Visit the French Alps
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Snowcaps, bees, flower meadows, melting glaciers, nature parks with marmots, exciting cols, baroque churches and breathtaking views. We fell in love with the French Alps as a summer destination and it was worth crossing of our bucket list. This destination is incredibly versatile. Due to a difference in altitude of 3600 meters (11811 ft) you can enjoy both sun and heat, the snow and cold. We loved the overwhelmingly beautiful nature and French cuisine.
At the French Alps it is normal to see people in tank tops and shorts walking besides athletes in ski clothing and hats in the same mountain villages in the middle of July. In the morning between 6.00 and 12.30 the slopes are open, and many tourists (and locals) enjoy winter sports in summer.
The French side of the Alps is a huge area bordering Italy and Switzerland and covers several regions in France. In the department of Haute Savoie you can find the highest mountain: The Mont Blanc. This spectacular mountain in the Alps can be seen from many places in France. If you like hiking you can walk around it, there is even an official walk that takes you around in an average of ten days, the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Another favourite destination is the Alpe d'Huez also called "l'île au soleil” island of the sun. This destination has more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Where to stay
If you are looking for an unique and sustainable place to stay we recommend The Mont Blanc Hotel Village. It is just on the border of France in Italy, a few minutes from the center of Courmayeur. The hotel is built entirely of local stone and wood and is situated at 1,040 m above sea level at the foot of Mont Blanc. The hotel is in a super strategic position to reach the most important skiing areas. We loved the wellness-spa with herbal teas, saunas and outdoor pools.
Do not miss the Garden Bio attached to Mont Blanc Hotel Village, nearly 1,000 square meters planted with organic and natural methods that produces tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, medicinal plants and herbs.
Best time to visit
The French Alps is a year round destination however most people visit the French Alps in winter. Only 30% of all tourists visit the French Alps during summer, so it is the perfect time for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and are looking for the tranquillity of nature. In the French Alps the average summer temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). In combination with a clear blue sky this offers the perfect temperature for a summer holiday.