The French and Italian Alps: from Megève to the Aosta Valley

Day 1: Brussels to Megève

Halfway along the drive, a stop in Bourg-en-Bresse is well worth it. The old town still has half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, and just outside the centre stands the Royal Monastery of Brou, with its Gothic church and glazed roof tiles. You then continue to Megève, the ski village at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif that has been a fixture since the 1920s for those who want to enjoy the Alps at a quieter pace. You stay three nights at the Grand Hôtel du Soleil d'Or, in the heart of the village.

Day 2: Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi

From the centre of Chamonix, the cable car takes you in two stages up to the Aiguille du Midi, at 3,842 metres. At the top, you look straight across to the summit of Mont Blanc and over the glaciers of the massif. If you prefer to stay lower, take the Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace, the longest glacier in France, where a new ice cave is carved out every year. The afternoon is free for Chamonix itself: the town that hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and has drawn mountaineers since the 18th century.

Day 3: Conflans and Vanoise National Park

The medieval village of Conflans sits on a rocky spur above Albertville and controlled passage through the valley for centuries. In its lanes, the wrought-iron shop signs stand out. They are made at the historic forge in Marthod, a few kilometres north of Albertville, which is still open to visitors. From the park where the castle once stood, you look out over Albertville, host city of the 1992 Winter Olympics. You then drive on to Vanoise National Park, founded in 1963 as the first national park in France. On the Italian side, it borders Gran Paradiso National Park. Waymarked trails lead past mountain lakes, alpine meadows and forests, and with a little patience you may spot ibex, chamois, marmots or a golden eagle.

Day 4: Via the Skyway Monte Bianco to the Aosta Valley

Through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, you cross into Italy. Just beyond the tunnel, in Pontal d'Entrèves, the Skyway Monte Bianco departs. The round cabins rotate slowly during the ride and take you, via an intermediate station, from 1,300 to 3,466 metres, up to Punta Helbronner. From the terrace, you can see the peaks of France, Italy and Switzerland. For the next three nights, you stay at the Auberge de la Maison in Entrèves, a hamlet of Courmayeur with views of Mont Blanc.

Day 5: Aosta, the 'Rome of the Alps'

The Romans founded Aosta in 25 BC as Augusta Praetoria, a garrison town on the route to the Alpine passes. Much of it can still be seen today: the Porta Praetoria, the Arch of Augustus, the façade of the theatre and the street plan of the old castrum. Between the Roman remains lie small squares and a medieval cathedral. Take time for lunch with local produce, such as Fontina cheese, Lardo d'Arnad and wines from the valley's vineyards, some of which, around Morgex, reach up to 1,200 metres and rank among the highest in Europe.

Day 6: Gran Paradiso and the Lillaz waterfalls

The village of Cogne is the gateway to Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy's oldest national park, founded in 1922 on the former hunting reserve of King Victor Emmanuel II. From Cogne, a flat walk leads to the hamlet of Lillaz, where the water drops about 150 metres in three tiers. The park is also easy to explore by bike, with paved paths in the valley and an extensive network for mountain bikers.

Day 7: Return to Brussels

You drive home, or extend your trip at a Caractère hotel of your choice. If you'd like to break up the journey, you can spend a night at one of our hotels in Alsace.

What budget should you expect?

For this six-night round trip, allow for a guide price from €3,200 for two people, in a double room with breakfast. The final price depends on when you travel, your personal wishes and the extras you choose.

Frequently asked questions about this round trip

Do I need to be a keen hiker for this trip?

No. The cable cars, villages and viewpoints can all be reached without effort. The walk to the Lillaz waterfalls is short and mostly flat. In the Vanoise and Gran Paradiso, you decide how far you go, from a short stroll to a full day's hike.

Do people speak French or Italian in the Aosta Valley?

Both: the Aosta Valley is officially bilingual. Street and place names are often signposted in both languages. In practice, you'll mostly hear Italian, but French is widely understood.

Can I do this trip in an electric car?

Yes. There are plenty of rapid chargers along the route to the Alps and in the region, and the mountain roads are no problem. Bear in mind that consumption is higher uphill and the battery drains faster in the cold. Feel free to ask us about hotels with a charging point.