If you’re looking for the ideal family destination for your summer holiday, look no further than the Alps. Far from the hustle and bustle of the coast, the mountains provide a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to relax and recharge.
There is a great range of activities to enjoy in the mountains too, so it’s almost impossible to get bored! Whether you enjoy keeping active, simply relaxing, sampling delicious local cuisine or discovering new places, there’s something for everyone.
In this post, we highlight five Alpine resorts which are perfect for a summer getaway with the family, including:
- Manigod
- Le Grand Bornand
- Combloux
- Valmorel
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Read on to discover what each one has to offer…
Manigod
Summer season: June to September
Enjoy an active stay in the Alps, even with young children, thanks to the wide range of mountain activities that are available to all in this charming village. And located just 35 minutes from the lakeside town of Annecy, it’s an accessible and friendly resort with wonderful views of the mountains and valley.
Sporting activities in Manigod
Leisure in the Col du Merdassier
Children can enjoy the various activities on offer while parents sit back and relax! Here is what’s available:
- The open-air swimming pool: a heated outdoor pool, open to all. The whole family will appreciate the large pool, and younger children can play safely in the small paddling pool. Prices: 4€ for adults, 2€ for children under 12, and free for children under 5.
- The bungy trampoline: Children weighing over 20kg will love this activity! Attached to rubber straps, they can try out their own tricks in complete safety. Price: 7€ for 10 minutes.
- Bouncy castles: an ideal activity for the little ones, with endless bouncing! Age limit: 2 to 10 years. Price: 3.50€ for 30 minutes.
- Mini quad: Youngsters can try out their driving skills in safety on this inflatable circuit. The electric mini quads are suitable for children as young as five and laughter is guaranteed! Age limit: 5 to 10 years old. Price: 7€ for 10 minutes.
Fun trail in the forest
There’s nothing like a nice family walk to make the most of your summer holidays in the Alps! This forest trail adds an extra fun element for children of all ages. It’s a good way to develop the children’s abilities and confidence – and the views are magnificent! Cost: free.
Mountaincart
The Mountaincart is the perfect activity for teenagers. On a cart or a scooter, they can hurtle down the mountain in this thrilling fun activity – it’s like immersing yourself in the world of Mario Kart! Age: 10 and above. Cost 3,50€.
Relaxing with the family
Enjoy a yoga session
Individual or group yoga sessions will help you relax and stay in shape. This practice is great for enjoying a moment of calm, both for children and adults.
Chill out at the spa
Parents and children can relax together at Les Sapins spa and wellness centre. The heated pool has counter-currents for both swimming and relaxing, and there’s a shallow area that is perfect for young children.
Entertainment
A programme of activities is available for the whole family in the Alps. All the information you need is online.
Ceramic studio
Let ceramics professional Laurence André help you create your own pieces at her studio. You can book a one-day session, or something shorter, during which you can create and decorate your own pot. It’s a fun workshop where the whole family can learn something new and leave with their own masterpiece!
Discover the mountain wildlife
Discover the animals of the mountains during a guided hike. It is not uncommon to come across chamois, ibex or a family of marmots. Your guide Maxime will accompany you on this family day of walking and observation. Minimum age: 8.
Watch the Tour de France
Manigod features in one of the stages of the famous Tour de France 2023! It’s a great event to enjoy with the family and there’s a festive atmosphere as everyone cheers on the cyclists.
And if you’re a cycling fan, it’s a good way to share your passion with your friends and family in the Alps. It’s free to watch, and the Manigod stage takes place on July 16.
Recommendations
Visit the cheese cellars
If you want to experience some culture, why not come and discover how the region’s delicious cheeses are made and matured?
The Paccard company offers a visit of about 1.5 hours, including a film, a tour of the cellars and a tasting. Mountain products are on sale in the shop.
Booking is required. Cost: 8€ per person, 6€ for children and free for those under the age of 10.
Restaurant Les Sapins
This restaurant offers exquisite dining using local produce. You can expect a warm welcome and superb views from the dining room overlooking La Tournette, but the restaurant also offers a takeaway or delivery service, if you’d prefer to eat back at your chalet.
A family holiday in Manigod
Le Grand Bornand
Summer season: June to September
Le Grand Bornand is a Famille Plus resort with everything you need for a great summer holiday in the Alps with your family.
Sport
Beach volleyball
Combine the beach and the mountains when you try out this fun sport! Open to anyone over the age of 10. Cost: free
Fitness trail
This fitness trail is accessible to all, even those with pushchairs! The walk is 1.5km, with exercise and fun equipment along the way. It’s great fun for children of all ages, with a minimum age of three for using the equipment. Cost: free.
A walk around the Lac de La Cour
This beautiful walk is about 3.5km long, with a 150m difference in altitude, ending at the fishing lake. There are also splendid views of the surrounding mountains! Check the weather conditions before you go and take a picnic to enjoy when you get there.
Relax with the family
At the pottery studio
Enjoy a family pottery course in Le Grand Bornand, with the choice of up to four two-hour sessions. Whether you’re a total beginner or an expert, you’re sure to learn something, and you’ll come away with something you have made yourself. It’s a great opportunity to slow down the pace of a hectic family holiday!
Try a themed painting lesson
Capture your holiday memories on canvas with a themed painting lesson. This relaxing half-day activity is open to children and parents and by the time you leave, you’ll have a lasting souvenir of your holiday.
The activity is open to anyone over the age of 11. Cost: 42€ for a morning or 64€ for a full day.
For the curious
Little Farmers workshop
Children can get a taste of what it’s like to be a farmer at this fun workshop. They’ll find out all about the different aspects of life on the farm, working with animals and growing vegetables. Minimum age: 4. Cost: 21€.
Discover carpentry
This workshop gives children the chance to learn how to work with wood and make their own masterpiece, supervised by a guide from the Wood and Forest eco-museum. It could be the start of a career!
A fun mountain trail
Stroll among the activities for children on this route, which combines play areas, exhibitions, art installations, rides and much more. It’s a lovely way to enjoy a walk in the mountains!
Treats for the tastebuds
Visit a Reblochon farm
Visit a farm to learn how Reblochon cheese is made – and enjoy a tasting too! Learn about the area’s agricultural life, which is still a thriving business.
Restaurant La Bouillotte
Enjoy a traditional meal made with local produce at La Bouillotte, and enjoy a gourmet break in a friendly atmosphere, suitable for all ages.
Enjoy summer in Le Grand Bornand
Combloux
Summer season: June to September
Have fun in the heart of the Alps at this resort which holds the Famille Plus label. There are plenty of activities on offer, making every day an adventure!
Enjoy exercise
The pump track
Combloux’s pump track has a 210m track and a choice of two circuits, to suit all levels. There’s a 110m track for the more experienced, and a 100m circuit for those who want to try their hand at this sport.
The circuit includes turns, small bumps and larger ramps, designed so that riders can enjoy trying out jumps.
The nearby Louparc recreation area has a choice of multi-activity and play areas for younger children.
Cost: Free.
Jaillet panoramic playground
This is the perfect place for a family day out! Overlooking Mont-Blanc, children can climb all over these fun structures, including trampolines, climbing frames, assault courses and swings.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but staff are available on-site to make sure everything runs smoothly. Adults will appreciate the rest areas where they can sit peacefully in the shade!
Children aged 8 and over can try the thrilling XXL giant swing, which will launch you 16m into the air! Try it if you dare! The price for this activity is 20€ per person.
The summer luge
This sledge on rails is open day and night! Sharp bends, steep slopes, tunnels and speed ensure it’s enough to thrill holidaymakers of all ages. Go down alone or in pairs, the choice is yours. Cost: 8€ per sledge (maximum 2 people).
A moment of relaxation
A day at the lake
The first ecological leisure pool in France to open to the public, this natural swimming pool is a great way to cool off on a sunny day.
As the water is naturally treated with aquatic algae, the number of people who can use it per day is limited, so it’s a good idea to book, especially in the summer season.
Cost: 6€ for adults, 4.40€ for children.
Wellness fortnight
Awaken your senses with your family at this two-week event. For 15 days, activities and animations with a focus on well-being will help you relax and release tension. It’s a great opportunity to learn new relaxing practices.
The prices and the programme of the 2023 edition can be found online nearer the time.
Discover and learn
The Legends of Combloux
This themed event takes place every year in Combloux, with a theatrical show relating the myths and legends of the Mont Blanc region. Children will enjoy the various activities and the whole family can enjoy the sound and light show.
The 2023 event will take place in front of Combloux town hall from 9 pm on Wednesday, 12 July. Cost: free.
The Mountain nature centre
Workshops are held all year round at the mountain nature centre to raise awareness of environmental issues. Various courses are offered throughout the summer, on themes such as geology, botany and ornithology. It’s a fun and enriching experience for the whole family.
Food and local produce
Visit a farm
Enjoy a visit to this educational farm, where you can discover the farm on a guided tour and find out about the life of a farmer. Children and their parents can spend time with the animals and pick up some cheese in the shop to take home.
A gourmet walk
How do you fancy combining a bit of exercise with some wine tasting? This annual walk will take you on a route stopping for a taste of delicious local produce.
You’ll also pass some well-known local sights, so you can enjoy delicious food, fresh air and a bit of culture during the family holiday! Cost: 12€ for adults (15€ on site), and 8€ for children (10€ on site).
Find a chalet in Combloux
Valmorel
Summer season: July 1 to September 3
Enjoy the mountains, forest and meadows of Valmorel on your family summer holiday this year. And when you get an adventure pass, you’ll be entitled to discounts on many of the area’s activities.
To let off steam
Take a donkey for a walk
Children will be delighted by this donkey experience, but they’ll soon learn that a walk with this stubborn animal can’t be rushed! It’s a great family experience – allow for an hour, but remember you’ll be going at the donkey’s own pace! Cost: from 30 to 60 euros.
Mad’Trail
This is a great event for families, with a choice of races for all ages and abilities. Plus, it’s the perfect way to share unforgettable sporting moments with your family. The 2023 event takes place on 15 and 16 July, so get ready to run to the rhythm of the mountains!
Parc Okapi
Children will have the best fun at this outdoor park full of inflatables, trampolines and a ball pool. And while they are enjoying themselves, their parents can sit back and relax.
The park is open to children over the age of 18 months. Cost: 6€ for 30 minutes and 9€ per hour for the inflatables. The climbing activity costs 5€ per session.
Enjoy a little relaxation
Swimming pool
With a 25-metre heated outdoor swimming pool as well as a paddling pool for younger children, this is a great way to spend a few hours with the family. Deckchairs and parasols are also available so that you can relax and make a day of it. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Cost: Adults 7€, Children 5€, free for those under five.
Wellbeing massage
Take a moment for a bit of self-care, both for you and your family. Discover different massage techniques to help you relax and free your mind! Minimum age: 8 years. Cost: From 20-57€.
Time to discover
Little mountaineers evening
Children can get back to nature with a series of events during this fun evening. From sitting around the fire in the forest to the night walk… your little adventurers will come back with plenty of memories to treasure!
Age limit: seven to 13 years old. Cost: 23€ per child, or 21€ per child for families with four or more children.
A night under the stars
Discover the stars at these astronomy workshops in Valmorel from the 1st to the 4th of August. You can be an astronomer for a few days when you book to take part in these activities. You’ll need to register with the Tourist Office if you want to take part. Cost: up to 10€, depending on the activities.
Visit the nut museum
Discover this unique grinding mechanism when you visit the walnut oil mill! You’ll be able to see how the nuts are pressed to extract the oil in the traditional way, using hydraulic power whenever possible. Cost: Free.
Food and local produce
The 17th Beaufort fair
On Sunday 30 July 2023, producers and craftspeople from around Beaufort will gather at the Plateau du Tovet for a market celebrating this regional cheese. Come and meet the mountain farmers, discover how to make Beaufort cheese, and enjoy tastings. It’s a fun gourmet event!
Restaurant La Terrasse
Enjoy a delicious break on the terrace of this beautiful restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional cuisine and a great view of the valley. Children’s menus are available.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Summer season: June 10 to mid-September
Impressive landscapes and a variety of activities make for a lively family holiday in Chamonix! Book your summer multi-pass to enjoy discounts on many leisure activities in the area.
Staying active
Escape game
Put your heads together to play this intriguing escape game in the mountains! Combining orienteering, a treasure hunt and an escape game, players use a digital table to find objects and information to solve the puzzle. Minimum age: 9 years. Cost: 20€ per person, or 18€ for four people or more.
Adventure course
Take the family to the Accro’Park des Gaillands, the largest adventure park in the Chamonix Valley, for a treetop adventure.
The course is designed by mountain guides to make you feel as if you are climbing in the mountains, so fun and thrills are guaranteed!
Minimum age 3 years old. Cost: Adults 28€, teens 25€, children 20€ or 13€ for those between 1m and 1.3m in height.
Cham Mini-Loup
Various activities, including climbing, are available every day, for all ages at Cham mini-loup. Supervised by mountain professionals, children can experience a unique adventure in the Alps! Meanwhile, parents can relax at the spa.
Take in the sights
The Aiguille du Midi cable car
Don’t miss out on this incredible cable car ride when you enjoy a summer holiday in the Alps with your family. The Aiguille du Midi has been a must-see in the Chamonix Valley for over 60 years now, and the cable car takes visitors up to the summit at 3,842 metres in just 20 minutes!
At the top, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view across the Alps. You’ll also be able to “step into the void” – a glass box suspended more than 1,000m above the ground – and enjoy the immersive 4D cinema experience. Cost: Free for children under 5 years old, Adult return ticket 75€, children 63.80€.
The Mer de Glace and the Montenvers train
For a day of spectacular scenery, take the little train from Chamonix to Montenvers. Perched at an altitude of 1,913 metres, it offers a sublime view of the famous Mer de Glace glacier – the largest glacier in France. It really is an experience you don’t want to miss!
Age limit: Over 1 year old. Cost: Adults 38€, Children 32.30€, free for under fives.
The little tourist train
Grâce au petit train de Chamonix, on part à la découverte de la ville. Un guide commente la balade, pour démasquer les secrets de cette fameuse station de montagne ! Deux visites sont possibles, la classique en plein jour ou bien la nocturne.
Hop on board the little train of Chamonix, to discover the scenery in a fun and interactive way. There’s a guide who commentates on the ride and unmasks the secrets of this famous mountain resort! Two tours are available: the classic one in the daytime or the nighttime tour.
Cost: 10 euros.
A treat for foodies
Visit a chocolate factory
Discover the secrets behind a chocolate factory and then enjoy a taste of the delicious bean-to-bar produce! This is sure to be an activity that goes down well with everyone in the family! Cost: 5€, free for under 5s.
Chamonix market
The whole family will enjoy a day out at this bustling market, which takes place in Chamonix every Saturday morning.
It’s a great way to discover local food and even get to try some tasters along the way too! One half of the market sells fruit, vegetables and local produce, whilst the other sells clothes, tableware and the occasional antique or collectable. You can also pick up fresh coffee, roasted chicken and other ready-made meals.
Spending your summer holidays in the mountains with your family is an excellent idea. Rich in natural and cultural heritage, the Alps are the perfect destination for a successful family holiday. In the summer, the mountains are less crowded, allowing you to get away from it all and have fun at the same time.
If you’d prefer to enjoy unique colours and avoid the crowds, read the following articles about the mountains in spring and autumn:
