Come summer, the French Alps turn green: you set off to explore the region's most beautiful corners, take up a thousand activities in the open air, far from the noise of the city. Four valleys, four exceptional chalets, here is our selection.
1 SamoënsHaute-Savoie · for families
Tucked into Haute-Savoie, Samoëns draws on the Grand Massif domain to welcome families all year round. Adventure parks, paintball, paragliding, hiking trails via the Col de Joux Plane and the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, rafting and horseback rides along the Giffre: a destination off the beaten track, ideal for family and friends alike.
Where to stay, Chalet Forest, a 200-year-old farmhouse renovated for twelve, with hot tubs on the balconies, five minutes from the lifts and an hour from Geneva.
2 Chamonix-Mont-BlancFor hiking lovers
At the foot of Mont Blanc, on the doorstep of Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix unfurls 350 km of trails through valleys dotted with chapels, traditional farmhouses and mountain lodges. Paragliding, mountain biking, dog-sledding, hydrospeed, canyoning, rafting: it is all here. The resort lies just fifteen kilometres from both Italy and Switzerland.
Where to stay, Chalet Black Squirrel, a 180° view of Mont Blanc, 360 m², five rooms, pool, sauna, cinema room and private jacuzzi.
3 TignesThe most versatile
Tignes, a ski resort in winter, reinvents itself in summer. You reach the walking paths by free lifts, explore more than 150 km of mountain-bike trails in the bike park, and ride the funicular and cable car for sweeping views. Paragliding is on offer, and even summer skiing above 2,000 metres, between drinks on the terrace.
Where to stay, Lodges Vallat; Chalet Kaya, a luxury option with panoramic lake and mountain views, and chef Jules Baralo for bespoke meals.
4 Morzine-AvoriazThe most exclusive
Between lakes, rivers and mountains, Morzine offers golf, water sports, climbing, summer tobogganing, paragliding, tennis, via ferrata and adventure courses. Enough to rediscover the mountains in a new light, well beyond the ski season.
Where to stay, La Ferme du Lac Vert, a 19th-century Savoyard farmhouse in Montriond, renovated in 2010; a main chalet of twelve rooms and a smaller farmhouse for six, to rent separately or together.
Summer in the mountains has its own pleasures: crisp air, summits within reach of a trail, and, come evening, a chalet all to yourself. We compose each stay around the valley and the house that suit you.
Dreaming of a summer in the mountains, between an exceptional chalet and high trails? Let's talk it through with our specialists.
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