Sports and leisure activities Alpes

The ski area of Les Houches/Saint-Gervais is one of the ski areas of the Chamonix Valley. Below 2,000 meters, it's mainly forest terrain, but it's also a technical area where our national teams come to train and where major international competitions are held (notably on the famous "Verte des Houches", a World Cup downhill). Whether you're a family or a fun-loving skier, you'll enjoy the thrills and spills of the Mont-Blanc Massif in this superb area.

Ceillac is an authentic village resort that doesn't try to compete with the big Alpine resorts by remaining "Ceillacool". However, you can enjoy all kinds of winter sports on slopes bordering the highest peaks in the Queyras. The ski area comprises 6 lifts, including 1 chairlift. Good snow cover is guaranteed from the plateau at 1,700 m, with exceptional panoramic views from the summit at 2,500 m. The Nordic ski area is not to be outdone, with 37 km of runs. Nearly 40 km of hiking and snowshoeing trails through the valley.

The exceptional location of Tallard, especially in terms of climatic conditions, has made it an ideal center for all air sports - many world champions train here - and air recreation within the reach of all. Gap-Tallard is the reference for flying and aerial activities. In addition to the welcome and the conviviality which reigns on the site, one takes part in the many activities: parachuting, hot-air ballooning, autogyro, helicopter, paragliding, glider, ULM, seaplane... Unusual with a flight in a vintage plane. Baptisms and training courses, the pleasure is unlimited.

Located 7 km from Gap, at an altitude of 1,250 m, on the RN85 or "Route Napoleon", the Bayard plateau is a major sports and tourist attraction. In winter, 50 km of Nordic trails allow you to skate and classic ski all over the plateau. In the summer, two health courses of 3.5 km and 6 km surround the 18-hole golf course - par 72 of 6,025 m - which offers a real relaxing setting between forests and pastures. Catering and accommodation on site all year round.

Don't resist the call of the slopes! For downhill skiing, Vars is linked to Risoul by the Forêt Blanche ski area. Specialized in speed skiing and strong sensations, this natural resort is made for you. Vars is known for its speed skiing or KL with its Chabrières slope with many records. As part of the new snow sports movement, Vars is recognized as one of the best freeride spots with the mythical couloirs of the Eyssina chain.

Facing the village and the Aravis massif, an 800^m2 indoor ice rink, ideal for bad weather. For children aged 3 to 10, an Ice Garden with play modules is available free of charge on certain mornings, to help them learn to skate independently. There's also entertainment for youngsters and adults, who are invited to discover the rink in the evening under the spotlights. Don't miss the "Frozen Dancefloor", a festive formula with a live DJ on Wednesday evenings!

With Lake Geneva as its playground, the Sciez nautical base offers great leisure time for the whole family. Optimist, catamaran, handivoile, rowing, canoe-kayak, stand-up paddle, all disciplines are open, especially to the youngest ones from 4 years old, with only one word of order: pleasure! Find out about all the courses on offer and book yours on the website. A competitive spirit? Take part in the regattas, friendly meetings between the three clubs of Lake Geneva: Sciez, Thonon and Evian. Find the calendar on the website.

Nestled at the foot of the Ecrins National Park, this resort is renowned for its sunshine and the diversity of its ski area. The Serre-Chevalier Nordic ski area crosses all the villages in the valley, offering the chance to discover magnificent runs, 10 km of which are dedicated to skating. During the summer season, Serre-Chevalier offers a variety of activities including a horse riding club, swimming pool, snowmobile excursions and hiking.

If you come from Chambéry, you can reach the Porte de Bush-Rond, starting point of this Green Avenue, through the 3,5 km cycle path that runs through the city. Are you there? Your journey will take you to Saint-Jeoire-Priory via the towns of Barberaz, La Ravoire and Challes-Les-Eaux. And there, beautiful views over the mountains and valley are your journey. Arriving at the destination, a roundabout route will take you to the lake of Saint-André through small roads, but attention: If the Green Avenue is feasible on foot or by bike, this second portion is more like a bike ride, accessible only to the two wheels.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 7 km.

Difficulty: average (a few differences are to be mentioned).

One of the first French ski lift companies, created in Chamonix, manages 5 sites and high altitude ski areas: 4 in the Chamonix valley and one in the Megève valley. The Compagnie du Mont-Blanc Group has set up a foundation to support development projects on the sites and projects of general interest, and has created a subsidiary: Mont-Blanc Natural Resort, which directly manages lift reservations for all 5 sites. Ski passes on the Mont-Blanc Natural Resort website.

A team of guides who organize training courses or day trips to discover the high mountain or ice falls. Introductory and advanced courses will allow you to learn about this activity. With the right training and the right equipment, you will be able to climb icefalls from the very first day. The guides also organise snowshoeing trips, cross-country skiing courses, off-piste alpine skiing trips, ski touring - a trendy activity - and Nordic skiing.

Founded in the late 1980s by Didier Maturin, current coach of the French paragliding team (world champions in 2013), this paragliding and hang-gliding school offers introductory tandem flights, enabling students to discover the Arve Valley. The school also encourages autonomy by teaching the skills needed to fly solo, in the presence of a flight professional. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

A successful mountain vacation starts with the right equipment! In a resort where the mountains are king, here are 5 sports stores to help you live every emotion to the full. A huge sales area with an ever-expanding choice. Sales and rentals: in winter, all ski and snowboard equipment, snowshoes, mountaineering, climbing and telemark equipment; in summer, downhill mountain bikes, via ferrata and hiking equipment. Genuine specialists, ready to listen to your needs and desires, so you can set off to conquer the mountains.

Leman Forest is an adventure park offering a variety of adventure sports for all ages. The main attraction of the park is the accrobranche course, with routes to suit all levels of difficulty. Entrance fees include equipment hire, explanations and supervision by an instructor. Entry times vary according to the courses chosen, with a maximum duration of 3 hours for the big courses and 2 hours for the Lutin/Bambino courses. Leman Forest also offers birthday packages for children, with drinks and treats included. For groups, special rates and flexible schedules can be arranged on request. The park places great emphasis on safety, with a continuous lifeline and smart, unhookable karabiners for all participants.

The regulars of the place are unanimous, this mini-golf does not take a wrinkle. From spring to fall, we love to walk through the 18 holes armed with a club, with family or friends. The trees here are blessed by the gods when you know how much the sun of the lake's shores can plague some days! A haven of softness completed by the flowers and the groves which should contribute to our form to beat the bogey! For those who don't feel like playing the club, there is still the terrace to quietly sip a delicious milkshake, Futé tested the drink!

Get ready for an extraordinary experience as you glide down a track set in the heart of an exceptionally beautiful natural valley. Enjoy all the sensations of a toboggan run in Savoie, on over 6 kilometers of pure pleasure, accessible to everyone from the age of 5. This recreational outing will take you down tight bends and varied slopes, providing immense satisfaction for tobogganing enthusiasts. So, are you ready for an extraordinary 45-minute adventure full of thrills and spills?

This very easy walk on the Monts de Chambéry, in the heart of the Parc Piot which dominates the city, is an opportunity to escape a little from the city and to enjoy a little greenery to relax better. The Monts site offers a wide view overlooking the city of the Dukes of Savoy and a panoramic view of the Chartreuse massif. The itinerary alternates meadows and wooded areas and follows a health trail. The reward is twofold since two belvederes overlook the cluse of Chambéry. Good plan: enjoy the magic of sunset from up there....

This charming mountain village transforms itself into a haven of winter bliss, where the ski slopes become the ideal playground for family adventures in the heart of the magnificent Parc de la Vanoise. In summer, it's a nature-lover's paradise, where you can hike, climb majestic peaks, hurtle down mountain bike trails or simply take a leisurely stroll. Families are sure to love the fun activities on offer.

Val Thorens is much more than a destination, it's a true state of mind, a fusion of attitude and altitude. This resort embodies the perfect blend of quality skiing and a very pleasant atmosphere. In a relaxed, lively and gourmet atmosphere, you're free to follow your desires at your own pace. You can multiply your experiences while sharing convivial moments. The ultimate goal is to live every moment to the full!

with 25 years' experience in mountain and outdoor sports, Monté Médio shares the best sensations with nature lovers. By turning to this team of mountain professionals, outings take on a whole new dimension. In summer, water sports offer the ultimate in refreshment. Canyoning and rafting in the region's rivers and torrents, notably the torrent de Montmin, are available to all, always in complete safety. Via ferrata, climbing and paragliding complete the range of activities on offer. In winter, with skiing and snowshoeing... Last but not least, Le Petit Futé loves the way Monté Médio invites you to celebrate your hen or stag night... Feel like getting moving? An address not to be missed.

A mountain golf course opened in 1934 at the foot of the Mont-Blanc massif. In the village of Les Praz, 3 km from Chamonix, the 18-hole golf course, spread over a 6-kilometre course, enjoys a magnificent natural environment, wooded and almost flat, with no fairways or road crossings, broken only by the Arve River, which causes daring players to lose a few balls... Hole 17 offers a view of Mont Blanc and the serac cascade of the Bossons glacier. The chic clubhouse is remarkable for its log-cabin-style construction.

Linking Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoëns, Morillon and Sixt, the Grand Massif ski area extends to an altitude of 2,500 meters with 139 trails and 62 lifts. Skiers will enjoy the pristine spaces of the Combe du Gers and landscape lovers will enjoy the mythical blue run of the Cascades. The Grand Massif offers a wide range of skiing, downhill and cross-country skiing, and many other activities: dog sledding, snowshoeing or walking, snowmobiling, cinema, skating rink, bowling, cultural center, shows and events...

A mountain peak between 1,500 and 1,700 m with 360-degree panoramic views. Easily accessible by car or public transport in season, just 20 minutes from the center of Annecy, the Semnoz resort offers a privileged natural setting for skiers and hikers. This medium-altitude resort boasts a varied, affordable ski area with 18 alpine runs, 1 freestyle snowpark and 35 km of cross-country ski trails in 3 sectors (forest, petit plateau, grand plateau). Signposted walks and other activities in summer and winter.

Since 1994, the H2o Sport Landry Center has distinguished itself as the preferred choice for outdoor activities in Savoie, benefiting from recognized expertise in whitewater and mountain sports. With four strategically located bases in the region, including the Isère River in Landry and the Doron de Bozel in Moutiers, as well as a variety of options such as E-Mountain Scoot, E-Bike and Deval Bike in Vallandry, H2o offers adventures to suit everyone. This diversity guarantees memorable outdoor experiences for all adventure enthusiasts.

Mountain guide Martin Herdewyn offers mountain bike and e-bike tours, as well as hiking, snowshoeing and skiing in the Alps, with small groups in France, Switzerland and Italy. Whether in summer or winter, these adventures offer an exceptional experience, from bivouacs at altitudes of over 2,000 meters to technically challenging routes. These stays, lasting from three to eight days, are supervised by mountain professionals.

Why not swap the beaches for the peaks and try a golf course in the mountains? In Savoie, the Tignes golf course offers an exceptional setting at an altitude of 2,100 meters, with breathtaking views of Lac de Tignes and the Grande Motte glacier. Nicknamed the "marmot course", it offers a playful challenge with its numerous burrows along the fairways. What's more, the Tignes golf course features a unique aerial competition, where golfers have to take their ball over 420 meters to reach the green 270 meters above the course.

Located opposite the mythical Dent du Chat mountain, which culminates at an altitude of 1,390 m, it is a place where legends are told... It is a place where it is good to recharge your batteries. You can choose between grass or sand, in the shade of large trees or in the sun... The lake offers a very different view here and the footbridges and promenades are ideal for daydreaming and strolling to better enjoy the landscape to the sound of the lapping water. Be careful, however, it is difficult in the summer to find a parking space.

Surf'in Annecy with V-Boat. The V-Boat is the place that brings together all the means to enjoy yourself while sliding on the waters of the lake in complete safety. Rental of boats without a licence, pedal boats with or without a slide for a refreshing swim, water skiing and wakesurfing with Alex who is passionate about sliding, water skiing and wakeboarding in summer or snowboarding in winter (some of which are serious) or the latest and most popular paddle board, to stand on his board. And the less adventurous can rent cars, sorry pedal boats, to sail on the water. An essential address.

Café-cycliste, a category we didn't include in our guide! In the old Duingt railway station, along the cycle path that circles the lake, it's impossible to miss Le Bon Wagon. A multi-faceted venue with one common denominator: bicycles. Terrace and refreshment room with a café - delicious small dishes, quality coffees, craft beers, cold drinks - a boutique (everything for bikes), a bike rental service and a host of services to help you get back on your bike with peace of mind, such as a tool kiosk and an inflation station.

Three small artificial lakes in a family-friendly leisure park. They are dedicated to fishing, swimming and windsurfing respectively. At the end of the last lake, a bird observatory is available for walkers. In summer, the three lakes are a popular local cool spot, with bar-restaurant and evening entertainment. This multi-sport site features a fitness trail on the imperial road leading to the lakes, a nearby climbing spot and themed trails to discover the local flora and fauna.

This is the public beach on the east side of the lake, much appreciated by residents of Annecy for its green setting and high-quality environment. Just a stone's throw from the town center and close to the Impérial, this beach is one of the most renowned in the area. With its 12,000^m2 of fine sand, clean water, diving boards and waterslides, sports fields and play areas, the spacious beach, planted with flowers, offers a family atmosphere that is much appreciated by bathers and strollers alike. Showers, changing rooms, bar and self-service restaurant. So, as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, don't hesitate to head for the beach! Numerous restaurants nearby.

A station made up of three interconnected stations on two slopes: Le Pleynet on the sunrise side, Prapoutel and Pipay on the sunset side. A resort full of resources in every season to offer us the best of the mountains. A resort that has opted for modernization and now boasts a superb range of facilities, including some of the most modern ski lifts in France. Several Nordic skiing areas. Magnificent landscapes for nature and snow lovers.

A family resort which is among the vast ski fields that make the Savoy rich, especially with the Espace Diamant linking Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Crest-Voland Cohennoz, Flumet and Praz-sur-Arly with Saisies. An alpine ski area composed of 84 ski lifts, 154 tracks for a total of 185 km. Seizures is still a world-class cross-border skiing area.

Right in the heart of the village, with gently sloping access for children, this first ecological lake open to bathing in France is untouched by concrete architecture. Water at between 19° and 26°C, heated by the sun, aquatic plants that filter the water, a water jet and a small cascading stream ensure impeccable water quality. This 100% ecological lake is one of the most beautiful in the Alps, preserving the beauty of the natural environment! Cold water swimming is also available in winter. Reservations recommended (website).

To reach the summit of the Grandes Platières and hike up to the Désert de Platé, simply take the DMC gondola, which lifts you up to 2,480 meters in twelve minutes. As you exit the gondola, a memorable panorama awaits you: the Fiz chain in the foreground, followed by the highest peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif. On a clear day, you can also admire the Aravis massif, the Dents Blanches, Belledonne, Vercors and Jura, but it's important to note that the cable car may close in the event of unfavorable weather conditions, so check before you come if in doubt.

In summer, the possible presence of snow requires adequate preparation. Experienced hikers will find numerous marked trails in the heart of the magnificent Désert de Platé, a limestone plateau dotted with lapiaz, fissures and potholes sculpted by glacial meltwater. This lunar landscape offers breathtaking views, but it's essential to be well equipped, as some of the rocks can be sharp.

To take the family back down to Flaine from the cable car, simply follow the signs for Tête Pelouse and skirt the slopes of Balacha. If you're lucky, a few chamois and marmots may turn up. In winter, the Cascades trail offers a tempting option: a 14-kilometer blue run to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval!

This establishment, dedicated to physical activity and relaxation, offers a multitude of activities and facilities. There's a swimming pool, volleyball courts, badminton courts, squash courts, indoor basketball courts, outdoor tennis courts and ping-pong tables. On the wellness side, the center offers massage sessions, tanning booths, a sauna, a steam room, and for younger guests, a play area equipped with trampolines and inflatables.

The downhill ski area covers the village of Grand-Bornand and the high-altitude hamlet of Chinaillon. Lifts leave from Le Lachat (lower village or Grand-Bornand) and from La Floria and Le Maroly (upper village or Chinaillon). Accessible by TandemSki, a wheelchair adapted for people with reduced mobility and driven by a qualified instructor. Don't hesitate to extend your ski pass to the Aravis ski area, with the resorts of La Clusaz, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt (211 km of pistes), where ski-bus connections are available throughout the day. You can buy your ski pass online, without waiting. New snow sports enthusiasts are not forgotten either, with the SnowparkGB regularly ranked as one of France's top facilities. You can record your run on the VideoparkKGB (Airbag) video zone and view it at the park hut or on your cell phone. Downhill enthusiasts can take to the Dénivel'Maxx, a 3 km non-stop descent with a 1,100 m vertical drop. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the Charmieux chairlift is in operation and the slope is lit up from 5pm to 9pm for night-time descents. New sensations on skis, yooner, paret, snow-coot, véloski and fatbike! The Rosay site is ideal for beginners, with a world-record 230 m-long, fully-covered Alpage Express carpet for a wide range of descents. Don't miss the superb Grandborama gondolas, like a contemporary art gallery suspended in mid-air.

The captivating history of ski jumping is rooted in the enchanting setting of Courchevel, a recognized sanctuary for the discipline, acclaimed for its Olympic stadium and its unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Let's go back in time to the 1940s, when a handful of daring adventurers wrote the first chapters of this saga on a humble wooden springboard. Over the years, ski jumping has become an integral part of alpine ski training, perpetuating the birth of this growing legend.

It is a team of enthusiasts who propose to you to discover the Guil, one of the last rivers of France without any artificial development. On a wild river, most of the course is class IV and V - the federation mentions 6 classes, class VI corresponding to impassable zones. The rafting experience is done in the calmest parts. The bivouac with night in the gorges is possible. The supervision is provided by state-qualified guides, all very friendly. Possibility to follow with a via ferrata.

Certainly one feels like in a jar with its bay windows which open onto the shopping centre but once inside this 1,600 m² room with one hundred and sixty paths for all levels - 3 to 8 - and a 250 m² block, one quickly concentrates on its outlets. Lit thanks to the natural light, under a dome with a daring architecture of wood and glass, the pool area of 4,500 m² is the second attraction for Annéciens. For relaxation: you can enjoy in the 500 m² balnéoforme heated to 32 °C with swimming against the current, fountains, benches with a whirlpool bath etc. are at your disposal. For sports fans, the 25 m pool is ideal for swimming lengths. In the summer season, “the oasis of greenery opens its 10,000 m² for the joy of all. But the pleasures of sport and well-being do not stop there because we are still waiting for the terrains dedicated for racket sports - squash and badminton -, the gym rooms and their teachers, the fitness centre with all the pleasures of saunas, hammams, the original roman Irish course, and a choice of aqua gym courses.

With a professional and experienced guide, live a magical experience by sliding in the water under a thick layer of ice offering amazing lights! For those who have never recovered from the Big Blue or for those who simply want to live these moments of intense emotion under a layer of ice up to 2 meters thick. Dive Xtreme also offers underground diving in the summer in the Thais cave. Information: www.vercors-plongee.com.

Access to this renowned and formerly private beach is now free. Close to Le Pâquier and L'Impérial, this grassy, supervised beach is directly accessible from the bike path, and is a great place to meet up with family - supervised beach - and friends. There are plenty of facilities to make the most of a day by the lake, with your feet in the water: slides (depending on the lake's water level, which can be too low in high season), inflatable games, mini-golf, a paddling pool for the little ones, beach volleyball and badminton courts for sports enthusiasts, and a lawn for relaxing sunbathing. Are you in California? The Impérial beach is just as good!

An "all-weather" toboggan run on rails awaits you, offering a breathtaking experience for even the bravest of riders. This adventure stretches for almost 800 meters, with sections reaching up to 8 meters above the ground. You'll face blistering accelerations, sheer turns, 360 and 540-degree spins, as well as a series of thrilling waves. But don't worry, if you prefer a less intense experience, simply grab the joysticks and adjust your speed to your heart's content!

A magical site overlooking the lake of Serre-Ponçon in the heart of an immense larch forest. A ski area with beautiful slopes for experienced skiers and areas designed for beginners through the woods. In total, 100 km with 36 slopes, 17 lifts and 1 recent and well thought out snowpark. Numerous white activities - snowshoeing, tobogganing, paragliding, snow scooters - and many summer possibilities - hiking, mountain biking, SpeedLine... - when the heat crushes the shores of the Serre-Ponçon lake below.

In recent years, Risoul, in association with the Forêt Blanche ski area, has made its mark in the field of new snow sports. With 116 runs totalling 185 km, the area offers a wide variety of courses, including 7 snowparks, 2 boardercrosses, a renowned KL run, and two natural toboggan runs. Forêt Blanche is a welcoming destination for all skiers. Cross-country ski enthusiasts also have 17 km of marked trails at their disposal. In summer, white water sports await you on the Durance and Guil rivers.

The Richard Bozon Sports Center is home to a multitude of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The skating rink offers a covered Olympic track and an outdoor rink in winter. As for the swimming pool, it is composed of indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a hammam, a whirlpool, ideal as an après-ski. In the summer, you can enjoy the outdoor Olympic pool, the rapid rivers, the water garden with massaging jets and the slide.

Created in 1904, the course, slightly hilly, is located between lake and mountain. The majestic trees of various species, combined with water hazards and white sand bunkers, make it a very pleasant course to the eye but very technical. Particularly noteworthy is hole 10, a long par 5 of 525 meters with a slight dog-leg right, difficult because of its slope and a green with several plateaus whose attack is blind. Hole n° 15 is a magnificent par 3 of 149 meters, very spectacular with a plunging view on the lake of Geneva.