Have you ever considered an escape to the Alps in autumn? When the sun embraces the mountains with its rays Soft ? From September to December, nature awakens like a living painting. As the mountains regain their calm after the summer season, the valleys reveal their most beautiful hues. Let me show you the most beautiful views of the Alps in autumn.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc : a harmony of contrasts at the foot of the roof of Europe
I take you to the foot of Mont Blanc, to Chamonix, in the heart of the world capital of skiing and mountaineering. Who hasn't heard of this Alpine jewel? Located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, the village's charm lies in the verticality of the surrounding summits . Every time I go to this valley to photograph the Mont Blanc massif, I can't help but admire the beauty of these high points. But I have to admit that, when autumn sets in at Chamonix, the light that glints off the mountains becomes exceptional. Contrasts change, giving way to softer hues. Look up. Beyond the gold and red forests, Mont Blanc rises up, shining brightly. Its neighbors, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, the Dôme du Goûter and the Aiguilles de Chamonix , accompany Europe's highest summit in this flamboyant spectacle.
During this autumn season, I appreciate the tranquility that settles in at Chamonix. Far from the hustle and bustle of the summer and winter tourist seasons. As you stroll through the streets of Chamonix, you'll discover a peaceful atmosphere beneath a symphony of majestic colors.
Unlike other mountain villages, Chamonix is alive all year round. Before November, I recommend a trip up to the Aiguille du Midi. From Chamonix Sud, Europe's highest cable car takes you to an altitude of 3842 metres. Up there, a celestial scene opens up before your eyes. Mont Blanc, king of the French Alps, rises just a few metres in front of you as the crow flies. The most imposing giants of the Alps show their best side. Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, Grandes Jorasses, Verte, Droites, Weisshorn, Grand Combin. Bathed in the soft autumn light, the mountains seem to be singing a hymn to the beauty of the Alps.
Zermatt autumn: treasure of the Swiss Alps
Zermatt vibrates to the rhythm of an abundant and imperious nature. Overlooked by one of the world's most famous peaks, the Matterhorn ( summits ), the village has become the starting point for some of the world's most spectacular ascents. Zermatt lives from the stories of mountaineers, sharing with the world the heritage of the high mountains and their crystal treasures.
In autumn, the village regains its tranquillity after the hustle and bustle of the summer season. Nature sings an ode to the Matterhorn. Purple, gold and red: the larch trees in the valley are transformed. And anyone who rises early will have the chance to admire the Matterhorn in a unique light. At sunrise, the rays caress the summit, then spread out over the eastern face. The Valais pyramid becomes a shining diamond above the valley.
Escape to the valley's most beautiful hiking trails. I recommend the Zermatt forest trail. A two-hour walk immersed in autumn colors. It's a family-friendly hike. When the sun illuminates the Valais forests, the resin of the larches and arolles releases a woody fragrance Soft . Everything comes alive along this well-maintained trail.
In the shadow of Zermatt, another magnificent trail takes shape: the 5 lakes trail. Lasting 2 hrs 30 mins, this trail takes you between the valley's most beautiful lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. Each brings its own diversity. At the Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee lakes, the Matterhorn is reflected in the crystal-clear waters. It's up to you to contemplate the purity and grace of nature.
In the heights, the Zermatt ski area welcomes you. Up there, a breathtaking panorama of the Valais Alps unfolds. Between two ski descents, the resort offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Alps. Skiing in autumn also means taking advantage of almost deserted slopes for an extraordinary getaway.
The Villar-Saint-Pancrace larch forest: a hidden gem at the foot of Lac de l'Orceyrette
In the Hautes-Alpes region of France, nestles a peaceful spot that has yet to achieve its full reputation. The village of Villar-Saint-Pancrace is home to Europe's largest larch forest. In autumn, it's hard not to be enchanted by this colorful setting. As you climb higher, you'll discover the cliffs of Les Ayes. A paradise for rock-climbing enthusiasts, this area offers routes for all levels, on rock of excellent quality.
Just a stone's throw from Les Ayes, Lac de l'Orceyrette comes into view. Of residual glacial origin, the lake takes its name from the Orceyrette mountain pasture. Its etymology seems to derive from the Alpine Occitan "Orsièra", meaning "bear". Looking at this lake, you'd think we were in the heart of Canada. Larch trees encircle the waterhole. In the background, the summits peaks reach for the sky, already snowed in by the imminent arrival of winter. But what makes this lake so special is its reflection. In autumn, the turquoise water undergoes a metamorphosis. It mirrors the summits in the background and the blazing larches. With our feet firmly on the ground and our gaze on the horizon, our minds drift off to faraway lands. This lake will no doubt be familiar to you. It is the backdrop for many film scenes, including Alex Hugo's TV series, and Kad Merad's feature film Marseille.
But discovering the mountain village of Villar-Saint-Pancrace also means strolling through the streets of Briançon. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it tells the story of its rich and welcoming architecture. Far from the vagaries of autumn weather, the region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. If you want to enjoy the last rays of sunshine before the onset of winter, Briançon will charm you.
Courchevel in autumn: diamonds in the heart of the French Alps
In the Haute Tarentaise valley, in the French Alps, nestles a jewel box of luxury and pleasure. Courchevel seduces with its excellence and majestic scenery. In autumn, the mountain village lives to the rhythm of mild temperatures and falling leaves. Courchevel is transformed into a tableau vivant of vivid colors.
The ski resort abounds in hiking trails. The Boucle du Rocher de la Loze offers an exceptional panorama of the Vanoise, Beaufortain and Mont Blanc massifs. In the distance, glaciers flow by. This hike requires a 3-hour walk and a 450-meter ascent. For the more courageous, I invite you to take the 1000 steps trail. One of Courchevel's most popular hikes, it begins at the botanical trail that leads from Lac de la Rosière. Between steps and suspension bridges, the path winds through forests offering splendid views of the massif. The path is steep, but the walk is unique. I recommend setting off early to park your car easily in the parking lot.
For golf enthusiasts, admire the changing landscapes from the Golf de Courchevel. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, a technical course offers challenges and contemplation. In a relaxed atmosphere rich in flora and fauna, the club welcomes you until October for a session of play. Situated at the foot of the Saulire massif, the 9-hole par 3 course, approved for all indexes, welcomes you.
A stay in Courchevel also means enjoying the region's gastronomic delights. In the heart of this refined setting, Michelin-starred chefs concoct the most luxurious dishes for holidaymakers. Among the most popular is the 1947 restaurant. With three Michelin stars, chef Yannick Alléno pays tribute to the beauty of the Alps through a journey of flavors. From the restaurant, the terrace invites you to contemplate the exceptional panorama within this prestigious universe.
Engadine: a symphony of colors around St. Moritz
Think of the Engadine in autumn as a hidden treasure. From September to December, the region is bathed in calm. The soft light caresses summits and the atmosphere becomes peaceful. The Piz Bernina watches over the Engadine. Its ridge sparkles, the winds dance. Here, souls find rest. In the breath of the mountains, St. Moritz and its surroundings smile under a coat of fire. I regularly visit the Engadine to photograph the Bernina massif. And I remember a moment when the Piz Bernina and its ridge, the Biancograt, showed me their most beautiful sight. In 2020, I was in the middle of a storm. The wind was blowing relentlessly at summit and clouds were clinging to the freshly snow-covered face. The Piz Bernina suddenly burst through the mist. I felt its full force and power. Filled with adrenalin, I captured for you a moment of glory that the Engadine had revealed to me.
From St. Moritz, I recommend an E-Bike tour to discover the splendors of the region. The Upper Engadine and Val Fex lakes are just two of the possible tours. With a length of 36 kilometers, the route takes you between lakes and plains to discover the most beautiful autumn colors.
Discover the trails of the Engadine for an escapade through majestic landscapes. One of the most beautiful hikes is the Margunet in the Swiss National Park. A true haven of peace, the trail leads you between forests and alpine pastures. If you'd like to discover the region's typical villages, the Via Engiadina is just the ticket. Set in picturesque countryside, this classic hike will give you a whole new perspective on the Engadine.
Ecrins massif autumn: an ode to the majesty of the Alps
In the shadow of glittering mountains and glaciers, a 2710 km2 massif stretches across the French Alps. Introducing Ecrins massif. The valleys are dressed in flamboyant yellows and reds. The wind carries the scent of pine trees and wet woods. Lakes reflect the peaks, crystal-clear waters cradle the mysteries of autumn. La Meije, queen of the massif, dominates this natural theater. She watches over her domain like an immovable sentinel. Between the mountains, hiking trails wind their way through a panorama of fire, ice and rock. Here is a selection of the most beautiful hikes to discover exceptional views of Ecrins massif in autumn.
The Lac de l'Ascension loop takes you through untamed nature. From coniferous forests to alpine valleys, the trail offers a wide variety of landscapes. Allow 6 hours' walking to cover the 13 kilometers and 800 meters of ascent. All day long, the view of Mont Pelvoux offers you the most beautiful of journeys.
Discover the belvedere of the three refuges. Situated on the border with the Hautes-Alpes, the hike starts in either Pelvoux or Vallouise. Up there, the view over the massif takes you on a marvellous odyssey. If you'd like to extend your hike, head up to Lac de Puy Aillaud, 200 m higher up. Its pure water and mirror-like reflection echo the splendour of Ecrins massif.
It's time to celebrate the beauty of the Alps in autumn. The mountains are queens, and we are mere admirers. It's up to you to contemplate their eternal, sumptuous beauty.
