chazzquire

As part of wider trip, I am looking to spend 5 days in the French Alps at the End of May (19th - 24th May).

My current plan is to say in the Chamonix Valley, as it is the most convenient in the route (I'll be coming from near Genoa, Italy and then heading to Troyes next) and it's an area I've not been to before (I've been the Briancon area many times).

However, I am wondering if snow will impact by ability to walk in Chamonix? I am looking for day hikes 8-16km in range, and will have a 7 month baby with us in a carrier, so we won't be aiming to go high (i.e., without lifts).

Would you recommended the Chamonix Valley, the Northern part of the Écrins National Park or the National Parks around Chambéry?

neckervd

There will be no snow in the Vallee de Chamonix, but in the area above. Almost no lifts will run.
A you will passs throough Aosta Valley anyway, this area may offer more hiking possibilities in May.(in the main Valley).
Or cross the Gd St-Bernard tunnel instead of Mont Blanc and end in the Swiss Canton of Valais, where you will find hundreds of km of "dry" hiking trails along the sunny slopes above Sion and Sierre

chazzquire

Thanks for the suggestion. We think staying near Sion is a good idea. Do you have any ideas or suggestions for things we could do or see in the area aside from walking?

neckervd

As you will pass through Aosta anyway, I would first visit this charming medieval city with it's stunning Roman theatre, city gate and other Roman buildings (and museums).
Reaching the Rhone Valley, you may visit
Martigny:Roman theatre and Gianadda Fundation https://www.gianadda.ch/#
the spas of Saillon https://www.gianadda.ch/# and Ovronnaz https://www.bains-ovronnaz.ch/
The medieval city of Sion (castle, historic museum, cathedral with the oldest playable organ of the world)
the underground lake of St-Leonard https://lac-souterrain.com/en/
the natural pyramids of Euseigne https://www.heremence-tourisme.ch/en...seigne-fp39759
the Swiss water channel museum at Ayent https://bisses-valais.ch/chemin-du-musee/
the rope bridge of Niouc (Sierre) https://www.valais.ch/en/destination...ion-footbridge
The Rainer Maria Rilke Museum st Sierre
the wineries of Sion, Sierre, Salgesch.........
the thermal spa Leukerbad
the Abbey of St- Maurice
the salt mines of Bex
and, and, and................

neckervd

As you will pass through Aosta anyway, I would first visit this charming medieval city with it's stunning Roman theatre, city gate and other Roman buildings (and museums).
Reaching the Rhone Valley, you may visit
Martigny:Roman theatre and Gianadda Fundation https://www.gianadda.ch/#
the spas of Saillon https://www.gianadda.ch/# and Ovronnaz https://www.bains-ovronnaz.ch/
The medieval city of Sion (castle, historic museum, cathedral with the oldest playable organ of the world)
the underground lake of St-Leonard
the natural pyramids of Euseigne
the Swiss water channel museum at Ayent https://bisses-valais.ch/chemin-du-musee/
the rope bridge of Niouc (Sierre) https://www.valais.ch/en/destination...ion-footbridge
The Rainer Maria Rilke Museum st Sierre
the wineries of Sion, Sierre, Salgesch.........
the thermal spa Leukerbad
the Abbey of St- Maurice
the salt mines of Bex
and, and, and................

chamonix360trails769

The middle to end of May is fine for Chamonix and there are plenty of family friendly hikes you can do with your kids. The lifts will not be open but you indicated you want to stay at low altitude anyway.