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)
Chamonix Mont Blanc, 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 Annecy, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and Lyon 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 Lyon, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and Annecy.
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 Lyon, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and Annecy for the beautiful scenery.
Annecy, 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Lyon, and Annecy 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Annecy, 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 | $136 | 2 | $272 |
| Annecy | $193 | 3 | $579 |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | $256 | 2 | $512 |
| Total per Person | $1,362 | ||
| for 2 People | $2,725 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this seven-day itinerary of the French Alps costs $1,362 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 | $28 | 2 days | $56 |
| Annecy | $27 | 3 days | $80 |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | $25 | 2 days | $51 |
| Total Hostel Cost | $186 | ||
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.
What to See in Lyon
How to Spend 2 Days in Lyon
Day 1:
Lyon is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
The culinary scene in Lyon is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.
Lyon is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.
Day 2:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.
Lyon is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.
The public transit in Lyon is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Lyon. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Lyon, see The Best Wine Tours and Tastings around Lyon, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Lyon, The Best Cheap Walking Tours Around Lyon, and The Best Bike Tours in Lyon.
Lyon Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Lyon is $136 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Lyon here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $8 | $18 | $42 |
| Food2 | $18 | $45 | $101 |
| Entertainment1 | $10 | $22 | $42 |
| Alcohol2 | $11 | $26 | $53 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Lyon is $92 based on the average from 203 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Lyon here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Lyon, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $28. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Lyon here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Lyon to Annecy.
Trains are a great way to get from Lyon to Annecy, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
2. Annecy
3 Days
Annecy is a popular alpine town in France that sits along the edge of Lake Annecy. It has one of the most famous and beautiful old towns in the area and it is a popular destination for French and international vacationers during the warmer months. Just outside of town there are many hikes and smaller towns to explore. In Annecy, you can hire a boat and get out on the water.
With small town charm, museums, hiking, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Annecy offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Annecy is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.
Annecy has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Annecy
Great for couples
How to Spend 3 Days in Annecy
Day 1:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.
The culinary scene in Annecy is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this alpine town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.
Annecy is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the alpine town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.
Day 2:
The small-town atmosphere of Annecy is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a charming small town that sits beautifully on the edge of Lake Annecy with a breathtaking mountain setting as its backdrop.
Annecy is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. A mix of natural beauty and small town charm make this a scenic and beautiful destination.
The public transit in Annecy is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the alpine town quite easily and affordably. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.
Day 3:
Don't miss Palais de l'Isle during your trip to Annecy, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Annecy. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Annecy, see The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Annecy, The Best Local Food Tours in Annecy, The Best Bike Tours Around Annecy, and The Best Affordable Wine Tours in Annecy.
Annecy Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Annecy is $193 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Annecy here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $18 | $40 | $77 |
| Food2 | $27 | $63 | $121 |
| Entertainment1 | $19 | $44 | $84 |
| Alcohol2 | $16 | $37 | $71 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Annecy is $149 based on the average from 50 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Annecy here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Annecy, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $27. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Annecy here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Annecy to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Trains are a great way to get from Annecy to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and you can see the train schedules and prices here.
3. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
2 Days
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, or Chamonix, is a world-class ski resort area in the French Alps. It sits at the cross-section of France, Switzerland, and Italy and at the base of the famous Mont Blanc. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and the region is famous for its skiing, hiking, and winter sports.
With skiing, hiking, nightlife, and beautiful locations, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
The ski and snowboarding in the area is some of the best in the world, so if you're visiting during the winter months, don't miss it.
Luxury resorts in the area are especially popular. If you can swing it, stay at one while you're here for relaxation, pampering, and fun.
Hiking in the area is world-class, and people come from far and wide to explore the area's many trails and views. Set aside some time while you're here to hike.
What to See in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
How to Spend 2 Days in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Day 1:
When visiting Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you can't miss Mont Blanc as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The spectacular French Alps offer stunning and dramatic beauty.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable city. With only a day in the mountain town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.
Day 2:
Snow skiing takes the spotlight during the winter season, so set aside at least a day to hit the slopes. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this mountain town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).
Public transit in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the mountain town quite easily. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.
More Activities
Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
If you're looking for more information and things to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, see The Best Airport Transfers in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, The Best Paragliding Trips in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, The Best Bike Tours in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and Aiguille du Midi.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is $256 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $19 | $43 | $81 |
| Food2 | $23 | $52 | $96 |
| Entertainment1 | $38 | $87 | $166 |
| Alcohol2 | $5 | $10 | $20 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is $165 based on the average from 223 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $25. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc here.
Final Transportation
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your seven-day trip in the French Alps, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
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