

South of Grenoble, the forested peaks of the Vercors National Park fringe the edges of the French Alps. Wild and untamed―there are no roads or villages here!―this is hiking nirvana, where you choose from numerous long-distance trails and pitch your tent in the heart of the mountains.
The second-largest of France’s 10 national parks lies southeast of Grenoble, a sweeping high-altitude playground of soaring peaks and eternal snow. The Massif de l’Oisans is closest to the city, where you’ll find big-name ski resorts like the Alpe d’Huez and Les 2 Alpes, and adrenaline junkies can get their fix away from the slopes too. The epic landscapes provide a spectacular backdrop for mountaineering, paragliding, white-water rafting, mountain biking, and many other outdoor activities.
The picturesque medieval town of Annecy, with its fairy-tale chateau, sits on the shores of Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy), a popular spot for a camping holiday. Whether you check into a 4-star campsite with a swimming pool or rent a lakeside mobile home, mountain views are guaranteed. In summer, the lake is a hotspot for wakeboarding, canoeing, and other water sports, as well as paragliding and hot-air ballooning.
Grenoble’s alpine backdrop provides outdoor fun through all four seasons. There are two peak seasons in the French Alps—the ski season typically runs from November through March, while the summer season (May through September) draws campers, hikers, and water sports enthusiasts. Many campsites close during the ski season, but you’ll still find a few places to park your motorhome, and mobile home and chalet rentals are available year-round.