French Alps: Complete Travel Guide
Published on July 28, 2026 | Reading time: 17min
By Bérénice Cousin, Community Manager at HOMANIE
The French Alps are one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain destinations, offering breathtaking scenery, world-renowned ski resorts, charming Alpine villages, and unforgettable experiences throughout the year. Whether you're planning a winter ski holiday, a summer hiking adventure, a family getaway, or a luxury escape, the region combines pristine nature with exceptional hospitality, fine dining, and outdoor activities for every season. From iconic destinations such as Chamonix, Megève, and Courchevel to hidden mountain retreats, this complete travel guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to the French Alps, including the best places to visit, when to go, where to stay, and the experiences not to miss.
Summary
Where Are the French Alps?
The French Alps are located in southeastern France, stretching from the shores of Lake Geneva near the Swiss border to the Mediterranean coast close to Italy. Covering several departments, including Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and Alpes-Maritimes, the region is home to some of Europe's highest peaks, including Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe. Easily accessible from major cities such as Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble, and Nice, the French Alps offer a remarkable mix of dramatic mountain landscapes, picturesque villages, world-famous ski resorts, crystal-clear lakes, and protected natural parks, making them one of France's premier destinations for both winter and summer travel.
Geography of the French Alps
The French Alps form the western section of the Alps mountain range, spanning more than 300 kilometers across southeastern France. Characterized by soaring peaks, deep valleys, alpine meadows, glaciers, and pristine lakes, the region boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes. It is home to Mont Blanc (4,805 m), the highest summit in Western Europe, as well as several renowned mountain massifs, including the Aravis, Vanoise, Beaufortain, Écrins, Queyras, and Mercantour. The geography also includes spectacular natural landmarks such as Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget, and the gorges du Verdon on the southern edge of the Alpine region. This rich and varied terrain supports an abundance of outdoor activities year-round, from skiing and mountaineering in winter to hiking, cycling, climbing, and watersports during the warmer months.
What Is the Climate in the French Alps?
Winter in the French Alps typically lasts from December to April, bringing cold temperatures, reliable snowfall, and ideal conditions for skiing and other snow sports. Higher-altitude resorts often enjoy excellent snow coverage throughout the season, while lower valleys experience milder conditions. Temperatures generally range from -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F) depending on elevation, with crisp, sunny days frequently following snowfall, creating spectacular mountain scenery.
Summer, from June to September, offers pleasantly warm days and cool, refreshing evenings, making it one of the best times to explore the region's natural beauty. Temperatures usually range between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the valleys, while higher elevations remain comfortably cooler. The season is ideal for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, lake activities, and enjoying the alpine landscapes, with long daylight hours and generally stable weather punctuated by occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
What Is the Culture Like in the French Alps?
The culture of the French Alps is deeply rooted in mountain traditions, where centuries-old customs blend with a refined art of living. Historic villages built from stone and wood, picturesque churches, local markets, and seasonal festivals reflect the region's rich heritage. Alpine life has long been shaped by farming, craftsmanship, and a close connection to nature, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere that visitors can still experience today. Traditional music, folklore, and celebrations continue to play an important role in many mountain communities.
The region is equally renowned for its exceptional gastronomy. Local specialties such as fondue, raclette, tartiflette, and regional cheeses including Beaufort, Reblochon, and Tomme de Savoie are central to Alpine cuisine, often accompanied by wines from the Savoie vineyards. Alongside these traditions, the French Alps have become synonymous with luxury hospitality, combining Michelin-starred restaurants, elegant chalets, prestigious ski resorts, and world-class wellness experiences. This unique balance of authenticity, outdoor adventure, and sophisticated living makes the French Alps one of Europe's most distinctive travel destinations.
What Are the Best Places to Visit in the French Alps?
Chamonix
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of the French Alps' most iconic mountain destinations, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, world-class skiing, and year-round outdoor adventures. Combining alpine charm with a vibrant international atmosphere, the town offers exceptional hiking, mountaineering, and panoramic experiences, including the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Mer de Glace glacier. Whether visiting in winter for snow sports or in summer for spectacular mountain landscapes, Chamonix is an ideal destination for travelers seeking both adventure and luxury in the heart of the Alps.
Megève
Located in the heart of the charming and authentic village of Megève, this chalet is the perfect location for exploring everything on foot: indulge in shopping at prestigious boutiques, easily access the ski lifts or enjoy evenings at the local bars and restaurants. Recently renovated, the chalet offers 400m² of refined luxury, blending modernity with exclusivity. Spanning three floors, its ground floor features a spacious 100m² living area with a lounge and fireplace, bar, kitchen, and dining room, all opening onto a large garden. The chalet accommodates up to 16 guests across 7 bedrooms, including a master suite with a convertible lounge that can double as a bedroom, and a family suite with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom. For relaxation, the wellness area includes a swim spa, hammam, sauna, and home cinema: perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes or hiking trails. Additionally, the chalet features an independent studio to accommodate staff.
For larger groups, another luxurious 7-bedroom chalet, Homanie Megève Village, is also available for rent just across the street under the same ownership.
Annecy
Set on the shores of one of Europe's purest lakes and surrounded by the majestic French Alps, Annecy is renowned for its picturesque canals, colorful old town, and elegant alpine atmosphere. Often called the "Venice of the Alps," it offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy sailing, paddleboarding, cycling, and lakeside relaxation, while charming cafés, gourmet restaurants, and boutique shops create a refined yet welcoming ambiance. Annecy is the ideal destination for a family holiday with young kids who do not enjoy hiking but love to refresh in Lake Annecy, one of Europe's cleanest freshwater lakes.
COURCHEVEL
In the heart of the French Alps, Courchevel embodies elegance and luxury in the mountains. Renowned for its exceptional ski area, surrounded by pine forests, snow-covered peaks, and breathtaking panoramic views, the resort is one of the top destinations for a luxury ski holiday in France and represents the pinnacle of alpine holidays. It attracts ski enthusiasts and lovers of wide-open spaces seeking both performance and authenticity. Discover our luxury chalets in Courchevel, featuring pools, fitness rooms, and spacious terraces with mountain views, perfect for active holidays and stays with family or friends.
Val d’Isère
iscover our curated collection of luxury ski-in ski-out chalets for rent in one of the most searched for luxury ski resorts of the French Alps. Enjoy the privilege of stepping directly onto the slopes from your chalet while experiencing exceptional comfort, refined interiors, and tailored services. Add to this the warmth of a crackling fireplace, moments of relaxation in a private spa, and gourmet dinners served in the privacy of your living room, and you have a holiday where every moment feels close to perfection.
Best Ski Resorts in the French Alps
Premium Resorts
The French Alps are home to some of the world’s most prestigious ski resorts, offering exceptional skiing, luxury accommodation, fine dining, and exclusive experiences. Destinations such as Courchevel, Megève, Val d’Isère, Chamonix and Méribel attract discerning travelers with their elegant chalets, five-star hotels, designer boutiques, private ski instructors, and outstanding mountain restaurants. These resorts combine world-class slopes with a refined alpine lifestyle, making them ideal for luxury holidays, romantic getaways, and high-end family vacations.
Resorts for Families
Many French Alpine resorts are perfectly designed for families, offering safe slopes, ski schools, childcare services, and activities beyond skiing. Resorts such as Les Gets, La Plagne, Avoriaz, and Les Arcs are particularly popular for their family-friendly facilities, pedestrian areas, and varied accommodation options. With beginner-friendly ski areas, dedicated children’s zones, and winter activities such as sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing, these destinations provide an enjoyable and stress-free mountain experience for all generations.
Affordable Ski Resorts
For travelers looking for great skiing without the high prices of the most famous resorts, the French Alps also offer excellent value destinations. Resorts such as Châtel, Le Grand-Bornand, Aussois, and Serre Chevalier provide beautiful landscapes, diverse ski areas, and a more authentic atmosphere at more accessible prices. These resorts often feature charming villages, local restaurants, and a relaxed pace, making them ideal for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of the Alps while keeping their budget under control.
What Are the Best Things to Do in the French Alps?
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The French Alps are one of the world’s top destinations for winter sports, offering exceptional ski areas for beginners, experienced skiers, and families alike. From downhill skiing and snowboarding to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Renowned resorts such as Méribel, Courchevel, Val d’Isère, and Les Arcs combine excellent slopes with high-quality facilities, ski schools, and a vibrant après-ski atmosphere.
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During the warmer months, the French Alps transform into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with thousands of kilometers of hiking trails crossing forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Visitors can enjoy activities such as mountainbiking, climbing, paragliding, canyoning, and scenic walks around iconic peaks and valleys. From gentle family hikes to challenging routes such as those in the Écrins or Vanoise National Parks, the region offers unforgettable ways to discover its natural beauty.
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The French Alps are home to some of France’s most beautiful mountain lakes, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional alpine adventures. Lakes such as Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget, and LakeGeneva provide opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and boating, all with stunning views of surrounding peaks. Their beaches, waterfront villages, and cycling paths make them perfect destinations for relaxing summer days and family-friendly activities.
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Beyond outdoor adventures, the French Alps are also renowned for their wellness and relaxation experiences. Many luxury resorts and mountain chalets feature world-class spas, heated pools, saunas, hammams, and treatments inspired by alpine ingredients. Destinations such as Megève, Chamonix, and Courchevel offer the perfect setting to unwind after a day of skiing or hiking, combining natural serenity with exceptional hospitality and a refined approach to well-being.
How to Get to the French Alps?
By Plane
The French Alps are easily accessible via several international airports. Geneva Airport is the main gateway for many northern Alpine resorts, while Lyon-Saint-Exupéry, Grenoble Alpes-Isère, and Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc airports provide convenient access to destinations across the region. During the winter season, numerous direct flights connect these airports with major European cities, and private helicopter or chauffeur services are available for travelers seeking a seamless luxury transfer to their resort or chalet.
By Train
Travelling by train is one of the most comfortable and environmentally friendly ways to reach the French Alps. France's high-speed TGV network connects Paris, Lyon, and other major cities to Alpine destinations including Annecy, Chambéry, Grenoble, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, and Modane. During the ski season, additional direct services operate from several European cities, allowing visitors to reach many resorts with minimal transfers. From the train stations, regular shuttle buses, private transfers, and car hire services make it easy to continue your journey into the mountains.
By Car
Driving is an excellent option for exploring the French Alps, offering maximum flexibility to reach ski resorts, mountain villages, and scenic natural sites at your own pace. The region is well connected by France's motorway network, with major routes including the A40, A41, A43, and A48, linking the Alps to Paris, Lyon, Geneva, and the Mediterranean coast. While winter driving requires extra preparation—such as snow tyres or chains depending on weather conditions: a car is particularly useful for discovering lesser-known valleys, panoramic mountain roads, and luxury chalets in more secluded locations.
What Are the Best Restaurants in the French Alps?
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The French Alps are home to an impressive collection of Michelin-starred restaurants, making the region a destination for gourmet travellers as well as outdoor enthusiasts. Renowned chefs showcase exceptional local produce through inventive menus that combine Alpine traditions with contemporary French cuisine. Prestigious establishments in Courchevel, Megève, Chamonix, and Val d'Isère offer unforgettable dining experiences, often set against spectacular mountain backdrops and complemented by outstanding wine cellars and impeccable service.
3 Michelin stars
Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc, Courchevel
Flocons de Sel, Megève, Le Clos des Sens, Annecy-le-Vieux
Les Morainières, Jongieux
Le Clos des Sens, Annecy
2 Michelin stars
René et Maxime Meilleur, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
La Table de Yoann Conte, Veyrier-du-Lac
Le Sarkara, Courchevel
Sylvestre Wahid, Les Grandes Alpes, Courchevel
L’Auberge de Montmin, Talloire-Montmin
Jean Sulspice, Talloire-Montmin
Maison Benoit Vidal, Annecy
1 Michelin star
Albert 1er, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
L'Esquisse, Annecy
La Table d’Armante, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
La Table de l’Ours, Val d’Isère
Le Chabichou by Stéphane Buron, Courchevel
La Table de l’Alpaga, Megève
Les Explorateurs, Hôtel Pashmina, Val Thorens
La Table de l’Incomparable, Tressens
Ô Flaveurs, Douvaine
Vous, Megève
Séchex Nous, Margencel
Alpage, Courchevel
L’Altitude, Courchevel
Le Cin5, Au Cœur du Village, La Clusaz
La Rotonde des Trésoms, Annecy
Chalet Flachaire, Abondance
Kern, Seytroux
L’Auberge de Lucinges, Lucinges
Mont Blanc Restaurant et Goûter, Hauteluce
Frédéric Molina à Forêt Ivre, Vailly
Ursus, Tignes
Auberge Quintessence, Roubion
Le Refuge des Gourmets, Macilly
L’Ekrin by Laurent Azoulay, Méribel
Les Fresques – Hôtel Royal, Evian-les-Bains
Le Clocher des Pères, Saint-Martin-sur-la-Chambre
Le Farçon, Courchevel
Atmosphères, Le Bourget-du-Lac
Lamartine, Le Bourget-du-Lac
Maison Fantin Latour – Stéphane Froidevaux, Grenoble
L’Esquisse, Annecy
Auberge de la Roche, Valdeblore
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Some of the French Alps' most beloved traditional restaurants include:
La Ferme de Victorine – Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe
Le Chalet Savoyard – Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Le Monchu – Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Le Vieux Megève – Megève
Le Refuge – Megève
La Fruitière – Val d'Isère
La Casserole – Courchevel 1850
Le Genépi – Courchevel
L'Étable des Lys – Les Gets
Le Matafan – La Clusaz
Le Freti – Annecy
Le Chalet du Lac – Annecy
For an authentic taste of mountain life, these restaurants showcase the rich culinary traditions of the French Alps in warm, welcoming settings. From cosy wooden chalets to historic inns, visitors can enjoy regional specialties such as fondue, raclette, tartiflette, croziflette, berthoud, and diots de Savoie, accompanied by celebrated local cheeses including Beaufort, Reblochon, Abondance, and Tomme de Savoie.
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The French Alps offer a wealth of refined dining experiences in luxury hotels, elegant mountain chalets, and panoramic restaurants. Many combine sophisticated cuisine with breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks or alpine valleys, creating memorable settings for romantic dinners, special celebrations, or après-ski evenings. Some restaurants are only accessible in winter when the slopes are covered with snow, an incredible experience!
Les Morainières, Jongieux
Where to Stay in the French Alps?
The French Alps offer a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every type of traveller, from families and couples to groups of friends and outdoor enthusiasts. The best choice of accommodation depends on your travel style, the season, the activities you want to enjoy, and the level of space and flexibility you need.
Hotels in the French Alps
Hotels are a convenient choice for travellers looking for comfort, services, and an easy holiday experience. Located in ski resorts, mountain villages, and towns, hotels often provide amenities such as restaurants, breakfast services, ski storage, wellness areas, and local activity recommendations. Many hotels also offer easy access to the best restaurants in Méribel, making it simple to enjoy the resort's renowned dining scene. They are particularly suitable for short stays, couples, and visitors who want to enjoy the Alps without having to manage daily logistics. From traditional family-run hotels to larger resort properties, there are options for every budget and travel style.
Apartments in the French Alps
Apartments are one of the most popular accommodation choices in the French Alps, especially for families and longer stays. Offering kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms, they provide more independence and flexibility than traditional hotel rooms. Many apartments are located close to ski lifts, hiking trails, shops, and restaurants, making them a practical option for visitors who want to enjoy the mountains while feeling at home. They are also a good choice for groups looking for comfortable accommodation at a reasonable cost.
Villas and Private Homes in the French Alps
Villas and private homes offer more space, privacy, and flexibility, making them ideal for families, groups of friends, or travellers seeking a more exclusive experience. These properties often include spacious living areas, gardens, terraces, and spectacular mountain views, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere away from busy resort areas. Whether it is a traditional chalet-style home or a contemporary mountain villa, this type of accommodation offers a more personalised way to experience the French Alps.
Why Choose a Luxury Chalet in the French Alps?
Why Choose a Luxury Chalet in the French Alps?
A luxury chalet in the French Alps offers exceptional space and comfort, making it an ideal alternative to traditional hotel accommodation. With multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas, large dining rooms, and private outdoor spaces, chalets provide the perfect setting to relax and spend quality time together. Whether travelling with family or friends, guests can enjoy the privacy of a home-away-from-home while surrounded by spectacular mountain landscapes.
A Unique Alpine Experience
Staying in a luxury chalet allows travellers to experience the authentic charm of the French Alps in a more personal and immersive way. From traditional wooden architecture and cosy fireplaces to panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, chalets combine the warmth of alpine heritage with modern comfort. They offer a peaceful retreat after a day of skiing, hiking, or exploring mountain villages, creating a memorable and distinctive holiday experience.
Tailor-Made Services
Luxury chalets stand out for the personalized services they can provide, allowing guests to enjoy a seamless and stress-free stay. Depending on the property, services may include a private chef, housekeeping, concierge assistance, ski equipment delivery, wellness facilities, or activity organisation. These bespoke touches allow visitors to make the most of their time in the Alps while enjoying comfort and convenience throughout their stay.
Ideal for Groups
Luxury chalets are particularly well suited for families, multi-generational trips, and groups of friends. With several bedrooms, shared living spaces, and communal areas designed for gathering, they allow everyone to enjoy both privacy and togetherness. Whether for a ski holiday, a special celebration, or a summer mountain retreat, a chalet provides the perfect environment for creating unforgettable moments with loved ones.
Why Choose Homanie for Your Stay in the French Alps?
Why Choose Homanie for Your Stay in the French Alps?
Choosing Homanie for a stay in the French Alps means enjoying a carefully selected collection of exceptional private homes combined with personalised service and seamless organisation. Whether you are planning a family holiday, a getaway with friends, or a special mountain retreat, Homanie offers unique properties that combine comfort, privacy, and the authentic character of the Alps.
A Collection of Exceptional Alpine Properties
Homanie’s handpicked selection of chalets and mountain homes offers a wide range of options in some of the most sought-after Alpine destinations. From traditional wooden chalets with cosy interiors to contemporary properties with breathtaking views, each home is chosen for its unique atmosphere, quality, and ability to provide an unforgettable stay in the mountains.
Tailor-Made Experiences
Every stay can be personalized according to your preferences and expectations. Homanie helps guests create bespoke Alpine experiences, from arranging private chefs and wellness treatments to organizing outdoor activities, ski services, and local discoveries. Each detail is carefully considered to ensure a smooth and memorable holiday.
Comfort, Privacy, and Peace of Mind
A Homanie property offers the freedom and privacy of a private home while benefiting from professional support throughout the stay. Guests can enjoy spacious living areas, private facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere, with a dedicated team available to assist with planning and on-site needs.
The Perfect Setting for Groups and Special Occasions
The spacious homes offered by Homanie are ideal for families, groups of friends, and celebrations in the French Alps. With multiple bedrooms, generous communal spaces, and unique locations, these properties create the perfect environment for sharing unforgettable moments while discovering the beauty of the mountains.
Discover other exceptional destinations
French Alps: Good to know
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The French Alps are located in southeastern France, stretching from the shores of Lake Geneva near the Swiss border to the Mediterranean coast close to Italy. The region is home to some of Europe's highest peaks, including Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe.
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Choosing between the French Alps and the Swiss Alps depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Both destinations offer breathtaking mountain landscapes, world-class ski resorts, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor activities, but they have different atmospheres. The French Alps are often preferred for their variety, vibrant resort life, and excellent value, while the Swiss Alps are renowned for their pristine scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and traditional alpine elegance.
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Annecy is often considered the most beautiful town in the French Alps, thanks to its unique combination of lake scenery, historic charm, and mountain surroundings. However, for a classic alpine village experience, Megève is hard to beat, while Chamonix remains the ultimate choice for dramatic mountain landscapes and outdoor adventures.
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The largest city in the French Alps is Grenoble, located in the Isère department at the foot of the surrounding mountain ranges. With a population of around 160,000 inhabitants in the city itself and a larger metropolitan area of more than 450,000 people.
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The cost of visiting the French Alps can vary greatly depending on the season, destination, and type of accommodation chosen. While famous resorts such as Courchevel, Megève, and Val d’Isère are among the most expensive mountain destinations in Europe, the French Alps also offer many more affordable options. Travellers can enjoy the same spectacular landscapes, outdoor activities, and alpine culture by choosing smaller villages, visiting outside peak periods, and selecting accommodation that matches their budget.
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Whether you need a car in the French Alps depends on your destination, the season, and the type of holiday you are planning. A car offers the greatest flexibility, allowing you to explore remote villages, scenic mountain roads, lakes, and hiking areas at your own pace. It is particularly useful for summer road trips, stays in smaller villages, or when travelling with family, sports equipment, or a large amount of luggage.
However, a car is not always necessary, especially when staying in major ski resorts or well-connected towns. Destinations such as Chamonix, Annecy, Grenoble, Courchevel, and Méribel can be reached by train, bus, or shuttle services, and many resorts are designed so that visitors can walk between accommodation, ski lifts, restaurants, and shops. During the winter season, resort transfers and local transport networks often make it easy to enjoy a ski holiday without driving in challenging mountain conditions.
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The best time to visit the French Alps depends on the type of experience you are looking for, as each season reveals a different side of the mountains. Winter is the ideal season for skiing, snow sports, and enjoying the magical atmosphere of snow-covered villages, while summer offers spectacular landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a more peaceful way to discover the region. Both seasons provide unforgettable experiences, but they appeal to different types of travellers.
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The ideal length of a stay in the French Alps depends on your travel style, the season, and how much of the region you want to explore. While a short getaway can offer a taste of the mountains, a longer stay allows you to fully enjoy the landscapes, activities, villages, and local culture. In general, 5 to 7 days is a good length for a first visit, while 10 days or more is recommended for travellers who want to explore several destinations or enjoy a slower pace.
