Your complete guide to visiting the mountains out of season

The ecological and climate changes we are facing nowadays are forcing mountain destinations in the Alps to diversify their activities and extend their holiday season.

Whether you are coming to the Alps for your autumn or spring holiday, you will never be bored. Watch the flora and fauna awaken in the spring, join in local festivals and events, or admire the beautiful autumn colours as you stroll through the forest – there’s plenty to do!

Apart from all the activities on offer outside the busy periods, there’s another (very significant) advantage – the attractive price of off-season rentals. Renting a holiday property in the low season means you can make considerable savings.

So don’t wait any longer! Check out our guide to visiting the mountains out of season, and our tips on how to choose the best destination and the most suitable accommodation for your needs.

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You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful destinations in the French Alps. So wherever you spend your holiday, you’re sure to come back with some wonderful memories.

To inspire you, we’ve put together a guide to three of the most beautiful holiday destinations out of season.

Annecy

Known as the “Venice of the Alps”, Annecy is a wonderful place to visit in all seasons.

There’s a lot to do in this charming medieval town. With its wonderful setting, Michelin-starred restaurants and rich historical, cultural and architectural heritage, Annecy is definitely a must-see destination.

You’ll love strolling through the colourful streets of the old town, eating in one of the many restaurants and perhaps ending your day with a relaxing walk by the lake. And in the autumn, the changing colours of the leaves on the trees give the landscape a whole new look.

Here are some of the places that stay open all year round, that we think are worth a visit:

• 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

Although Annecy is very popular during the summer season, you’ll discover even more about this wonderful town when you visit at a quieter time! 

Chamonix 

Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a great destination for an out-of-season holiday. The town is busy and lively all year round, but in the low season, you can explore it without the summer and winter crowds.

Many tourist attractions stay open during the low season, and there is still plenty to do. Take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi, visit the Mer de Glace on the traditional Montenvers railway, relax in the thermal baths or wander through the streets of this pretty town.

Most of the local businesses stay open all year round – here are some good places to try:

• Shops : Pâtisserie Richard, Refuge Payot
• Restaurants : Mumma, Le Caphorn, Casa Valerio
• Bars : Le Caphorn, Bar du Moulin

Morzine 

The Morzine valley is an ideal playground for those who love nature and hiking. With its varied landscapes, there is something to suit all levels and tastes. If you come in the autumn, don’t miss the walk around Lake Montriond – the autumn colours of the trees and the green water will make you feel like you’re in Canada!

As well as its wonderful hiking trails, there are many other activities – cultural visits, sports, gourmet discoveries and more This resort is a perfect out-of-season destination for families.

Several restaurants, bars and shops stay open in all seasons – here are a few to try:

• Shops: Microbrasserie Ibex, Le chèvrerie des Ardoisières, AltiViande 
• Restaurants: La Dez’Alp, La Chamade 
• Bars: The Cavern Bar, Bar Robinson, Bar Les Rhodos

Even out of season, there’s plenty to do in the mountains.

Witness the awakening of nature and enjoy an early picnic in the spring, or admire the flamboyant colours of the trees and forage for mushrooms in the autumn. Every season has its own surprises!

Read our articles on the best things to do in the Alps in autumn and spring. They will give you a little insight into what to do in the mountains out of season.

Local events and activities are also varied out of season. As well as the major dates, there are a number of other events on the calendar throughout the year.

The unmissable market in Annecy Old Town takes place every week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings. And there’s the wonderful Venetian carnival in March, as well as the descent of the animals from the mountain pastures in October

The more sporty might like to take part in the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges in Chamonix in September, and for theatre lovers, there’s the Petits Asticots festival in October – a great family day out.

Finally, Morzine, like Annecy, has a weekly market from 8 am to 12.30 pm on Wednesdays. You can also take a guided tour of La Fruitiere cheese factory in Morzine from June to September.

The tourist offices at your resort will be able to give you all the latest news about events at your destination.

• Annecy tourist office 
• Chamonix tourist office
• Morzine tourist office 

It’s worth giving some thought to your choice of accommodation. Of course, you will want to stay near your chosen destination, but there are several other factors to consider when you choose your holiday chalet in the Alps.

First and foremost, you need to consider who you will be travelling with – if you are going with friends, we would not recommend the same chalet as if you were going with your family, for example.

The size of your group will also determine the sort of accommodation you need. If you are travelling as a couple, you won’t need as large a chalet as you would if you were travelling with 10 people.

Finally, we recommend that you look at the facilities available in the chalets and select your accommodation according to the season you are visiting in. For example, if you are coming in the autumn, you may want to look for accommodation with a spa, sauna, steam room and fireplace. In spring, rentals with a petanque court, table tennis, or a barbecue terrace will allow you to make the most of the milder weather.

To help you choose, here is a small selection of our most beautiful chalets in Annecy, Chamonix and Morzine. You can find a wider range by clicking here. 

Chalets for low-season family trips

If you are planning a holiday with your family, Le SwansDoors in Annecy et Chalet Levant Blanc in Morzine will perfectly suit the needs of your family. These properties are equipped and designed to accommodate children. You’ll find all the equipment you need to look after and entertain them – a changing table, safety devices board games and films … there is everything you need.

Find all our child-friendly rental properties by using the filter “Cool For Kids” or by following the link below. 

Chalets for low-season trips with friends

If you are travelling with friends, chalets with pool tables, table football and a petanque court will allow you to share some great times together. We also have chalets designed to accommodate larger groups.

Find a wider selection of properties by clicking on the link below. 

Chalets for couples travelling in the low season

If you are going away with your other half, what could be more romantic than a chalet with a spa, steam room or sauna?

Click on the link below to browse our options.

Travelling with your pet out of season

If you are bringing your pet with you on holiday, we have several chalets that welcome four-legged companions. Our “Pets welcome” filter makes it easy to find the right place. Click on the link below to see the selection.

Of course, all of these properties are available out of season, so don’t wait any longer – book your off-season holiday in the Alps now!

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Whatever the season, the mountains have plenty of surprises in store for you, so why not spend your next autumn or spring holiday in the Alps?

As well as being able to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities and avoiding the crowded resorts in high season, travelling in low season also means you’ll pay a lot less for your accommodation. You’ll make great savings on your booking and can enjoy your leisure activities even more!

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the OVO Network team who will help you find the perfect holiday in the right location.