9 independent reviews for French Alps self guided walking holiday
Reviews for French Alps self guided walking holiday
Eleanor Pearson review 12 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The varied walks which let us enjoy different aspects of the area - gorges, lakes, national park, waterfalls, meadows, forests and mountain refuges etc.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do some homework on the area and take advice from the excellent chalet hosts. Their knowledge of the area was brilliant.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The chalet hosts used fresh local ingredients wherever possible and there was a local market day. Local businesses provided a range of activities in the area and shops sold local foods and gifts to visitors. The walks were well marked with advice on dog control and the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. The chalet hosts provided walking advice and maps, transport and excellent meals. Sameon is a typical French town with an amazing range if facilities and activities.Julie Walters review 31 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The scenery high up in the Alps is just stunning, picture postcard Alpine meadows and peaks, reminded us of Heidi! We loved our walks but also returning to our chalet where we were looked after superbly by Chris our host. After a siesta and a shower we would be treated to canapes and a superb 3 course meal, some of the tastiest vegan and vegetarian food we have ever eaten, all highly indulgent!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring a good pair of walking boots and a huge appetite!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we were supporting staff who live all year round locally. Waste was recycled where possible. Our choice to eat vegan and veggie was respected.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I would give the tour operator top marks for their attention to detail and for their standards and all round friendliness and hospitality. They made everything easy for us and the food was incredible.Ross Carne review 17 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had a fantastic time staying in Samoens. We are a family with two adults, 14 year old and twelve year old twins, and stayed in the Petite Ourse in the second week of July 17. We could not recommend the experience more highly. The accommodation included double room with ensuite, and four bed bunk room with ensuite including bath. Downstairs was kitchen, and living space, with outdoor deck with table and hot tub. There are beautiful views across the valley from the downstairs windows. We had guided walks on five days, and a rest day on the Wednesday. Bruno was an excellent guide - patient and able to moderate pace and information delivery according to capacity and appetite! Bruno speaks excellent English, and was also happy to speak French to our daughters who are learning French at school. We walked in a group with those staying 'upstairs' in the Grande Ourse, and had a fun time getting to know some very friendly people. The catering was excellent, with full breakfasts, materials for making lunches and snacks for taking walking, cakes on return from walking, and three courses with wines in the evening, beautifully done by Ben and JJ, who also gave enthusiastic and helpful area advice. The walking was amazing at this time of year: alpine meadows, wildflowers, waterfalls, and glacial landscapes, and not too challenging: we ranged between 500m and 970m ascent in a day. We went rafting on the Giffre on our day off, which was also great.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Transfer from Geneva airport was easy at around 1 hr by private transfer.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation visited stunning landscapes, and walking with Bruno helped increase awareness of the evolution and sensitivity of alpine landscapes. Samoens had many activities for visitors, including several musical events in the square, and fireworks on Bastille day. The Samoens market on Wednesday morning is extensive: we ate out on the Wednesday evening chalet night off, though it would be very easy to source local ingredients at the market and prepare these in-house as an alternative for the Wednesday.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Christine Ansons review 25 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Superb walking country2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plenty of different grades of walking for self-guided tours with very good, detailed maps and instructions.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Walks usually incorporated a visit to a refuge or local café for drinks or snacks. Use of local hiking guides and cycling, white-water rafting if needed. Recycling boxes at entrance to chalet.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent base to explore the beautiful Haute-Giffre valley. Wonderful chalet staff, Kirsty, Scott and Sally, who are very happy to help plan your day.Jon Hargreaves review 2 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Varied expertly guided walks through magnificent scenery2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Come prepared. Any questions are answered effectively and quickly. Veery flexible staff.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefits local areas. Helps to sponsor nature reserves4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent week, well looked after with good walks.Beth Laughton review 29 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking in the mountains.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check the room size. Some are very small with low ceilings3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Somewhat4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good.David Rabinowitz review 23 Jul 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The overall experience was top-notch. The staff were warm, welcoming and helpful. Great accommodation and excellent food and beverages. Great hiking guide as well.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We stayed Saturday to Wednesday and regret not staying longer. Wonderful hikes and other outdoor activities as well as a market to enjoy.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our hiking guide was local but the owners and the rest of the staff are relocated Brits.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
SuperbD. Smith review 20 Jul 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiking to the frozen lake just outside Samoens.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Restaurant called Les 8 Monts in village of Samoens for Wednesday night (chalet staff night off).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Great food, comfortable chalet, beautiful walks, good company (chalet mates), great guide (Bruno) and lucky with the weather.Ingrid Beveridge review 20 Jul 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Fantastic walks and great company. The chalet and staff and the food were really good. So close to Geneva.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just go for it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
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