Swiss & French Alps Photo Tour
Photograph alpine peaks, wildflower meadows, glaciers, and the Milky Way in the Swiss and French Alps
Swiss & French Alps Photo Tour
Imagine standing beside a still alpine lake at first light, watching the Matterhorn turn from grey to gold while wildflower meadows come alive around you. With your camera on the tripod, you’re surrounded by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe.
The Swiss and French Alps are a dream destination for landscape photographers. Towering peaks, hanging glaciers, rushing rivers, and flower-filled meadows create endless opportunities for powerful compositions. During this 7-day Alps photo tour, we will explore and photograph many of the most spectacular locations these mountains have to offer.
The Alps are also known for their fast-changing conditions. Weather can shift within minutes, bringing dramatic light, moving clouds, and constantly evolving scenes. For photographers, this means opportunities from before sunrise until long after dark.
Early July is a particularly nice time to be in the mountains. The wildflowers are at their peak, the days are long, and the nights are still dark enough to photograph the Milky Way rising above the peaks. This combination allows us to work with alpine glow at sunrise, soft light in the valleys, and starry skies over the same landscapes within a single day.
What Makes This Alps Photo Tour Special
The Swiss and French Alps are among the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, and this tour is designed for landscape photographers who want to make the most of their time here.
Small group experience — With a maximum of 10 participants and no more than 5 photographers per guide, the group remains small enough for plenty of individual attention in the field.
Two countries in one week — We photograph both the French and the Swiss Alps, from the rivers and meadows of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval to the glaciers above Chamonix and the iconic peaks around Zermatt.
Sleeping above the clouds — Two nights are spent in high-quality mountain huts, including one located directly in front of the Matterhorn, giving us sunrise and night access to locations most photographers never see.
Milky Way over the Alps — Early July still offers dark enough nights to photograph the Milky Way rising above the peaks, with optional night sessions whenever the skies are clear.
Flexible itinerary built around the light — Rather than following a fixed schedule, we adapt each day to the weather and conditions to maximize photographic opportunities.
Scenic trains and cable cars — Panoramic mountain trains and cable cars are included, both as transport and as photographic experiences in their own right.
Post-processing guidance — During the tour we will also review and discuss images together, helping you improve both your shooting and editing workflow.
Small Group Experience
I strongly believe in the value of small, intimate groups. With a maximum of 10 participants and no more than 5 photographers per guide, you will receive plenty of individual attention both in the field and during post-processing sessions.
Throughout the week, we will focus on helping you improve your landscape and night photography, from composition and camera technique to creative decision-making in the field. There will also be opportunities to review and discuss images together during post-processing sessions.
The goal is simple. You should return home not only with images you are proud of, but also with a deeper understanding of landscape photography and unforgettable memories from the Alps.
Alps Photo Tour Itinerary
Flexibility is essential in the mountains. Weather systems move quickly through the valleys, and conditions can be completely different on either side of a pass. Light and atmosphere can shift within minutes, which is exactly what makes the Alps such an exciting destination for landscape photography.
Because of this, we use a flexible itinerary that lets us adapt to conditions and make the most of the available light.
We begin in the French Alps at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, where rivers, wildflower meadows, and towering peaks make for a strong first sunset. From there we continue to Chamonix, photographing waterfalls and meadows along the way, before taking a scenic mountain train up to our hotel and hiking out to a viewpoint above Mer de Glace for sunset and Milky Way.
We then cross into Switzerland, where a short hike brings us into a remote alpine valley with rivers running through dramatic mountain terrain. The following days are built around Zermatt and the Matterhorn, with sunset reflections at Grindjesee, the Milky Way rising above Stellisee, and sunrise light on the Matterhorn from a mountain hut located directly in front of the peak.
The final days take us to the Sustenpass area for classic Swiss scenery of lakes, meadows, and layered mountain backdrops, and to Rosenlaui for sunrise among flowing rivers and steep peaks, before we work our way back toward Geneva with stops at waterfalls, alpine lakes, and viewpoints along the route.
This is a dedicated photography tour, and our schedule will revolve around the best light. Most days begin around sunrise and continue through sunset, with optional night sessions when the skies are clear and additional stops during the day when conditions are promising.
The Alps are filled with incredible locations, and the weather and light will ultimately guide where we go each day.
Ready to Join Us in the Alps?
If you would like to join this Swiss & French Alps Photo Tour, simply complete the inquiry form below. I’ll get back to you with availability and answer any questions you may have.
Spaces are limited to 10 participants to ensure a relaxed and productive learning experience for everyone.
Swiss & French Alps Photo Tour FAQ
WHAT LEVEL OF PHOTOGRAPHY IS REQUIRED?
The Alps photo tour is suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginners to experienced photographers.
The only real requirement is a passion for photography and the motivation to make the most of the conditions. We often spend long hours in the field, especially around sunrise and sunset, and on clear nights we stay out for the Milky Way.
Because we travel in a small group, we can easily adapt to each participant’s level and provide individual guidance in the field. There will be plenty of opportunities for one-on-one instruction throughout the tour.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
You should be prepared for variable mountain weather, including sun, rain, wind, and cool nights at altitude.
Bring a merino or moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or light insulated mid layer, a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good grip. A warm hat, buff, and waterproof gloves are also recommended, along with dry bags or rain covers for your camera gear.
Each participant should bring a hard-shell suitcase rather than a soft bag, along with a photography backpack. This keeps the vans organized and makes moving between locations easier.
I’m happy to provide more detailed packing suggestions if needed.
WHAT KIND OF WEATHER CAN I EXPECT?
Mountain weather is unpredictable, and sun, clouds, rain, and passing storms can all appear within the same day. This is part of what makes the Alps such a rewarding destination for photography.
In July, days in the valleys are typically warm at around 18–25°C (64–77°F), while nights at higher altitude drop to roughly 5–10°C (41–50°F). During night sessions at altitude, temperatures can fall close to freezing, so warm layers are essential.
WHAT CAMERA GEAR SHOULD I BRING?
At a minimum, you should bring a camera with full manual controls, a selection of lenses, and a sturdy tripod. A wide-angle lens in the 14–24mm or 16–35mm range works well for the meadows, rivers, and peaks, while a 24–70mm or longer zoom is useful for isolating details and distant subjects.
A remote shutter release, filters, extra batteries, and lens cloths are all worth packing. A drone is optional and can be used where local regulations allow.
A laptop is also recommended for reviewing and discussing images during the tour’s post-processing sessions.
If you are considering upgrading or purchasing new gear before the trip, feel free to ask for advice.
WHAT PHYSICAL LEVEL IS REQUIRED?
This Alps photo tour involves moderate walks and short hikes to reach certain locations, but no special fitness is required and all hikes are on safe, established trails.
The longest walks are around 30 to 40 minutes, including the hike to our viewpoint above Mer de Glace and the walk from the mountain hut to Grindjesee. Most other locations are reached on short walks from where we park.
HOW ARE MEALS ORGANIZED?
Breakfast is included every morning at the hotel or mountain hut, usually after we return from the sunrise session. Lunches are flexible stops along the route so we can follow the light, and dinners are normally at local restaurants, with packed meals on evenings when we are shooting in remote locations.
Quick Facts
Dates: July 3rd – July 9th, 2027
Location: Swiss & French Alps
Group size: 5–10 participants, with a maximum of 5 photographers per guide
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. Some locations require short walks or moderate hikes to reach.
Price: 4390 EURO (based on double occupancy – single room supplement is 900 EURO).
Registration deposit: 800 EURO (full payment required 90 days prior to the tour).
Arrival: Geneva Airport (GVA), July 3rd – no later than 2 PM
Departure: Geneva Airport (GVA), July 9th – not before 11 AM
Included: Two professional photo guides, all photography tuition, post-processing sessions, accommodation in comfortable hotels and two nights in high-quality mountain huts, all breakfasts, private van transportation throughout the tour, trains and cable cars, fuel, road and parking fees, and access to a private WhatsApp group before and during the tour.
Not included: Flights or other travel arrangements to and from Geneva, meals other than breakfast, travel and medical insurance, equipment insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, snacks, and souvenirs.
We strongly recommend private travel insurance to cover any non-refundable fees and travel arrangements connected to the photo tour.
Tour Leaders
Christian Hoiberg
Christian Hoiberg is a full-time Norwegian landscape photographer based in the Lofoten Islands. He's the founder of CaptureLandscapes, a leading resource for landscape photography education. Christian's goal is to help aspiring photographers build the skills needed to create meaningful and impactful images, both in the field and through post-processing.
Giulio Cobianchi
Giulio Cobianchi is a professional landscape photographer, experienced and specialized in night photography with 10 years of experience. His passions are the search for dark skies to better capture the wonder of the night sky and the exploration of new places where wild nature gives the best of itself. These passions have led him to travel to the most beautiful and wild places in the world and Madeira is one of them. His satisfaction is making your dream come true.
