Thinking of mapping out an incredible journey around the French Alps? If you're feeling a bit lost on the starting point, the must-visit spots, the budget, or the ideal timeframe, then this itinerary is for you. This trip will let you experience the museums, delicious food, beautiful locations, and small town charm along the way. Consider this guide your compass and roadmap for your upcoming adventure, providing all the details to craft an extraordinary 10-day trip in the region.
The reasons to visit the French Alps are plentiful. You'll find stunning mountain vistas, delicious cuisine, outdoor activities, and historic towns. Below we'll start with some of the highlights of the area before working through the specifics of the route, budget, things to do, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
Delicious food is one of the main reasons why many people travel, and a trip to the French Alps is no exception. You'll find so many amazing restaurants and local dishes worth tasting on this trip, so throw that diet plan away when you come. Dining opportunities in Annecy, Lyon, and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.
You're not going to want to miss the beautiful and charming small towns of the region. They will provide a great chance to experience the local culture. You'll find plenty of small town charm in Annecy.
the French Alps is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Make sure to soak in the richness of the area through its historic architecture, museums, and charming atmosphere. It's an experience you can't miss.
the French Alps offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding options in the area. If you love winter sports, this itinerary provides a great chance to hit the slopes. For example, the skiing around Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is especially popular.
Hiking in the French Alps is an absolute must, so don't even think about skipping it. Take the time to hit the local trails for panoramic views, rejuvenating fresh air, and a healthy dose of physical activity. Some of the best hiking trails are found around Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Lyon, and Annecy.
The stunning scenery of the French Alps is one of the main reasons visitors come to this region. Bring your camera, as it's even better in person. You don't want to miss Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Lyon, and Annecy for the beautiful scenery.
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.
Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to the French Alps. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.
Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of the French Alps. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. For romantic charm, Annecy, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and Lyon especially should not be missed.
the French Alps makes for a terrific family-friendly trip. You'll find a good number of kid-friendly activities on this journey. In the sections below, we'll cover this in more detail so that the entire family has an amazing trip. For example, families love all of the activities in Lyon, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and Annecy.
Plenty of budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly travel options are available in the area, too. From affordable hostels and budget-friendly hotels, to free activities, affordable food options, and a great social vibe, you can have a great trip if you're on a shoestring budget. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Lyon tend to favor budget travelers.
Getting around between these destinations in the French Alps isn't too difficult. Most of these places are around 2 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Lyon to Geneva 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 Geneva instead of Lyon. To get to Lyon, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Exploring with this itinerary is a blast if you've got a car. If you can't bring your own, just rent one. Having your own set of wheels in the French Alps is the ticket to total freedom and flexibility. Cruise at your own pace and pull over whenever the mood strikes.
Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through the French Alps is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.
Yes, 10 days is generally enough time to see the major destinations of the French Alps. We have planned out this itinerary in such a way so that you can take in these destinations in 10 days while having a relaxing and enjoyable trip. You could always spend more time in the area if you want to visit more of the local sights, or spend even more time in each destination. Plenty of day trip options are available, after all. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can modify this suggested itinerary to make it shorter. Cutting out a few places would save you time, although we don't recommended it as you really need around 10 days to see everything.
Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 10-day journey across the French Alps. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.
City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Lyon | $136 | 1 | $136 |
Annecy | $193 | 3 | $579 |
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | $252 | 3 | $756 |
Geneva | $210 | 3 | $629 |
Total per Person | $2,099 | ||
for 2 People | $4,198 |
The anticipated expenses for this 10-day journey in the French Alps tallies up to $2,099 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.
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.
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.
City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Lyon | $92 | 1 | $92 |
Annecy | $149 | 3 | $447 |
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | $165 | 3 | $495 |
Geneva | $173 | 3 | $519 |
Total Expected Hotel Cost | $1,553 |
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.
City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Lyon | $28 | 1 day | $28 |
Annecy | $27 | 3 days | $80 |
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | $25 | 3 days | $76 |
Geneva | $45 | 3 days | $136 |
Total Hostel Cost | $320 |
1 Day
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.
Lyon offers big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for families and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.
Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
Lyon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
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.
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Lyon. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out 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.
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Lyon hovers around a reasonable $136 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed 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 |
Hotels in Lyon have an average price of $92 based on the average from 203 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Lyon here.
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Lyon, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $28. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Lyon here.
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Lyon to Annecy.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Lyon to Annecy. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
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.
Annecy offers small town charm, museums, hiking, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Eat your way through Annecy, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
Annecy has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
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.
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Annecy. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out 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.
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Annecy hovers around a reasonable $193 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed 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 |
Hotels in Annecy have an average price of $149 based on the average from 50 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Annecy here.
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Annecy, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $27. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Annecy here.
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Annecy to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Annecy to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
3 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.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers skiing, hiking, nightlife, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
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.
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.
Day 3:
Known for it's hiking, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.
This mountain town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out 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.
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc hovers around a reasonable $252 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc here.
Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
---|---|---|---|
Local Transportation1 | $19 | $43 | $80 |
Food2 | $23 | $51 | $95 |
Entertainment1 | $38 | $86 | $163 |
Alcohol2 | $5 | $10 | $20 |
Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have an average price of $165 based on the average from 223 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc here.
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $25. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc here.
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Geneva.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Geneva. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
3 Days
Geneva is an international city that sits on the tip of Lake Geneva. The nearby Alps offer a beautiful backdrop to the modern city. Geneva is also home to the headquarters of the United Nations, and you'll find many international residents as well as diverse restaurants and neighborhoods.
Geneva offers big city activities, museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for families due to all of the activities.
Since Geneva is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.
Day 1:
Shopping in Geneva is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.
Geneva 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. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.
Day 2:
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Geneva, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.
The public transit in Geneva is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.
Day 3:
In the large and diverse city of Geneva, you'll want to dedicate at least a day to experiencing the unique neighborhoods, exciting attractions, and immersive activities offered around town. Don't miss out on visiting some of the city's famous landmarks as well. The city is headquarters to both the United Nations and the Red Cross. It has a very diverse and welcoming atmosphere with many people relocating here from around the world.
Geneva 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. Located on the edge of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps, the city is both bustling and beautiful.
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Geneva. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Geneva hovers around a reasonable $210 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Geneva here.
Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
---|---|---|---|
Local Transportation1 | $4 | $9 | $18 |
Food2 | $20 | $52 | $138 |
Entertainment1 | $13 | $30 | $57 |
Alcohol2 | $10 | $22 | $42 |
Hotels in Geneva have an average price of $173 based on the average from 89 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Geneva here.
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Geneva, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $45. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Geneva here.
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 10-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!
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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