Chester Rambling and Hill Walking Club

The French Alps: A quick guide from a past club member - Ron Astley 2009

FRENCH ALPS Do go to Chamonix once for the great scenery, but the scope is limited for those without mountaineering expertise, and the weather the worst in the alps. Here are some alternatives, many of which give even modest walkers the chance to summit a peak a day without getting involved with glaciers.

SAVOIE/HAUTE SAVOIE Two dozen limestone peaks around 2,000/2,500metres west and southwest of Cham. Well marked trails. Suggested centre Lac Annecy.

CHARTREUSE Forested valleys and plateau-top peaks that become huge flower gardens in the early summer.

VERCORS One very big plateau with dramatic escarpment. Great for flowers, and for XC ski.

VANOISE Traditional alpine scenery, modest snow capped peaks, many good trails. Best centre Pralognan.

MERCANTOUR On Italian border, behind the Cote d'Azur. Hot, rocky and bare, prone to thunderstorms.

HAUTES-ALPES As the tourist office says, where the snows meet the lavender. Usually where I end up, not least for the sunshine down there. Centre for northern area Briancon, giving access both to the glacier peaks of the northern Ecrins massif and the trails of the northern Queyras - plus the prettiest valley in the French alps, the Vallee de la Claree which is worth a holiday to itself.
For the central area, the delightful little town of Embrun is ideal.

The surprisingly attractive county town Gap is ideal for the Ecrins south east gateway of the Champsaur. And only 40 minutes to Sisteron for a taste of Provence!

I can usually offer info on 'hebergement' and best walks for most areas.And if you are still hankering after a second dose of Cham, try instead Saas Fee/Grund in the Swiss Valais. Big snow peaks, many trails.Those of us of advancing age should hasten to the Dolomites - so many beautiful cablecars that take all the hard work out of the ascents!

Hope this info helps members going to the alps for the first time.