Évian-les-Bains to Lac de Serre-Ponçon

The French Alps: a picturesque mountain range that stretches 180km from Lake Geneva on the Swiss border, all the way to Nice on the Mediterranean coast.

With snow-capped peaks in the winter and sparkling alpine lakes in the summer, the French Alps are fantastic to visit any time of year – it’s what you want your experience in the Alps to be that will determine what time of year you visit. In the winter, there will be snow as the eye can see, and people often head to the mountains for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Visit in the summer and you’ll be able to make the most of the hiking trails and crisp mountain air.

Home to some of the highest peaks in Europe, including Mont Blanc, which is 4808 metres tall and sits on the French/Italian border. Thanks to the deep and vast valleys that separate the different massifs, the Alps are also home to large cities; the capital is Grenoble.

Consider renting a car to explore the French Alps as you’ll have the freedom to see the mountain views, storybook villages and lakes on your schedule. There’s also nothing like exploring the alpine roads and vistas on your own time! True motoring enthusiasts would not want to miss the chance of driving over Col de l’Iseran – the highest paved pass in the Alps, often shut in winter due to the weather, making it particularly dangerous to drive on. Protect yourself with an excess insurance policy for rental cars from ReduceMyExcess.

Évian-les-Bains

On the southern shore of Lake Geneva, across from Lausanne in Switzerland, lies Évian-les-Bains. Famous for its mineral-rich waters, its location in the foothills of the Chablis gives Évian its alpine charm and makes it the perfect first stop on your tour of the French Alps.

Évian was once a small fishing village, and it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became a desirable place to visit. The lakeside villas, tree-lined promenades, and thermal spas are all a nod to this era and illustrate how Évian retains its Belle Époque charm to this day.

When in Evian, visiting the Cachat Spring is a must. It’s a natural mineral water source and is the origin of the famous Evian water. Here, you’ll be able to sample the famous water once believed to have restorative and healing qualities, directly from the source.

For the best views over Évian, either hop aboard the funicular railway that runs between the lakeside and the hilltop villas, or hike up the nearby Gavot Plateau, where you’ll be greeted not only with a fantastic panoramic vista, but access to cheese farms and markets.

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Annecy

Often dubbed the ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy is a postcard-perfect lakeside town. The lake itself, Lac d’Annecy, is the cleanest in Europe and sits at the foot of forested mountain slopes – if you’re visiting in summer, why not go for a swim?

The medieval Vieille Ville is characterised by cobblestone streets, turreted rooftops, and houses adorned with geraniums, and the town as a whole is rich in history. If French history interests you, there is plenty to visit, from the 12th-century Palais de L’Isle to the old residence of the Counts of Geneva, Château d’Annecy, which keeps a watchful eye over Annecy.

Also worth a visit is Albigny Avenue, a promenade known for the cultural and historical landmarks and the centuries-old plane trees that line it. From here, you can take in stunning views of the lakes and consider taking a picnic to enjoy the view for longer.

Summer in this Alpine town looks like climbing, hiking and various water activities like paddleboarding and windsurfing. You can also take advantage of the Voie Verte, a cycle path that runs alongside the lake. If you’re visiting in August and the timing matches up, try to get a glimpse of the lakeside fireworks at the Fête du lac d'Annecy.

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Chamonix

From Annecy, head an hour east (101 km/62 miles) and you’ll end up in Chamonix – the adventure capital of the French Alps all year round. Wedged between two steep-sided valleys and sitting right at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, Chamonix is a destination that attracts climbers, skiers and hikers alike.

If you have a head for heights, don’t miss the cable car ride from Chamonix’s town centre to Aiguille du Midi, which soars to an elevation of 3,842 metres. The scenery on the ascent alone is spectacular as you’ll be whisked through dramatic alpine scenery, but the summit is the star of the show. From the top, you’ll enjoy a sweeping panorama of Mont Blanc and its neighbours.

Similarly, you should head to the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France. It can be reached via the scenic Montenvers Railway or by hiking the Grand Balcon trail from Plan de l’Aiguille, the first stop on the Aiguille du Midi cable car. With hikes for all abilities, this is a must-do for everyone.

Chamonix is not just for the adventurous. For those after a slower pace, you’ll find alpine spas and lots of mountain cafés serving up warm tartiflette and vin chaud.

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Megève

Megève was established in the 1920s by the Rothschild family as a glamorous ski resort: it was France’s answer to St. Moritz. Today, it’s an elegant village that blends tradition, luxury, with mountain relaxation, with the abundance of five-star chalets ensuring the exclusive feel remains.

In winter, Megève is a vast ski area with tree-lined runs and views of Mont Blanc. When the snow melts, the landscape reveals viridian meadows, forests and ridgelines, not forgetting the wild flowers and the marked paths.

To access the best of the hiking trails, you should board the Mont d’Arbois gondola. Alternatively, you could walk the Calvaire Trail, which is an open-air art and heritage route with 15 Baorque chapels. It begins near the village and is a gentle yet scenic walk.

Golfers can tee off at the Mont d’Arbois Golf Club, whilst others can relax with paddleboarding on the lake or picnics in the meadows, taking in the panoramic scenes.

Evenings in Megève are best spent on a terrace with views of the Mont Blanc as the sun dips behind the peaks.

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Grenoble

From Megève, head an hour and a half southwest to Grenoble – the cultural and geographic heart of the French Alps.

Over two thousand years old, Grenoble is another French city with plenty of history and the thing most people visit is La Bastille Fortress. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the fortress keeps a watchful eye over the city of Bastille from its perch on Mount Rachis. Within the fortress itself, there is plenty to do, from exploring the Mandarin Caves beneath to zip lining from the top of it in Acrobastille – aligning both sports and culture.

Grenoble is also rich in history. Why not take the Bastille cable car up to the 19th-century fortress for views of the city and the nearby peaks? If you’re interested in art, head to the Musée de Grenoble. And if neither of those things is your vibe, there are plenty of food markets and squares in the city if you’d prefer a slower pace to your holiday.

For the best vantage point in Grenoble, take the Grenoble-Bastille cable car. At the top, you’ll see amazing views of the mountain ranges in the distance. If you’d prefer to walk or cycle to the top, you can also do this by following the marked path.

A more laid-back, relaxed ‘must-do’ in Grenoble is strolling through the market in the main square, Place Grennette. The markets of Place Grenette date back to the 17th century, so by visiting the Place aux Herbes farmers market, you are part of history – it’s held every day apart from Mondays. Les Halles Sainte-Claire is a great indoor food market – a great place to savour local cuisine such as Saint-Marcellin cheese.

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Briançon

Briançon: the hidden gem of the French Alps, and the highest city in France with an altitude of 1,326 metres.

Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortifications of Vauban, Briançon is not as glossy and elegant as Chamonix or Megève, instead blending mountain scenery with rich history. The fortifications wrap around the old citadel, which is now filled with lots of cafes and shops. Explore the Cité Vauban and you’ll be charmed by frescoed churches, narrow alleys and stone stairways that look out over the Durance Valley.

Nearby lies Écrins National Park, a hub for hiking, mountain biking, canyoning and rafting. Additionally, the Col d’Izoard is also nearby by offering serious cyclists a breathtaking alpine climb as made famous by the Tour de France.

If you’re after something more relaxed, head to the Place d’Armes market and then amble to the Pont d’Asfeld for an amazing view of the surrounds.

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Lac de Serre-Ponçon

One of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a different experience to the resorts and historic towns, instead offering a laidback, lakeside finale to your road trip around the French Alps.

The lake is set against craggy peaks and wooded hills, and in the summer it draws swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers and wakeboarders alike. There are also hiking and cycling trails aplenty. The Sentier des Balcons du Lac walk is a standout as it offers spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding Écrins and Ubaye ranges.

In terms of exploring the cultural aspects of the lake, visit the Chappelle Saint-Michel. This is a tiny church perched on a hill island in the middle of a lake and is now an iconic symbol. You could also drive up to Embrun, which is a charming hilltop town known as the ‘Nice of the Alps’. Here you’ll find medieval streets, local markets and views of the cathedral.

If relaxing by the beach is more your thing, Plage du Bois Vieux and Plage de Chanteloube are perfect.

Final Thoughts

A French alpine road trip promises breathtaking mountain passes, crystal-clear lakes and charming villages nestled amongst dramatic peaks. With this road trip starting from Évian-les-Bains, you should expect hearty mountain cuisine, panoramic views and unforgettable driving experiences.

Don’t forget to take out a ReduceMyExcess car hire excess insurance policy to protect yourself from unexpected costs. And before you set off, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the key French driving requirements and road rules.