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Top 7 summer outdoor adventures in the French Alps

A mention of the French Alps may conjure up images of snow-capped mountain peaks and cozy chalets, but winter isn’t the only great time to visit this gorgeous corner of the world. In fact, during the summer months, there are abundant alpine activities to enjoy. Here are 10 of the best ways for active travelers to explore the most famous mountain range in Europe once the snow melts.

Hiking

Throughout the Southern French Alps, you’ll find an incredible array of hiking opportunities, whether you’re looking for an easy stroll, a challenging multi-day trek, or anything in between. France boasts an incredible network of trails throughout the country, with thousands of miles of marked routes. Perhaps the best known hiking trails are the Sentiers de Grandes Randonnées, long-distance routes that zigzag through the Alps region and beyond. Some even connect with routes in neighboring Belgium and Luxembourg.

Looking for something a little quicker? Day hikes are known as Sentiers de Petites Randonnées (PR) or Sentiers de Pays and can be found throughout the French Alps region. You might also consider a hike that takes place near one of the Alps’ many ski resorts. In the summer, most ski lifts are open to hikers, and it can save you some serious uphill mileage.

Mountain biking

As the snow melts in popular ski destinations across the French Alps, adrenaline-pumping single-track mountain biking trails are revealed. Perhaps the most well known summer holiday destination for mountain bikers is Orcières. Located in the Champsaur Valley of the southern French Alps, this area boasts an incredible 5,900 feet of descent. Ride the chairlift to the top, put on your helmet, get on your mountain bike, and go for it.

Road cycling

If you prefer to cycle on paved surfaces while enjoying views along the way, you may opt for a road cycling adventure. Multiple outfitters across the region offer rides through the valleys, complete with incredible views but without some of the most challenging altitude gains.

Tour de France

Finally, if you’re more of a cycling spectator than participant, you’re in luck. Every summer, the Tour de France crosses through the French Alps and there’s nothing quite like watching participants in the world’s most famous bike race speed right by you against the backdrop of breathtaking French countryside.

Mountaineering

With large mountain ranges come incredible mountaineering opportunities. Thrill seekers flock to Mont Blanc, the Ecrins mountain range, and other storied peaks for mountaineering activities all summer long. Space at the refuges halfway up the mountain fill up quickly in the summer months, but luckily there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path mountaineering opportunities you can enjoy. Lace up your hiking boots and put in some steps — a hard day’s mountaineering in the French Alps can reward you with views that have to be seen to be believed.

Kayaking

Hit the water in the French Alps! Grab a kayak and experience the best white water in France as you traverse rivers including the Durance, Ubaye, La Bonne, and Severaisse. White water rapids range from class 2 to class 5, and multiple purveyors offer everything from day trip adventures to multi-day expeditions. No matter what you choose, you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine, spectacular views, and a front-row seat to the beauty of northern France.

Camping

Unplug from everyday life with a camping trip in the mountains of France. Throughout the Alps, you’ll find camping parks just waiting for you to pitch your tent. Bring the whole family! Or if sleeping under canvas isn’t on your summer to-do list, you’ll be glad to know that the French Alps also offers accommodations like cabins, huts, yurts, and mountain refuges that allow you to enjoy the scenery, while still enjoying modern creature comforts.

Pack your sense of adventure — and your travel insurance

No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you’re planning for your French Alps summer holidays, you won’t want to forget your travel insurance. Even the most meticulously planned trips can go sideways, and you’ll want to make sure you’re safe and sound.

A battleface travel plan provides peace of mind for every trip, thanks to travel medical insurance and medical evacuation coverage, trip interruption and trip delay coverage, and even optional protection for all the sporting equipment you take with you.

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battleface travel insurance

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Application: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance containing any materially false information or conceals, for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime.

Claim Form: Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files a statement of claim containing any materially false information or conceals, for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime.

MAINE: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines or a denial of insurance benefits.

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NEW JERSEY:

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OKLAHOMA: Any person who knowingly, and with intent to injure, defraud or deceive any insurer, makes any claim for the proceeds of an insurance policy containing any false, incomplete or misleading information is guilty of a felony.

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TENNESSEE: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefit.

TEXAS: Any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in state prison. 

VIRGINIA: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits. 

WASHINGTON: It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.

NEW YORK*:  Any person who knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance company or other person files an application for insurance or statement of claim containing any materially false information, or conceals for the purpose of misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto, commits a fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime, and shall also be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars and the stated value of the claim for each such violation.