With the summer season now getting underway, life in the French mountains is all about slowing down, expelling stressors from your body and mind and working to achieving a deep sense of calm. Dive into nature with these activity and accommodation ideas from across the Alps, Jura and Pyrenees – and return relaxed as never before!

What's new?

The Louron Valley has created a new green mountain bike trail which is 13km long – the longest green one of its kind in the Pyrenees. Ideal for beginners and families, it starts from the top of the resort of Peyragudes at 2,200m and runs down to Loudenvielle, at 950m.

Adrenaline-seekers can always find something new to push their limits. La Via cavo del Mey is a hilly hiking trail that opened at the end of summer 2021 in the mountain range Les Dents de la Portetta in the Vanoise National Park, known as the Savoyard Dolomites. Thanks to a handrail, expert hikers can do a tour around the Aiguille de Mey, departing from Courchevel.

Visitors to the Montagnes du Jura will be able to try out several new activities this summer: there is a new all-season toboggan run in Métabief, new cycling circuits with Jurassic Vélo and a new eco-friendly adventure park in Vauban.

Recharge your batteries among the trees

Moss underfoot, tree bark against your palms, sunbeams through the foliage and birds softly singing: forest bathing brings you back to your essence and makes you feel at one with the nature that plays such an important role in our lives. Head to the Vosges mountains, where it has even inspired cosmetics brand La Forêt. To awaken your senses, check into the spa in the Capucin forest in Le Mont-Dore. This 'sylvatorium', which you can visit free of charge, has five spas, each dedicated to a different sense, as well as several relaxation areas. Take a seat in the spas – with your clothes on! – and concentrate on the scents, sounds and colours around you.

Another way to reconnect with yourself is through meditation – and where better to do that than in nature? Settle in a comfortable position beside the Lac des Confins at the foot of the Aravis mountains, beside Lac de Payolle near the Pic du Midi or the Lac des Mines d'Or in Morzine.

Something different

What if you feel like trying something new on holiday? In the mountains you will find a plethora of original activities to bring you peace and relaxation. Try an afternoon of paddleboarding on Lake Montriond in Avoriaz or take a meditative walk in the Jura mountains with guide Rose-May Halbout. Cold-water swimmers can learn more about the Wim Hof method with Leonardo Pelagotti in Le Lioran (Massif Central): he will help you not only to gain control of your mind and strengthen your body, but also to learn how to breathe properly and get the most out of your day. Truly transformational!

If you have always wanted to try intermittent fasting, you can now do so under supervision at Praz-de-Lys Sommand, where fasting is combined with sophrology (a dynamic relaxation method) and gentle walks. Organised by the Chalet-Refuge de Beauregard, a former 19th-century Alpine farmhouse 1,300m up the mountain, this holiday will replenish your energy levels thanks to tailor-made activities that you can combine with fasting – all taking full advantage of the tranquility of this unique setting.

Peaceful accommodation

In 1934, work started on the first cable car in Val d'Isère to provide access to the Solaise massif – and in 2016, after 74 years in operation, the highest stop ceased operation. Fortunately, Jean-Charles Covarel is now breathing new life into this timeless monument with the luxurious Refuge de Solaise. Situated at 2,551m, the Refuge is the highest hotel in France. With an ambition as high as the place itself, the Refuge boasts incredible views of the valley and the village of Val d'Isère.

Travelling as a family? Hostess Nathalie will welcome you with open arms to B&B Lou Bécus in Les Contamines-Montjoie, with cosy accommodation for your whole troupe. Les Arcs – Bourg-Saint-Maurice contains numerous old, charming villages and hamlets, one of which – Versoye – offers a place to stay at its converted former presbytery. With great care and attention to sustainability, the building has been transformed into the Versaya gîte, where peace and calm reign supreme.

Further information

Official website for France Montagnes

France Montagnes Summer 2022 Press Kit

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