France
France is a large country by European standards, with a wide range of differing environments. The country's most important mountain range is the French Alps, a rugged region with numerous snow-capped peaks above 4000 metres. Mont Blanc (4808m / 15,767ft) is the highest of these summits and lies at the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy. There are many classic trekking, climbing, mountain biking and road biking routes and itineraries in this part of France, many of them accessed through the town of Chamonix. The second biggest range of mountains in France is the Pyrenees, which forms a natural border with Spain and rises above 3400 metres at its highest. The outlying French province of Corsica is another notably mountainous region, with more than twenty 2000 metre peaks. It is the most mountainous of the Mediterranean islands. There is a certain excitement, a certain 'je ne sais quoi' about any visit to France. This is associated with the feeling that somehow life is easier there and that the pace of life is more relaxed. It is all about sitting in a pavement cafe (the sun always shines in France) drinking a cafe creme, eating a pain au chocolat and watching the world go by. This is an essential part of the French experience and whether you are walking, cycling or climbing in the mountains, or working on your tan on a Mediterranean beach, you will never be too far from a 'sympatique' cafe or bar.
Alpine Trails and Summits of the Queyras
France & Italy, Trek & Walk, 8 days - from $1,295 (land only)
- A high-level Alpine trek for lovers of wild places
- Views of dominating spire of Monte Viso from Pain du Sucre
- The wooden chalets of Fonts de Cervieres
- A tough 6-day trekking holiday in a hidden corner of France
- Fully supported with luggage transferred to gites each evening
Around Mont Blanc - Road Bike
France, Italy & Switzerland, Bike - Road Cycling, 6 days - from $985 (land only)
- A superb Alpine road cycling circuit
- Cycle famous Tour de France passes
- Classic Alpine `Sportive` cycling
- Cycling holiday that rides between France, Switzerland and Italy
- 10,000 metres bike climbing and descent in 4 days
Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
France, Italy & Switzerland, Trek & Walk, 8 days - from $1,475 (land only)
- One-week trek/circuit of the highest peak in the Alps
- Trekking across the Fenetre d`Arpette
- Picturesque Champex
- Hotel-based tour du Mont Blanc trek with full vehicle support
- The Tour du Mont Blanc - one of the most famous Alpine treks
- Centre-based exploration at the heart of the Pyrenees
- 5 days of varied and exciting showshoeing
- Comfortable mountain lodge accommodation
- Views of the highest Pyrenean peaks, Pico Aneto
- Snowshoeing for beginners
- Introductory Alpine climbing in sight of Mont Blanc
- Alpine training in the Chamonix Valley
- Perfect for beginners and budding Alpinists
- Climb Gran Paradiso and the Aiguille du Tour
- All meals except lunches included
- Family adventure holiday packed with fun in the French Alps
- Aiguille du Midi cable-car ride with the family
- Whitewater rafting or Hydrospeed ride on the River Arve
- Excellent chalet based accommodation outside Chamonix
- Exciting Canyoning in the Chamonix Valley
Classic Haute Route - High Alpine Trekking
France & Switzerland, Trek & Walk, 14 days - from $2,965 (land only)
- Ultimate high Alpine trek crossing from France to Switzerland
- Trek from Chamonix to Zermatt, the complete Haute Route traverse
- Climb the Pigne d`Arola and the Tete Blanche
- Overnight in atmospheric high mountain huts
- Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn the ultimate Alpine mountain holiday
- Minitrek around Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps
- Stay in French chalets and Alpine mountain huts
- Swiss chocolate, French cheese and Italian pasta
- Fully supported with baggage transfers
- A classic walking holiday for families with teenage kids
Geneva to Nice Cycle Tour
France & Switzerland, Bike - Road Cycling, 9 days - from $1,975 (land only)
- Cycle the Route des Grandes Alpes
- Ride Europe`s highest paved road
- Bike across famous Tour de France cols
- Stunning Alpine scenery and a superb cycling holiday
- Classic cycling tour from the Alps to the Med
- Climb two 4000 metre peaks in just a week
- Flexible 3 day programme for climbing Mont Blanc
- Alpine climbing holiday in both Italy and France
- Great combination of Italy`s and Westen Europe`s highest peaks
- Traverse of the Vallee Blanche
