10 Free Things to Do in the Alps
The thought of a trip to the Alps always conjures up images of living the high life and rubbing shoulders with the elite, but in reality, this isn’t always the case at all. Or at least it doesn’t have to be as once you step off your Alps2Alps transfers in any of the key resorts across the French Alps, you actually find a ton of amazing things to do that won’t cost you a penny – most of which you can include the whole family in.
Not convinced? Here are ten examples as to how you can have fun in the Alps without paying a penny.
Hiking
Always a brilliant alternative to skiing in the summer months, there are literally more hiking trails across the Alps than it would be possible to count in a lifetime. From the gentlest of half-hour walks to week-long treks across the most perilous terrain, there’s something on offer for everyone and not a single one will cost you a penny to make the most of.
Churches
Alpine villages boast some of the most beautiful churches you’ll come across anywhere in the world – the vast majority being 100% free to enter and explore. And of course, there’s no better place to go if you feel the need to pray for perfect powder!
Markets
Most villages in the Alps are also blessed with wonderfully historic and charming markets that are running today just as they ever were. Even if you’re not in the mood for buying anything, places like this have the kind of buzz and atmosphere you simply cannot match anywhere else.
Cycle
Ok, so the bike itself might not be free, but once you have a bike and find yourself in the Alps the whole region is yours to explore. Again, paths range from the enchanting to the terrifying, so there’s something for all.
Christmas Markets
If you’re lucky enough to be in the Alps in the festive seasons, the Christmas markets really could have been plucked from the pages of a fairy-tale. The sights, the sounds and the smells are all intoxicating – and free!
You may also like: 5 Reasons to Ski in French Alps Before Christmas
People-Watching
Always a favourite of so many – why not just spend a few hours watching the locals do what they do, or perhaps spying on celebs and Russian billionaires in the poshest bars and cafes?
Climb
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, what better place to do a spot of climbing than on one of the world’s finest mountain ranges?
Take Photos
There are no charges to take as many photographs as you like around the Alps and the pictures you shoot will most likely be some of the best you ever take in your life. Take a camera for a stroll and you’re golden.
Wildlife Watching
The Alps are also a hotbed for rare and quite stunning wildlife, so if the mood takes you there’s always the option of taking a stroll slightly away from civilisation and seeing what kinds of critters you can spot.
Drink In the Atmosphere
And finally, who says you have to do anything at all in the French Alps to have fun? Sometimes the best times of all come by doing nothing at all – so treat yourself to a few minutes, hours or days just sitting back and drinking it in.
Photo sources: flickr.com/photos/usfwshq – fotopedia.com – commons.wikimedia.org – flickr.com/photos/robmcm – flickr.com/photos/seeminglee – flickr.com/photos/eurapart – pinterest.com
