In the summer I offers hiking trips in the Southern French Alps. Whilst these alpine massifs are lesser known than their famous northern neighbours in Chamonix and Zermatt, they offer a fabulous paradise for hikers, far from the madness of the famous Alps treks which are becoming victims of their own success.Many people assume that walking in the Alps must involve snow and ice skills, crevasse and avalanche dangers, and lots of equipment. Not so! There are many miles of paths in the Alps which allow walks to be undertaken without getting involved in the high mountains and their attendant dangers. Trekking in the Alps aims to lead you to the more remote places in the areas we visit, to find walks that are not frequented, to take you to summits and to allow you to go beyond your limits and to discover the hidden secret viewpoints of these mountains.
Southern Summits is the name I give to trips in the southern French Alps. These trips has become very popular and I have a number of different venues in the various massifs of the French Southern Alps - the Ubaye, the Queyras, Dévoluy and the Ecrins. These Alps are far less known than the northern Alps and although glaciers still exist there are lots of non-glaciated hiking summits just crying out for us to hike up them. Whilst there is always a programme of walks for the week, the routes are flexible, which allows us to go for the best option on the day. These weeks are based in hotels but may include two day treks, staying overnight in the mountains where appropriate. Expect do spectacular rugged mountain days with a light sac.
Take a look here to see what Southern Summits trips are like Photo Gallery
Flowers and wildlife
Summer is the time for flowers in the Alps. I have a great interest in the flora and fauna and will do my best to tell you what we're looking at, and anything of interest associated with each plant we discover.
Alpine wildlife includes chamois, ibex, marmots, deer, foxes, stoats, and many birds. I cannot programme the animals to show up for us during our walks, but by being first on the trail in the morning we increases our chances of seeing wildlife.The destinations I now go to, being quieter, give us the best chance of seeing these animals, as well as the wonderful sight of vultures soaring overhead: the vultures are now common in Provence but in summer time they follow the sheep herds over to the Alps.
It is always a great privilege to see the wildlife and one that really enhances a hike.
Contact me for detailed factfiles on trips that of interest to you.
