If you’re looking for beautiful scenery and activities to share with your loved ones, we’ve got just what you’re looking for. The Alps are the perfect choice for a family summer holiday.
This article features eight destinations to explore with your children, as well as practical advice on how to prepare for your stay. Whether your family loves nature, culture, thrills or chills, the Alps promise a summer full of memories…
Choose your chalet in the Alps
Why choose the Alps for your summer holiday with the family?
A stunning natural world to discover together
With mountain lakes, pine forests, flower-filled pastures and babbling streams, there’s so much to explore in the Alps. Children will learn to recognise alpine flowers and discover what life is like on the mountain pastures. Every walk is an adventure!
Whether you’re out hiking or relaxing with a picnic, you’ll share the joys of this glorious natural world. The mountains are the perfect setting to disconnect and share a memorable time together.
Wonderful temperatures, even in the height of summer
In summer, the climate in the Alps is just delightful. Unlike the sweltering heat of the Mediterranean, the temperatures are pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
The air in the mountains remains fairly fresh, the nights are mild, and you can breathe better than you would by the sea. It really is a breath of fresh air! But be careful of the mountain sun: hats, sunglasses and sun cream are still essential if you want to enjoy your holiday safely.
Activities
You’ll never be short of something to do in the Alps! Hiking, canoeing, via ferrata, wild swimming, tree-top adventures or donkey trekking: there’s something to suit all tastes and ages.
The resorts also offer a packed calendar of events, with farms to visit and fun, educational trails for children. With sports, discovery and relaxation, your days will be full of fun…
Events
In summer, the villages of the Alps come alive with a host of events for all the family. There’s a packed calendar of traditional festivals, open-air concerts, children’s shows, craft markets and festivals such as “Musique en Montagne” and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB).
These special events give you the opportunity to discover the local culture while enjoying a folk dance or tasting local produce. That’s what mountain holidays are all about!
Good to know: Look out for the “Famille Plus” label, which is awarded to villages that offer events and facilities for the whole family.
Getting ready for a mountain holiday
What is the best time to go away in summer?
July and August are the ideal months for a family holiday in the Alps. Nature is at its best, the mountain pastures are in bloom, and you can be sure that all the activities and entertainment you want will be available.
If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy the sunshine, choose the first two weeks of July or the last two weeks of August. This is also the time for village fêtes and summer markets, where you can experience the local culture in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
What should you pack for a summer holiday in the Alps?
Summer in the mountains brings beautiful sunny days, but the weather can change rapidly. Here are the essentials you should pack to be prepared for all eventualities:
- Walking boots;
- Windproof or waterproof jacket;
- Jumpers or fleeces;
- Sunglasses and sun cream;
- Swimming costume;
- Water bottle and small rucksack;
- Cap or hat.
Choose a “Cool for Kids” chalet
If you want a stress-free family holiday, look at our accommodation with the “Cool for Kids” label! They have all the equipment and accessories you need for your children’s comfort and convenience: cot, high chair, child-friendly tableware, games and toys, etc.
So you won’t need to cram too much into your suitcase when you come to stay in the Alps.
Top 8 family destinations in the Alps
La Clusaz: summer sports and nature trails
Nestling in the heart of the Alps, La Clusaz is a charming mountain resort that appeals to families looking for adventure and nature. In summer, lush green pastures replace the ski slopes and outdoor activities take over from winter sports.
Easily accessible, it offers an authentic setting, a warm welcome and a wide range of activities, both energetic and relaxing. Far from the hustle and bustle of the popular resorts, La Clusaz is the ideal place for the family to recharge their batteries in the warmer months.
Good to know: Every summer, La Clusaz welcomes a flock of over 1,000 sheep as they make their way across the mountains – a colourful traditional spectacle!
What is there to see?
- The Col des Aravis pass and its spectacular view of Mont Blanc;
- Sainte-Foy church, a jewel of Savoyard Baroque architecture;
- The Nant Burgeat waterfall;
- The Hameau des Alpes, a living museum of local traditions;
- The Aravis distillery, the last remaining in the Alps.
What is there to do?
- Explore the trails on an electric mountain bike;
- Go caving in the Grotte de Morette;
- Summer tobogganing on rails;
- Paraglide over the Beauregard plateau;
- Watch Reblochon cheese being made on a farm.
Chamonix: hiking and adventures
The home of mountaineering, Chamonix is a wonderful playground for mountain lovers, with its dizzying peaks, sparkling glaciers, and panoramic trails. Ideal for active families, the valley allows you to choose between challenging treks, via ferrata routes, and more relaxing walks at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Chamonix is a lively village throughout the summer, where history, mountain culture, and a spirit of exploration come together.
What is there to see?
- The incredible view from the Aiguille du Midi;
- The impressive Mer de Glace glacier;
- The Museum of the Alps;
- The Lac Blanc, at the end of a stunning walk;
- The Montenvers train and its historic station.
What is there to do?
- Hike up to the Lac de Gaillands;
- Try rock-climbing at the Chavants cliff face;
- Explore the ice cave carved into the Mer de Glace;
- Try a tandem paragliding flight from the Plan de l’Aiguille;
- Relax in the thermal baths at QC Terme.
Samoëns: nature and heritage
Samoëns is much more than just a mountain village: it is a listed site, rich in history and surrounded by abundant nature. Here, the legacy of stonecutters can be discovered in the stunning landscapes of the Haut-Giffre valley.
In summer, this family-friendly resort offers a wide range of activities for all ages. With its charming pedestrianised centre, local markets, and peaceful atmosphere, Samoëns is the perfect place to enjoy nature and make memories with family.
Good to know: Samoëns boasts three landmarks that are listed as “Historic Monument”: its church, its fountain, and the large tree adorning its central square.
What is there to see?
- La Jaÿsinia botanical garden;
- The Rouget Waterfall, known as “the Queen of the Alps”;
- The village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, listed among The Most Beautiful Villages of France;
- The striking rock formations at the Tines Gorges;
- The Place du Gros Tilleul Square, the historic heart of Samoëns.
What is there to do?
- Explore the glacial amphitheatre at Fer-à-Cheval on a guided hike;
- Swim at the leisure centre by Lac aux Dames;
- Try a caving adventure in the Balme cave;
- Discover stone carving at the Samoëns stonecutters’ workshop;
- Enjoy a donkey ride around the village.
Annecy: the perfect blend of lake and mountains
With its crystal-clear waters and lush green mountains, Annecy is an ideal summer destination for families looking for a break that combines relaxation and nature. Its lake, one of the most pure in Europe, invites visitors to swim, take boat rides, or simply unwind on its well-maintained beaches.
Explore the picturesque old town, its flower-edged canals, and the nearby mountains, which offer countless hiking opportunities. Annecy strikes the perfect balance between city, lake, and mountains – all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What is there to see?
- Lake Annecy and its beaches;
- The Jardins de l’Europe, overlooking the lake;
- Annecy Castle and its museum;
- The Col de la Forclaz, with its spectacular view;
- The old town and its medieval alleyways.
What is there to do?
- Hire a pedalo or a paddleboard from Albigny Beach;
- Cycle along the lakeside path all the way to Talloires;
- Hike to the Angon Waterfall;
- Visit the Seythenex Cave and Waterfall;
- Take off on a paragliding flight from the Col de la Forclaz.
Les Gets: a cycling paradise for the whole family
Les Gets is the dream mountain destination for cycling enthusiasts. This village resort in the Portes du Soleil welcomes riders of all ages with a popular bike park, mountain biking trails for all levels, and a wealth of marked routes for more leisurely bike rides.
But there is plenty more to see and do in Les Gets: its friendly atmosphere, lush alpine setting, and wide range of children’s activities make it the perfect spot for an active and family-friendly summer holiday.
Good to know: Les Gets hosts the Mountain Bike World Cup every year, attracting the best mountain bikers from around the world.
What is there to see?
- The Lac des Écoles, perfect for a picnic;
- The Museum of Mechanical Music;
- Mont Chéry, accessible by gondola;
- The flower-filled mountain pastures of Mont Caly;
- The traditional village of Les Gets and its Savoyard chalets.
What is there to do?
- Speed down the trails at the bike park;
- Ride an electric mountain bike up to the Col de l’Encrenaz;
- Relax at the Wibit Park on the Lac des Écoles;
- Discover cheese-making at the Fruitière des Perrières;
- Have fun with the whole family on the tree-top adventure course.
Combloux: traditions and family relaxation
With its breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and its charming village atmosphere, Combloux is the perfect destination for a relaxing and authentic holiday. The resort offers a gentle pace of life, blending cultural discoveries with relaxing nature.
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the unique biotope lake, or perhaps a picnic overlooking the glaciers, while the surrounding trails and mountain pastures are ideal for excursions into the heart of Haute-Savoie’s natural landscapes.
What is there to see?
- The view of Mont Blanc from the biotope lake;
- The historic church of Saint Nicolas;
- The Baroque Trail and its mountain chapels;
- The mountain views from the Plan des Dames;
- The 19th century architecture at the Isidore Farm.
What is there to do?
- Enjoy a swim in the biotope lake;
- Join a storytelling walk along the Baroque Trail;
- Hike to the Cuchet mountain refuge;
- Visit the educational farm at “Les Montagnards”;
- Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village.
Manigod: activities for the whole family
Manigod is a hidden gem in the heart of the Aravis mountains. It’s a village where mountain traditions are still very much alive, and there’s no shortage of activities: relaxing walks, farm workshops, outdoor sports, and children’s entertainment fill the summer days.
This small-scale resort charms visitors with its friendly village atmosphere, peaceful landscapes and natural surroundings that are accessible to all. Manigod promises an active yet tranquil stay, where every family member can find something to delight them.
What is there to see?
- The Manigod Valley and its traditional chalets;
- The panoramic views from the Col de la Croix Fry;
- The onion-shaped bell tower at the Church of Saint-Pierre;
- The Beauregard Plateau, which is a walk away;
- The flower-filled alpine pastures around the Col de Merdassier.
What is there to do?
- Hike with the family to the summit of L’Étale;
- Visit a farm to find out how Reblochon cheese is made;
- Try off-road scootering at the Col de Merdassier;
- Take to the air on the bungy trampoline;
- Tackle the via ferrata at the Col de la Croix Fry.
Crest-Voland: an authentic family resort
Perched above the Arly Valley, away from the beaten track, Crest-Voland charms with its authenticity, heritage, and relaxed atmosphere. In summer, its lush green meadows welcome hikers, cyclists, and families seeking peace and quiet.
This small, family-friendly village is perfect for children, with dedicated activities and entertainment. It offers a true return to nature, blending Alpine traditions with the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.
Good to know: Crest-Voland is part of the Val d’Arly, a region certified as a “Pays d’art et d’histoire” for its rich rural heritage.
What is there to see?
- The Church of Saint-François-de-Sales and its Baroque design;
- The viewing point on Mount Lachat;
- The Tienne Mill, restored by volunteers;
- The hamlet of Cohennoz and its old chalets;
- The nature trail “The Forest, a Living Story”.
What is there to do?
- Hike to Mount Bisanne for a 360° view;
- Try the summer biathlon at the Val d’Arly Nordic Park;
- Join a storytelling walk at sunset;
- Watch the milking of cows at “La Gardette” farm;
- Race down the slopes of Mount Lachat on a mountain kart.
As you can see, the Alps are a safe bet for a successful family holiday. With a choice of nature, a range of activities, and wonderful accommodation, everyone will find their happy place. All that’s left is for you to pick your favorite destination… and pack your bags for an unforgettable summer!
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