The French Alps are undoubtedly the most coveted vacation spots across the globe. People from all corners of the world want to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing skiing vacation at one of the many breathtaking resorts in the French Alps. Of course, winter is the best time to head to these snow-covered mountains to show off your skiing skills while you have booked rooms in one of the ski-in ski-out accommodations. But even if you’re going on a family summer holiday to the French Alps, there is so much to do and so much to see. So, to make your vacation here even more memorable, scroll below for a list of the best things to do over the summer holidays in the French Alps.
1. Go sightseeing from a train (from USD 153.0)
This train experience is an excellent summer activity in the French Alps that promises a perfect blend of adventure, history, and scenic beauty. During the summer months, the French Alps come alive with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to explore this picturesque region. The comfortable train ride allows you to relax and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, passing through charming villages and verdant valleys.
The Baroque Royal Route showcases stunning architectural gems and rich cultural heritage while learning about the ancient Salt Trade Road adds a fascinating historical dimension to the journey.
Nice to French Alps Baroque Route Train Ride, Hike & Villages
Duration: 8 to 12 hours
2. Have a picnic amidst breathtaking views (from USD 130.0)
Your itinerary of the French Alps in the summer is incomplete without a visit to the lake in Bergamo. Indulge in an exclusive and unforgettable experience with this exclusive picnic with lake views in Bergamo. This activity invites you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Alps while relishing the panoramic vistas of the serene lake. A private picnic in this idyllic setting awaits you, offering a selection of delectable local delicacies and fresh produce. Sit back, relax, and savour the flavours, surrounded by the tranquillity of the mountains and the gentle breeze from the lake.
Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family outing, or a solo retreat, this tailored picnic provides an intimate and picturesque ambience to create cherished memories. Take a moment to bask in the warmth of the sun, unwind, and connect with nature in this hidden escape in the foothills of the Alps.
Exclusive Picnic in the Foothills of the Alps with the Lake Views
Duration: 4 hours
3. Enjoy a 360-degree view while paragliding over the French Alps (from USD 328.0)
A drone is the best way to see the panoramic view over the French Alps, and paragliding over these stunning mountain peaks is a close second. If you are visiting the French Alps in summer, then you must go paragliding to really take in the beauty and actually understand the vast expanse of these snow-covered mountains. This full-day tour is for approximately 10 hours, during which you get to ride the cable car up to the top and then start your one-hour paragliding experience. Definitely, something you must do during your summer holidays in the French Alps.
Chamonix Small-Group Alps Paragliding Experience from Geneva
Duration: 10 hours
4. Bring out your inner caving enthusiast at Devoluy Massif
Devoluy Massif is known for its natural limestone caves, that’s right, real and natural limestone caves. Think of this as a once in a lifetime experience! If you are a caving enthusiast, then you must head over to the Devoluy Massif. Apparently, the largest cave here is over 1 km (0.6 miles) deep! There are over 600 caves to see, so let your caving adventure begin. Be sure to go with a guide if you’re new at this.
5. Experience e-biking, the new craze in the southern French Alps
An e-bike is basically an electronic bike or a motorized bike which looks like any regular bike – it has gears, pedals, breaks, etc. The motor only works while you’re pedaling which basically means you’re getting assistance while pedaling. If you’re a total fitness enthusiast or you just love the mountains, then you should definitely go e-biking in the French Alps. You can easily hire an e-bike and begin your journey up the mountain to see the beautiful sights.
6. Go tree climbing and spend a night in a hammock in the French Alps
You can go tree climbing in the French Alps, and no this is not just for kids! Tree climbing is an actual sport in the French Alps and many tours and companies customize packages for the same. You can go tree climbing while being supervised by an expert – just think of the thrill! You can also spend the night in a tree hammock – as high up as you like. If you want to stay the night with your family, you can stay in a tree tent. Sleeping in the woods, listening to the wind and the trees and the animals is a great way to spend your summer holidays in the French Alps.
7. Participate in water sports over the blue waters of the Serre Ponçon Lake
Is a summer holiday really complete without water sports? You can head to the Serre Ponçon Lake and enjoy some really exciting and thrilling water sports over the bright blue waters. You can participate in water sports like water skiing or wakeboarding. If you aren’t into water sports, you should still head over to the Serre Ponçon Lake just to enjoy the calm and beautiful blue water, maybe dip your feet in or just rent out a boat and spend your afternoon relaxing.
8. Go hiking in the southern French Alps
If you’re visiting the mountains you go for a hike in the mountains – isn’t that like a golden rule? So of course, you have to go hiking when you’re visiting the French Alps! The south French Alps are the best for hiking as there are some really cool caves you might see along the way, and if you’re lucky you might get a glimpse of some beautiful waterfalls and natural swimming pools. You can even pack a little picnic if you’re going on a family hiking trip. Is there a better way to really enjoy the mountains?
9. Spend a night in a refuge for some mental peace
Spending a night in a refuge has become pretty popular in the French Alps. There are actually many refuges to choose from, but the most popular one seems to be the Refuge du Tourond. Some of them are designed actually like a real refuge – you sleep in dorms, you get breakfast and dinner dormitory-style and you carry your own things to and fro. Some other refuges are like hotels with food and drinks, hot showers and flushing toilets. You can choose whichever type you like, but the end result is a digital detox and a break surrounded by nature.
10. Go white-water kayaking in the southern French Alps
Follow the white water rapids in the southern French Alps and make all your kayaking dreams come true. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then you’re going to absolutely love going white-water kayaking in the French Alps! Beginners can start learning on a river while people with more experience can go test their skills with the other white water kayakers who come here from all over the world to paddle in the rivers formed by the melting snow.
11. Have fun canyoning at Rabou and Le Fournel
If you love the water or you love being around nature or you even love being in water surrounded by nature, then you will absolutely love canyoning at Rabou and Le Fournel. While canyoning, you get to see transparent and crystal clear waters, pass beautiful waterfalls and enjoy the beauty of nature all around. You can do this if you’re traveling solo, with your family or with your friends – it should definitely be on your list of things to do during your summer holidays in the French Alps.
12. Try your hand at Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata is actually a climbing route invented by the Italian army to get their troops across the mountains efficiently and safely. There is a steel cable that runs across the path and is attached to the rock – which is why this is called the iron path. Think of Via Ferrata as a mix of mountain hiking and rock climbing. Your harness is secured to the steel cable so you have no danger of falling. It’s a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and climb high up the mountain top.
Are you ready for a summer adventure in the French Alps?
Who says you should only go to the French Alps during winter? These mountains might be known for skiing, but there is so much to do there in summer as well. So, if you’re heading there when it’s warm, here’s hoping you can check off all the best places to visit in the Alps in summer while you explore the French Alps by cable car in Chamonix-Mont Blanc.
Frequently asked questions about things to do over the summer holidays in the French Alps
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