The Alps are undoubtedly a nature lovers paradise, plenty of green or snowy sceneries, depending on the season. Besides the hiking tracks, the Alps also offer many places of cultural interest that can entertain the whole family. If you are looking for a destination for a pleasant experience, add the Alps to your bucket list and read on to find out the best things to do in the French Alps.
Things to do in the French Alps? The best tips for families:
Visit Annecy and its lake
You have probably already heard about Annecy, famous for its beautiful lake, which is obviously a must stop to take a small family photo shooting or to try out some of the water activities. However, the city is full of other interesting places. We recommend you to visit the medieval historic center where you can be delighted by the beautiful canals that cross Annecy, also known as “Venice of the Alps “.
Our holiday apartments in Annecy can accommodate the whole family
Visit Aix-Les-Bains and its thermal baths
There is, of course, the famous Lake Annecy, but Lake Bourget, located a little in the western side, is also worth visiting. In addition to its postcard view, you will also find the beautiful town of Aix Les Bains bordering the lake. This spa town is very nice and vibrant to spend your time there. Its many pedestrian streets will allow you to wander around the city between the beautiful buildings and the superb palaces of the city. In addition, Aix-les-Bains is also a great family destination, whether you prefer to practice water sports in Lake Bourget or relax in one of the many spas, each member of the family will be pleased at the end of the day.
Enjoy the many attractions of Chamonix
If there is a destination that you shouldn’t miss out when you are going to the Alps with your family, that’s Chamonix.
In addition to having one of the best ski resorts in the Alps, it also offers many family activities such as an amusement park with toboggans, alpine sledding, and many other attractions thrills. While in Chamonix, you can also visit the Merlet Park, a large “zoo” without barriers, where animals live in their natural habitat. Moreover, Chamonix has a great historic center and its museums will introduce you and your little ones to the history of mountaineering. If you want to discover all the activities to do in Chamonix and its surroundings, we recommend our article about this beautiful Alpine town.
Climb the Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi is one of the most emblematic places in the Alps. You can reach it by cable car located at 3842 meters above the sea level. In that way, you will discover the breathtaking Alpine views and don’t forget to take a lot of photos. For the brave ones, a step into the void (a glass cube literally hanging in the space) will increase your heart pulse. Before leaving, try some traditional dishes in the panoramic restaurant ‘’3842 “.
Arpenter St-Véran, the highest village in France
Situated in 2042 meters above sea level, the fairytale village of St Véran in the Hautes-Alpes is the highest village in France! We absolutely recommend you to pass through this little piece of heaven which in addition to its very traditional charm, also offers many family activities. You can go hiking or skiing from St-Veran. But the main feature of the village is its old houses which are typical of Queyras Valley´s culture.
If you visit the house of Soum, built in 1641, you will learn about the inhabitants’ traditions throughout the time.
Explore rivers and alpine landscapes while Rafting
What other funnier way than discovering inaccessible landscapes via rafting? Take your crew, embark on your rafting and go sailing on the Doron de Bozel, the Dranse of Savoy or on the gorges of the Fier and Chéran. Rafting is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of the Alps in a full of adrenaline way. Age is a minor factor because everyone who tried it, loves it!
Ride on the back of … llama!
Through forests and valleys, through picturesque villages and natural parks, hiking is one of the best things to do in the French Alps. It’s even more fun when you do it on the back of an animal. You can enjoy a donkey ride in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc and other alpine towns.
But donkeys aren’t the only adventure buddies. Indeed, everywhere in the region, you can find sledding dogs during winter. These fun hikes will entertain your toddlers.
Furthermore, you can hike on the back of a llama. Discover the Alps with our friends the llamas, a day full of adventures and smiles is promised. The little ones will absolutely flip out about these animals but they can also rest on their backs in case the hiking trail is of high difficulty. Llama treks are practiced in the town of Valloire.
The Alps are undoubtedly a rich land in a cultural and natural aspect. Spend an amazing family holiday and relax in nature or go hiking and explore all the charming towns along the way.