Spending autumn holidays in the mountains offers a number of benefits. Whether you want to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes, the tranquility, outdoor activities, local cuisine, or take advantage of lower prices, the mountains have everything to offer in the autumn. So, don’t wait a minute longer – come discover the wonders of the mountains during the off-peak season!
But where in the Alps should you go? OVO Network reveals its top 5 must-visit destinations in the Alps to explore in the autumn…
Autumn holidays in Morzine
What can you do in Morzine?
One of the must-see resorts in the Alps, Morzine is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, even in the autumn. Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding… while many providers close their doors as the high season comes to an end, almost all the activities are still available.
On the hiking side, don’t miss the walk around the Lac des Mines d’Or and Lac de Montriond. The autumn colours combined with the serenity of these places offer visitors a truly relaxing escape.
When it comes to biking, the resort has plenty to offer. Morzine is indeed one of the ideal destinations for downhill mountain biking enthusiasts. The article ‘Morzine mountain biking – Everything You Need to Know‘ provides all the information to help you find the most suitable route based on the age and ability of your group.
And if you’re more comfortable in the air, you can also admire the stunning Morzine landscapes from the sky with Blugeon Helicopter or Aéro-Bi. Alternatively, you could step into the shoes of Tarzan for an afternoon at Indian’Aventures.
There’s so much happening in Morzine in autumn. Dates for your diary include the famous Mont Blanc Rally, the Mountain Biking World Cup, and the various ice hockey matches played by the Morzine team at the Parc des Dereches.
You won’t have time to get bored here!
Eating out
Many restaurants stay open during the low season, such as La Chamade and Dez’Alp, for example.
If you’d like to stock up on Savoyard products, a few local grocery stores also remain open in autumn. Try the Microbrasserie Ibex, Le Chèvrerie des Ardoisières, and AltiViande. A market is also held every Wednesday throughout the year from 8 am to 12:30 pm You’ll discover a wide variety of local products to eat here or take home with you.
You can download the autumn brochure provided by the Morzine Tourist Office for more information. It contains all the opening times for local restaurants in autumn.
Where should you stay?
There are several things you need to consider when choosing the perfect accommodation. Of course, you’ll need to select your accommodation based on your travel group (friends, family, couples, with a pet, etc.) and the number of travellers. But you should also take the season into account.
If it’s autumn, it’s a good idea to look for accommodation equipped with a spa, sauna, steam room, home cinema and a fireplace to keep yourself occupied even on rainy days. Le Loft is a great example.
With its spacious dining room and open kitchen, comfortable living room equipped with a flat-screen TV and a wood-burning stove, jacuzzi, sauna, and fitness room, this chalet is the ideal choice for an autumn break.
Discover chalets in Morzine
Autumn around Lake Annecy
What can I do around Lake Annecy?
With its beautiful natural setting, Michelin-starred restaurants, a packed programme of events, plus the richness of its historical, cultural, and architectural heritage, Annecy clearly stands out as a must-visit destination in the Alps in autumn. So, what can you do whilst you’re there?
There’s always plenty to see and do for visitors and residents in the low season. There are various annual festivals such as the Autumn Festival (also known as ‘ancileviennerie‘), the Apple and Honey Festival, the Wine and Terroir Fair, and the iconic descent from the mountains.
Sporting activities are also organised throughout the months of October and November, including bike races and hiking. You can also enjoy cultural events like the Science Festival and the famous Heritage Days.
But autumn is also the perfect season to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Lake Annecy, without the crowds of tourists that flock to the city in the summer season. Whether on foot from the summits of the surrounding mountains, on a bike along its shores, on the water, or paragliding from the sky, there are a thousand and one ways to discover it.
For more ideas on things to do in Annecy in autumn, click here.
Eating out
Many local restaurants and shops also remain open in autumn to showcase local cuisine. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind for your next trip to Annecy in the autumn
- Shops: Boulangerie Rouge, La Laiterie d’Annecy-le-Vieux
- Restaurants: Brasserie Saint Maurice, L’Étage, Bon Pain Bon Vin
- Bars : Le Ouistiti à Roulettes, Captain Pub, Le Shelter Bar
Autumn is also the season of harvests. And what could be better than a visit to the old town market in Annecy (every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday from 7 am to 1 pm)? There, you can stock up on fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables, as well as local specialities made with seasonal and quality ingredients. Chestnuts, grapes, apples, pears, walnuts, hazelnuts, squash or pumpkin soup, leek gratin… A delight for the taste buds!
Where should you stay?
For a relaxing holiday away from the city’s hustle and bustle, Chalet Kalyssia is the ideal choice.
Just a few kilometres from the medieval city, this splendid chalet is an ideal location for visitors seeking peace and serenity. Overlooking the magnificent Lake Annecy, you’ll appreciate the incredible view, especially in autumn when the colours of the trees give the landscape a whole different character.
But that’s not all. The chalet is also equipped with facilities designed for relaxation and comfort. With its cosy living room with a splendid fireplace, a steam room, spacious and comfortable bedrooms, an indoor pool, a wine cellar, and a hot tub, Chalet Kalyssia is the perfect place to spend your autumn holiday.
Book your stay on Lake Annecy
Le Grand Bornand in autumn
What is there to do?
Le Grand Bornand is a must-visit destination in the Alps in the autumn. The village is lively year-round, and there is a variety of activities to enjoy. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, wildlife observation, fishing, mushroom picking… here’s a brief overview of all the possible leisure activities during a stay in Le Grand-Bornand in the autumn:
- Try via ferrata or rock climbing;
- Catch the latest movie at the Le Rhodos cinema;
- Visit the Maison du Patrimoine during the European Heritage Days (first half of September);
- Take a paragliding flight and admire the colourful mountains from the sky;
- Explore the 200km of marked trails on a mountain bike or road bike;
- Recharge your batteries during an afternoon at the library;
- Spend an afternoon at La Forêt Des Dodes adventure park;
- Take a stroll along the hiking trails to enjoy the landscapes and the gentle autumn days;
- Observe animals, gather mushrooms, go fishing, or capture the autumn landscapes in photos;
- Join a yoga session to fill up on positive energy;
- Indulge in a pampering session at the Perles de Senteurs or L’Eveil des Sens spa
Find the Summer-Autumn 2023 Activity Guide for Le Grand-Bornand here.
Eating out
Would you like to try some fresh, local and seasonal dishes?
For dinner, restaurants like Confins des Sens, Auberge du Pré Vieux, and La Pointe Percée (among others) invite visitors to try their traditional and regional cuisine.
And if you’d like to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore Savoyard cuisine, you can also visit the village market. It takes place all year round, every Wednesday morning from 8 am to 12:30 pm in the centre of the town.
Where should you stay?
Chalet Alti is the perfect choice for a holiday in the autumn. As well as having all the necessary equipment for taking care of babies (changing table, safety devices, high chair, bath seat, blender, potty…), there’s also plenty to keep the rest of the group occupied.
A mezzanine floor is dedicated to young guests, who will appreciate having their own living room with a television, Wii console, and board games, as well as a room with three beds (bunks and a single bed). The adults can relax in the jacuzzi or sauna or enjoy a nice hot tea by the fireplace while taking in the breathtaking view of the Aravis mountain range. Ideal for those cool autumn days!
Discover you dream chalet in Le Grand Bornand
Chamonix in autumn
What is there to do in Chamonix?
Autumn is the perfect season to explore tourist sites and itineraries. And as visitors to the mountains are still relatively few in the autumn, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these places in peace and tranquillity! Here are some must-dos in Chamonix this autumn:
- Discover the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice glacier).
- Take a ride on the Mont Blanc Tramway journey through the mountains.
- Hike up to the famous Lac Blanc.
- Explore the magnificent Fer à Cheval, just a few kilometres from Chamonix.
- Take the cable car to the Aiguille du Mont-Blanc to admire the Chamonix Valley in all its autumn glory from the skies.
As well as being a destination that you shouldn’t miss, Chamonix has so much more to offer – cultural outings, sports, culinary discoveries – there’s something for every age and interest.
Here are some of the various things you could try while you’re here:
- Pamper yourself at QC Terme.
- Test your teamwork skills with an outdoor Escape Game.
- Discover the valley from the air on a paragliding flight with Absolute.
- Meet mountain animals at the Parc animalier de Merlet.
- Experience a helicopter flight with Chamonix Mont-Blanc Hélicoptères
Chamonix has clearly earned its place on our list of must-see destinations this autumn!
Eating out
Many of the bars, shops and restaurants continue to stay open, even in the autumn.
- Are you craving a hearty burger with a craft beer? Head to the Micro-brasserie de Chamonix.
- For one of the best raclettes in Chamonix, visit La Calèche restaurant.
- To experience a gastronomic journey with a market-fresh cuisine rich in local flavours, head to Le Panier des 4 saisons.
- And for unique, reinvented fondues that you won’t find anywhere else, visit Fer à Cheval.
Where to stay
Just a few kilometres from Chamonix, a must-visit destination in the Alps in the autumn, Chalet Choquette has all the facilities you need for a wonderful autumn break, whether with your partner, family, or friends.
The open-plan living space features a spacious and bright dining area where guests can get together over a meal.
The living area is also a great place to spend time together. With a large television, a wood-burning stove, and comfortable sofas, this cosy room has been designed as a gathering place. It’s a spot where guests can chat over a cup of tea, watch a movie, play board games, or enjoy an aperitif.
The chalet also has a lovely terrace with a hot tub, as well as a games room with a television, where kids and teenagers can hang out without their parents.
Discover Manigod in autumn
What is there to do?
Hiking biking and climbing
As in any mountain resort, hiking remains the main activity, especially in autumn. Head to the Manigod Tourist Office to get various guidebooks for the most popular hikes in Manigod.
Cycling enthusiasts should also find plenty to enjoy. Several routes allow you to discover the diverse landscapes of Manigod and take in the beautiful autumn colours. Whether it’s mountain biking, road cycling, or cyclo-cross, there’s definitely a track to suit your interests and abilities. You can pick up a mountain biking guidebook from the Tourist Office.
And what about climbers? They will also find their happy place in Manigod. The Comburce climbing site has about 10 climbing routes to practise this autumn activity, either on your own or with a guide.
Indoor activities
And for rainy days, here are some indoor alternatives:
- Try your hand at pottery at the Atelier Polkadot.
- Join a yoga session.
- Catch a movie at the cinema.
- Explore the cheese-making and ageing processes in the Paccard family’s cheese-ageing cellars.
The animals return from the mountains
In the mountains, autumn is also marked by the descent of the cows from the alpine pastures. Several events celebrate this occasion. In mid-October, you can see the farmers’ festival. The programme includes the arrival of the herds, a competition for farm-made Reblochon cheese and cattle judging, a parade of award-winning animals, and lively meals with dancing.
At the end of October, it’s the turn of sheep and goats to be honoured during the Grand Cantonale Fair for Goats and Sheep. The programme includes parades of animals, shearing and cheese competitions, sheepdog competitions, entertainment, and dancing.
You’ll quickly understand why Manigod is one of the must-visit destinations in the Alps in autumn.
Eating out
Food enthusiasts can head to one of the bars or restaurants in Manigod that remain open in the autumn to enjoy a variety of Savoyard products.
Restaurant Les Sapins offers refined and local cuisine in a festive and lively setting. Dinner dances, music, and Savoyard evenings guarantee a great ambience!
Having dinner at the Auberge Plan Bois means tasting “fresh, 100% homemade” dishes with the flavours of Savoie. Don’t miss the house specialty: matafans! These potato fritters are typical of the region.
However, when you’re comfortably settled by the fireplace, it’s sometimes hard to go out for dinner…
Rest’O Chalet understands this well! That’s why Marine and Manuel had the brilliant idea to reverse the trend, taking the restaurant to the customers. The principle: ‘With Rest’O Chalet, you order online, and we deliver homemade dishes to share, in partnership with local artisans, selected for their traditional or Savoyard dishes, but also from elsewhere, bringing new flavours to your plates!’ It’s a great alternative if you don’t feel like stepping outside on these chilly autumn evenings…
Where to stay
Although there is no shortage of activities in Manigod in the autumn, the village is still quieter. So we recommend choosing a well-equipped chalet where it will be easy to entertain yourself.
Chalets with billiard tables, gyms, or hot tubs, for example, are ideal. In Manigod, Chalet La Grange à l’Ours, for instance, is perfectly suited for an off-season stay.
This chalet has all the equipment and facilities you’ll need for unforgettable autumn holidays in the Alps, with plenty of spaces where you can get together, regardless of the season. Hot tub, sauna, gym, fireplace, balcony with mountain views…
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing outdoor getaway or a lively family holiday, it has everything you need!
Book your stay in Manigod
As you’ve seen, the Alps are full of must-visit destinations where you can spend autumn in the mountains. The choice is yours!
And if you’re still not convinced to spend your next autumn vacation in the Alps, take a look at these articles. They should help you make up your mind!
- Autumn in the Alps
- 10 reasons for an autumn holiday in the Alps
- The best autumn activities in the Alps
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