Holidays In France: 5 Destinations To Go To The Mountains In Summer

The mountains are an increasingly popular destination for French people on their summer holidays. For all those who want to get some altitude and breathe fresh air this summer, we have selected 5 destination ideas in the French Alps.

1- The Tarentaise Valley

The Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie department is a skier's paradise in winter.

Indeed, it offers the largest concentration of ski areas in the world. with Paradiski (Les Arcs and La Plagne), the Three Valleys (Courchevel, Méribel, Les Ménuires and Val Thorens) and the Espace Killy (Tignes and Val-d'Isère)!

But the Tarentaise is also a perfect destination to go to the mountains in summer and practice a wide choice of sports and fun activities: hiking, cycling or even climbing and via ferrata.

In addition to these outdoor activities, this valley is known for its many baroque churches and for its cheeses, the most famous representatives of which are the Tomme de Savoie and the Beaufort AOC.

Surfing on the trend of summer holidays in the mountains, more and more tourism professionals, including Club Med, are offering all-inclusive holidays in France in the Alps and in particular in the Tarentaise valley.

2- The village of Valmorel

At the entrance to the Tarentaise Valley, the picturesque village of Valmorel is a prime destination for a summer mountain getaway.

From there, you can radiate into the surrounding area and visit Albertville (the host city of the 1992 Winter Olympics) but also the old village of Aigueblanche and the medieval town of Conflans.

The well-named resort of Valmorel la Belle is distinguished by its stone and wood architecture in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Moreover, unlike the higher altitude resorts, in summer it offers forests and meadows, flocks of sheep and trails accessible to the whole family!

In addition to Hiking and mountain biking, you can practice tree climbing, summer tobogganing and enjoy its swimming Pool and bike park... There is really something for everyone.

3- The village of Samoëns in Haute-Savoie

If you like high mountains and old stones, go to the homeland of stonecutters, in Samoëns in Haute-Savoie!

As busy in summer as in winter, this village in the Giffre Valley will seduce you with its picturesque setting and the multitude of activities on offer in the area.

After admiring the old stone houses of Samoëns and its flowery alleys, you will be able to practice many outdoor activities in a grandiose setting, with a view of the Alps and the Mont-Blanc!

You don't need to be a seasoned walker to enjoy it: in the vicinity of the village, wonderful alpine landscapes are accessible by easy hikes.

4- Alpe d'Huez in Isère

A sports resort par excellence, L'Alpe d'Huez allows you to enjoy the mountains and its pedestrian, aerial, cycling or equestrian activities throughout the summer.

Located in the Grandes Rousses massif, it occupies the former mountain pastures of the village of Huez in Isère, less than 60 km from Grenoble.

Renowned for its love of sport, Alpe d'Huez is home to a Palais des Sports offering more than thirty activities.

The offer is so rich that the resort offers a Premium Summer Card which will give you access to the outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, ice rink and all the activities of the Palais des Sports with loan of equipment!

5- La Colmiane in the Alpes-Maritimes

If you want to go to the mountains in summer without driving too much, you can also choose your destination in the Alpes-Maritimes department.

Not far from the Mercantour National Park la Colmiane-Valdeblore is a destination for the whole family.

You can practice hiking, mountain biking, mini-golf, summer tobogganing and accrobranche only an hour's drive from Nice and the Côte d'Azur coastline!

For thrill-seekers, come and experience a paragliding flight or a unique descent on the largest zip line in France (2663 metres long and a top speed of 120km/h).