The French Savoie is home to two of the most recognizable treks in Europe. The Tour du Mont Blanc is as classic as hiking gets, visiting the three neighboring countries of France, Italy, and Switzerland, the Tour du Mont Blanc has garnered its fame by simply being one of the most epic mountain tours in Europe. The Hiker’s Haute Route shares half of its trail with the Tour du Mont Blanc as you begin your journey on the flanks of the Mont Blanc in the bustling and historic village of Chamonix. Over the course of the next 12 days, we journey to the Swiss alpine heart of Zermatt. Ryder-Walker’s longest European tour and one of our most involved, the Haute Route is for true mountain lovers.

Chamonix – Mont Blanc to Val d’Isere takes a more relaxed approach to explore the lower peaks below the Mont Blanc. Featuring medieval villages, alpine lakes, and unrivaled views of the highest mountain in Western Europe, as well as an exploration of the iconic ski villages of Val d’Isere. 

The Haute Pyrénées are one of the less-traveled corners of France, exploring the Haute, or high, Pyrénées mountains. Along the way, we visit time forgotten Basque villages and explore the rugged and breathtaking Pyrénées summits. The Basque culture itself is a reason to visit, with a language that shares no common ancestor with modern languages, their own historic cooking traditions, and walled medieval cities, the Basque people have a proud and fascinating way of life that isn’t quite like anywhere else in the mountainous regions of Europe.

Finally, Provence is the most gentle and peaceful option of the bunch, winding through the pre-alpine hills of the Luberon. Sweeping lavender fields, winding medieval villages, and the unique Southern-French character and cuisine make Provence among the most charming regions to visit in France.

The French countryside sows a romantic yarn. Fields full of free-roaming cattle, farmers villages that see only a handful of visitors a year, and the most classic of the classic hiking tours offer experiences that will fascinate newcomers to trekking and enthusiasts alike!