The mountains of France form the arena for a plethora of world-class events throughout the year, both to watch and participate in. Summer 2015 is jam packed with sports events, for everyone from hard-core enthusiasts to nervous novices, while families, foodies and music-lovers will all find a great event to punctuate their holidays. The following is a selection of 10 unmissable events taking place in the French mountains over the coming months.

Kids/Family

• Morzine Loves Kids, Morzine, 25th-31st July 2015
  • Morzine offers an exceptional week designed for children. Every day, you'll be able to enjoy free events and shows (street performances, workshops, games, cinema…). Even better, kids stay free in hotels, and parents can take advantage of a minimum of 20% discount in self-catered accommodation.
• Au Bonheur des Mômes, Le Grand Bornand, 23rd-28th August 2015
  • 100,000 young festival-goers; 90 entertainment-companies, 450 acts (half of which are free) across theatre, mime, puppets, dance and other circus acts. Au Bonheur des Mômes is the biggest cultural event for young audiences in Europe. One of the main themes for 2015 is to focus on the values of the outdoors over excessive use of electronic devices!

Gastronomy

• Reblochon Festival, La Clusaz, 9th August 2015
  • A festival celebrating local craftsmanship, the history of local farming and of course the famous cheese, Reblochon. All things local are celebrated with folk dancing, traditional bread making and a grand parade through the village.

Music

• Pyro Symphonie Live, Courchevel, 28th July 2015
  • The Bryansk Governor's Symphony Orchestra will play Tchaikovsky's “Nutcracker” and Verdi's “Aida” at nightfall by the lake in Courchevel Le Praz, in perfect synchronisation with a stunning fireworks display, courtesy of Pendora Pyrotechnie, winners of the International Pyrotechnic Art Festival. A true feast for the eyes and ears!

Quirky

• Montée Impossible, La Bresse, 19th July 2015
  • A motorcycling event that's equal parts spectacular and insane! Riders, watched by a huge crowd, come from all over the world and attempt to ride their custom bikes to the summit of an almost impossibly steep hill, often with calamitous results!

Trail Running

• 6000D (The Race of Giants), La Plagne, 23rd-25th July 2015
  • This legendary Trail running festival enters its 26th year. The main event is a gruelling 63km route with 4000m of elevation gain. There are 6 other events open to various different age groups and categories.

Mountain-biking

• Megavalanche, Alpe d'Huez, 6th-12th July 2015
  • Departing from Le Pic Blanc (3300 m) and finishing at Allemont (720 m) the legendary Megavalanche is the longest (and quite possibly craziest) downhill MTB race in the world and features 1400 participants, from the carnage of the Men's race down through the fun kid's, friends and family events. Anyone can enter, or watch!
  • Alpine Battle, Les Gets, 13th July 2015
    • Team orienteering race on mountain-bikes! Equipped with a map, GPS and bike, teams must check off as many checkpoints as possible over 2 days. Advanced and Leisure categories mean the event is open to anyone!

Road Cycling

• Haute Route Pyrénées, 15th-21st August 2015
  • The Haute Route Pyrenees is a cycle race open to anybody, with stages on 7 consecutive days, taking in some of the most challenging climbs in the Pyrenees. The idyllic town of Saint Lary Soulan, host town on day 5, will provide much-needed respite!
  • Tour de FranceThe mountain stages of world's biggest annual sporting event are the most gruelling and of course most spectacular
    • Pyrenees(Stages 10-12), 14th-16th July 2015
      • What else to see in the area: The picturesque thermal spa villages of Barèges and Cauterets, as well as the stunning observatory atop the 2877m Pic du Midi du Bigorre. 
• Massif Central(Stages 13-15), 17th-19th July 2015
  • What else to see in the area: The gorgeous Gorges du Tarn limestone canyon is a mecca for canoeing, canyoning, rafting and rock climbing.
• Alps (Stages 17-20), 22nd-25thJuly 2015
  • What else to see in the area: Briançon, with its surrounding military forts is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and France's highest city. Pra Loup and Valloire are both “Famille Plus” resorts, meaning they are especially well-adapted to the needs of families with children. The latter hosts the 4th International Giant Straw and Hay Sculptures competition (7th-12th July), the results of which will be on display when the Tour passes through.

Note for editorial teams: France Montagnes is an agency whose remit is to promote the mountains of France as a tourist destination. For further information about the French mountains in winter or in summer, please contact Matt Carr at the offices of Atout France in London, at matt.carr@atout-france.fr or on 0207 061 6623

www.france-montagnes.com

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