Published 11th Jun. 2024
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After seasoned skiers have retired their boots for the year and après paused for the warmer months, summer graces the French Alps with a soul-warming hug. Snow-capped peaks turn into lush green meadows, bringing ample opportunity for outdoor fun in the sun. Whether hiking well-trodden paths, relaxing by crystal-clear lakes or sampling seasonal food, one thing’s certain – summer in the French Alps is all about killer mountain scenery. Want in on the action? Read on for some of our favourite things to do when summer says salut.
Fancy a challenge this summer? Look no further than Tour du Mont Blanc, a 105-mile scenic trekking trail winding through France, Italy and Switzerland. While the entire 11-stage route is high on avid hikers’ bucket lists, tackling a small section can be adventure enough for a summer in the French Alps. Start in Chamonix and take the cable car to Col du Voza for enviable views of the Dome du Gouter and Aiguille de Bionnnassay. From here, follow the pleasant route through hamlets and woodlands to arrive in Les Contamines.
You may be all too familiar with the feeling of dread brought on by the words ‘mounting biking’. But toss your preconceptions aside, because we’ve got a new biking best friend: e-bikes. While the views seen from the heights of France’s peaks were once only rewards for those with nerves (and calves) of steel, e-bikes have paved the way for all types of travellers. Discover the routes winding through Morzine, Les Gets, Les Arcs and Chamonix on a rental e-mountain bike, speeding up slopes and traversing distances you never thought possible.
Slow things down a notch and cool off during summer in the French Alps at Lake Annecy. Officially the cleanest lake in Europe and unofficially the prettiest, strip down to your swimsuits at Plage D’Albigny or Plage des Marquisats (yes, Lake Annecy has beaches) and float in the crystalline waters. Feeling restless? Stroll through Annecy’s historic streets, pedal along the cycle paths shadowed by mountains and canoe, kayak or paddleboard to the lake’s caves.
After hiking, biking and swimming through summer in the French Alps, a mouth-watering mountain meal is in order. While the region is famed for its warming winter dishes like raclette, tartiflette and fondue, summer brings lighter bites like salade de chêvre chaud (warm goat’s cheese salad) and tarte aux myrtilles (myrtle tart). What’s more, these can be enjoyed from the comfort of a cabin perched high in the mountains, so you can treat your eyes as well as your taste buds.
Written by Evie Buller | Header image by Faustine Poidevin.
Given our parent company, Voyageurs du Monde, are based in Paris, our French travel tips are second to none, and are constantly being updated with local knowledge. Supplemented by this first-hand expertise, our well-travelled team can tailor itineraries to your preferences... think the likes of wine-tasting tours organised by our Conde Nast Wine Regions Specialist, cheese-making in the mountains or tours of Paris in a vintage car. Equipped with nothing but school-level French? Fear not; our trusty Concierges and guides are on hand in places like Corsica, where English speakers are scarce.
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