Summer in Chamonix

Most people think of the Chamonix Valley as a winter ski resort - but there are actually more visitors here in the summer. The visitors come to pursue such activities as mountain biking, walking, climbing, golf, fishing, paragliding and water sports. The lifts are open in summer to give access to the higher mountain playgrounds for walkers and mountain bikers alike.

In Summer the streets are lined with flowers. The sound of cow bells can be heard. There are markets, visiting circus', carnivals, climbing competitions, craft fayres, music and beer festivals. We even stage a Marathon! The days are usually long and hot and the evenings sweet scented and cool.

     

Mountain Biking:
Les Houches has invested heavily in this sport to bring you the very best dedicated, graded trails for all abilities. Lifts are open June - September for downhill. Whichever path you take you will be surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. Full or half day outings with an instructor can be arranged. Equipment can be hired from the local sports shops.

Local amenities:
Just five minutes from the chalet, there are tennis courts you can hire by the hour, a volley-ball court, a fully-stocked fishing lake, and local climbing crags suitable for beginners.

Walking:
From Les Houches there is easy access to three countries. For example take the teleferique to Bellevue and walk over the Col de Tricot to Les Contamines. Or drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Then walk via Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur in Italy. Or cross the Col de Trient to Switzerland. We can offer accompanied walks during the summer, but if you prefer to explore the mountains for yourself - we will pack you a picnic and send you on your way.

Tour of Mont Blanc:
The 170Km (105 miles) route covers three countries and circumnavigates the magnificent 4807m Mont Blanc. Definitely one of the finest walking routes in the Alps. The traditional start for the Tour of Mont Blanc is Les Houches. The best times to walk this route are from mid June to end September.

Visits:
Annecy, St Bernard Kennels, Merlet Animal Park,
the Statue for Christ - a monument built to thank God for sparing the valley in the First World War. The Gorges of Diosaz with gushing waterfalls from verdant rock walls.

     

Paragliding:
Take a tandem flight - see the valley from a different perspective. Or learn to fly - courses are available for beginners.

Golf:
Chamonix's famous 18-hole Championship Golf Course in Les Praz.

Children:
Kid Adventure situated by lake Chavant in Les Houches offers 20 activities in the trees for children 4 - 9 years.

Also Tennis, Swimming, Rafting, Fishing, Hydrogliss, Canyonning, Markets or just sitting in a pavement café watching the world go by..