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If you’re planning to explore the French Alps in the summertime, let me share the itinerary that changed my life. Using Annecy as our home base, we rented a car to embark on two unforgettable day trips to nearby Alpine peaks: Mont Blanc and Alpe d’Huez.
Mont Blanc awaits in the enchanting town of Chamonix, nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic Alpine scenery. Alpe d’Huez, perched atop a mountain, offers not only a charming village but also breathtaking views at nearby Lac Noir and Lac Besson.
Back in Annecy, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the town’s rich culture and authentic charm. From lounging by the lake to savoring delicious cuisine and wandering through streets lined with colorful shutters, Annecy’s beauty is perfectly complemented by the dramatic Alpine backdrop and the serene river flowing through the city.
Important Information
Homebase: Annecy
*Renting a car for this adventure will make exploring these alpine destination much more seamless
Arriving: The easiest way to reach Annecy is by flying into Paris and taking a train to your destination. While direct train options are available, don’t hesitate to book one with a transfer; it’s all part of the adventure. Either way, the scenic views along the journey make the trip well worth it!
5 Day Itinerary:
DAY ONE: Arrive in Annecy and settle in. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Old Town and along the picturesque lakefront.
DAY TWO: Savor a delicious lunch at Alpe D’Huez, then head to Lac Noir & Lac Besson for a breathtaking scenic hike.
DAY THREE: Hit the road to Chamonix and soak in the stunning Alpine scenery. Explore Mont Blanc and consider hiking the Grand Balcon Nord for unforgettable views.
DAY FOUR: Return to Chamonix and take in the panoramic views from Le Brévent, followed by a delightful lunch at Bergerie de Planpraz.
DAY FIVE: Relax and unwind at a lakeside “beach” in Annecy, enjoying a refreshing swim and a perfect end to your trip.
Annecy
Close to some of the most beautiful French Alpine landmarks, Annecy is the perfect home base to be in a comfortable location for these scenic adventures. Although Annecy is home to very aged, unique architecture, crystal blue fresh waters, and authentic french cuisines, I want to offer you guidance on how to navigate and feel on top of the world with the French Alps.
- Annecy Lake
- Lake “beach” clubs (We relaxed at Le Pop Plage)
- Authentic French Cuisine
- Excellent Location to Alps (Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Lac Noir, Alpe d’Huez)
Chamonix
Chamonix is nestled in between the valley of the French Alps.
Chamonix is a beautiful village that lies in between the valleys of the Alps of France, Switzerland, and Italy. This village, well known for its festive ski season during the winter months is still very much alive and blooming during the summer months. To get access to Mont Blanc, Chamonix will be the first stop to navigate the incredible adventure.
Annecy to Chamonix: 1 Hour and 10 minutes by car
Public Transport
- 1 hour and 45 minute bus ride with BusBlaBlaCar Bus
As mentioned before, Chamonix rests in the valley of the Alps, leaving two distinct mountain sides to explore. Le Brévent & Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the French Alps and Western Europe, is an awe-inspiring sight. To experience its grandeur, take the gondola to Aiguille du Midi, the highest accessible point, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360° first-class view of Mont Blanc alongside the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps stretching into the horizon.
Your journey begins in Chamonix, where you’ll park and board the gondola. Along the ascent, there’s a midpoint station where you can step out, take a break, and soak in the views, although it’s not the final stop!
*Important: the Grand Balcon Nord hiking trail starts from this mid-point station, Plan de l’Aiguille, not from Aiguille du Midi.
Buy your tickets HERE
At Aiguille du Midi, you’ll discover a restaurant, museum, and gallery, along with various outdoor platforms offering unique perspectives of Mont Blanc and the surrounding sea of peaks. Take time to enjoy a drink or snack while wandering through the gallery to learn about the history and remarkable stories of those who conquered Mont Blanc in the past.
As your visit to this breathtaking summit concludes, the adventure is far from over if you’re ready to tackle the Grand Balcon Nord hike. On your descent, you’ll stop at the midway platform, Plan de l’Aiguille, where the trail begins. This 4-hour hike takes you horizontally across the alpine spine, offering awe-inspiring views of the mountain landscapes before arriving at the Train du Montenvers Mer de Glace.
From there, the train seamlessly transports you back to the parking lot, returning you to the start of your journey. While the hike is intermediate in difficulty, the spectacular vistas along the way make every step worthwhile.
Bring good walking shoes, dress like you’re ready to sweat, sunscreen, and lots and lots of water. We were told the hike was about 2 hours but the reality was it took us 4 hours to reach the end.
Le Brévent:
Le Brévent, located on the opposite side of Mont Blanc, provides a fresh perspective of the iconic peak you may have admired the day before. Separate from the gondola to Mont Blanc, you’ll park near Le Brévent and take the Téléphérique du Brévent to ascend to the top. Here, you’ll be greeted by snow-capped scenery and a charming restaurant offering incredible view, the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the French Alps from a new angle.
At the summit, you’ll find Bergerie de Planpraz, a delightful restaurant that offers immaculate views of the Alpine landscape stretching across the valley.
Although our time here was brief, I highly recommend adding this as a half-day adventure to your itinerary. After soaking in the stunning views, we made our way back down to Chamonix for a thrilling experience at the Chamonix Amusement Park, where we tried bobsledding. Talk about an adrenaline rush!
Alpe d’Huez
Annecy to Alpe d’Huez: 2 hours and 20 minutes by car
Perched high on an eagle’s nest of a majestic mountain peak, Alpe d’Huez offers a scenic and slightly winding journey to reach its heights. While commonly known as a ski resort, this destination isn’t just for winter visits. Experiencing it in the summer was truly delightful, with the landscape in full bloom by late June. Lush shades of green, vibrant flowers, and perfect air temperatures made for an unforgettable experience. However, it’s worth noting that the selection of open eateries and shops at the top is limited during the summer months.
The maps may suggest a long and winding journey to Alpe d’Huez, and it truly does feel like that at times. Yet, with each twist and turn, the views grow more stunning, making the ascent an adventure in itself. Once at the top, you can leisurely explore the charming streets and soak in the panoramic vistas. But don’t linger too long because you will need to save time to continue your journey to the breathtaking Lac Besson and Lac Noir, where even more natural beauty awaits.
Lac Besson & Lac Noir
Transportation: 20 minutes from Alpe D’Huez
Lac Besson and Lac Noir offer views of a lifetime, making you truly feel like you are on top of the world. With clear skies and natural piers that allow you to stand at the edge of the mountain ranges, you look out into the range of mountains that extend far beyond your eyes. We didn’t necessarily follow a path, the ground is your playground allowing for several different points to talk and adventure too, followed endlessly but incredible life changing views.
We spent about two hours here in absolute awe. If you end up here before Alpe d’Huez then I recommend packing a lunch or snacks so you can enjoy a once in a lifetime lunch experience, on top of the world.
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