Between snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys, you'll find a multitude of beautiful hikes in the Alps, one of the world's top hiking destinations. Best of all, there are hikes to suit all abilities! While they almost always offer a positive vertical drop, some are less strenuous than others, and can even be enjoyed by the whole family. On the other hand, there are also some magnificent GR®, or grandes randonnées, itineraries that can be completed in several days and are often very difficult. Discover our selection of the 13 most beautiful hikes in the Alps!
1. Tour of Mont Blanc
- Distance: 170 km
- Altitude difference: 10,000 m
- Duration: 7 to 10 days' walking
- Itinerary
Touring the summit of Europe is without doubt the most beautiful hike in the Alps, and perhaps even one of the most beautiful hikes in the world ! Along the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), you'll cross 3 countries: France, Italy and FranceItaly and Switzerland. You can divide this hike into several stages of around fifteen kilometers each. Departure is usually from Les Houches or Chamonix. All along this alpine hike, you'll enjoy spectacular views over the valley, and pass through mountain passes at altitudes of over 2,500 m.
2. Lac d'Allos
- Distance: 8.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 260 m
- Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
This is one of the most accessible, yet most beautiful hikes in the Alps! In the heart of the Mercantour National Park, you can see Europe's largest natural high-altitude lake. Lac d'Allos lies at an altitude of 2,230 m. This itinerary forms a loop from the Laus parking lot, where you first climb up to the lake, then walk around it on a flat path and then descend again. Remember to bring a pair of binoculars, as you're sure to spot marmots, and maybe even ermines, ibex and chamois.
3. Lac Blanc
- Distance: 17.5 km
- Ascent: 786 m
- Duration: 7 h 15
- Itinerary
In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, this trail has well earned its place as one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps. The trail starts from the Pont de la Peche parking lot. It then follows the GR® 55 signs. After a 2.5-hour hike, you arrive at the Péclet-Polset refuge, where you can take a break, before heading back in the direction of Lac Blanc. At an altitude of 2,434 m, this is a magnificent glacial lake nestled between Alpine peaks.
4. Grand Balcon Nord
- Distance: 13.2 km
- Ascent: 1,365 m
- Duration: 5 hrs
- Itinerary
This beautiful Alpine hike is considered difficult because of its high elevation gain in a short space of time. It runs from point A to point B, without a loop. Nevertheless, it offers spectacular Alpine scenery, culminating in the sublime Sea of Ice. This monumental 40 km2 glacier is constantly retreating. To reach the Grand Balcon Nord trail, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
5. The Grand Tour des Écrins
- Distance: 176 km
- Altitude difference: 12,000 m
- Duration: 9 to 15 days
- Itinerary
Better known as the GR®54 Tour de l'Oisan et des Écrins, this long hike is one of the most difficult in Europe. Among the obstacles, in addition to the high altitude difference (1,500 m per day, if you choose to complete the route in 9 days), count on late snows and sometimes slippery terrain. But it's well worth it, to admire the Oisans and Écrins massifs, among the most beautiful in the Alps.
6. The round lake
- Distance: 22 km
- Difference in altitude: 997 m
- Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
This round-trip hike allows you to enjoy the high mountain scenery of the Vanoise National Park without too many visitors: the Lac Rond. The panorama of the surrounding alpine peaks and glaciers is well worth the trip. This challenging hike can be completed in one go for hard hikers, or in two days, with overnight stays at the Entre-Deux-Eaux or Col de la Vanoise refuges.
7. Lac des Vaches
- Distance: 11 km
- Difference in altitude: 679
- Duration: 5 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
Lac des Vaches is a natural high-altitude lake at 2,320 m altitude. It can be reached on an 11 km loop hike from the Fontannettes parking lot. This medium-level hike takes in typical high-mountain scenery, and can be enjoyed in all seasons. Once you've reached the lake, you can cross it on foot via an artificial passage of flat rocks. It is also possible to continue to the Col de la Vanoise. This beautiful alpine hike has the advantage of being magnificent both along the way and on arrival at the particularly photogenic lake.
8. Crozet lake
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 667 m
- Duration: 4 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
This beautiful Alpine hike offers magnificent panoramic views, particularly of the Chartreuse massif, at an average level. You'll climb to an altitude of almost 2,000 m in just 4 hours 30 minutes. The trail is steep on the outward journey, but remains accessible thanks to its short distance. In a short space of time, it offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes: you start the walk in the forest, before crossing some very rocky landscapes, to finally arrive at the beautiful Lac du Crozet.
9. The Aiguilles Rouges lakes
- Distance: 12 km
- Difference in altitude: 1,135 m
- Duration: 6 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
One of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps, this long loop takes you from lake to lake along the eastern side of the Aiguilles Rouges massif. As well as admiring the Chéserys, Blanc and Persévérance lakes, you'll also have a royal view of the Mont Blanc massif! Although relatively accessible in terms of distance, this beautiful Alpine hike is still highly technical, involving passages over ladders and ramps, as well as a particularly steep gradient. It is therefore reserved for seasoned hikers who do not suffer from vertigo. It starts from the Tré-le-Champ parking lot, and passes the Lac Blanc refuge.
10. The waterfalls of the cirque de Saint-Même
- Distance: 2.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 220 m
- Duration : 1 hr 15 min
- Itinerary
The waterfalls of the cirque de Saint-Même are accessible via an easy route of less than 3 km, for just over an hour's walk. The perfect walk for the whole family, it passes through lush landscapes, mountain pastures and hamlets, while skirting the waterfalls. However, because of its beauty combined with ease of access, this hike is particularly busy, especially in summer, so remember to keep your eco-responsible travel habits in mind to relieve the pressure on this environment. Despite its easy level, remember to bring hiking boots, as some passages can be slippery, especially in wet weather.
11. Tour de la Chartreuse
- Distance: 104.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 6,181 m
- Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Itinerary
This challenging GR® de Pays loop route takes you around the Chartreuse massif in three or four days, starting from the ski resort of Sappey-en-Chartreuse. In addition to the colorful mid-mountain landscapes of mountain and Mediterranean vegetation, you'll also get a taste of the region's heritage. You'll pass through several villages and the Grande Chartreuse monastery, built almost 1,000 years ago! This mythical monastery, closed to visitors, produces the famous Chartreuse green alcoholic beverage.
12. The Nivolet Cross
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Elevation gain: 247 m
- Time: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
Much more accessible, this beautiful hike in the Alps, one of France's greenest regions, covers the Bauges massif in Savoie, starting from the Sire parking lot. It takes its name from the Nivolet cross, the massif's symbol, which marks the end of the outward journey. In addition to the superb Alpine scenery traversed along the way, including cliffs and forest, the Nivolet cross offers breathtaking, vertiginous views over Chamonix and the valley. The walk is easy enough for the whole family, even children. In wet weather, however, the undergrowth section can be a little slippery, but not a dangerous hike, so it's best to bring hiking boots. Be careful, though: beautiful, close to town and easy, it's bound to be very popular, and you won't be alone on the trail, especially in summer!
13. Lake Eychauda
- Distance: 11 km
- Difference in altitude: 805 m
- Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
Back to the Écrins National Park, to admire the superb Lac de l'Eychauda, a beautiful glacial lake nestling at the foot of the Grangettes ridges at 2,514 m altitude. Its altitude gives it a special feature : the lake is frozen for 8 to 9 months of the year! So, even in summer, you can easily see icebergs floating on the surface of the water. But don't forget to take the ice as a sign to put on winter clothes and a windbreaker: even in summer, the temperature can be harsh. To get there, you'll have to take a challenging hike, starting from the hamlet of Chambran. In summer, this beautiful Alpine hike can sometimes be quite crowded. To add to the pleasure, and above all, to enjoy a superb panorama, you can continue the hike to the Col des Grangettes, from where the view is exceptional.
