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It has been about nine months since our last family vacation abroad. We returned from South Africa the day before October 7.
After nine exhausting months in the reality of Israel, I was looking for a relaxing trip with minimal logistics and accommodation changes, and mostly a lot of green and water for the soul. I sought the tranquility of nature. In short, the Alps!
Not many people know, but the Alps are not just Switzerland and Austria. France also has a share, and even the most important part—the highest peak, Mont Blanc. The advantage of a trip to the French Alps is that in addition to stunning nature, you can combine your hikes with great food. Every breakfast included pastries and baguettes from the nearby boulangerie. The area has countless French (and Italian, due to proximity to the border) restaurants, wonderful patisseries, and overall, a real treat.
You can explore the French Alps on a star tour, which allows for a very comfortable and flexible vacation, especially suitable for families. There is no logistics of changing accommodations and transfers, and each morning you can decide what to do based on the weather. The French Alps are a paradise for nature hikes, with endless trails of all levels among glaciers, snow-capped peaks, lakes, waterfalls, and, most importantly, breathtaking views. Additionally, you’ll find attractions that blend with nature, such as: rafting, canyoning, mountain sledding, paragliding, rope parks, water parks, wildlife parks, and more
Arrival: The most convenient way to reach a family trip in the French Alps is via Geneva. From Geneva, you can reach Chamonix or Annecy within an hour. We found cheaper flight tickets to Milan. The drive from Milan takes about 3 hours and passes through the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps. Keep in mind that you will need to go through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Accommodation: We stayed in the charming town of Passy, located about 20 minutes from Chamonix. From there, we also traveled to Annecy and the Morzine area. For a longer trip, you might consider splitting your stay between a star tour in the Chamonix area and a star tour in the Annecy area. Both Annecy and Chamonix are less than an hour’s drive from Morzine.
A modern and well-appointed residence located close to Chamonix. It offers spacious and comfortable apartments with stunning views of Mont Blanc. The property features amenities like free Wi-Fi, private parking, and a well-equipped kitchen in each apartment. Guests can also enjoy a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a wellness area. Ideal for families, the residence is situated just a short drive from Chamonix and offers a blend of relaxation and convenience.
A contemporary and fun hotel ideal for families, located just a short drive from Chamonix. RockyPop offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and private parking. The hotel features a relaxed dining area with a range of options, including burgers and pizzas, as well as French cuisine. Additional amenities include pétanque, table tennis, and board games, making it a great choice for a lively and enjoyable stay.
A luxurious and charming retreat located just a short drive from Chamonix. This property features elegant chalets with high-end amenities, including a spa, gourmet dining, and stunning mountain views. The accommodation is designed to offer comfort and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for families. The on-site facilities include a wellness center, indoor pool, and a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine. The property provides a serene and upscale experience close to Chamonix’s attractions.
Car rental: An excellent search engine is economy car rentals. They also work with smaller rental companies that sometimes offer lower costs in the market. There is an option to cancel up to 48 hours before picking up the car.
After a comfortable evening flight, we landed at Milan-Malpensa Airport. Since our arrival was scheduled for 10:00 PM, I decided to pick up the rental car immediately upon landing so we could set off first thing the next morning. I booked a hotel at the airport – the Holiday Inn Express Milan-Malpensa Airport. The hotel turned out to be very convenient after the flight, and it’s well-suited for families with connected rooms featuring one room with a double bed and another with two single beds.
We woke up to a sunny day and set off towards the French Alps. The drive started off uneventful, but soon we saw the peaks of the Alps in the distance and entered the beautiful Aosta Valley. The valley was green with many castles scattered across its hills. Given the beautiful weather and the rainy forecast for the next two days, we decided spontaneously to head to the Mont Blanc summit from the Italian side – Monte Bianco. The cable car to the summit is located right next to the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which connects Chamonix in France to Courmayeur in Italy.
Before the trip, I had compared the options for reaching Mont Blanc from the Italian side versus the French side. The Italian side is significantly cheaper, offers a family ticket where children are considered up to age 17, has minimal waiting times, and does not require advance booking. Additionally, it features a newer cable car that rotates 360 degrees.
First, we ascended to the intermediate station – Pavillon, at an altitude of 2,173 meters. We decided to stay there briefly to acclimate to the altitude.
After a lunch with an alpine view, we headed to the cable car to reach the upper station – Punta Helbronner, situated at an altitude of 3,466 meters. As we ascended, the scenery transformed into snow-capped peaks and mesmerizing landscapes. Mountain climbers could be seen from afar. At the top station, the altitude made the air feel thin, but we all managed well. Punta Helbronner offers several observation decks, and the sensation is as if you are above the clouds – a truly unique experience!
From the Punta Helbronner station, there is another cable car that crosses to the French side – Aiguille du Midi. However, this option is relatively expensive, and we chose not to continue due to some cloud cover. When our 13-year-old started complaining of a headache, we decided to leave and descend back down.
Now we headed to the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
A few technical details: The Mont Blanc Tunnel connects Chamonix and Courmayeur and is 11.6 km long. If you know in advance that you will be making a round trip, it is advisable to purchase a return ticket, which is valid for a week. Sometimes, the tunnel is closed for maintenance during certain hours (signs will be posted on the roads). The tunnel is single-lane in each direction, so if an accident occurs, the tunnel is immediately closed (a preview of what happened on our last day of the trip).
We crossed the tunnel and headed to the town of Passy, which would be our home for the coming week.
At the start of the trail, we encountered an obstacle – a section of snow. Initially, we tried to cross it cautiously, while experienced hikers with snow gear passed by us. After a while, it became clear that the snow section was extending, and the access to the rest of the trail without snow was challenging. We decided to retrace our steps and consider how to bypass this section. It’s worth noting that usually in June, there is no snow on this trail, but it’s always recommended to check the status at the cable car station beforehand (which we didn’t do…).
Initial attempt to navigate the snow section:
After realizing that our initial approach wouldn’t work, we improvised a detour. We descended the mountain to a 4×4 trail, which led us to the base of the snow section where it connects with the main trail. This detour involved a bit of wandering and added an extra 2 km to our hike, making it a total of 7 km. However, the views, no matter where we walked, were breathtaking, and the weather was perfect.
Finally, you arrive at the Flegere station – the intermediate stop, from where you descend to the town of Les Praz. From there, you can take a bus back to Chamonix.
It’s important to note that the trail is of moderate difficulty and, if done in good weather, requires plenty of water as it is mostly exposed to the sun and takes about three hours.
A unique adventure you can experience in Chamonix is walking on the Mer de Glace glacier. Board the famous red MONTENVERS train in Chamonix, which will take you to the Mer de Glace glacier. The train climbs through the mountains, travels through forests, and passes through tunnels. You will eventually reach an altitude of 1,913 meters and see France’s longest glacier, the Mer de Glace. Here, you can embark on a guided glacier walk across the glacier itself.
We wake up to a rainy day. The forecast calls for rain, rain, and more rain. With light rain expected in the morning, we decided to visit the nearby Decathlon store to purchase rain ponchos. Equipped, we set off to the Gorges of the Diosaz. This natural site, formed by the flow of water from Mont Boissard near Chamonix, features stunning waterfalls and a narrow gorge where the water flows with impressive force. In mid-June, we were treated to a particularly powerful flow.
The hike through the gorge is quite enjoyable even in light rain. It takes about an hour and a half, covering approximately 2.5 kilometers, and is a round-trip with an easy difficulty level. Personally, I loved this trail! The sound of the rushing water and its turquoise color create a wonderfully calming experience.
After our hike through the Gorges of the Diosaz, the rain intensified. We decided it was time to try an authentic French restaurant.
As is customary in France, restaurants in the Chamonix area close for a break starting from 2:00 PM. This means there are no places to eat, and no restaurant will come to the rescue. It’s wise to plan accordingly and arrive before 1:30 PM.
Today’s choice was Le Refuge des Loups Restaurant. This typical French restaurant offers unique and delicious food. We enjoyed our meal immensely!
The rain did not let up and even intensified. We decided to head back to our accommodation, do some shopping, and see how the weather would progress for the rest of the day.
In the afternoon, a brief break in the rain appeared. A quick decision was made, and we set out for the Deer Park. Although there was not much time left before closing, we preferred to make a short visit given the forecast of rainy weather for the next two days.
From my preparations for the trip, I learned that there are several parking areas. The closest parking is Parking 1, reserved for the disabled and families with children. If you don’t arrive at opening time, this parking lot is likely to be full, and you’ll need to use the higher parking areas 2, 3, or 4, which involve a bit of an uphill walk to the park.
Given the weather on that day and the time of our arrival, which was already close to closing, the parking lots were empty.
Parc de Merlet is a nature park located near Chamonix, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc. The park is home to freely roaming deer and features enchanting walking trails and meadows. It’s a paradise for families and nature lovers. We arrived at 5:00 PM. Although our time was limited before closing, the advantage of arriving at this hour is that the deer come closer to the trails, allowing for up-close viewing. Due to the time constraint, we only had time for the Green Trail. It’s definitely a place worth spending 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the incredible views, so I felt a slight sense of missed opportunity.
Another rainy day has us contemplating what activities are still possible. In the Chamonix area, heavy rain is expected throughout the day. I check the forecast for Annecy, which also shows rain but is considerably milder than in Chamonix.
We decide to visit Annecy and make the best of the weather constraints. In a city stroll, at least we can duck into cafes, restaurants, galleries, and shops if the rain intensifies.
A bit of background on Annecy:
Annecy is a charming city located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, on the shores of the picturesque Lake Annecy and at the foot of the French Alps. Known as the “Venice of the Alps” due to the numerous canals that traverse its old town, Annecy offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. Its cobbled streets, colorful medieval buildings, and flower-adorned bridges create a picturesque setting. The clear lake provides various water activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing, as well as bike and walking paths around the lake. Annecy also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, attracting artists and visitors from around the world. The breathtaking scenery, engaging activities, and rich history make Annecy a sought-after and fascinating destination for families and tourists alike.
We began by walking towards the Pont des Amours and, through the park adjacent to the lake, entered the old town.
We also headed towards the church and even climbed up to the castle. The teenagers thoroughly enjoyed the urban exploration after the nature-focused days we had previously. Once we had explored enough and the rain had stopped, we decided to rent a pedal boat to cruise on Lake Annecy. There are many rental companies, all located near the lake and the park.
A small but definitely significant detail! If you continue walking through Rue Sainte-Claire, you’ll eventually reach one of the best patisseries in the universe—Philippe Rigollot Pâtissier Chocolatier. Here, you’ll find exquisite handmade chocolates and desserts. You can also enjoy a coffee on-site.
♥ Bike Ride or Segway Tour Around the Lake
♥ Extreme Activities: Canyoning / Horseback Riding
Go horseback riding in the Alps north of Annecy or try canyoning in the Angon Canyon above Lake Annecy, where you’ll experience rappelling down waterfalls, jumping into water, and more.
♥ Tours and Tastings in Annecy
Join a guided tour in Annecy to learn about its history and culture, or opt for a food tour where you can taste delicious dishes at various locations.
♥ Independent Boating on Lake Annecy
Rent a paddleboard or pedal boat and enjoy a peaceful time on the lake, with the opportunity to swim in its clear waters.
The apartment is located in the heart of Annecy’s old town, just a short walk from Lake Annecy. It features a private balcony with river views, free Wi-Fi access, private entrance, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, and a dining area. Additionally, there is a washing machine. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator. Bars, shops, and restaurants are within a short distance.
The hotel is located on the shores of Lake Annecy, 1.6 km from the city center of Annecy. The hotel offers air-conditioned accommodations, a spa, a casino, and free Wi-Fi access.
All guest rooms include a minibar and a TV with satellite channels. Most rooms feature a balcony overlooking the lake and mountains or the park.
The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, La Voile, offers traditional French dishes served on the terrace with lake views. There is also a less formal restaurant called La Brasserie, a bar, and a lounge where you can enjoy homemade pastries, snacks, and a full breakfast buffet.
Le Pré Carré is a hotel located in the heart of Annecy, just 250 meters from Lake Annecy.
The rooms at Le Pré Carré are soundproofed and equipped with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi access. All rooms are accessible by elevator.
The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, which can also be served in your room. Le Pré Carré also features a business center, a 24-hour reception, and on-site parking.
Lac Vert is a magical lake located near the town of Passy, where we are staying. According to the map, it’s very close, but in reality, a winding road climbing high into the mountains brought us there slowly.
The lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and unique turquoise-green color. You can walk around it on a trail, surrounded by dense forests and many peaceful spots.
Most visitors choose to park right next to the lake, near the restaurant, and either sit by the lake or walk around the 0.5 km trail. We decided to park near the Passy Plaine-Joux ski resort and then walk through the forests to the lake.
It was definitely one of the most surprising places on our trip to Chamonix.
The weather was freezing due to the altitude.
The house we rented on Airbnb is located in the charming town of Passy. Just a minute’s walk away is a lovely boulangerie where we bought fresh baguettes and croissants every day for breakfast. A five-minute walk from the house leads to a beautiful stream, and if you follow it, you’ll reach a waterfall.
Typical Breakfast:
The beautiful stream running through Passy, near the house:
No rain in the forecast today! What a delight, we can head out for a lovely hike. We decide to dedicate the day to the Morzine area, particularly to the stunning hike in the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval Glacier Reserve — the orange trail Le fond de la combe.
The area of the French Alps we’re exploring on this trip is called Haute Savoie. It’s the most beautiful region in the French Alps. It forms a triangle with its vertices being: Chamonix (where we are staying), Annecy (which we visited two days ago), and the third vertex, Morzine.
You can stay in one of these vertices, use it as a base for day trips to the other areas, or split your vacation between two or three locations. It all depends on the length of your trip and your travel style.
We are staying in Chamonix and today we chose to explore the Morzine area. A one-hour drive brought us to the enchanting Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval. The reserve is a cirque formed by glacial activity. This powerful cirque is surrounded by high, steep cliffs from which many beautiful waterfalls flow. The view is especially impressive and breathtaking. There are several hiking trails in the reserve. We chose the orange trail, Le fond de la combe, the most famous trail of the reserve. The hike follows the flowing river, passing by waterfalls, streams, rocks, bridges, and alpine flowers. From many spots, you can observe wildlife, such as flocks of sheep, mountain goats, marmots, and birds of prey.
The trail is about 9 km long, mostly on a comfortable path, making it perfect for a family hike.
After visiting the reserve, we drove to see the impressive Cascade du Rouget waterfall.
Cascade du Rouget is a stunning waterfall located near the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. This remarkable waterfall is easily accessible by car. In the summer, you can drive directly to the waterfall, while in winter, the road is closed. Cascade du Rouget cascades down two tiers, making it a popular spot for photography and nature enthusiasts.
For visitors looking for a place to relax, the nearby Auberge de la Cascade du Rouget restaurant offers a place to rest and enjoy a meal with a view of the waterfall. The restaurant is open from May to September and features an outdoor terrace with a view of the waterfall.
The weather turned sunny, and after three days of rain, we couldn’t go back home without fitting in another hike. So despite having already done a 9 km trail, we decided to explore another beautiful spot—Lake Montriond.
Lac de Montriond is a stunning and popular lake among hikers and vacationers. Surrounded by impressive mountains and dense forest, the lake offers a range of activities for all ages, such as swimming, fishing, and biking.
This alpine lake, with its clear waters and pastoral scenery, was formed by a rockfall that occurred centuries ago.
We chose to complete the 3 km circular trail around the lake.
At the teenager’s request, we headed to our next destination: CASA MILAN.
Casa Milan is the headquarters of the Italian football club AC Milan, located in Milan. Opened in 2014, the building includes offices, a museum, an official store, a restaurant, and a café. The museum showcases the club’s history, achievements, prominent players, jerseys, trophies, and more. The place has become a tourist hub for AC Milan fans from around the world.
After the museum visit, we decided to take a quick trip to Milan’s central square. We left the car near the museum and took the metro to the center – to the central square, Duomo di Milano. We wandered around the square a bit, bought Italian ice cream, and visited the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Another family trip comes to an end. France, as usual, does not disappoint and pampers us… all this combined with snow-capped peaks, greenery, and plenty of water
