Discovering the French Mountains as an African. 

When most people think of France, they imagine Paris, cafés, museums, and long afternoons on sunlit terraces.

But living in the French countryside introduces you to something else entirely: the mountains.

I have always been drawn to the outdoors. In Kenya, I sought out places where I could walk, breathe, and reconnect with nature. But moving to France reshaped that relationship completely.

Here, trails begin just beyond villages. They lead through forests, open into wide alpine meadows, and climb toward ridgelines where the landscape stretches endlessly. Living near the mountains doesn’t just change what you see, it changes how you live.

I still remember my first proper mountain walk. It began with uncertainty. The trail climbed steadily through the forest, and I wondered if I had taken on more than I could manage. Then, quite suddenly, the trees opened. The view revealed itself, rolling green slopes, deep valleys, and a stillness that felt grounding in a way I hadn’t expected. That moment stayed with me. It was the moment I realised the mountains would become part of my life.

At the beginning, I was hesitant to hike alone. Part of that came from instinct, what you carry from other places, other experiences. But there was also something else I couldn’t ignore. As a Black African woman, I often found myself wishing there were more people like me in these spaces. The mountains are vast, open, and welcoming, but representation is still limited, and at times, that absence is quietly felt.

And yet, something shifted over time. I came to understand that nature does not belong to anyone in particular. It does not require permission. It simply waits. So I kept walking.

I have gotten lost a few times. It happens, especially in the mountains where network disappears and paths can feel less obvious. There is always a moment of doubt, a pause where you question your direction. But those moments teach you something important. You slow down, you observe more carefully, and you begin to trust yourself. And eventually, you find your way again, sometimes through trail markers, sometimes through the quiet kindness of other hikers.

What I love most about hiking here is the sense of reward. You walk through forests, then meadows, then rocky paths, and suddenly, everything opens. A lake appears. A ridge unfolds. A view stretches further than you expected. These moments stay with you. They feel earned.

Over time, hiking became something we shared as a family. Some of my most meaningful moments are not the hardest climbs, but the simplest ones, walking with my children, watching them experience these landscapes as something normal. For them, mountains are part of childhood. For me, they are something I grew into. That difference is a quiet reminder of how migration reshapes not just where we live, but what becomes ordinary.

One thing I have come to understand very clearly is the importance of good gear. Hiking in the mountains is not something you improvise. Proper shoes make a significant difference, especially on rocky or uneven terrain. Comfortable, breathable sportswear that allows you to move easily is essential. A light backpack, enough water, and protection from the sun or sudden weather changes are all part of being prepared. It is not about having expensive equipment, but about having the right equipment.

Food, too, becomes part of the experience. A simple picnic is often enough, something easy to carry and satisfying after a climb. A baguette sandwich with cheese or chicken, some fruit, maybe a small snack or energy bar. Nothing complicated, but always enough to restore your energy and allow you to pause and enjoy where you are.

There is also an etiquette to hiking here that I have come to appreciate. People greet each other on the trail, even in passing. There is a quiet respect for the space and for one another. You stay on marked paths, you carry your waste with you, and you remain mindful of the environment. It is not enforced loudly, but it is understood.

If you are wondering where to begin, here are some of my favourite places to hike.

1. Lac Noir (Vosges) Accessible, atmospheric, and perfect for a first experience.
2. Lac du Loup (Belledonne) Quiet and rewarding, with a sense of stillness that stays with you.
3. Col de la Vanoise Expansive alpine landscapes and the option to stay overnight or a couple of days in a mountain refuge or simply bring your tent and explore the wildness. 
4. Belledonne Range More rugged, less crowded, and deeply immersive.
5. Dent du Chat Challenging in parts, but with one of the most striking views in the region.
6. La Clusaz Ideal for families, with gentle trails and wide open scenery.

Hiking, for me, is not just physical. It is a way to reset, to think clearly, and to process life. Living abroad carries its own weight, and the mountains have become one of the places where I can carry that weight differently. There is something about being in nature for hours that brings you back to yourself.

I never imagined that these mountains would become part of my everyday life. From Kenya to rural France, from familiar landscapes to something entirely new. And maybe that is what this journey has taught me. Belonging does not arrive all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, step by step.

If you ever feel like experiencing the Savoie region, do reach out. We can explore it together.