At a time when beaches are filling up and some towns are overrun by tourists, there are still little havens of peace and serenity in the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of summer. While some resorts are victims of their own success, there are other destinations in the Alps where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday, away from the crowds, in spring or summer.
In this article, we take a look at six Alpine villages that promise tranquillity and invigorating activities in a natural setting. But letโs keep it between usโฆ
Find a quiet chalet in the mountainsโฆ
1. La Clusaz
A popular ski resort in winter, when the spring comes La Clusaz returns to being a quiet village, proud of its farming traditions and which has managed to retain its traditional character.
Stone chalets have dotted the valley for hundreds of years. Farmers still drive their herds up to the mountain pastures in summer, and you can visit local farms to buy cheese and other traditional products.
What is there to do in La Clusaz?
Itโs easy to get to know the natural surroundings of the village by exploring its many hiking trails. Get up high to contemplate the enduring beauty of the Alpine peaks, particularly Mont Blanc, which is visible from the Col des Aravis.
La Clusaz is particularly family-friendly, and many of the activities on offer are free for children โ water park, mini-golf, summer tobogganing, horse riding, bird of prey shows and trampolinesโฆ the list goes on!
Throughout the year, you can take part in treasure hunts to discover the secrets of the famous Reblochon cheese, as well as the history of winter sports in the resort.
If youโre more of an adrenalin-seeker, we recommend a paragliding experience. Take to the skies from the top of the Crรชt du Merle chairlift for a long, wind-borne flight over the valley.
Our top tip: a walk in the moonlight
For one weekend, the village of La Clusaz switches off all its streetlights for a magical stroll by candlelight. Artists and musicians provide the entertainment in the streets for an enchanting moment that the whole family will love.
Where to stay in La Clusaz
For a true taste of life in the mountains, choose Chalet Sisar, located 9km from the village. Although youโll need a car to get around, the natural setting of the Beauregard plateau guarantees a breath of fresh air every day.
With five bedrooms and four bathrooms, it can accommodate up to 12 people in a wooded setting that is typical of Haute-Savoie. You can enjoy the panoramic views from the large living room, or step outside onto the south-facing terrace.
With a laundry room, storage room and fully equipped kitchen, youโll have everything you need. Entertainment is provided by a television and table football, and of course the timeless mountain sceneryโฆ
2. La Giettaz
About 10km from La Clusaz, just over the border of Savoie, lies the pretty village of La Giettaz. Sitting at an altitude of 1,150m in the heart of the Aravis massif, La Giettaz offers quality powder snow in winter to residents and a few regular visitors.
In spring the snow thaws, revealing 140km of hiking paths and 60km of mountain bike trails. The trails are often deserted, giving nature lovers the alpine flora and fauna to themselves.
What is there to do in La Giettaz in summer?
Walkers can get a map of the hiking trails from the La Giettaz tourist office. There are routes to suit all abilities, and some ski lifts remain open in summer to take you up to the summits.
The ascent to the Col du Jaillet is particularly picturesque, offering great views of the Mont-Blanc mountains and a wide variety of paths and scenery along the way.
For a bit of adventure, try the โYves Pollet-Villardโ via ferrata at the Col des Aravis. Youโll follow a breathtaking route along the side of a cliff, with the help of rungs, footbridges, ramps and cables.
A number of local farms offer family-friendly donkey rides in the Aravis. This is a great opportunity to spend some time in nature, accompanied by these peaceful animals.
Our top tip: electric bike tours
Pedalling through the mountains is fun, but it does require a certain amount of stamina. To enable everyone to explore this splendid region, Alpes Aventures offers guided electric bike tours.
Where to stay in La Giettaz
Chalet Victorina is a charming stone building, seemingly hidden in the mountains. It stands on the edge of a forest, in the heart of a protected landscape. Yet the village amenities are just 5km away.
This rustic-looking chalet has recently been renovated to provide modern, well-appointed accommodation, with enough room to sleep 12 people. There are six bedrooms with four bathrooms in this two-storey chalet.
The interior features neutral tones and traditional materials such as the old timbers, which have been preserved. It is as relaxing as the surrounding scenery, which can be enjoyed from the spacious terrace.
3. Praz-de-Fort (Switzerland)
With its landscapes of gorges, snow-capped peaks and ancient forests, the Val Ferret is an opportunity to explore the Swiss Alps. The discreet resort of Praz-de-Fort, part of the commune of Orsiรจres, is set on a secondary road at the foot of the Mont-Blanc massif.
This is a wild and little-known area bordering three countries โ a real land of adventure, all the more enjoyable from the comfort of your OVO Network chalet. Praz-de-Fort is the perfect destination for a summer in the Alps, away from the crowds.
What is there to do in Praz-de-Fort in the summer?
Just 10km from the resort, Lac de Champex is a popular destination for swimming, sailing, pedalos, paddleboarding and rowing. Its shores, lined with chalets and fir trees, have earned the region the nickname of โLittle Canadaโ.
The wilder Durnand Gorge is said to be one of the 10 most beautiful gorges in Europe. A network of forest paths, steps and footbridges allow you to explore this natural wonder, which boasts no fewer than 14 waterfalls.
Of course, the region also offers a wide range of high-altitude hikes, many of which border on mountaineering. But youโll also find more peaceful walks, and you can even try glacier hiking, particularly on the Trient and Orny rivers.
Finally, you can meet the Saint-Bernards, the huge rescue dogs that are the emblems of Switzerland and the mountains. Since 2005, the Barry Foundation has been offering the public unforgettable walks in the forest in the company of these adorable dogs.
Our top tip: the Mont-Blanc Express
The Mont-Blanc Express route between Martigny and Chamonix is without doubt one of the most picturesque train journeys in Europe. Criss-crossing gorges and forests, and stopping off at delightful Alpine hamlets, the panoramic carriages allow you to make the most of the spectacular scenery.
Where to stay in Praz-de-Fort?
Chalet Cinq Moutons, which sleeps 14 in a luxurious, spacious and light-filled environment, is the perfect choice for an incredible summer holiday. Built at the foot of the mountains, it is surrounded by a magnificent garden dotted with sculptures and water features.
If you want to relax, you can enjoy the panoramic views from any of the terraces. Inside, a gym, sauna and hot tub invite you to work out as well as relax. The property has seven bedrooms and five bathrooms.
At first glance, the chalet appears to be made up of three different buildings. But in reality they are cleverly linked to create this unique, original and modern chalet in a secluded location 6km from the village.
BOOK A STAY FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
4. Manigod
The charming village of Manigod is a far cry from the traditional image we have of Alpine destinations and their throngs of skiers. In summer, this small village, which has managed to preserve its character and traditional architecture, is transformed into a real gem.
Farming is still the villageโs main activity. The valleyโs many farms produce and sell Reblochon, Tomme, Raclette and many other delicious local specialities.
What is there to do in Manigod in summer?
Every week throughout the summer, Manigod holds a farmersโ market in the village centre. Here you can meet local farmers and buy delicious local produce.
Walkers and nature lovers can discover the riches of the region on discovery trips, in a site that has been classified โNatura 2000โ for its exceptional flora and fauna.
Cycling enthusiasts can take advantage of well-known road routes such as the Col de la Croix Fry, regularly used by Tour de France riders. On the mountainside, the adventure continues for mountain bikers.
Finally, paragliding flights are available from the Pointe de Merdassier, 10km from Manigod. These flights are a great way to see the Alps from a different angle, with views of the Aravis mountains and Mont Lachat.
Our top tip: the Aiguille festival
Folklore takes centre stage at this annual celebration of rural traditions. From sheep-shearing, milking and Reblochon cheese-making to woodworking demonstrations and lumberjack competitions, youโll discover a side of the Alps that few visitors are familiar with.
Where to stay in Manigod
Chalet Arsรจne et Lรฉa is a rustic 3-star property with panoramic views over the Manigod valley, Mont Charvin and La Tournette. Less than 6km from the village, the location is quiet, yet well-connected by shuttle bus.
Chalet Arsรจne et Lรฉa has a terrace and a large, flat garden with a swing and pรฉtanque area, as well as an indoor play area. One of the bedrooms, which sleeps four, can also be converted into a family suite.
The chaletโs wood-panelled interior is filled with light, which streams through the many windows. But the highlight of this unique property is the Savoyard โmazotโ in the garden: a Scandinavian sauna where you can relax and unwind in total privacy.
5. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains enjoyed its heyday at the beginning of the last century, when famous names from all over Europe came to relax and rejuvenate in its thermal waters. Period villas, listed as historic monuments, reflect this past glory.
Saint-Gervais, situated in the Mont-Blanc region, has been awarded the โFamille Plusโ label for its facilities and programme of activities for children. So itโs an ideal destination for families.
What is there to do in Saint-Gervais?
Although Saint-Gervais is famous for its thermal baths, it doesnโt attract the crowds of other spa towns. So make the most of your stay and treat yourself to some wellness treatments and massages.
The Mont-Blanc tramway is a cogwheel train that links the town with the Bellevue plateau, the starting point for a number of hiking trails. The view at the top is splendid, and there is a mountain restaurant where you can take a break and refuel for the return journey.
A paragliding flight is an excellent way to appreciate the mountains as you fly over them. Group rates are available, and this exhilarating experience is open to children aged 7 and over.
The Gorges de la Diosaz are another of the natural treasures of the Saint-Gervais region. Following footbridges and paths along the mountainside, you can admire impressive waterfalls in a fabulous landscape.
Our top tip: the โPass Loisirsโ
This leisure pass gives you access to the รvasion ski lifts, the Saint-Gervais swimming pool, the mini-golf, the ice rink and museums. Youโll also get a discount on attractions such as the Mont-Blanc tramway and the thermal baths.
Where to stay in Saint-Gervais
The advantage of an Alpine destination like Saint-Gervais is that you can get away from the crowds in summer, while still being close to the local facilities.
Sitting on the top of a hill, Chalet Chantalhys is near the village, the leisure lake and a number of hiking trails. It stands on a mountainside, on the edge of a wood, with an uninterrupted view over the valley.
The chalet is spacious, bright and comfortable. But the terrace has a unique appeal in the summer months, with its barbecue, hot tub and incredible view of the snow-capped peaks.
6. Thรดnes
Situated at the meeting point of two valleys, the lively little town of Thรดnes is at the heart of the Reblochon region. This ideal location is close to the regionโs natural wonders and a mountain of activities.
Itโs the perfect place for hiking and mountain biking, with a varied choice of routes stretching between the Tournette massif and the peaks of the Aravis mountain range.
What is there to do in Thรดnes in summer?
Thรดnes is the starting point for a number of hiking trails that take you into the heart of Alpine nature. These include the waterfalls trail, which is accessible to all, and the Cotagne trail as far as La Tournette, which is recommended for experienced hikers.
The Thรดnes riding centre offers lessons and treks for all the family, including pony rides for toddlers. It also has an educational mini-farm, with goats, sheep, hens, geese and rabbits.
The KartParc go-karting circuit welcomes speed and adrenalin enthusiasts for an intense driving experience in the open air, in the heart of the Aravis massif. Children aged 10 and over are welcome.
For a trip back in time, visit the magnificent medieval village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, 14km from Thรดnes. The castle, which is open to the public in summer, offers breathtaking views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.
Our top tip: a botanical walk
The botanical walk organised by the Thรดnes Tourist Office invites you to discover the wild plants that grow around the Lac de Thuy. During the walk, you will learn how to identify these plants, discover their secrets and even taste some of them.
Where to stay in Thรดnes ?
If youโre looking for wide open spaces away from the crowds and close to nature for your summer break, look no further than La Ferme du Grand Shan.
This renovated farmhouse has all the facilities you could wish for, including a sauna, swim spa, home cinema and games room, so you can relax and have fun in this bright, modern home built from wood and stone.
Its setting between the forest and mountain pastures, on the edge of the village, guarantees a peaceful stay. Sunbathing on the terrace will make the crowded beaches of the coast seem a world away!
So now you know: itโs still possible to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday, without having to deal with mass tourism. These destinations in the Alps will allow you to discover breathtaking scenery, while taking time out for yourself, away from the crowds.
And if you canโt find what youโre looking for in this selection, donโt hesitate to get in touch with us. Weโll be happy to help you find something thatโs perfect for your group.
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