It’s that time of year where summer holiday planning starts and a trip to the Alps might be on the cards. But where do you start? This two week road trip through the Swiss and French Alps is the ultimate adventurous mix of stunning scenery, fabulous hikes, ALL the views, adrenaline fuelled activities, wild swims and more through some of the most iconic destinations in the Alps. So whether it’s by car or campervan, if you need some help exploring some of Europe’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes, this is the guide for you. 

Driving from the UK to France - everything you need to know about the Channel Tunnel

The Channel Tunnel is the fastest and most convenient way to drive to France from the UK but should be booked in advance, especially during peak holiday times. 

The UK terminal is in Folkestone, near Kent, just off the M20 motorway at Junction 11A. Check in is quick and takes place around 40 minutes before your departure time. You get given a boarding number to hang on your rear mirror and there is a waiting area with shops, food options and toilets inside the main building. 

When it is your time to depart, you follow the signs and drive onto the shuttle. It’s like a massive train with huge carriages and you park one behind the other. Onboard, you stay in your vehicle but there are toilets you can use in each carriage. 

On the French side, it arrives in Coquelles, near Calais, with direct access to the A16 and A26 motorways for onward travel into France and Europe.

The whole journey only takes around 35 minutes and tickets can be booked online.

Arriving in the French Alps; Chamonix

It’s around an 8.5hr drive from Calais to Chamonix so depending on your previous travel, you might want to stop off somewhere on the way. We stayed at an aire (basically a motorway services/parking station) which had basic toilet facilities. It was quiet all night and they are free to stay in your self-contained campervan or motorhome. 

The drive into Chamonix is incredible; the mountains tower around you and on an overcast day, the clouds hang tightly to the mountain sides. It can look like something straight out of a movie set. Sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of the most famous towns in the Alps, known for its incredible hiking, skiing and for being a great hub for outdoor adventure. The town has so much offer and you can easily spend multiple days here. Take a look below at some of the outdoor adventure activities on offer in Chamonix.

Hikes in Chamonix

Le Jonction

Distance: 12km (with use of chairlift)

Ascent: 1700m

Difficulty: challenging and physically demanding, not for beginners, a very long day of 7-9 hours.

Quite arguably one of the best hikes in Chamonix with incredible, close-up views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding glaciers. The hike starts from Les Bossons where there is a chairlift to take you to the chalet at the Glacier des Bossons. The chairlift operates during the late Spring/Summer months and costs approx €13 for a return ticket. This will take off around 300m of elevation and I highly recommend taking the chairlift; this is a long and challenging hike as it is!

From the top of the chairlift, the trail is easy to follow; up, up and up through the forest on what feels like never ending switchbacks. Eventually, you pop out above the trees to rocky terrain, a small scramble and then a final approach path to the high point at Le Jonction (2589m). The views here are incredible so soak it all in and enjoy it before tracing your steps back down the same route to the chairlift station. 

Enjoying the view from Le Jonction wearing the My Urban Trail shorts. 

Lac Blanc

Distance: 4km to the lake (using the gondola to start). Route can be extended easily. 

Ascent: 500m

Difficulty: moderate - decent level of fitness needed, easy to follow trail

The hike to Lac Blanc, a perfect alpine lake with a backdrop of jagged, snowy peaks is a popular one but definitely worth visiting. As with most hikes in the Alps, I recommend taking the gondolat from Les Praz to the top station. It costs approximately €20 per person to do this which is quite expensive but will save you lots of time to explore the area a bit more once you’re up there. 

From the top of the Flégère gondola, there is a well-marked trail which leads all the way to Lac Blanc. The path starts steeply at first on gravel and gradually becomes more rocky. It will take around 1.5hrs to reach Lac Blanc, a picturesque lake with panoramic views. There’s also a cafe here (cash only) that’s worth a little stop at. 

From the lake, you can either retrace your steps back down to the gondola or plan a circular route that takes you on a detour up to Lac de la Perseverance then back along a trail to Lac de Fouet and down to the gondola station once more.

Wearing the My Urban Trail leggings on the Lac Blanc hike. 

Outdoors and adventure things to do in Chamonix

Cascade du Dard waterfall

The walk to Cascade du Dard is a great rainy day activity or a nice option for a more gentle day. This 20-meter-high waterfall is hidden in the forest and takes around 1 hour to reach. Starting from Chamonix, there is a trail through the woods that leads out the back of the Aiguille du Midi gondola station. As you head uphill, you’ll eventually follow the path down directly to the base of the waterfall. 

Aguille du Midi

The Aiguille du Midi sits at an altitude of 3842m with incredible views over Chamonix and Mont Blanc. This is an expensive trip (around €80 for a return trip on the gondola) but worth it for all the views. At the summit is a glass box experience you’ll need to queue for as well as a cafe, terrace and access to climbs. 

It’s certainly a tourist trap but I really enjoyed it and tried to embrace the queues and crowds as much as possible. The views were absolutely gorgeous!

Paragliding

Ever wanted to soar through the sky? Yeah me too. When we were in Chamonix, we booked a tandem paragliding experience and it was SO worth the expense. There are plenty of companies you can book with to do it so check locally but we went with Air Sports Chamonix. We flew from the first gondola station on the Aiguille du Midi (you’ll need to purchase your own ticket for that) and flew over the nearby glacier and through the valley down to Chamonix, doing some twisty turns on the way! Lots of fun!

Booking a tandem paragliding flight in Chamonix is straightforward and offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Several reputable companies provide these experiences, each offering unique packages:

The Cosmique Arete

This is one for experienced and competent climbers or those who have some scrambling confidence and want to try something new with a local guide. The Cosmique Arete is a fabulous alpine ridge accessed from the Aiguille du Midi cable car from Chamonix. It is a mixed climb ridge, with exposed sections, over ice, snow and rock.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is hugely popular in Chamonix with plenty of hire locations to choose from. However, the area is best suited to more experienced riders as the trails are often steep and rocky although there are some gentler trails too. Take a look here for mountain bike trails in Chamonix. 

Campsite in Chamonix: Les Marmottes

There are plenty of campsites or other types of accommodation in Chamonix (although some can be very expensive) so you won’t be short of options. Just remember to book in advance during peak season. 

We stayed at the Camping Les Marmottes site, a lovely campsite which sits in the Chamonix Valley looking right up at Mont Blanc and the surrounding glaciers. 

It’s Located in Les Bossons, roughly 200 meters from the Chamonix bus and train stations and with the guest card you are given at check in, you can get free travel on local buses and the Mont Blanc train between Servoz and Vallorcine.

The campsite features 85 pitches, including options for tents, caravans, motorhomes, and various rental accommodations such as chalets, mobile homes, and pods. There are electric hook ups, a clean shower and toilet block, a games room, and when we were there they had a pizza night too. 

It’s around a 1 hr walk to the centre of Chamonix from the campsite so it’s well worth making use of the guest card for free buses and trains there and back. 

At our time of visit (September 2024), prices were roughly £18 per night, per person. 

Crans-Montana, The Swiss Alps

Located high above the Rhône Valley, just 1.5hrs from Chamonix, Crans-Montana is a lesser visited location in the Alps but one which offers plenty of outdoor adventure. The Swiss ski resort transforms over the summer months to one which offers crystal clear lakes, plenty of sunshine, wonderful hikes as well as mountain biking and golf, all under the watch of nearby snow capped mountains. The town feels laid back and welcoming and is a great base to explore the wider area.

Hikes in Crans Montana

Lac de Tseuzier

Distance: 5km

Ascent: 165m

Difficulty: Easy - clear path all the way around the lake BUT slippy in snow

We only spent a few days in Crans Montana as we were there for a UTMB trail running race but really enjoyed the hike around Lac de Tseuzier. There had been a big snow storm in the days previous to our arrival so our sunny, summer hike was actually a cold, snowy one with micro spikes kinda hike. Crazy!

The hike around Lac de Tseuzier is incredibly scenic starting from the car parking area near the dam. The trail follows the side of the lakeshore in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction (up to you which you choose) through forests, alpine meadows and with mountain peaks in the distance. The whole route is approximately 5km with a gentle elevation gain. It’s a great half day walk and at the head of the lake there is a restaurant (although it was closed when we were there in September).

Outdoors and adventure things to do in Crans Montana

Turtmann Waterfall

Just 30 minutes from Crans Montana is Turtmann Waterfall. This is one of the easiest waterfalls I've ever been to and is just a 5 minute walk from the main car park. This 42m high waterfall is hidden in a secluded part of the valley and is fed by the Turtmännabach stream which originates from the Turtmann Glacier.

Mountain biking

With over 268km of marked mountain biking trails, Crans Montana has lots to offer all levels of mountain biking. There are alo three downhill sections and Crans Montana is hosting the UCI Cross Country World Championships in 2025 so when it comes to mountain biking, Crans Montana definitely knows what it’s doing!

Water Sports

Crans Montana has plenty of mountain lakes perfect for wild swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. Be sure to enquire about the hire of equipment locally when you are there. There is also an option to book on a canyoning trip when you are there which looks SO much fun.

Campsite in Crans Montana

We stayed at La Moubra Campsite while we were in Crans Montana. Since the UTMB race was on, it was very busy and with no pitches left, we ended up in their overflow field, which was perfectly fine. They also have some lovely pitches in the woods and you can just choose a place that suits yourself. The facilities were spotlessly clean with what looked like a relatively new toilet and shower block and it was a 15 minute ish walk up to the centre of the town. Although the friendless of staff was a bit, shall I say, lacking, we still had a pleasant few nights stay here before moving on to Interlaken. 

Interlaken Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Between the shimmering waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, you’ll find Interlaken, 3hrs from both Chamonix and Crans Montana. This is a paradise for outdoor lovers and an excellent place to base yourself for a week of exploring. The train network is world class and can transfer you to a whole host of different locations including Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, which you’ll find more about below. This is a popular town and a popular stop so expect the centre to be busy and full of tourists. It’s a crowded place but worth a little look round anyway. Interlaken is packed full of all the outdoor activities you could think of and is a must visit location on your Alps road trip this summer. We based ourselves here for a week and crammed in a ridiculous amount of activities so you certainly won’t have a minute to be bored here!

Hikes around Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen

Lake Oeschinensee

Distance: 10km+ depending on how far you want to walk. Much less if you get the gondola. 

Ascent: around 1000m for the longer hike

Difficulty: moderate - some steep sections and narrow paths unless taking the gondola

Lake Oeschinensee, near Kandersteg and roughly 45 minutes from Interlaken, is a breathtaking alpine lake with turquoise waters and a dramatic mountain backdrop. The lake, which sits at an elevation of 1,578 meters, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area and is a popular and insta-famous destination. It’s a busy little spot but if you choose not to join the masses getting the gondola to the high point and the start of a short walk, you can enjoy some peaceful moments here. 

 I recommend parking in Kandersteg (get there early) and rather than getting the gondola, following the path along the river, up through the woodland, and to Lake Oeschinensee. It takes around 1.5hrs to do this but the trail is quiet and you save the gondola fare too! At the lake itself, there is a cafe and a trail that leads you around the lake. It’s up to you how much you explore but the further you go, the quieter the trail gets so it’s worth spending longer taking the Panorama Trail along one side of the lake. Be sure to swim in the icy cold waters too; it’s a beautiful swim you won’t forget! 

Grindelwald, Swiss Alps

This is one of my favourite places EVER in the Swiss Alps. We’ve been a couple of times now and every visit, we’ve managed to find different hikes and activities. This place will really take your breath away, it’s a picture-perfect mountain village with so many traditional buildings, cow bells ringing in the distance, dramatic mountain peaks, alpine meadows, glacier views and incredible glacial lakes all with the backdrop of the Eiger, Monch and the Jungfrau.

The hardest part of Grindelwald is definitely leaving again! 

Hikes in Grindelwald

Eiger North Face hike

Distance: 14km if hiking from Alpiglen

Ascent: 808m

Difficulty: Good footpaths with some narrower sections, good fitness needed

The Eiger Trail is a brilliant alpine hike that takes you right along the base of the Eiger North Face, one of the most challenging climbing routes in the world. If you want to take out most of the trickier walking, take the train up to Eigergletscher station, accessible via the Jungfrau Railway from Grindelwald. The trail from here is approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) along the foot of the Eiger North Face. However, I recommend taking the train part way to Alpiglen instead. It will save you a small fortune and the walk from there to the main station only takes around 1.5hrs anyway. Plus, there’s a cheese honesty snack box part way! 

The Eiger North Face trail treats you to panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range as it descends through alpine meadows and waterfalls. The hike is pretty much downhill all the way from the start of the trail and will lead you back to the Alpiglen station where you can get the train back down or you can walk all the way back to Grindelwald. 

Hike to Lake Bachalpsee

Distance: 5km

Ascent: 110m

Difficulty: Easy - good footpaths and small elevation gain

This round-trip hike takes you to the picturesque Bachsee lake, surrounded by alpine meadows and offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. It also happens to be a great place for a wild swim if you can brave the cold, glacial waters. You can get the gondola up to the First station where there is a trail that leads directly to the lake and back again. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds and if you can, extending your walk around the back of the lake to make a longer loop. 

Hike to Bäregg mountain hut and the Ischmeer glacier.

Distance: just under 6km

Ascent: 400m

Difficulty: moderate - some steep, rocky paths and steep drop offs

This is a linear route starting from Grindelwald and leading up a high alpine hut, which is a great place to stop for lunch. The views over the glacier are spectacular and if you get the Pfingstegg cable car from Grindelwald village to the summit station, it only takes around 1.5hrs to reach the hut. 

Other things to do in Grindelwald

Grindelwald is home to some fabulous adrenaline activities for all ages as well as the usual paragliding, mountain biking and water sports found at many places in the Alps.

Gindelwald First

The gondola station called First is the place to go for adrenaline activities. With a cliff walk, glider experience, mountain carts and Trottibike rides available, you'' find something to keep you occupied for the day here. Take a look at their website for more information. 

Canyon Swing

Fancy jumping from a 90m platform and flying through a canyon at 120km/hour attached only by a rope? Yeah, me too! This thrilling canyon swing is not for the faint hearted though and takes some serious bravery! Check out more info here. 

Lauterbrunnen, Swiss Alps

Also known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls”, Lauterbrunnen is a breathtaking and magical place. Surrounded by steep, sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls, this village offers access to some spectacular walking trails of varied difficulty. Even just a lower level walk through the valley is worth it as you’ll pass huge waterfalls on both sides. This is a popular place and trains and coaches will start arriving early so don’t expect to get this place to yourself. 

Hikes in Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk

This is a leisurely 4.3 km (2.7 miles) walk through the Lauterbrunnen valley. The path is easy to follow and incredibly well maintained through lush meadows and alongside towering cliffs with plenty of waterfalls. This is an easy trail that takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Hike to Lake Sulsseewli from Isenfluh

Distance: 13km

Ascent: 975m

Difficulty: Moderate - steep inclines and a long day with the elevation

This is a wonderful 13km, circular loop starting in Isenfluh, just a short distance from Lauterbrunnen. From the main car park, the trail winds up through the woods, steeply in some parts, through meadows, crosses rivers and traces around cliff faces (no exposure though) with the most stunning views the higher you climb.

 Eventually, you’ll reach Lake Sulsseewli, a beautiful glacier lake. From here, head to the Lobhornhütte, a wonderful mountain refuge that serves delicious food, snacks and drinks. The views here down to the valley and over to the Jungfrau mountain range are breathtaking so be sure to factor in some time to enjoy the views from here.

The route then heads down towards the valley again and back to the car park. 

Other things to do in Lauterbrunnen

Unfortunately we only had one day in Lauterbrunnen but it is also home to a fabulous via ferrata and the Trümmelbach Falls Trail, a 3.5 km (2.2 miles) one way trail leading to Europe's largest subterranean waterfall.

Campsite in Interlaken

We based ourselves at the Camping au Lac campsite in Ringgenberg, located right on the side of Lake Brienz, around a 10 minute drive from Interlaken centre. There was a free bus we used to get into the centre when needed which ran at regular intervals. The campsite was amazing; there was a spotless shower and toilet block, a mini shop, a washing area and paddleboards and kayaks you can hire for free.

We booked a lakeside pitch with electric and woke up every morning to beautiful views over the lake and some very friendly ducks. We paid roughly £30 per night to stay here. Highly recommend it!

Tips for planning hikes in the French and Swiss Alps

• When you arrive in destinations you want to hike, head to the nearest tourist information centre; they’ll often have maps of hiking routes you can take to help you plan

• Komoot and AllTrails have lots of hiking routes available for you to download to your phone - I prefer Komoot as it is usually more accurate than AllTrails in my experience

• If you can read maps, buy some local maps so you can plan your own route

• Most trails are really well signposted so as long as you know what number/colour trail you are on, it’s often just the case of following the signs

• Hiking at altitude can zap your energy and cause headaches - be sure to drink more, stop regularly and keep your energy levels topped up

Tips for driving through France and Switzerland

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road in both countries.

• Adjust your headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers (use beam deflectors or manual adjustment - you can buy these really cheap on Amazon or they are in the European Driving Kits).

• Invest in a European Driving Kit to keep in your car - it has the required items in it for driving in Europe

• Always carry required documents: passport, driving licence, vehicle registration (V5C), insurance, and, for Switzerland, proof of emissions compliance if needed.

• A UK sticker or UK identifier on your number plate is mandatory unless your plate already includes a UK identifier with a Union Jack.

• Check the speed limits carefully

• There are toll charges for both France and Switzerland. In France, you usually just pay as you pass through them but in Switzerland, you’ll need to buy a toll  vignette (road pass) to use the toll roads or face a hefty fine. You can buy this at the border crossing or online.

I hope you found this guide to road tripping around the Swiss and French Alps helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out on Instagram or for some other UK based inspo, take a look at some of the other blogs on the My Urban Trail website.