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When you hear the French Alps mentioned in conversation it is most likely that you automatically think of skiers and snowboarders making their way down the snow-covered mountains.  It may even be that you have undertaken your own visit to them during the ski season and winter is certainly the time that they receive the most visitors.  However, the French Alps have much more to offer than just skiing and are an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts that enjoy self drive holidays.

Walking

Perhaps the most popular activity in the French Alps during the summer is walking.  This can range from the casual stroll amongst the flower-filled meadows of the region, to more serious hikes that will test you to your limits.  One favourite route is the 170km Tour de Mount Blanc, which usually takes 7 – 10 days and visits neighbouring Italy and Switzerland.  Whilst the temperature is the lower Alps will remain warm during the summer months, it is difficult to guarantee the same higher up the mountains.  However, the stunning views that walkers are rewarded with more than make up for the nip in the air.

The two-wheeled approach

Image by Fr Antunes via Flickr

The outdoor pursuit that is becoming ever more popular in the Alps region is that of mountain biking.  Once the snow melts the ski runs soon turn into long grassy banks and challenging rock trails.  Of the many resorts that offer mountain biking trails during the summer; Portes du Soleil is the most visited region and offers over 300km of marked trails, which can be accessed via Les Gets and Morzine.

A more relaxing approach

If you enjoy being out and about in the beautiful scenery, but prefer a more relaxed approach; the French Alps still has the answer for you.  The region is home to numerous lakes; many of which that can be enjoyed by the various sightseeing boats that service them.  The biggest of the lakes and one of the biggest in Western Europe is Lake Geneva, or Lake Léman as the French prefer to call it.  The body of water has a surface area of 3,079 square meters, of which just under 60% is in Swiss territory with the other 40% in France.  You could spend weeks relaxing in the various cities and towns that border Lake Léman and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.  If you decide that you would like to experience the lakes in the French Alps in a more adventurous way then there numerous water sports that can be enjoyed as well as smaller boats that can be hired.

Whatever activities you do or don’t plan to enjoy during your trip to France, taking your own car or renting one is a great way to explore.  There are so many amazing places to see and things to do that having your own transport and being able to do things at your own pace really is a plus.  And if you are going to do some walking mountain biking or an other activity it also provides you the chance to take your own gear along with you.

As regular visitor to France, Rich James loves driving through the Alps during the summertime and enjoying the activities that they offer.  He recommends that anyone driving in France should install a Télépéage transponder to help take the hassle out of French tolls.