The first mountain destination in summer, the Savoie Mont-Blanc region is a safe bet that combines solid assets and a beautiful diversity of landscapes.
From snow-capped peaks to green valleys, passing by large lakes with crystal clear waters, renowned towns and villages, natural parks and countless hiking trails.
With 22 million overnight stays recorded on average each summer, it clearly has the know-how and reception facilities to properly accommodate travelers with varying budgets.
But what makes it attractive is the quick and easy access to nature, to the great outdoors, off the beaten track.
All it takes is a slight sidelong step.
Chamonix, the capital of mountaineering
Sleep in a "bubble" facing the Aiguilles de Chamonix and the Drus.
Press Photo
ESSENTIALS: the Aiguille du Midi
From the
Mer de Glace
to the Mont-Blanc tramway, all of these places, each more steeped in vertical history than the next, make Chamonix a legendary destination.
But if we had to choose only one visit, we would opt for the
Aiguille du Midi
.
For this possibility to reach in 20 minutes the seizing kingdom of verticality, to become aware from the summit terrace perched at 3842 meters, of the height and the beauty of the surrounding alpine peaks, Mont-Blanc in the first line.
It is very difficult to enjoy the landscape alone: in 2019 nearly 1 million people crowded in this famous red cable car.
Up there, tourists mingle with mountaineers bound for the summits and the “Step into the Void”, this glass box suspended and glazed from floor to ceiling, which perfectly complements the vertiginous experience.
Aiguille du Midi cable car: 100, place de l'Aiguille du Midi, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Phone.
: 04 50 53 22
75.
Return fare: adult € 67.
Children and seniors: € 57.
Hours: 6.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until August 23, then 7.10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. until September 26.
Bring warm clothes because, at this altitude, temperatures can be negative, even in summer.
THE UNEXPECTED: a night in his bubble, the Drus just for you
The
Mottets
refreshment bar
is this very pleasant place that we are very happy to reach in winter, when we return from the Vallée Blanche.
In summer, people also come to eat there, and for some lucky ones, spend a magical night there.
Access to this little paradise above the Mer de Glace is on foot in 1h30 from Chamonix via Les Planards or Les Bois, or in around 30 minutes by coming down from the arrival station of
the Montenvers train.
. Some connoisseurs also arrive there by climbing routes. Suspended or on stilts, between trees and rocks, 4 tents, transparent bubbles, equipped with cushions and cozy duvets were installed by Cathy Simond, the hostess. After a sunset dinner, the last few hikers descend by the light of their headlamps, leaving the happy overnight visitors to enjoy the enchanting calm of nature and its spectacle. Facing the Aiguilles de Chamonix and the Drus which rise majestically in the starry sky, no one really wants to close their eyes. In the early morning, the show continues with the sun racing over the summits during breakfast. You then have to resolve to "get out of your bubble" to find the effervescence of the valley.
Les Mottets, the 4 tents are designed for 3 people (2 adults and 1 child).
Price: € 88 per person, € 72 for children under 12 and free night for children under 4.
The price includes an à la carte dinner, overnight stay and breakfast.
Reservation preferably by phone 06 80 95 30 87 or by email on buvette.mottets@hotmail.fr.
TOP TIP: La Pairie, a secret lunch spot
Almost hidden away, in the bucolic hamlet of Les Bois, this tiny family hotel open from June to mid-September, offers an authentic stopover.
At noon and in the afternoon, walkers and locals take advantage of the immense flower garden and its vichy tables to enjoy an omelet, salad or pancake with ease.
All with a breathtaking view of the Drus.
La Prairie, 53 chemin du Lavousse, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Phone.
: 04 50 53 19 96.
Read also: Le Grand-Bornand in summer, the best activities to do with the family
Annecy: swimming and astronomy
L'île des Cygnes, the only islet in the lake, opposite Annecy.
Dussauj / stock.adobe.com
THE ESSENTIALS: the beaches of Lake Annecy
Under the mountain, the beach. How not to be magnetized by this emerald-colored jewel surrounded by high peaks. Covering an area of 26 km2, Lake Annecy and its pure water at 23 ° C in summer, is ideal for bathing, swimming, rowing, sliding, diving, floating with all imaginable devices. Each of the municipalities bordering the lake has either its own beach or a landscaped corner of paradise: white sand in
Saint-Jorioz
, progressive access to water at the Brune beach in
Veyrier-du-Lac
, tender lawn in
Talloires
, opposite at the magnificent Château de Duingt, a totally natural environment at the
Bout du Lac
or even a distinguished atmosphere on the very central beach of the Imperial, it's up to you to choose your atmosphere. Of course, in the middle of summer, the shores of the lakes are very popular, and the most difficult thing is to reach them by the only road wedged between the water and the mountain. To avoid the hassle of traffic jams and parking, the bike option via the greenway is undoubtedly the best. In addition to the many private rental companies scattered around, the urban transport company of the agglomeration is offering 10 electric bicycle rental points all around the lake this summer, easily identifiable with the VélOnecy 60 minutes application. Available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., they are free for the first 30 minutes and at € 1.50 for an hour, and can be combined with Navibus buses and boats.
Lake Annecy tourist office, Bonlieu, 1, rue Jean Jaurès, 74000 Annecy.
Practical mobility information on sibra.fr.
THE UNEXPECTED: observation of the sky at Semnoz
Gateway to the Bauges massif from Lake Annecy, the Semnoz mountain, culminating at 1,700 meters, offers a pretty green promontory to gain height and taste the freshness and calm that the regional natural park can offer. .
It's evening, perched at the
top of Semnoz
, which Philippe Jacquot suggests observing the sky attentively. After the sunset, this practitioner of astronomy and astrophotography shares with the small dozen volunteers who came to the site, his 20 years of experience and passion. A little basic reminder of the movements of the Earth and the Moon and already the first stars appear. When the night gets darker, guided observation continues with the naked eye, then with a 400mm telescope. Far from the light pollution, the mysteries of the universe are cleared up and the deep sky gives to see its clusters of stars, its constellations and other nebulae. An enriching and calming experience for the whole family.
Dates and reservations online at lac-annecy.com or directly with the service provider Philippe Jacquot.
Phone.
: 06 17 80 03 40. Evening of sky observation lasting 2h45.
Price: from € 30 per individual adult, € 25 for children and € 22 for a group.
TOP TIP: a bohemian chic aperitif
La guinguette des Cassines is an ephemeral summer restaurant located in a country house and perfectly located on the edge of Talloires beach.
100% local products are cooked a la plancha, in dishes and tapas to share.
A perfect place to enjoy the sunset with your feet in the water.
La guinguette des Cassines, 228, chemin du Ponton d'Angon, 74290 Talloires.
Phone.
: 06 17 75 19 33. Open until October 3.
Price: from € 4 for tapas and € 17 for salad.
Read also: Weekend in Annecy, between lake and mountain in the Venice of the Alps
Tignes: summer skiing and nature getaway
The Col du Palet refuge above Tignes, in the Parc de la Vanoise.
Bérangère Vallat
ESSENTIALS: summer skiing on the Grande Motte glacier
Whether you are an avid skier, curious holidaymaker or even looking for the consolation of a winter without ski lifts, skiing in summer remains a unique activity not to be missed if you are in this valley of the Haute Tarentaise. The summer skiing experience in Tignes is one of those original pleasures that the mountain can (still) offer. In this very sporty resort nestled between lake and glacier, it is therefore natural to be on the boards in the morning and in shorts or swimsuits in the afternoon. The Grande Motte glacier, culminating at an altitude of 3456 meters, can be reached from Tignes Val Claret by the Perce-Neige funicular then the Grande Motte cable car. Up there, 20 km of slopes unroll their white carpet for summer sliders. Among them,many members of ski clubs and other federal teams rehearse their ranges in reserved lanes. We take advantage of this unique atmosphere and this pleasant freshness by running down the red Glacier slope or the black Descent. Be careful, in summer, there are no easy trails. We admire the inevitably striking panorama, as well as the beautiful palette of colors available to us: the white of the snow, the green of the mountain pastures and the blue of the lake.the green of the mountain pastures and the blue of the lake.the green of the mountain pastures and the blue of the lake.
Grande Motte Glacier, price: € 38 per adult and € 30 per child, open from 7.15 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., from June 19 to August 1, 2021.
THE UNEXPECTED: hiking and overnight at the Col du Palet refuge
So many assets for this refuge located in the Vanoise National Park, including the rare one of being both accessible and isolated. Just an hour and a half walk from Tignes, the Col du Palet refuge which overlooks a pretty little mountain lake offers a striking natural setting, with a breathtaking panorama of the highest peak in Savoy, the Grande Casse (3855 meters), and on the other giants of the Vanoise. At an altitude of 2,600 meters, in the kingdom of the ibex and the bearded vulture, the atmosphere is joyful and the welcome from the Bérangère caretaker and her team is very warm. Some hikers will opt for a day trip with a gourmet break on the south-facing terrace before leaving via the Col de la Tourne to reach Tignes. Others will choose to stay the night,to enjoy these magical places and the delicious pastries of the house for longer and in a more intimate setting.
Refuge di col du Palet, information, reservations and prices: overnight stay € 17.50 / adult, € 10 / child under 18 and student, half-board € 47 / adult, € 37.50 / child from 8 to 18 years old and student, 20 € / child under 8 years old.
Phone.
: 04 79 07 91 47.
TOP TIP: Tignes parsley, a rare and renowned cheese
Charlemagne was fond of this unique cheese which has stood the test of time and is still found today on the most prestigious tables around the world.
This cheese made from raw cow's and goat's milk is no longer produced by a single family from La Savinaz, a tiny village near the resort.
Anémone Marmottan, former member of the French Ski Team, has taken up the torch and continues the tradition.
Cheese to be found at the Haute Tarentaise dairy cooperative in Tignes, Promenade du Tovière, 73 320 Tignes.
Read also: Savoie-Mont Blanc: our ten most beautiful hikes at altitude
The Saisies pass: by bike and ride facing Mont Blanc
The yurts at the Croix de Pierre refuge at the Very pass.
Arnaud_Späni
ESSENTIALS: the Col des Saisies
At 1650 meters above sea level, between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, the Col des Saisies is a must-see destination for fans of the little queen. On the route des Grandes Alpes and at the crossroads of other numerous passes such as Roselend, Bisanne or Aravis, it is the dream of all cyclists. This year again, it was crossed by the 200 riders of the Tour de France during the much-feared stage between Cluses and Tignes. The sun missed the rendezvous, which deprived everyone of the unique natural spectacle offered by Beaufortain, made up of lush mountain pastures, vast forests and a Mont-Blanc, always as a backdrop. . Throughout the summer, the Saisies village resort therefore offers a high-level “cyclo” offer, in particular with 300 km of routes labeled by the French Cycling Federation.6 marked loops of varying difficulty levels are offered, ranging from routes of around ten kilometers to others worthy of the greatest cycling events. The Col des Saisies is crossed by the loop called
Balcon du Val d'Arly
, descending from Les Saisies to
Ugine
and Albertville, before climbing up the Beaufortain side.
73 km of effort and 1735 meters of elevation gain that place this loop in the "very difficult" category.
But let's be clear, this Mecca of cycle tourism also gives pride of place to apprentice cyclists, to those who wish to be electrically assisted or those who prefer the dirt of the trails to the asphalt of the roads.
Equipment rental companies, adapted services, dedicated ski lifts, supervisors, everything is done to pedal in joy and good humor.
Les Saisies tourist office, 316 avenue des Jeux Olympiques, 73620 Les Saisies.
Phone.
: 04 79 38 90 30, and page of the site dedicated to cycle tourism.
Read the file: Cycle tourism and cycling travel: advice and itineraries
THE UNEXPECTED: horseback riding in alpine meadows
Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, discovering the vast pastures of the Col du Joly perched at an altitude of 2000 meters is accessible.
At the beginning of the afternoon, the small group of 8 people maximum get in the saddle and quietly cross the small hamlets and the beautiful meadows overhung by peaks, leading to
the Croix de Pierre refuge.
.
No technical difficulty on the program, but enough to enjoy this feeling of freedom and the superb 360 ° panoramas of the surrounding massifs including, of course, Mont Blanc.
These large spaces would almost resemble Mongolian tundra, which is confirmed by the sight of the authentic yurt in which the night is spent.
Something to get away from it all and dream under the covers, taking yourself for a rider of this nomadic people.
After a panoramic breakfast in the heart of unspoiled nature, we calmly take over the direction of Les Saisies.
Ranch des Saisies, information and reservations by phone on 06 29 35 44 86. Price: 115 € per person including supervision and half-board at the refuge.
Departure from the ranch at 3 p.m. the first day and return the next day at noon.
GOOD TIP: cannelés with Beaufort and local flavors with Patafan
Sometimes you have to set a goal to move forward, that of tasting the Beaufort cannelés at the Patafan alpine chalet is an excellent one!
Freshly renovated, this welcoming place on the sunny terrace facing Mont Blanc offers a modern version of a mountain refuge.
Only a 1.5 hour walk or an hour by mountain bike from the resort via the Route des Crêtes and Mont Clocher, it is accessible to young and old alike.
The cuisine based on local products will delight all taste buds.
Prices: between € 16 and € 18 for the main course and € 7 for the dessert.
Le Patafan, open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and every Monday and Thursday evening in summer.
On reservation.
Phone.
: 07 81 86 05 52.
Read also: Savoie-Mont Blanc: our ten most beautiful hikes at altitude
Courchevel: indoor surfing and canyoning
Thrills in the Eaux Rousses canyon.
The Company of Guides Courchevel
THE ESSENTIALS: indoor surfing at Aquamotion
This flagship resort of the 3 Valleys in winter is now developing its summer offer, with an attractive outdoor playground, especially for families, and a growing number of open establishments. Hotels like the Ecrin Blancet the Fahrenheit 7, 4 stars, and the Manali Lodge, a 5 stars, have also opened their doors to summer visitors for the first time. Among the many high places of this village which, let us remember, is also an ideal gateway to the Vanoise National Park, note the many lakes such as that of Rosière, magnificent and natural, or that of Praz in which it is possible to bathe. But in terms of swimming, the essential place is called
Aquamotion
.
The largest European aquatic center located in the mountains is divided into four worlds: aquatic, well-being, sport-health and fun.
This last pole will inevitably appeal to winter sports enthusiasts, because it is therefore possible to "take a wave" in Courchevel.
Inside, two tilting sliding platforms welcome beginners and experts alike.
On the advice of the supervisor, the first attempts are towed, then the surfer tries to stay upright, the water running under his board.
Guaranteed sensations!
Aquamotion, 1297 route des Eaux Vives, 73120 Courchevel.
Phone.
: 09 71 0073 00. Indoor surfing accessible from 6 years old in towed surfing and 10 years old in wave position accompanied by an adult, alone from 12 years old.
Price from 25 €.
Courchevel Tourist Office.
Phone.
: 04 79 08 00 29
.
THE UNEXPECTED: the Eaux Rousses canyon
The Courchevel Guides office takes
adventurers on board in sneakers, neoprene wetsuits and harnesses for a session in the clear waters of a canyon.
In La Léchère, 5 km from Moutier, the Eaux Rousses canyon is ideal for beginners: abseils, jumps from 1 to 4 meters high, slides and de-escalation.
A magnificent, natural and refreshing playground where you completely cut off from the rest of the world.
The more daring will try the Pussy Canyon, more technical, with watered abseils and an impressive jump.
Courchevel guides office, Maison de la Montagne, La Croisette, Courchevel 1850, 73120 Courchevel.
Phone.
: 06 23 92 46 12. Canyon des Eaux Rousses: duration 2h30, from 10 years old.
Price: 54 €.
Canyon de Pussy, duration 3 hours, from 12 years old.
Price: 59 €.
TOP TIP: Michelin-starred cuisine in a bistro version
Among the fifty restaurants offered in the summer in the resort is the bistro of the starred chef of
Farçon
, Julien Machet in
Courchevel La Tania
.
A new address which has known only a very special winter so far, and which offers its famous "chef's cuisine" with starters such as beef and sardines or leeks cooked in the embers in vinaigrette and dishes such as the rack of lamb from Aveyron or the Savoyard carbonara at very affordable prices.
Bistrot Machet, starter from € 6, main course between € 8 and € 25, dessert at € 6.
Phone.
: 04 79 07 25 83.
Read the file: Hiking: the Figaro guide
