Welcome to the French Alps (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region) – a land where the majestic peaks of towering mountains meet charming old towns and crystal-clear lakes. Picture this: one day you’re venturing through breathtaking hiking trails, the crisp mountain air filling your lungs, and later, you’re fueling up on heartwarming local cuisine. The next day, you’re strolling through cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, camera in hand, capturing the fairytale beauty of a centuries-old château.
This 5-day France road trip itinerary will guide you through the region’s best beginner-friendly hikes, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. Ready to explore? Let’s go!
When we traveled: End of September 2024.
Lenght: 5 days
Transportation: By car
Let’s Talk Logistics For This Trip to France
For this itinerary, a car is essential to reach the hiking trails and explore the region at your own pace. If you’re traveling with your own car, like we did, you’re all set—just head straight to the first stop of our France travel itinerary, Annecy, and let the adventure begin!
If you’re flying in, you’ll need to rent a car. While I don’t have personal experience with car rental in France or Switzerland, I recommend doing your own research to find the best options for your needs. The two closest airports to Annecy are Geneva (Switzerland) and Lyon (France). Both airports are well-connected to the region, so you can fly into either and drive to Annecy in just a couple of hours. Alternatively, if you choose Geneva, you can take a train to Annecy and then figure out your car rental options in France for the rest of the trip.
And if you decide to extend your France trip by visiting Geneva in Switzerland as well – here is a list of fun things to do in Geneva.
Day 1 itinerary in French Alps
Travel to The “Venice of French Alps” Annecy
Our first stop on our France trip is the medieval city of Annecy, which lives by the crystal-clear lake waters and wears bright pastels. This perfect, romantic French town, with its historic château and mountain views, feels like it could inspire storybooks.
Spend the night in Annecy, France.
Day 2 itinerary in French Alps
An (Unofficial) Stop at A French Boulangerie
I can’t imagine hiking in the French mountains without a baguette to savor at the peak—it’s like a well-earned reward for your endurance. That’s why the first stop on our itinerary is a boulangerie in Annecy, where the air is thick with the scent of freshly baked pastries. There, you can pick up a freshly baked pain au chocolat for breakfast, enjoy a warm coffee, and, of course, take a baguette to go.
Since the hike lasts several hours and there are no lunch spots at the peaks, I strongly recommend preparing a picnic beforehand. Otherwise you’ll get grumpy.
First Hike in French Alps: Mont Baron & Mont Veyrier Hike
Each French mountain hiking trail has its own unique charm, and the signature feature of the Mont Baron & Mont Veyrier hike is the spectacular views of Lake Annecy. The trail weaves through dense woods, and at various points, glimpses of the lake peek through, adding a magical touch to the journey. These moments of wonder make this hike truly special, and the final view from the summit is worth every step.
Visit Breathtaking Gorges du Fier in France
You have to be brave to witness the magic. Gorges du Fier is a land of enchantment, fit for a storybook about elves and fairies. To explore the canyon that the restless river has carved over centuries, you must be brave enough to step onto the suspension bridges attached to the cliffs. The view is both exhilarating and breathtaking. Do you dare to walk across?
Drive to Grenoble, France to spend the night there.
Day 3 itinerary in French Alps
Explore the “Capital of French Alps” Grenoble
After a day of physical adventure yesterday, it’s time to stimulate our minds at the Musée Dauphinois, nestled in a historic cloister. Here, you’ll explore everything from the region’s rich history and skiing culture to its captivating architecture—plus, a panoramic view of the city that will truly take your breath away.
Then, stop by one of Grenoble’s many French restaurants to take advantage of the daily specials. These typically offer a delicious three-course lunch at a great price during a set time in the workday.
Just when you think the day couldn’t get any better, we’re heading up—way up. A cable car will whisk you to the top of Fort de la Bastille, where jaw-dropping views await. But don’t just take the ride down—trust me, the descent is an adventure of its own, with secret tunnels and hidden pathways that feel like something straight out of a spy thriller.
Spend the night in Grenoble.
Day 4 itinerary in French Alps
A Quick Stop at Château de Vizille, France
Have you really been to France if you haven’t seen a Château? With around 45,000 castles across the country, visiting one is an absolute must.
Unfortunately, the castle and its gardens were closed on the day of our visit, but you can still make the most of it by exploring the old park right next door, which felt like stepping into a forgotten memory. And hey, you can always plan better than I did and for your next trip choose a day when it’s open!
A Hearty Lunch in A Cute French Mountain Village
To survive the harsh environment of the French Alps, people relied on hearty, filling meals. After burning all those calories hiking, there’s no better reason to indulge in a traditional dish like Tartiflette, made with layers of potatoes, crispy bacon, onions, and rich, flavorful cheese or the Dauphinoise Gratin (another local potato dish) . It’s a perfect comfort food on a chilly day.
Second Hike in French Alps: Lac du Lauvitel
This mountain trail is accompanied by a beautiful mountain river and scenic viewpoints of the surrounding peaks, turning the entire hike into a breathtaking sightseeing adventure. But the moment you reach the top, you’ll never forget: a crystal-clear blue lake lies nestled among towering mountains. Clouds rise from its surface, and in the distance, you can see streams of water cascading down the peaks, feeding the lake below. It’s an idyllic scene that feels untouched by time.
Spend the night in Grenoble, France.
Day 5 itinerary in French Alps
Travel to Lyon, France to Explore The Hidden Passages
Lyon’s Old Town is brimming with beautiful architecture and delightful art scattered throughout the streets. But the real charm of this French city lies in its hidden traboules—secret passageways tucked away around the town. Some lead to charming inner courtyards, while others might just send a chill down your spine. You never know what you’ll discover until you embark on a traboule hunt.
Spend the night in Lyon, France and travel home the next day.
From the charming canals of Annecy to the breathtaking peaks of the French Alps, this journey offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re savoring a freshly baked baguette at sunrise, conquering mountain trails, or exploring hidden passages in Lyon, the French Alps never fail to leave you in awe.
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