Walking in the French Alps – top easy-going routes

For lovers of the outdoors, the French Alps have everything going for them in summer – from glittering alpine lakes and majestic mountain panoramas to rustic villages that seem straight out of a folktale. It’s a great place to go walking, and that doesn’t have to mean tough hikes that take all day – you can find routes which are gentler and just as rewarding.

From shortest to longest (with variations of some routes considered), check out these fantastic easy-going walks in the French Alps. So you know, walks 1-3 and the two shorter loops on walk 4 are all super accessible – they keep things fairly flat, short and won't take you more than a couple of hours. The longest loop on walk 4 and walks 5-7 sprinkle in some hill-climbing and are a bit more challenging – but they’re still all under 8km.

Hop on the Beauregard gondola from La Clusaz and in minutes you’re stepping into a high-altitude walking haven. The Beauregard Plateau is an expanse of rolling meadows, larch forests and wildflower-strewn pastures, with knockout views of the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc on the horizon. It’s part of a protected area with a big tick for biodiversity – while also being one of the most accessible and family-friendly spots in the Alps.

Two standout loops make the most of the scenery. The short 2.5km circuit is a gentle stroll past wooden chalets and grazing cows – just right for families or a quick leg-stretch. The longer 6km loop dives deeper into the plateau’s forests and open ridges, with sweeping lookouts over the valley. Whichever route you go for, you’ll be able to stop by the working farm ‘Ferme de Lorette’ for fresh Reblochon. That’s the local cheese – and if you ask us, a walk in the French Alps should involve some cheese.

This gentle 3km circuit is one of the most scenic and accessible walks in the Morzine area. The flat trail hugs the shoreline the whole way, with a mix of gravel paths and shaded woodland tracks – all pram-friendly for any young families. On the views front, cliffs rise steeply on one side, while the emerald water plays mirror-image with the peaks above – especially Insta-worthy on calm, still mornings.

There’s plenty to keep you lakeside beyond the walking. Take a dip in the swimming area, rent a paddleboard or canoe or let little legs enjoy the minigolf. Restaurants and cafés on the western shore are ideal for a post-walk crêpe, ice-cream or lunch. With so much to do, it’s easy to turn a short stroll into a full afternoon out.

Speaking of which, for those wanting more, you do have the option to double your walk length with a detour from the eastern end of the lake to the locally-loved Ardent waterfall. Weaving through the peaceful hamlet of Les Albertans and up a forest path to the falls, this out-and-back route adds another 4km – but is worth it for anyone who’s keen for a cascade.

If you’re staying in Annecy and looking to tick off a short, scenic walk along the lakeshore, this peaceful pick could be a winner.

Starting at the pier in nearby Saint-Jorioz, this flat 4.5km route takes you through a protected nature reserve – the perfect place to debate whether it’s a reed warbler or wagtail that you’re seeing flit between the reedbeds. The themed trail has information panels telling you all about the local habitat and the flora and fauna it supports. It’s a simple, out-and-back route which also throws up cracking views of the lake, the bobbing sailboats and the mountains behind – keep an eye out for paragliders too.

Once you’re back at the pier, you have an attractive sandy beach – the ‘Plage de St Jorioz’ – round the corner waiting for you. There are changing facilities and a snack bar here, plus shaded areas and even a diving platform in the water – an ideal spot to have a cool-down splash before taking the bus back to Annecy.

Taking the ‘Path to the End of the World’ might sound like something you’d think twice about – but believe us when we say this is one for the books. Picture colossal limestone cliffs curving around you like a giant amphitheatre, 20-30 waterfalls tumbling down from hundreds of metres above you and wildflower meadows filling the valley floor as far as you can see. It’s the kind of place where you’d half-expect to see dinosaurs roaming by.

What’s great is that you can experience this real sense of alpine wilderness on a path which is largely flat and easy to navigate. While the full ‘End of the World’ loop is around 8km and includes a 150m climb, there are two opportunities to cross a bridge over the Giffre river and loop back before the gradient really steepens – so you can flex it to your ability and energy levels.

Chamonix is in a class of its own when it comes to hiking, climbing and mountaineering. That said, it’s more than possible to have an incredible ‘Chamonix experience’ without a huge challenge. Step in, the Grand Balcon Nord.

Start by riding the Aiguille du Midi cable car to Plan de l’Aiguille, where you’ll join a trail that contours gently across the mountainside. It’s big-sky hiking at its best – past rocky ledges, alpine meadows and marmot-filled slopes, with jaw-dropping views of the Mont Blanc massif, the jagged Aiguilles de Chamonix, and the glacier-smoothed cliffs of the Aiguilles Rouges.

After an unforgettable 2-3 hours you’ll arrive at Montenvers, perched above the mighty Mer de Glace glacier. Before taking the vintage red cog train back to Chamonix, refuel with a cold drink and some Savoyard specialities on the sunny restaurant terrace overlooking the ice. Or if you choose to do the route in reverse (which is tougher, as more of it’s uphill), then you can finish up at the rustic refuge at Plan de l’Aiguille – a friendly spot pairing homemade dishes with panoramic views.

For another high-altitude hit from Chamonix, pencil in this mountaintop route to one of the region’s most popular alpine lakes.

After riding two lifts up from Le Praz, your starting point at a whopping 2,595m puts you very much among the peaks – when you imagine the French Alps, this is it. From here, follow signs to Lac Blanc – it should take you about an hour to get there. Along the way are some of the most beautiful views in Chamonix – with the Mont Blanc massif to your right and the Aiguilles Rouges to your left. You can catch glimpses of ibex and eagles, and of course once you reach the glassy lake, it’ll be pretty obvious where to point your camera.

A few bits worth noting before you set off. The path on this route is rocky in places, and being high up it’s also not uncommon for snow to still be on the ground in summer. So make sure you’re wearing sturdy shoes, and have an extra layer handy for if the sun hides behind the clouds. Also, for safety reasons and to help preserve the lake, swimming isn’t allowed – so leave your bathing gear behind for this one.

This scenic loop from Samoëns winds through peaceful forest paths, open meadows and charming mountain villages. The trail climbs steadily past dry-stone walls, alpine farms and shady woodlands, revealing ever-expanding views over the Giffre Valley and the dramatic flanks of the Criou – the rugged peak that dominates the skyline.

You’ll wander through wildflower-strewn pastures and sun-dappled woodland – likely just with birdsong for company. A highlight is passing through Chantemerle. With its stone houses, slate roofs and tiny chapel, this small hillside village offers a quiet window into alpine life as it used to be, giving the trail a genuine off-the-beaten-track feel.

Keep in mind that there are few facilities along the route, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks with you.

Ready to add the French Alps to your summer hit list? Start planning your trip to France, or get more inspo on our other Lakes & Mountains destinations.

Main image: © OT Chamonix Mont Blanc / High-altitude trail in Chamonix

Author: Marty Fraser-Turner

Last updated: 18.07.2025