French Alps 7-Day Itinerary
Delicious Food and Beautiful Scenery
Ready to plan an incredible trip around the French Alps but unsure where to begin, how to get around, or what kind of budget you'll need? This itinerary has all of the details, offering everything you need to lay out your fantastic seven-day adventure. The region is full of museums, delicious food, beautiful locations, and small town charm, and this journey will let you experience all of it.
Along the way, you'll discover stunning mountain vistas, delicious cuisine, outdoor activities, and historic towns. We'll start with some of the many reasons to visit this fantastic region. Then, we'll cover travel details such as the route, the estimated costs, things to do along the way, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Lyon (2 days)
- Annecy (3 days)
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (2 days)
Annecy, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Delicious Food
- Small Town Charm
- Historic Sites
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Beautiful Locations
It's no secret that amazing food is a major draw for travelers, and the French Alps holds its own with fantastic cuisine. Your journey promises an abundance of remarkable restaurants and local dishes that deserve your attention. The food in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Lyon, and Annecy is especially delicious.
It's essential not to bypass the picturesque and charming small towns in the region. They grant you a superb opportunity to embrace and enjoy the local culture. In particular, make sure you visit Annecy for that quintessential small town charm.
So much history is to be found in the French Alps. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.
Dive into the snow-covered paradise of the French Alps, where a variety of skiing and snowboarding experiences await. Winter sports lovers, this itinerary is tailor-made for you, offering the perfect opportunity to conquer the slopes. Specifically, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offer great adventures on the slopes.
When you're in the French Alps, the hiking is a game-changer, and you don't want to miss it. Make some time to explore the local trails, where you'll be treated to stunning views, revitalizing fresh air, and a solid workout. Some of the most amazing scenery is found around Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Annecy, and Lyon.
The mesmerizing landscapes of the French Alps are a major draw for visitors, defining the essence of the region. Grab your camera because the real-life view is far superior to anything you've seen in photos. You don't want to miss Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Annecy, and Lyon for the beautiful scenery.
Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
When is the best time to visit?
With so many winter activities, visiting the regions during the colder months is fairly popular with tourists. You'll find plenty of cold-weather activities, winter sports, and fun things to do.
As summer unfolds in the French Alps, it becomes a magnet for travelers seeking a memorable experience. Brace yourself for bustling crowds, but take comfort in the fact that this is when everything is open and at its peak accessibility.
Who is this itinerary for?
the French Alps has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for couples. If you're traveling with your better half, brace yourselves for an exceptional experience. Down below, you'll find plenty of insight around romantic activities for your trip. Especially visit Annecy, Lyon, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for the enchanting atmosphere.
The region is a gem for families, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities that promise to turn your trip into an unforgettable and joy-filled experience. We'll get into some of the details later. In particular, make a point to visit Annecy, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and Lyon.
Traveling on a shoestring budget or backpacking in the area? No worries, as there are abundant options for you. From budget-friendly hostels and economical hotels to cost-free activities, affordable dining, and an inviting social environment, your trip is sure to be fabulous without burning a hole in your pocket. Spending more time in Lyon and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can especially help your budget.
Transportation
Traveling between these destinations in the French Alps should be fairly easy for you, considering that most are around 2 hours apart on average.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Lyon to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Chamonix-Mont-Blanc instead of Lyon. To get to Lyon, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
If you're following this itinerary, a car is a good way to do it. Don't stress if you didn't bring yours; renting a car is easy. Having your own car in the French Alps means you're the boss of your schedule, and you can stop wherever and whenever you please.
Traveling by train through the French Alps is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.
Is seven days enough time in the French Alps?
To see all of the highlights, seven days will give you a comfortable amount of time to explore the highlights in the French Alps. This detailed itinerary will make sure that you see the best parts of each place. You'll be able to plan a trip that's fun, relaxing, and efficient. If you find yourself wanting to see more, you can always extend your stay or schedule more time in a specific place, as it's entirely up to you. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. However, if you're short on time, consider adjusting this schedule for a shorter yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around seven days to truly take it all in.
How much does a seven-day trip to the French Alps cost?
The estimated budget breakdown for this seven-day trip through the French Alps is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | $170 | 2 | $340 |
| Annecy | $240 | 3 | $720 |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | $294 | 2 | $589 |
| Total per person | $1,648 | ||
| for 2 People | $3,297 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this seven-day itinerary of the French Alps costs $1,648 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through the French Alps based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | $92 | 2 | $184 |
| Annecy | $149 | 3 | $447 |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | $165 | 2 | $330 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $961 | ||
Hostel Prices
Seeking to stretch your travel dollars? Hostels are a fantastic option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel at each location. While privacy may be a bit limited in hostel dorms, the ambiance is usually social, creating a wonderful opportunity to form new friendships. Keep in mind that many hostels also offer private rooms, but at a higher cost compared to dorms. Moreover, you can benefit from amenities such as communal kitchens, social activities, and convenient locations. These average prices are computed using available hostel data from HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | $26 | 2 days | $52 |
| Annecy | $29 | 3 days | $87 |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | $27 | 2 days | $54 |
| Total expected hostel cost* | $192 | ||
The French Alps Itinerary
1. Lyon
2 Days
Lyon is a beautiful city with a long history. It has one of Europe's best old towns, which climbs the hills above the River Saône and is filled with character. There are many traditional restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. The city is also known for its Marionette puppets and there is a museum as well as places to watch a production.
With big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Lyon offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.
You shouldn't miss the world-famous museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lyon. Make at least some time in your schedule to see the main sights, and plan for more if you want to see everything.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
Lyon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
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