The 20 most beautiful hikes in the French Alps in summer: panoramas, lakes, and summits
Photo & Hiking Guide by AluArtMountains — Last updated: June 2026 — Reading time: 18 to 22 minutes
As a mountain photographer since 2017, I explore the French Alps in search of the most beautiful routes, the best light, and panoramas that stay in your mind long after the hike. Summer is an ideal season: trails are open, high-altitude lakes reflect the sky again, alpine pastures are in bloom, and peaks often remain snow-capped in the background.
In this guide, I offer a selection of 20 of the most beautiful hikes in the French Alps in summer, with a special focus on landscapes, lakes, views of Mont Blanc, and the photographic potential of each route.
You can also find my panoramic mountain photographs printed on Dibond aluminum to bring these alpine landscapes into your home.
Quick navigation
Summary table · Facing Mont Blanc · Hikes with lakes · Grand panoramas · Wild hikes · My Top 5 · Photo tips · FAQ
Summary table of the 20 hikes
| # | Hike | Massif | Distance | Elevation gain | Duration | Difficulty | Best period | Photo ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lac Blanc | Mont-Blanc | 10 km | +950 m | 4h30 | Intermediate | June to October | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Brévent – Planpraz | Mont-Blanc | 6 km | +400 m | 2h30 | Easy | May to November | ★★★★★ |
| 3 | Aiguillette des Houches | Mont-Blanc | 12 km | +1,100 m | 5h30 | Difficult | June to October | ★★★★★ |
| 4 | Plan de l’Aiguille – Montenvers | Mont-Blanc | 9 km | +400 m | 3h00 | Easy | May to October | ★★★★ |
| 5 | Lacs de Chéserys | Mont-Blanc | 11 km | +600 m | 4h00 | Intermediate | June to October | ★★★★★ |
| 6 | Lac d’Anterne | Fiz / Mont-Blanc | 13 km | +850 m | 5h00 | Intermediate | June to September | ★★★★★ |
| 7 | Lac du Crozet | Belledonne | 11 km | +750 m | 4h30 | Intermediate | June to October | ★★★★★ |
| 8 | Lac d’Allos | Mercantour | 7 km | +250 m | 2h30 | Easy | June to October | ★★★★★ |
| 9 | Lac de Trécolpas | Mercantour | 13 km | +700 m | 4h30 | Intermediate | June to September | ★★★★ |
| 10 | Lac de la Muzelle | Écrins | 16 km | +1,100 m | 6h00 | Difficult | June to September | ★★★★★ |
| 11 | Lac Lauvitel | Écrins | 12 km | +900 m | 5h00 | Intermediate | June to October | ★★★★ |
| 12 | Grand Balcon Nord | Mont-Blanc | 12 km | +500 m | 4h00 | Intermediate | June to October | ★★★★ |
| 13 | Col de la Seigne | Mont-Blanc | 14 km | +950 m | 5h00 | Intermediate | June to September | ★★★★★ |
| 14 | Lac du Lou | Vanoise | 15 km | +900 m | 5h30 | Intermediate | June to September | ★★★★ |
| 15 | Pic du Lac Blanc | Belledonne | 13 km | +1,000 m | 5h30 | Difficult | June to September | ★★★★★ |
| 16 | Lac Vert de Passy | Mont-Blanc | 3 km | +100 m | 1h00 | Easy | May to October | ★★★★ |
| 17 | Lac de Roselend | Beaufortain | 8 km | +300 m | 2h30 | Easy | May to October | ★★★★ |
| 18 | Tour du lac d’Annecy | Pre-Alps | Variable | Variable | 2h to 6h | Easy | April to October | ★★★★ |
| 19 | Refuge de la Vanoise | Vanoise | 15 km | +900 m | 5h30 | Intermediate | June to September | ★★★★★ |
| 20 | Refuge de la Valette | Vanoise | 17 km | +1,000 m | 6h00 | Difficult | June to September | ★★★★★ |
Distances, durations, and elevation gains are indicative. They may vary depending on the exact starting point, chosen variations, weather, and your fitness level.
The most beautiful hikes facing Mont Blanc
The Mont Blanc massif boasts some of the most spectacular hikes in the French Alps. These are the routes I recommend first if you're looking for powerful views, glaciers, peaks, and unforgettable late-day light.
1. Lac Blanc — the iconic Chamonix hike
Lac Blanc is probably the most famous hike in Chamonix. The trail climbs above the valley, crosses the Aiguilles Rouges, and leads to one of the most beautiful reflections of Mont Blanc. In summer, it's busy, but the magic still works, especially early in the morning or late in the day.
📍 GPS: 45.9742, 6.8889 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 4h to 5h depending on the route
🚗 Parking: Flégère car park, Les Praz-de-Chamonix
🥾 Elevation gain: +350 m from l'Index, more from the valley
📷 Photo tip: prioritize sunrise for reflections, ideally with no wind
→ Read also: The 15 most beautiful lakes in the French Alps
2. Brévent – Planpraz — the frontal view of Mont Blanc
The Brévent offers one of the most direct views of Mont Blanc. It's a customizable hike: you can use the ski lifts to reduce effort, or ascend on foot from Chamonix for a more athletic day. For photography, late afternoon is often exceptional.
📍 GPS: 45.9333, 6.8333 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 2h30 from Planpraz, full day from Chamonix
🚗 Parking: Brévent cable car car park, Chamonix
🥾 Elevation gain: variable depending on starting point
📷 Photo tip: sunset and alpenglow on the massif
→ See related photo: Mont Blanc and Brévent cable car
3. Aiguillette des Houches — one of the most beautiful balconies in the massif
The Aiguillette des Houches is a more demanding hike, but it offers a magnificent distant view of the entire Mont Blanc range. I particularly like this route for its balance: quite wild, very panoramic, less crowded than the Chamonix classics.
📍 GPS: 45.8917, 6.7833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 5h to 6h
🚗 Parking: Les Houches or Prarion sector depending on the route
🥾 Elevation gain: up to +1,100 m depending on starting point
📷 Photo tip: excellent spot to show Mont Blanc with the valley in the foreground
4. Plan de l'Aiguille – Montenvers — the panoramic classic
This traverse between Plan de l'Aiguille and Montenvers is one of the most beautiful accessible hikes in Chamonix. It allows you to walk facing the peaks, above the valley, with constant views of glaciers and high mountains.
📍 Starting GPS: 45.8900, 6.8750 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 3h to 4h
🚗 Parking: Aiguille du Midi Parking, Chamonix
🥾 Elevation gain: moderate, balcony trail
📷 Photo tip: bring a telephoto lens to isolate glaciers and peaks
→ Complement: The 20 most beautiful panoramas of Mont Blanc
5. Les Lacs de Chéserys — reflections and alpine atmosphere
The Lacs de Chéserys are less known than Lac Blanc, but they often offer a more intimate atmosphere. The reflections of the massif, the rocky slabs, and the small bodies of water allow for very graphic compositions.
📍 GPS: 45.9700, 6.8800 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: approximately 4h depending on the route
🚗 Parking: La Flégère Parking, Les Praz-de-Chamonix
🥾 Elevation gain: approximately +600 m
📷 Photo tip: perfect at the beginning or end of the day, when the water is calm
→ See my photo: Mont Blanc reflection in Lake Chéserys
Hikes with the most beautiful lakes
6. Lac d'Anterne — one of Haute-Savoie's most beautiful wild settings
Lac d'Anterne is a magnificent hike, amidst mountain pastures, waterfalls, lapies, and wide-open spaces. What I love here is the feeling of remoteness. The lake appears as a reward after a long climb, with the Rochers des Fiz in the background.
📍 GPS: 46.0167, 6.7833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: approximately 5h
🚗 Parking: Salvagny or Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval depending on the route
🥾 Elevation gain: +850 to +900 m
📷 Photo tip: superb at sunrise or late afternoon, excellent spot for regulated bivouac
7. Lac du Crozet — the mirror of Belledonne
Lac du Crozet is one of Belledonne's best spots for reflections. The water, the mineral walls, and the surrounding peaks create a very alpine, almost austere at times, but extremely photogenic atmosphere.
📍 GPS: 45.2167, 6.0833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 4h to 5h round trip
🚗 Parking: Pré Raymond / Freydières sector depending on access
🥾 Elevation gain: +700 to +800 m
📷 Photo tip: go early, before the wind breaks the reflections
→ See my photos: Lac du Crozet, Belledonne | Lac du Crozet Reflection
8. Lac d'Allos — the giant of Mercantour
Lac d'Allos is one of the most impressive lakes in the Southern Alps. Its relatively easy access makes it an ideal hike to enjoy a grand high-altitude landscape without embarking on an overly demanding day.
📍 GPS: 44.2333, 6.7167 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 2h to 3h depending on the chosen tour
🚗 Parking: Laus / Lac d'Allos Parking depending on seasonal opening
🥾 Elevation gain: +200 to +300 m
📷 Photo tip: prefer the soft light of morning or evening
→ See my photo: Lac d'Allos, Mercantour
9. Lac de Trécolpas — wild atmosphere in the Mercantour
Lac de Trécolpas is more secluded. It requires a bit more effort, but the atmosphere is superb: pines, rocks, dark water, and Mercantour peaks. It's the kind of hike that makes you want to slow down.
📍 GPS: 44.1000, 7.3167 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 4h to 5h round trip
🚗 Parking: Madone de Fenestre, Saint-Martin-Vésubie
🥾 Elevation gain: +600 to +700 m
📷 Photo tip: late afternoon for warm light on the walls
→ See my photo: Lac de Trécolpas, Mercantour
10. Lac de la Muzelle — a powerful alpine hike
Lac de la Muzelle is a demanding hike, but it is one of the great routes in the Écrins. The scenery is mineral, high, and impressive. Here, you truly feel the high mountains.
📍 GPS: 44.9833, 6.1167 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: approximately 6h
🚗 Parking: Venosc / Bourg-d'Arud
🥾 Elevation gain: +1,000 to +1,100 m
📷 Photo tip: plan to arrive early or stay overnight in a refuge to enjoy the best light
The great alpine panoramas
11. Lac Lauvitel — forest, water and peaks of the Écrins
Lac Lauvitel is less mineral than the Muzelle, but very photogenic. The forests, wild slopes, and deep waters create a softer atmosphere, perfect for autumn but also very pleasant in summer.
📍 GPS: 44.9667, 6.1500 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 4h to 5h depending on the route
🚗 Parking: Bourg-d'Arud, Vénéon valley
🥾 Elevation gain: +450 m minimum, more depending on variations
📷 Photo tip: play with reflections and forest foregrounds
12. The Grand Balcon Nord — walking facing the glaciers
The Grand Balcon Nord connects the main points of interest in Chamonix with a continuous view of the massif. It's a perfect hike for photographers who want to vary their framing without necessarily seeking a summit.
📍 Starting GPS: 45.8900, 6.8750 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 4h to 5h
🚗 Parking: Chamonix, depending on departure from Plan de l'Aiguille or Montenvers
🥾 Elevation gain: moderate, balcony route
📷 Photo tip: very good terrain for alternating wide-angle and telephoto lenses
13. Col de la Seigne — the spirit of the Tour du Mont Blanc
The Col de la Seigne marks a spectacular transition between France and Italy. The view opens up to immense landscapes, with a sense of journey that I really appreciate. It's a hike that appeals to both trek lovers and photographers.
📍 GPS: 45.7500, 6.8000 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: approximately 5h depending on start point
🚗 Parking: Les Chapieux / Ville des Glaciers depending on conditions
🥾 Elevation gain: +900 to +1,000 m
📷 Photo tip: ideal for wide compositions and trekking atmospheres
14. Lac du Lou — large high-altitude lake in Vanoise
The Lac du Lou is a very beautiful high-altitude lake, accessible from the Belleville valley. It offers a more open atmosphere than some enclosed lakes, with reflections and soft light at the end of the day.
📍 GPS: 45.2800, 6.5200 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 5h to 6h depending on variation
🚗 Parking: Les Menuires / Plan de l'Eau des Bruyères
🥾 Elevation gain: +700 to +900 m
📷 Photo tip: end of the day, when the light softens on the slopes
15. Pic du Lac Blanc — Belledonne panoramic version
The Pic du Lac Blanc is a more challenging hike, but the view of Belledonne is superb. This route is best for experienced hikers, especially if snow patches persist early in the season.
📍 Indicative GPS: 45.1700, 6.0900 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 5h30 to 6h30
🚗 Parking: depending on chosen access in Belledonne
🥾 Elevation gain: around +1,000 m
📷 Photo tip: very good route for mineral views and ridges
Accessible, wild hikes and valley lakes
16. Lac Vert de Passy — short, accessible and very photogenic
The Lac Vert is a short hike, perfect if you want a beautiful photo subject without embarking on a long day. Its green color, the trees, and the views of Mont Blanc make it a very effective spot.
📍 GPS: 45.9333, 6.6833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: approximately 1h for a simple walk
🚗 Parking: Lac Vert Parking, Passy
🥾 Elevation gain: low
📷 Photo tip: very interesting after rain or in soft light
→ See my photos: Lac Vert, Passy | Lac Vert under the snow
17. Lac de Roselend — the colors of Beaufortain
The Lac de Roselend is a dam lake, but it largely deserves its place in a photo selection. Between the mountain pastures, mountain roads, and blue waters, it's a very graphic setting, especially at sunrise.
📍 GPS: 45.7167, 6.6833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 2h to 3h depending on the loop or viewpoints
🚗 Parking: Barrage de Roselend / Beaufortain
🥾 Elevation gain: low to moderate depending on variation
📷 Photo tip: play with the roads, mountain pastures, and curves of the lake
18. The Annecy Lake tour — hiking and viewpoints version
Lake Annecy is not a high-altitude hike, but its viewpoints offer extraordinary views. For a photo version, I prefer the heights: Semnoz, Talloires, Roc de Chère or Col de la Forclaz.
📍 GPS: 45.8667, 6.1667 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: variable depending on the chosen viewpoint
🚗 Parking: numerous car parks around the lake
🥾 Elevation gain: variable
📷 Photo tip: morning mist and sunset from the heights
→ See my photos: Lake Annecy | Lake Annecy at sunset
19. The Refuge de la Vanoise — accessible high mountains
The hike to the Refuge de la Vanoise is a classic for understanding the beauty of the Vanoise National Park: lakes, mountain pastures, glacial peaks, and refuge atmosphere. It's a great option if you're looking for a complete hike without going to extremes.
📍 Indicative GPS: 45.3900, 6.7800 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 5h to 6h depending on route
🚗 Parking: Pralognan-la-Vanoise / Pont du Châtelard depending on access
🥾 Elevation gain: +800 to +900 m
📷 Photo tip: excellent for refuge atmospheres, lakes and glacial peaks
20. Refuge de la Valette — for lovers of wide open spaces
The Refuge de la Valette is a more demanding hike, but it offers a true sense of altitude and isolation. It's a route I would recommend to experienced hikers who are looking for a wilder atmosphere.
📍 Indicative GPS: 45.3500, 6.7000 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: approximately 6h
🚗 Parking: Pralognan-la-Vanoise depending on the itinerary
🥾 Elevation gain: around +1,000 m
📷 Photo tip: ideal at sunrise or sunset if you sleep in a refuge
⭐ My personal Top 5
If I had to pick only five summer hikes in the French Alps, here are the ones I would choose without hesitation:
- Lac Blanc — the iconic view of Mont Blanc and reflections at sunrise.
- Aiguillette des Houches — the most beautiful balcony for photographing the entire massif.
- Lac d'Anterne — the perfect blend of lake, mountain pastures, and Rochers des Fiz.
- Lac du Crozet — a superb natural mirror in Belledonne.
- Col de la Seigne — the spirit of the Tour du Mont Blanc and wide-open spaces.
Photo tips for hiking in the Alps in summer
A summer hike can be beautiful to the eye but difficult to photograph if the light is too harsh. Here are the tips I most often apply in the field.
- Start early: the light is softer, the trails are quieter, and the lakes offer better reflections.
- Allow for leeway: in the mountains, the weather changes quickly. An easy hike can become arduous in the heat or a storm.
- Compose with a foreground: rocks, flowers, grass, trails, cairns, or silhouettes add depth.
- Don't neglect the telephoto lens: it allows you to isolate peaks, glaciers, ibex, or details of ridges.
- Stay on the trails: alpine environments are fragile, especially around lakes and wetlands.
Which camera lens to bring hiking?
- Wide-angle 16–35 mm: ideal for lakes, foregrounds, and panoramas.
- Standard zoom 24–70 mm: the most versatile for a complete hike.
- Telephoto 70–200 mm: perfect for isolating peaks and compressing planes.
- Drone: spectacular when local regulations allow it, but use with caution.
Which hike to choose depending on your objective?
| Objective | Recommended hike | Why |
|---|---|---|
| See Mont Blanc | Brévent or Aiguillette des Houches | Frontal, expansive, and spectacular view |
| Photograph a lake | Lac Blanc or Lac du Crozet | Strong reflections and compositions |
| Easy hike | Lac Vert or Lac d'Allos | Simple access, very good effort-to-scenery ratio |
| Wild atmosphere | Lac d'Anterne or Lac de la Muzelle | More effort, but a more immersive setting |
| Sleep in a mountain hut | Refuge de la Vanoise or Refuge de la Valette | Ideal for sunrise/sunset |
Which season to choose for hiking in the Alps?
| Period | Advantages | Limitations | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | Residual snow, waterfalls, flowers | Possible snowfields at altitude | Experienced photographers and hikers |
| July - August | Open trails, accessible huts | Crowds, heat, storms | All levels with early morning start |
| September | Softer light, fewer people | Shorter days | Photography and long hikes |
| October | Autumn colors, golden larches | More unstable weather | Atmospheric photos and lakes |
✦ Bring the mountains home.
All my hikes directly inspire my fine art prints. Discover alpine landscapes printed on premium Dibond aluminum:
→ Photos of Mont Blanc
→ Landscapes of Mont Blanc and Chamonix
→ Panoramic mountain photo prints
To go further
- → The 20 most beautiful Mont Blanc panoramas
- → The 15 most beautiful lakes in the French Alps
- → Photos of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
FAQ — Summer hikes in the Alps
- What is the most beautiful hike in the French Alps in summer?
- For me, Lac Blanc remains one of the most beautiful summer hikes in the French Alps. The view of Mont Blanc, the reflections, and the atmosphere of the Aiguilles Rouges make it an exceptional route.
- Which hike to do to see Mont Blanc?
- Brévent, Aiguillette des Houches, Lac Blanc, and the Lacs de Chéserys are among the best options to see and photograph Mont Blanc.
- Which easy hike to do in the Alps in summer?
- The Lac Vert de Passy, Lac d'Allos, or the viewpoints of Lake Annecy are very good options for an easy hike with great landscape potential.
- What is the best time to hike in the Alps?
- From June to October, depending on the altitude. July-August are the easiest for access, but September and October are often the most beautiful for photography.
- Do you need to book mountain huts in summer?
- Yes. For huts in Vanoise, Ecrins, Mont-Blanc, or Mercantour, booking is highly recommended during high season.
Article written by Pierre Thiaville, mountain photographer and founder of Alu Art Mountains since 2017. All photographs are available as premium Dibond aluminum prints.
