Thoughts of the French Alps conjure up images of snow-capped mountains, skiing and sipping on glühwein but the summer months in this beautiful region are no less enjoyable.
This is evident from the increasing number of people choosing to holiday in the French Alps during the summer months.
According to the 2019 Club Med Southern Africa French Mountain Holiday Report supported by Atout France, more South Africans are choosing to holiday in the French Alps during European summer (June-August).
So why visit the French Alps in summer? The days are longer, and activities are diverse allowing you to enjoy the mountain lifestyle rather than focusing exclusively on the sport of skiing.
Here are 5 activities to enjoy on your next summer mountain holiday in the French Alps.
Mountain Biking
Calling all thrill-seekers, the dramatic views and rapid descents make the French Alps a fine destination for a little mountain biking action.
If you’re into biking but perhaps not as fit you can always try your hand at electronic biking, because truth be told, we could all use a little help getting up some of those steeper hills.
Not keen on trekking into the wilderness? There are even ski lifts that can drop you off at certain locations, so no matter what you decide you can still get in on the beautiful, tranquil scenery the French Alps offer.
Hiking
What better way to immerse yourself in nature than hiking? The best part (besides the amazing scenery) is that it’s an activity that suits the whole family, no matter how old your children are.
Babies can be brought along in carriers, while younger children can walk themselves, as long as you choose the easier trails.
There are hikes for beginners and experts, themed trails for waterfall lovers or culture vultures – at Club Med Summer Mountain resorts you can even take a guided hike or be your own guide using a special app.
Picnics
Whatever activity you choose you are sure to find yourself feeling a little ravenous so refuel with a meal eaten al fresco.
Picnicking in the French Alps is a real treat: picture yourself munching on delectable fruit, feasting on local cheeses and cured meats, and accompanying it all with delicious wines and juices.
Nothing tastes better than the freshest food eaten in the most picturesque surroundings.
Water Sports
A summer holiday would not be complete without water sports and the French Alps have so much to offer summer holiday visitors.
Resorts like Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon are some of the best places to get your water sports fix.
From a revitalising hydro massage to a dip in the jacuzzi, or getting some exercise in indoor or outdoor pools, there is so much to enjoy in the way of water-inspired exercise.
You could even book a session of waterskiing, try your hand at canyoning, or go rafting through rapids for an extra shot of aqua-adrenalin!
You Time
We all love our children, but that doesn’t mean that some time apart wouldn’t do the whole family some good!
Certain resorts in the French Alps have kids’ clubs that cater for children from a few months old up to teenagers, so that their parents can enjoy some time together to reconnect, or simply relax on their own.
What could be better than escaping the cooler South African months and heading to enjoy a warm holiday together in the European mountains?
Start doing your research, dust off those passports and book your 2020 summer holiday to the French Alps soon.
Getting There
SAA flies to Frankfurt daily. Catch a connecting flight to Lyon with fellow Star Alliance member and codeshare partner, Lufthansa.
