When I was a kid, I was captivated by Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s aerial photography. There’s something magical about seeing the world from above. Even now, I still get excited about flying. Take-offs, landings, I love the experience. I grew up in Annecy, surrounded by the turquoise lake and mountain trails. More recently, I’ve had the chance to fly above these landscapes and the wider region. My favourite place? Chamonix. I’ve flown over the Chamonix Valley and the Alps multiple times, and the views never disappoint. In winter, when the peaks are covered in snow, it is especially magical!
The flight experience: highlights from the air
Special offer for readers of The Other Paths
As part of my partnership with Avialpes (where I actually learned to fly!), I’m excited to share a 5% discount on their most scenic flights, including routes over Lake Annecy, the Chamonix Valley, and Mont Blanc’s glaciers. Use the promo code TOPAVIALPES when booking via avialpes.com.
The DR400
Avialpes mainly flies the DR400, a classic French plane used for both sightseeing and flight training. It’s a 4 seater with low wings, and an old-school dashboard, not just digital screens everywhere.
After the pre flight check, we are ready to take off.
The Aravis mountain range
The flight path starts in Annecy and heads toward the Bornes and Aravis mountain range. It goes past famous mountains like Le Parmelan and Le Veyrier, and Les Glières. As you follow the valleys, even familiar landscapes look different from above.
In Megève, if you look closely, you’ll spot the small runway near the famous ski resort. Only certified mountain pilots can land there. It’s not a typical airstrip: the runway is short and built right into the mountainside. There’s no room for go-arounds and landings must be precise!
Chamonix valley
Then comes the Chamonix Valley, where the peaks get steeper and more dramatic. Flying above the glaciers is nothing short of epic. The ride can be a bit bumpy due to the winds over the peaks, but it’s safe. Pilots won’t go if conditions aren’t right. If you’re sensitive to turbulence, I recommend booking a morning flight when the air is calmer. Winter also tends to be smoother due to more stable air masses.
The Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi is unmistakable, you can even see the cable car. It was built between 1951 and 1955. From there, you can take an incredible ride above the crevasses toward Pointe Helbronner in Italy. There’s something about the Aiguille du Midi, thickly blanketed in snow, that just feels otherworldly.
Depending on the conditions, you might get the chance to fly directly above the glaciers. It all comes down to the weather, strong winds or unstable air can make it unsafe, and in those cases, the pilot will adjust the route. But when the conditions line up, the experience is unforgettable. From up there, you can often spot mountaineers, skiers, and hikers. Keep an eye out for the Refuge du Goûter (3815m, 12,516 ft) perched near the glacier.
The valley is home to several glaciers, Bossons, Argentière, and the most famous: Mer de Glace. Sadly, it’s also known for how much it has shrunk over the years. In my lifetime I’ve seen it dramatically shrinking. When growing up, I was lucky enough to visit chamonix many times thanks to my dad being a mountaineer. In winter, the snow gives the illusion of the glacier in its prime.
If you ever visit in summer, you can try mountaineering on the glacier (please make sure you use proper gear and crampons!). Or hike the famous trails like Signal Forbes or the scenic Aiguille du Midi to Montenvers via the Balcon Nord.
On the left, you’ve got the Aiguilles Rouges, a national park that’s home to the iconic Lac Blanc hike. On the right, it’s the Mont Blanc range, with Mont Blanc itself, Europe’s tallest mountain, standing at 4,807 meters.
The final stretch: over Lake Annecy
The return flight glides above the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. On the right, La Tournette towers over the lake, Annecy’s tallest mountain. I always text my parents when I fly over their house and my mum goes outside to capture the plane from the ground. This loop never gets old, and I truly recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Ready to Fly? How to book & my Avialpes offer
This flight experience is more than just a tourist activity, it’s a lifelong memory. That’s why I’m happy to share a special discount code, exclusively through my partnership with Avialpes (and yes, it’s my only partnership, which makes it extra special!).
This offer is exclusive to readers of The Other Paths 💙 and if you book a flight, feel free to share your story with me, I’d love to hear about it! You get 5% off your scenic flight with Avialpes! Use the promo code: TOPAVIALPES when booking the following routes:
- Lake Annecy – 20 min
- Chamonix Valley – 50 min
- Chamonix Valley + Glaciers – 60 min
You can even purchase gift vouchers directly on their website: www.avialpes.com/en/our-flights
I actually gifted this flight to my sister for her birthday. She was nervous at first. She’s not a huge fan of small planes , but once we were up in the air, she was so happy. Watching the mountains roll out below us, the glaciers, flying above her home by Lake Annecy… she said it was one of the best gifts!
A few extra notes
No, you can’t fly over Mont Blanc, but soaring above the Chamonix Valley, glaciers, and Lake Annecy? That’s more than enough magic.
Annecy Airport (LFLP) is small, so you won’t find commercial flights here. It serves mainly private and light aircraft. Nearby Geneva and Chambéry airports take the commercial traffic.
On sunny days, Annecy’s airspace can get busy. While the Chamonix corridor isn’t controlled like major airports, pilots use a shared mountain radio frequency to talk to each other. They announce their turns, altitude, and position to stay safe, especially over such a busy and scenic area. It’s a fun way to spot local experts. you hear everything from standard calls to someone referencing a random peak or landmark. That’s how you spot the locals and the true mountain lovers. I thought I knew most of the peaks around here, but once I heard a pilot referencing some obscure cave over the radio, clearly a passionate mountaineer!
Avialpes: where I learned to fly
Avialpes is where my flying journey truly took off. Nestled at Annecy Airport, this is the place I can proudly say taught me how to fly.
Le Bourget-du-Lac (Chambéry-Aix-les-Bains Airport) is another gem. Taking off over the lake is just incredible.
