An introduction to the French Alps

Soaring peaks, crystal lakes and gorgeous cities and towns combine to create a stunning region for a family camping holiday in france where the emphasis is very much on fresh air and scenery.

The holiday park in Annecy has a tropical pool with breathtaking Alpine views and Lake Annecy's crystal clear water is just 700m away.

What to eat and drink in the French Alps

One of the most popular Alpine dishes is the gloopy and gorgeous Tartiflette: a mouthwatering, melty melange of potatoes with Reblochon cheese, onions and bacon and best served with a glass of Gamay. And followed by a lie down!

Fondue, made with half emmental and half beaufort cheese, melted with Savoy white wine in a saucepan, is also popular, served with a choice of meats and pickles for dipping. Go on, treat yourself, you're on holiday!

What to see in the French Alps

Of course, all those mountains mean you'll need a car to explore it all properly from your campsite. With its historic canal-lined centre and spectacular setting of mountains, clear blue sky and idyllic alpine villages, Annecy is unquestionably one of the jewels of France.

The delights of camping in the Alps are best enjoyed by ramblers, strollers and cyclists alike. Explore 30km of gently undulating cycle paths that offer relaxed and unhurried discovery where a surprise waits around every turn. Or follow endless well marked trails to make the most of the amazing national parks.

Walking and hiking around St Jorioz village and St Eustache up to 900m is the high point of the Parc Natural des Bauges.

Other regional highlights include the Ecrins and Bauges nature reserves, lakes near Léman, Annecy or Bourget, the many vineyards, historic countryside and deep gorges in the Ardèche or Drôme.

For city life head for Saint-Etienne, Chambéry, Grenoble or the epicurean epicentre of Lyon. The Parc National de La Vanoise and Parc Régional du Queyras have particularly splendid flora and fauna.

What's the weather like in the French Alps?