The French Alps

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in the French Alps, independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

Love Is In Isère A Mountainous Triangle Amoureux

11/02/2020 by .
Grenoble city

I have, in the past, been in love with more than one woman at the same time. It led to tears and heartache, but, looking back with the wisdom of hindsight, I wouldn’t have done anything differently.

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Winter fun in the Three Valleys

08/02/2017 by .
tueda lake2 e1593006724261

The Three Valleys in south east France offers up some of the best skiing in Europe. Andy Mossack explores what lies beyond it’s hallowed slopes.

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Hiking Ecrins National Park

19/09/2016 by .
Lac des Fétoules

I’d always wondered what life is like in those high altitude French Refuges, often no more than wooden shacks, nestling in the shade of the mountains. Even better, when I hear about a Tour Gourmand, or gourmet tour, hiking between them, I’m even more interested. So I pack my rucksack and set out to try hiking Ecrins National Park, about a 90 minute drive East of Grenoble.

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Walking the High Alps in France

07/09/2016 by .
Mont de Grange Summit with Hiker

I’m always looking for a challenging walk but find that many self-guided walks offered by the hiking companies are not tough enough for me. Since you always get thrown out of your hotel after breakfast, you need a good few hours walking if you’re not going to arrive at your hotel too early. My perfect walk keeps me occupied most of the day and finishes about an hour before dinner – just enough time to grab a beer, have a quick shower, and then settle down to dinner. One of the most demanding is walking the High Alps in France and I fly to Geneva with my partner to tackle it.

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Samoens. The French Alps’ beautiful little secret

23/02/2016 by .

Chamonix for Non Skiers

03/02/2016 by .
alps 3

It is not often the French thank the English for anything, but  in the case of Chamonix for non skiers and good skiers alike, they cannot thank us enough. It was a bunch of intrepid Englishmen in the 1800s, men like Whymper, Kennedy, Ball, Wills and Tyndall, who, armed with precious little equipment, first explored the Alps and Mont Blanc in particular. They formed The Alpine Club and returned many times to climb the peaks.

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