Hiking experiences in the French Alps with our 1786 guides!

Do you dream of setting out on the legendary trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc? Would you like to take in the most iconic viewpoints over the roof of Western Europe? Are you eager to explore the wild, unspoiled landscapes of the Vanoise National Park? And why not immerse yourself in the legends that accompany your journey through the Chartreuse Regional Park? The possibilities for French Alps hiking tours are endless—and truly enchanting. Travel agency 1786, a specialist in the Alps, invites you to discover some of the region’s most beautiful trails on a tailor-made trip combining walking adventures with remarkable cultural experiences. Follow the guide!

The French Alps, with their wild landscapes of soaring peaks, high-altitude lakes, vast forested expanses, and iconic wildlife, are undoubtedly one of the top destinations in France for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. With 1786, set out to explore the trails of the Chamonix Valley, the Vanoise National Park, and the regional natural parks of Chartreuse, Bauges, and Aravis, among countless other possibilities!

A true stronghold of trekking and hiking tours in the French Alps, the Chamonix Valley is home to some of the finest day-hiking routes, as well as one of France’s most renowned and legendary long-distance trails: the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc!

The Tour du Mont Blanc is an extraordinary 170-kilometre route, featuring no less than 10,000 metres of elevation gain and crossing some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Starting from Les Houches in France, you follow magnificent trails through unspoiled wilderness, punctuated by unparalleled views of the roof of Western Europe: Mont Blanc, rising to 4,810 metres. Along the way, you’ll discover Les Chapieux, Courmayeur in Italy, Orsières and Trient in Switzerland, before reaching the stunning Lac Blanc and then Argentière, on the outskirts of Chamonix, in an ever more magical setting.

To experience this unique adventure, several options are available: you can complete the entire route over 7 to 10 days depending on your level, or choose to hike a selection of iconic stages, giving you a taste of the special atmosphere that defines the trail.

By choosing Agence 1786 to organise your Tour du Mont Blanc journey, you can opt for a premium, luxury experience. At the end of each day’s hike, you’ll unwind in charming hotels, combining the thrill of trekking with the comfort of a restful night in a warm and elegant setting.
For inspiration, explore our suggested 5-day and 8-day itineraries. Of course, we can also design full 10- or 12-day journeys for you, including additional discoveries around Chamonix. With 1786, anything is possible—simply share your wishes and expectations for your Alpine adventure, and we will provide you with a personalised quote.

Of course, if you don’t necessarily feel like taking on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Chamonix still offers an abundance of exceptional trails for French Alps hiking tours!

At 1786, we organise a memorable day for you exploring two of the Chamonix Valley’s most iconic natural sites—the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace, linked by a magnificent balcony trail hike.

Accompanied by a guide, take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi and enjoy the incomparable panoramic views from this summit, rising to 3,842 metres above sea level. On your way down to Plan de l’Aiguille, you then follow a scenic balcony trail beneath legendary peaks such as the Grandes Jorasses, making your way to the Mer de Glace: the largest glacier in the French Alps after a typical Savoyard picnic. The day continues with a visit around this giant of ice, in the heart of nature at its most majestic and awe-inspiring.

With a certified mountain guide, you can also treat yourself to the unforgettable experience of an introduction to glacier hiking on the Mer de Glace. Equipped with crampons and an ice axe, you follow in the footsteps of the adventurers and explorers who shaped the history of mountaineering, to the mesmerizing sound of ice cracking beneath your feet, in a truly magical and unique atmosphere.

Finally, you may also choose full-day or half-day panoramic hikes with a guide. Lac Blanc and the Chéserys Lakes, the Col de Balme, the Albert 1er Hut, La Jonction, Lac Cornu and the Lacs Noirs, or the Aiguillette des Houches are just some of the routes that can be offered, depending on your level and preferences.

Starting from Courchevel, Méribel, or Val d’Isère, among other locations, set out to explore the legendary Vanoise National Park: the first national park created in France in 1963 to protect the ibex. Now a true haven for wildlife, your guided hikes often offer the chance to observe majestic ibex, agile chamois, golden-coated marmots, as well as vibrant and abundant alpine flora.

The Vanoise National Park is a true natural Eden that you’ll delight in exploring whether traversing its peaks rising above 3,000 metres, its vast flower-filled meadows dotted with alpine lakes, its mountain pastures alive with the sound of cowbells, or the edges of its eternal glaciers. All of which makes it an unmissable destination for French Alps hiking tours.

The Génépy Glacier, Lac des Vaches and the Col de la Vanoise, the Saut Refuge via Lac de Tuéda and Lac des Fées, the Aiguille Percée, the Péclet-Polset Refuge, the Merlet Lakes, Petit Mont Blanc, and the Prariond Valley are just some of the most beautiful routes awaiting you on your multi-activity trip in the Alps with Agence 1786.

The region is also home to many other protected areas, including the regional natural parks of Chartreuse and Bauges, as well as the Aravis Massif.

If you are staying in Annecy or Chambéry during your trip to the Alps, you can set out with 1786 for full days of exploration combining hiking, farm visits, and tastings of local products in the magnificent and unspoiled Bauges Park.

Above Lake Annecy, hike up to Mont Veyrier to enjoy breathtaking views over the lake’s turquoise waters and the stunning natural setting in which it lies. Overlooking Chambéry this time, head to the Croix du Nivolet, an iconic landmark of the Savoie landscape. Walk through alpine pastures, dense forests, and flower-filled meadows, with exceptional panoramas of the surrounding peaks and nearby Lake Bourget.

In the Chartreuse Regional Park, legendary land of the famous Chartreuse liqueur, wander along wild trails and across vast meadows where the plants used to craft this renowned elixir flourish. Depending on your route, you may even enjoy a spectacular view overlooking the impressive expanse of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery.

To learn more about the history of the Carthusian monks, creators of Chartreuse, step inside the Grande Chartreuse Museum for a fascinating immersion into monastic life. More interested in the story and mysteries surrounding the liqueur itself? We can take you to the Chartreuse Cellars Museum, a former distillery operated by the Carthusian Fathers from 1936 to 2017, for a captivating journey into its production secrets.
Finally, continue exploring some of the finest destinations for French Alps hiking  tours with a visit to the Aravis Massif, around La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, and Megève. Here too, wildlife reigns supreme, and the views of the Mont Blanc massif are sure to leave you enchanted!

Of course, a trip to the Alps can also take you beyond the French borders to explore the stunning landscapes of Switzerland. At 1786, we take care of organising a tailor-made journey for you between France and Switzerland, discovering the most beautiful natural treasures of the region.

We highly recommend that hiking enthusiasts embark on a journey to Zermatt, the second capital of mountaineering in the Alps and an exceptional playground with its 400 kilometres of trails, with the legendary and magnificent Matterhorn as the backdrop to your adventures!

Crans-Montana is also a dream destination for walking against the backdrop of the grand Alpine scenery, as well as for mountain biking, golf, and, of course, sampling iconic products from the Valais region, such as wine. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it is a must-visit destination for your outdoor activities!
Many other places can be explored during your Alpine tour—feel free to share all your wishes with us for a fully personalised journey.

Here you will find all our advice on the best time of year for your treks and hikes in the Alps, as well as the equipment you should pack to ensure a pleasant and successful experience!

At higher altitudes, the ideal time for a trip filled with hiking is from mid-June to mid-September. Snow can start falling as early as October or November and last until the first days of spring, meaning that mountain areas are often snow-covered well into June.

Additionally, the months of July and August can be quite busy. If you have the opportunity to travel in June or September, that is even better.

To make the most of your hiking experiences in the French Alps, we recommend bringing the following:

• waterproof trekking trousers and shorts,
• technical, breathable T-shirts,
• a fleece jacket,
• a waterproof and windproof jacket,
• a down jacket (useful even in summer, especially at high altitude),
• high-cut, waterproof, and comfortable hiking boots,
• hiking socks,
• sunglasses, a cap or hat, and sunscreen,
• a beanie and a pair of gloves,
• trekking poles,
• a water bottle or hydration pack,
• a personal first-aid kit,
• a backpack with your day essentials.

To go further, explore all our tips for packing your bag for your trip to the Alps.

Our team is at your disposal to answer any questions you may have about your French Alps hiking tours, or to provide you with a tailor-made quote for your future Alpine journey. Feel free to get in touch! And to learn more, explore the full range of our services.