Going to the mountains in the summer is the best way to enjoy nature and come back home totally refreshed. While the coast is often overcrowded in the summer, the large French mountain ranges offer a multitude of places to enjoy the peace and quiet in the heart of an exceptional natural environment. For those who like active holidays, the mountains offer numerous outdoor sports activities. In summer, it is also the perfect time to discover the heritage and, at the end of the day, to enjoy the local gastronomy. So what better way to enjoy a comfortable room or apartment with a view of the peaks and a wide range of services and activities than in a mountain resort in summer? Here are 4 destinations to join for a great mountain holiday in summer.
La Rosière, at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park
Savoie is a great place for an all-inclusive mountain holiday in summer, with a breathtaking view of the Tarentaise. It is here, just a few kilometres from the Italian border and the Val d'Aoste, that holidaymakers can enjoy wide open spaces for hiking or mountain biking, with Mont Blanc in their sights. The Isère river is perfect for a rafting session, while the Lago Verney, just behind the Italian border, offers a bucolic spot for a picnic on the edge of a lake with crystal clear waters. Yoga at altitude, tennis and spa at the resort, sunset on the terrace with a glass of local wine in hand from the resort, La Rosière is a little paradise for couples, families and groups of friends.
Alpe d'Huez, the jewel of Isère
Located only 59 km from Grenoble on a plateau facing south at an altitude of 1,860 m, the resort of Alpe d'Huez benefits from generous sunshine to make the most of a summer in the great outdoors. It is here, in the heart of the Grandes Rousses massif, where the Pic Blanc rises to an altitude of 3,330 m, that you can set off on a trail to the summit or cycle around the bends of the mythical Tour de France stage. To keep the children busy and happy, there are sledging sessions in the mountain pastures, but they can also spend time with the resort's club leaders. A stay in Alpe d'Huez also means discovering the renovated mountain farms of Huez Village, the charms of the Saint-Ferréol d'Huez church and the long history revealed by the Brandes medieval archaeological site. Alpe d'Huez has something for everyone.
Les Arcs, in the heart of the Tarentaise valley
Also located in Savoie, the resort of Les Arcs promises memorable experiences in the heart of nature. It is impossible to miss a trip by gondola to the Aiguille Rouge. The panoramic footbridge offers an exceptional view of the Hauts de Villaroger National Nature Reserve, the Vanoise National Park and the Alpine massifs. You can also take advantage of the beautiful panoramas during hiking sessions or electric mountain bike rides. Summer in Les Arcs is also the perfect time to try out paddle and canoeing on the peaceful lake located at the Bourg-Saint-Maurice base. Don't forget to take an interest in the architecture of Les Arcs, by day and by night, and to take a camera to capture the most beautiful views. Finally, a visit to the Haute-Tarentaise dairy cooperative is an opportunity to discover the secrets of Beaufort cheese production and to take part in tastings. All these experiences are well worth a massage at the resort's spa, for guaranteed relaxation before enjoying the next day.
Serre-Chevalier, the pearl of the Hautes-Alpes
Located on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, in the Guisane Valley, the resort of Serre-Chevalier is an ideal place to enjoy nature without feeling the often sweltering heat of southern France in summer. The temperature is just right for hiking and observing the ibex in their natural environment, going zip-lining or even practicing the via ferrata. You can also get a thrill from canyoning or scootering down the Alps! From Serre-Chevalier, you can quickly reach the fortified town of Briançon, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable heritage. Back at the resort, it's time for a nap after a dip in the pool or a game of tennis
