French Alps

5 Reasons to spend summer holidays in the Alps

Summer mountains Emerald Stay

July is the prime time to visit, with long, sunlit nights perfect for indulging in nature exploration and adventure tourism.

Date posted: 16 June 2023, 4:28pm

Article length: 8 minutes

Experience the best of summer in the French Alps, an idyllic area known for its stunning landscapes and captivating cultural events. July is the prime time to visit, with long, sunlit nights perfect for indulging in nature exploration and adventure tourism.

Discover the ultimate mountain vacation and create unforgettable memories during your summer holidays in the French Alps. Here are our top 5 reasons why the French Alps are the ideal destination for your summer getaway.

  1. The summer activities in the French Alps

  2. The summer cultural events and festivals

  3. The weather conditions in the French Alps during the summer season

  4. The family-friendly attractions in the French Alps during summer

  5. The peace and quiet of the French Alps in the summer

1. The summer activities in the French Alps

The French Alps are an ideal summer getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a wide range of popular activities in the midst of breathtaking mountain scenery. The hiking trails in the French Alps are world renowned, attracting visitors with their picturesque routes and stunning views.

From Chamonix, with its challenging trails that include the famous Tour du Mont Blanc, to Alpe d'Huez's scenic paths leading to alpine pastures and the family-friendly routes of Les Gets, there is a hiking trail to suit every level of experience. And if hiking is not your thing, the adventure tourism is thriving with other sports:

  • mountain biking

  • paragliding

  • rock climbing

These sports allow visitors to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Alps, whether your are a thrill seeker or a nature lover! These activities offer a unique perspective on the natural wonders, complemented by the amenities and infrastructure of Alpine resorts.

Summer holidays French Alps Emerald Stay

Photos by Sanderstock (Adobe Stock) and Nathanael Desmeules (Unsplash)

In addition to its renowned hiking trails and outdoor activities, the French Alps also offer an exhilarating array of white-water sports during the summer months. The region's pristine rivers and streams provide the perfect playground for adrenaline junkies and water sports enthusiasts.

Adventurers can take on the rapids on thrilling white-water rafting excursions, navigating the twists and turns of rushing currents. Canyoning offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden gorges and cascading waterfalls, combining walking, swimming and abseiling for an unforgettable adventure. If you're after a quieter experience, try one of these:

  • kayaking

  • paddle boarding

Summer holidays in the French Alps with Emerald Stay

Photo by Natalia_maroz (Adobe Stock)

These sports are ideal to explore the crystal clear alpine lakes and rivers at a leisurely pace, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

With a variety of white-water sports available, the French Alps cater for people of all abilities and preferences, ensuring an exciting and memorable summer holiday for all who visit.

Book your summer holidays in adventure-packed resorts

2. The summer cultural events and festivals in the Alps

Celebrating the rich traditions of the region, festivals offer a fascinating insight into the local heritage and way of life. From traditional music and dance performances to captivating folklore displays, these events showcase the unique spirit of the Alps.

Join in the festivities as locals don traditional costumes, indulge in delicious regional cuisine and participate in age-old customs. A good example is the Fête des Guides in Chamonix, that showcases the rich heritage of the Alps with colourful parades, vibrant costumes and traditional art forms.

There is also a captivating array of cultural and gastronomic events, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the region's vibrant artistic culture. Music enthusiasts can revel in the melodies of renowned festivals like the Megeve's Summer Jazz Contest, a world-class performing event that attracts music enthusiasts from around the globe.

Meanwhile, gastronomic delights take centre stage at the Morzine's Savoy Cheese Events, where visitors can savour delicious cheeses and wines from this region of France.

Summer holidays in the Alps | Emerald Stay

Photos by Jens Thekkeveettil (Unsplash) and Morzine-Avoriaz (Oficial website)

3. The weather conditions in the French Alps during the summer season

During the summer season, average temperatures in the French Alps range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the sun shines for around 8 hours of the day. Higher altitudes tend to be cooler, while lower areas may experience slightly warmer temperatures.

These pleasant and mild temperatures make the French Alps an inviting destination for outdoor activities and summer holidays, allowing adventurers to go on thrilling hikes, mountain bike excursions or simply take leisurely walks to soak up the breathtaking alpine scenery.

Summer holidays French Alps Emerald Stay

Photo by kojin_nikon (Adobe Stock)

4. The family-friendly summer activities in the Alps

Families heading for a summer break in the French Alps will discover a wealth of family-friendly attractions and activities set amidst breathtaking mountain scenery!

  • Courchevel: Little ones can unleash their imaginations and have endless fun at some grre Courchevel Adventure Park, with thrilling treetop adventures, zip-lines and an exciting treasure hunt.

  • Morzine: the Parc des Derêches allows for nature exploration for the young ones, providing a delightful setting for family picnics, leisurely walks, and even a mini-golf course. For those seeking a cultural immersion for children, Morzine also offers the delightful Maison du Fromage Abondance, where children can learn about the art of cheese-making and even try their hand at making their own delicious dairy treats. These family-friendly attractions cater for a wide range of interests, ensuring that young and old alike can create unforgettable memories in the heart of the French Alps.

Photo by Delphotostock (Adobe Stock)

With a plethora of family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities in Courchevel, Les Gets, and Morzine, families can rest assured that their summer holidays in the French Alps will be filled with joy, adventure, and cherished moments that will be treasured for years to come.

Book your summer holidays in these family-friendly resorts

Read also: Summer in the Mountains - top 3 resorts for families

5. The peace and quiet of the French Alps in the summer

One of the remarkable aspects of a summer retreat in the French Alps is the opportunity to escape the crowds and find solace in the serene surroundings. Unlike popular summer tourist destinations, Courchevel, Meribel, and Saint-Gervais offer a quieter and more intimate experience, allowing families to immerse themselves in nature without the hustle and bustle.

With fewer visitors, families can fully appreciate the tranquillity of the mountains, explore hidden trails, and enjoy breathtaking vistas in solitude. Whether it's a leisurely hike to a secluded mountain lake or a peaceful picnic in a secluded meadow, the French Alps provide a respite from the crowds, offering a chance to reconnect with loved ones and savour the beauty of the natural world undisturbed.

With the allure of avoiding the masses, families can revel in a peaceful and rejuvenating summer getaway in the unspoiled landscapes of the French Alps.

Photos by Robert Kneschke, Oleksandra and Philippe (Adobe Stock)

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