Chamonix, France

This classic cycling destination out of Chamonix Valley is perfect for reasonably fit people looking to summit a mountain pass on wheels. Col des Montets (1,462 m) is on County Road D1506 that connects France to Switzerland, and it was even included in the Tour de France in the 50s through the 70...

The valley of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is most well known for the mountain it’s named after, Western Europe’s highest peak. Yet just right across the valley on its north side lies a dramatic and beautiful range that cuts the horizon with tall rock spires: The Aiguilles Rouges.Part of the Rouges range,...

This adventure begins at the Flégère gondola in Les Praz (a village in the NorthEast section of Chamonix), which is easy to get to with the free Chamonix bus. Take the Flégère gondola to La Flégère, situated at 1894 meters (6,213 feet). The ride up itself shouldn't take more than ten minutes, but...

Whether you choose to move together or pitch the route, this is incredibly fun and a spectacular journey. It is normally quiet as most climbers who come to Chamonix are focused on slightly more hardcore objectives.From the parking area, cross the river, turn left, and follow the trail to its natu...

The Aiguille du Midi Cable Car is the #1 tourist destination in the world’s capital for extreme sports, Chamonix. For regular tourists, a trip to the top of the 3842 m-high cable car museum provides plenty of excitement for one day. But for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, it’s just the...

The Lac Blanc Loop in Rue du Slalom, Les Belleville offers a breathtaking alpine hike through the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Known for its pristine glacial lakes, rugged mountain views, and wildflower-dotted trails, this moderate loop is a must-hike for anyone exploring the 3 Vallé...

Getting There From Chamonix, it is very easy to get to Le Tour. You can either drive up the valley, bike up the valley or take a cheap shuttle that runs every 15 minutes up and down from Chamonix to Le Tour, and everywhere in between. I took a shuttle up the valley to Argenterie where I rented a ...

Starting in the Martigny town center, the trailhead is easy to find. Follow Rue de la Bâtiaz across La Dranse Rive and after about two blocks you will see signs to Chemin du Château, the "path to the castle."A relatively easy hike, switchbacks wind through vineyards on the mountainside for 1.8 mi...

The Roselend mountain pass is known in the cycling world for being part of the Tour de France, but in the winter it is essentially deserted. There are a few old buildings, a small electrical station and you'll perhaps see some locals out for a ski, but my bet is you'll feel magnificently alone in...

This beautiful hike features ribbon and horse tail waterfalls backdropped behind wildflowers and grazing dairy cows along the creek descending the mountain. Though there are some steep sections to the hike, this day outing is accessible by all levels of adventurer.Getting thereAfter a short driv...

It is at the place called Chalet de l'Aulp (1424 m) that we began this walk. This is after the tarmac road terminus. A small remark: the stony road but carrossable continues to the chalet where you can park your car. But you can also start it from a place called Les Prés Ronds (1216 m). At the ch...

Park your car as far up the road in the Rhemes Notre Dame valley as the snow will allow. The road turns to trail at Thumel (1,879m) where there is a car park but be prepared to park alongside the road further down the valley at Pelaud (1,811m) or Bruil (1,723m). From here, skin up the valley to t...

A Via Ferrata is a protected climbing road created in the Alps made of steel. With a climber’s kit, you secure yourself to cables periodically attached to the mountain, and climb up with the help of steel pegs fixed into the mountain. The Via Ferrata of the Tour D’Ai is located in Leysin, and i...

Begin at the marked path to the right of the parking lot, near the monastery. The trail is steep at first, but this lasts only for a few meters, in the undergrowth. When you leave the woods, follow the paved road for about one hundred meters, then turn left at the slope, indicated by an arrow sig...

A Via Ferrata is a protected climbing road created in the Alps made of steel. With a climber’s kit, you secure yourself to cables periodically attached to the mountain, and climb up with the help of steel pegs fixed into the mountain. The Via Ferrata de la Cascade, which literally translated mea...

The Lac d’Annecy Loop is one of the most scenic cycling and walking routes in the French Alps, circling the turquoise waters of Lac d’Annecy, often called Europe’s cleanest lake. This mostly flat loop offers mountain views, charming villages, beaches, and lakeside parks, making it an ideal way ...