss side, and come back up the other way. There’s a hostel on the Swiss side, the Chalet de la Dôle, where you can try a local specialty—the Tomme vaudoise (a small warm tomme cheese on a bed of salad...)

Thanks for reassuring me about my choices! 🙂

So do it in two sections: Faucille, Mont-Rond, Colomby, and back.

That’s exactly what I was planning to do, since 35 km is too much for us! 😉

Another hike idea: the tour of La Dôle, starting from Tabagnoz, for example,

I’d also found that option, but I thought it might be redundant with Mont Sala (same views?), more crowded (based on the webcam), and that Mont Sala seemed to go through wilder spots.

Am I wrong? Is it worth doing both, or if I had to choose, which one would you prefer?

When you say "we go up to the summit and descend on the Swiss side, then come back up the other side," does that match this route:

https://www.lesrousses.com/fileadmin/pdf/Divers/Fiche_grand_public_V2_LA_DOLE.pdf

Thanks for your help! 🙂

A classic and very well-known spot, but so beautiful: in the Mont Blanc massif, the "Lac Blanc" hike can be done from different starting points. We set off from the Col des Montets for a round trip. We were there in early July, with the lake still quite frozen and a few snow patches around it as challenges (my wife actually fractured her radius on the way down one of the snow patches 😕)... but what a view!

hi

When you say "we go up to the summit and come down on the Swiss side via one side and go back up via the other," does that match this route here:

it’s a shame to skip the Risoux Forest on the other side—I went through it 3 weeks ago and even spent the night at the Bonnefoy chalet. The night was freezing. On the other side, you can get a really nice view from Roche Bernard over Chapelle-des-Bois, Bellefontaine... the Risoux Forest is truly stunning. That said, if you want to reach Roche Bernard, you’ll need to leave Les Rousses very early because it’s about 15 km one way and the same back 😏 Otherwise, there’s the Gaillard chalet right in the forest. To wrap up, I’ve heard there are lynxes in this forest, but I’ve never seen one

Indeed, the Croue-Salat hike is wilder, shadier, and less crowded (except at Mont Salat)... but in September and on weekdays, there are very few people. Personally, I prefer this hike when starting from the border village of La Cure. That way, you arrive at the top of the Creux du Croue, which is much more spectacular because you discover the "crater" at the last moment. It’s a bit longer than starting from the end of the lake at Les Rousses, but it’s no problem for a day trip. A path allows you to descend into the bottom and climb back up on the other side to rejoin the Salat trail. For La Dôle, once again, in September, there’s little risk of crowds, but it’s also very beautiful, and both are worth the trip. For a wilder itinerary, see below—there’s a chance to spot chamois on the descent behind La Dôle. Otherwise, yours is the "classic" route.



As for the views from all these routes, they’re always on the southern side, with Lake Geneva and the Alps in the background (a bit farther from the lake on the Salat side). However, toward Colomby, you’re really above Geneva. Either way, even if the panoramas are somewhat similar, they’re still breathtaking!

Hi there. EDF’s high-voltage power lines have been around in the Pyrenees for a very long time. So where’s the nuisance problem? Pierre the Belgian. I’ve been hiking the Pyrenees solo or with a group (CAF) for 40 years now. Best regards,

Hi! I do a lot of hiking and I totally fell in love with Haute-Savoie, especially:

- Le Beaufortain (Lac de Roselend, Lac de Saint Guérin, and more) - Les Contamines - Sixt

There are some really gorgeous hikes in these areas!

Hi there—I hike a lot and I was totally blown away by the Haute-Savoie spots:

- the Beaufortain area (Lac de Roselend, Lac de Saint Guérin, and more)

😎 Now that’s a real highlight!!! ....just a heads-up—the Beaufortain isn’t actually in Haute-Savoie... 😉 😏

Oops, what a blunder! Sorry about that! You're right, it's in Savoie!