French Alps, France: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for French Alps, France? If you're planning to go to French Alps, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to French Alps, France

Based on the climate and weather in French Alps, France, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for French Alps, France

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in French Alps, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for French Alps, France by month

January

January in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to get the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

February

February in French Alps is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

March

If you vacation in French Alps during March, you might notice that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

April

If you vacation in French Alps during April, you might notice that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

May

If you visit French Alps during May, you might notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

June

June is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

July

July in French Alps is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to find the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you vacation in French Alps during August, you will probably see that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to get the necessary type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September in French Alps is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

October in French Alps can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you find the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

November

November in French Alps can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in French Alps can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, France has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in French Alps. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you get the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

What to do in French Alps, France

The French Alps provide a stunning landscape that is sure to captivate any tourist visiting France. In addition to the snow-capped mountains and majestic peaks, the region offers travelers numerous fascinating activities and sightseeing opportunities. Below we’ll be going over some top tourist attractions that will make your French Alps vacation unforgettable.

1. Mer de Glace

This massive glacier located in Chamonix is the largest glacier in France and easily one of the main draws for tourists visiting the French Alps. You can reach the glacier by taking a scenic seven-kilometer train ride from Chamonix to Montenvers-Mer de Glace station. Another way to get to the glacier is by hiking.

2. The Aiguille du Midi

The Aiguille du Midi is a breathtaking summit that’s accessible via cable car from Chamonix. It is the highest point in Europe that you can reach using a cable car, with an elevation of 3,842 meters. Once you get to the top, you can take in the stunning panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.

3. Annecy

Annecy is a picturesque old town that’s located next to a tranquil lake. The town offers scenic architecture, and visitors can take a boat ride around the lake or explore the cafes and restaurants that line the cobbled streets. Annecy also offers cultural attractions like the Palais de l'Île, a 12th-century building that served as a prison during the Middle Ages.

4. Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is a famous ski resort that offers something for everyone from expert to beginner skiers. It is also the largest ski resort in Europe with over 200 kilometers of runs. The area also offers many exciting activities aside from skiing, such as snowmobiling, ice skating, and even go-karting on snow.

5. Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Europe, with an elevation of 4,810 meters. It is a world-famous attraction that draws climbers and hikers from all over the world. However, if climbing isn’t your thing, you can still marvel at the breathtaking view of the mountain from many points around the region.

6. Grand Massif

If you’re an adventurer or a lover of the outdoors, then Grand Massif should be high on your to-do list. The Grand Massif offers a marvelous skiing experience along with other thrilling activities like snowshoeing, paragliding, and dog sledding.

Conclusion

The French Alps, with its many attractions, are a perfect destination for anyone looking for an activity-packed, unforgettable vacation. From skiing to cable car rides to exploring old, picturesque towns, the region has something to offer for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Szombathely, Hungary, Emsworth, England, United Kingdom, Champasak, Laos, Antlers, Oklahoma, United States of America, Finse, Norway, Putrajaya, Malaysia, Baška, Croatia, Dover, New Jersey, United States of America, Modena, Italy, Miyaki, Japan, and Amboise, France.