The Alps Travel Guide
Travel to The Alps - Discover Europe's Largest Mountain Range
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The Alps is France's third most popular visitor region and Europe's largest mountain range. Spread between France, Italy and Switzerland, the highest peaks are on the eastern edge and form a natural barrier. Mont Blanc, close to Chamonix in Haute-Savoie stands at 4,807m and is the tallest mountain in Europe.
The French Alps are a diverse region with summer being as popular a time to visit as winter. With pleasant weather the valleys open up to lush green fields of wildflowers. Throughout the Alps there are fantastic opportunities for skiers and snowboarders with over 200 resorts, but the mountains offer much, much more, with stunning walks and treks such as the Tour du Mont Blanc, opportunities for mountain biking, white-water rafting, snowshoeing, via ferrata, paragliding and much, much more.
The Alps geological origins are a result of the pressure exerted on sediments of the Tethys Ocean basin as the Mesozoic and Cenozoic rock strata were pushed against continental Europe by the north-moving African landmass. Much glaciation has occurred and the landscape that is so dramatic today was largely created as glaciers and up to 5 ice ages have the carved lakes and valleys that give the region its character.
Attractions in The Alps
Summertime in the French Alps offers the traveller great potential for mountain biking, walking and trekking, rafting and canoeing, as national parks and reserves make up thousands of acres and hundreds of protected areas. A classic is the Tour du Mont Blanc but there are many other routes to follow.
With quality trails and snow, the French Alps offer a range of skiing and snowboarding opportunities whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier or boarder, however why not try some snowshoeing or cross country skiing – there are many locations these sports can be experienced.
Within the towns and villages, such as the pretty town of Chamonix in the Haute Savoie, you can find small restaurants typical of the region and which offer local specialities such as raclette fondue - melted cheese served with potatoes and cold meat.
Activities in The Alps
The Alps are popular both in summer and in winter as a destination for sightseeing and sports. From December to April you can enjoy alpine and cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing and ski tours while in summer the Alps are popular for walking, mountain biking, paragliding, white-water rafting, canoeing and mountaineering.
Relaxing
After a long day walking or skiing in the mountains relax in one of the many traditional restaurants and enjoy the local specialities such as raclette fondue and a glass of the local wine.
Getting Around
A great way to travel around the Alps is to rent a car, as it gives you the freedom to discover magnificent scenery off the beaten track. Car rental agencies can be found at every airport and in major cities. Alternatively, taking a tour with a local travel expert will take away transport worries as most is included.
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