We seek recommendations for a not too touristy village or small city with a nice ion of restaurants, markets, cheese shops, and ambience from which to base our French Alps hiking vacation (same location maybe a week). THANKS!
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
Frankly, anywhere around the Chamonix area is good, although is going to be touristy. If you're willing to go a bit east and into Switzerland, Verbier (part of the Trois Vallees) is a great small town, just what you're looking for.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5537 posts
About 10 years ago, I took an organized hiking trip in France. The highlight of the trip was the hike through the Verdon Gorge. Most days, we hiked from village to village (luggage was sent ahead). A couple of the towns that we stayed in included Moustiers Ste Marie (somewhat touristy), Castellane, and Saint Andre-les-Alpes. This area is a bit west of the Alps, but it definitely had some lovely scenery. You would need a car for this area.