The Alps

France is much more than just Paris. It is home to a rich variety of ecosystems and landscapes, including the majestic Alps. The Alps are one of the most well-known mountain ranges in the world. Spanning across eight countries (France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, and Monaco) the Alps form a natural divide in Europe.

The highest peak in the Alps is Mont Blanc, standing at 4,808 meters. Located on the border between France and Italy, it is also the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Photo: Britannica

When to visit

It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're after that winter magic with plenty of snow and the chance to ski, December to February is the ideal time to visit. On the other hand, if you're seeking hiking opportunities and a bit more warmth, the summer months would be your best bet.

The itinerary

Day 1: Paris - Saint-Gervais-les-bains

We'll begin our journey by taking a train from Paris Gare de Lyon to the town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Direct trains run every few hours, offering a comfortable ride that takes about 5 hours. You can book your tickets on the SNCF website. Alternatively, you can reach Saint-Gervais-les-Bains by bus, though the journey will take approximately twice as long. The reason we're staying in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is that accommodation prices are about half of what they are in Chamonix.

You can use this first day to explore the town and enjoy some great local restaurants, such as Plan B or La Casa Cosy.

Day 2: Chamonix, Mer de Glace

On the second day, we’ll be heading to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. This picturesque town is nestled in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

To get there from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, you can take a TER train or a bus. Tickets for both can be booked on the SNCF website or purchased directly at the train station. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs no more than 6€ per person as of 2026. The views from the train are absolutely stunning, providing a beautiful preview of the mountains ahead.

On the first day we'll take a tour to the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). Mer de Glace is one of the most iconic and accessible glaciers in the French Alps. It is in fact the largest glacier in France and it it absolutely beautiful. The glacier stretches about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) in length and 200 meters (660 feet) in depth at its thickest point.

To get there, you'll have to book a tour on the official website. Costs are around 50€ per person as of 2026. I recommend booking in advance. Next to the Chamonix train station, you'll see the Montenvers train. You'll probably have to wait around 30 minutes before you can get on, even if you booked in advance. You'll board a super cute red train that will go up and up and up the mountain. The views are absolutely breathtaking.

After the train ride, we'll take a cable car that will take us to the Ice Cave. We'll have to go down some stairs to reach it.

What I found really cool is that you can see many alpinists climbing the glacier as practice.

One of the most striking things about Mer de Glace is the evidence of glacial retreat. Over the years, the glacier has significantly receded, and the ice level has dropped, making the path to the glacier’s edge much longer than it used to be. On average the glacier's height recedes about 7 meters per year. This retreat has been linked to climate change and the general warming of the planet, which is why Mer de Glace is a fascinating yet sobering destination. The ice-level markers on the Montenvers train station illustrate just how much the glacier has shrunk over time.

Back in Chamonix, you can walk around the city and explore its unique atmosphere. You can either stay in Chamonix or return to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. As I mentioned, prices in Chamonix tend to skyrocket, especially during peak seasons, so staying in a nearby town can cut housing costs by half.

Day 3: Aiguille du midi and skiing

Aiguille du Midi is one of the most iconic and breathtaking attractions in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc region, offering some of the most spectacular views in the Alps. Located at an altitude of 3,842 meters (12,605 feet), it is the highest point accessible by cable car in Europe and a must-see for visitors to Chamonix. The cost is around 80€ per person. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to go since we didn’t book early enough. So, if you want to avoid making the same mistake, be sure to book in advance.

After visiting Aiguille du Midi, you can continue exploring Chamonix or head out to ski if the activity is available. A ski resort is located near the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc train station. If skiing is your thing, you can always stay for a few more days to make the most of it.

Day 4: Spa at Les Houches

On our fourth day, we’ll want to relax. We found an incredible spa with an amazing view of the Alps, and we can't help but share it with you. Deep Nature has a spa located in the 5-star hotel Granges d'En Haut. Getting there is quite an adventure. If you're staying in Chamonix or Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, you can take a TER to Viaduc Sainte-Marie. Be aware that you have to ask the conductor to stop there, as the train doesn’t automatically make a stop. Once you get off, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the spa. I recommend not following Google Maps directions, as they’re not up-to-date. Although the walk is a bit long, the views along the way are absolutely stunning. You’ll have a clear view of the mountain range, and it is absolutely beautiful.

I also recommend booking the spa in advance. It will cost around 40€ per person for a two-hour spa session. The spa includes amenities such as a Nordic bath, steam room, sauna, and pool. But the real gem here is the Nordic bath, as the view is absolutely breathtaking.

After your spa, you can head back to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and take a train to Paris, or stay a couple of extra days to explore nearby cities like Annecy, Geneva, or Zermatt.

Costs

Costs vary significantly depending on the season, where you stay, the activities you choose, and whether or not you'll go skiing. If you're staying at a very basic hotel in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, expect to pay 110€ per night for two people. Prices in Chamonix might be double or even triple that. Since it is quite a touristic place, expect to pay around 25€ per meal if you're eating out. Transportation costs might be around 150€ per person.

• Budget around 600€ per person for basic accommodation and occasional dining out, with no skiing.

  
  

• Budget around 1000€ per person for premium accommodation, eating out, and skiing for a day or two.