02 May 2014
The mountains of France are known and loved by hundreds of thousands of British holidaymakers, primarily as a winter destination. However, as the snow melts and the mountain panoramas change from white to green, literally countless summer holidays are on offer in the French mountains, to suit a huge range of tastes and activities. Here are 4 great ways to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the French mountains in summer, as well as a selection of new activities on offer for 2014.
1) Take the kids! The French mountains offer such a huge range of child-friendly activities that even the most hyperactive kids will be spoilt for choice! New for this summer is 'Cani-Rando' which keeps the dog-sledding huskies in shape all year round and is on offer in a number of destinations including Valloire. Participants are towed by huskies either on foot or on an all-terrain scooter. Trekking on donkeys promises to be popular with kids and is available in Montgenèvre and Les Menuires. La Clusaz is a great spot for kids to try mountain-biking, while Châtel's « Fantasticable » is one of the most exciting zip-wire facilities in the world. On 2 wheels, a new addition for this summer are semi-electric bikes which make for gloriously easy ascents.
2) Stretch your legs! Whether it's hiking or trail-running, there can be no finer environment to get out and about under your own steam than the mountains of France! Every mountain resort in France represents a great base for exploring the mountains, and this summer there are one or two exiting new possibilities to discover. Val d'Isère offers guided hiking at night, and Val Thorens even adds the option of night-time astrology at 3200m! For those that like to move faster on two feet, Les 2 Alpes continues to lead the way in catering for new disciplines and is truly the Trail Running reference, while Courchevel continues the nocturnal theme with full moon night-time trail races.
3) Sample stunning summer specialities! For those who take more of an interest in the very ground they are covering, and what it might yield for the pot, Morzine offers courses in foraging in the mountains. Megève is the mountain maestro in gastronomic terms, with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants serving sublimely imaginative dishes all summer.
4) Adrenaline junkies look no further! The range of high-octane activities on offer in the French mountains is almost endless. Les Gets' downhill mountain-biking « coaching track » is one of the foremost facilities of its kind in the world while both Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d'Huez play host to international mountain-biking competitions. La Clusaz has added a junior version (Kid Roc) of its famous MTB event the Roc des Alpes, making it the spot for multi-generational MTB riding! Valloire has fantastic facilities for both mountain-boarding and downhill scooters, as well as all terrain Segways! Returning to Tignes is the inflatable « blob jump » alongside a host of other water-based activities in and around the water-jump facility. Also in Tignes Stand Up Paddleboarding is on offer on the lake as is the spectacular Fly-Board.
This raft of new additions joins the multitude of tried and tested summer mountain activities. Les 2 Alpes and Tignes are in good shape for the summer-ski season, while Peyragudes in the Pyrenees plays host to the longboarding World Cup. The Tour de France promises to be followed more enthusiastically than ever in the UK, and will pass through Chamrousse and Alpe d'Huez. With crystal clear (and warm) lakes, emerald green hills and clean and balmy air, the French mountains remain a great alternative to a beach holiday, without compromising on the beach!
A wide variety of unusual accommodation options are on offer across the French mountains this summer, for those who are looking to feel truly at one with their surroundings, from yurts to tepees and eco-lodges, the adventurer is well catered for!
More conventional mountain accommodation is often available for remarkably low prices and a great deal of activities on offer in the French mountains are free!
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
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