From the Galibier to the Ventoux, via the Iseran and the Glandon, the giants of the Alps are getting ready to come out of hibernation. With the return of spring, keen cyclists, seasoned climbers and those interested in touring are gradually returning to their favourite playgrounds. But you still need to know when the roads will be open... Every year, it's the same ritual: keep an eye on the snow heights, scrutinise the departmental road reports and wait - sometimes until summer - before you can climb the passes at an altitude of over 1500 metres. LIRE AUSSI : Méribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens... We already know the...
Author: Romain Boisaubert
Perched at an altitude of 1300 metres, Évol is one of the jewels in the crown of the Pyrénées-Orientales, recognised as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. This medieval hamlet, which is part of the commune of Olette, boasts shale walls and lauze roofs.
Situated between Geneva, Annecy and Chamonix, the Môle & Brasses region is much more than just a summer destination. It's a haven on a human scale, where nature, history and conviviality combine to offer an unforgettable holiday. Here are 5 reasons to choose Môle & Brasses this summer. 1. A life-size playground for the adventurous Between plains and summits, Môle & Brasses offers a diversity of landscapes ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for family or sporting hikes, mountain bike trails, electric bike rides, canoe-trekking or fishing on Lac du Môle, there's something for everyone...
Whether you're a road enthusiast, a mountain bike fan, a gravel enthusiast or just a fan of gentle rides, Bourg-Saint-Maurice - Les Arcs is THE summer playground for two-wheeled enthusiasts. READ ALSO: Mountain biking: 10 must-see bike parks to try out in our resorts this summer Between must-see events and adventures in the great outdoors, the Haute-Tarentaise has a summer full of cycling, where sport, pleasure and discovery come together. The major cycling events of summer 2025 La Roselende - 25 May A legendary climb, with no time limit and no pressure. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice or Beaufort, cyclists will climb the...
Nestling in the Ubaye valley, Barcelonnette is a small town in the Southern Alps with a surprisingly unique heritage: a surprising link with Mexico. This charming town attracts many visitors every year, intrigued by its unique history and atypical cultural influences. With its combination of majestic mountains and Mexican traditions, Barcelonnette is a must-see destination for the curious and mountain-lovers alike. READ ALSO: This mountain village is the highest inhabited commune in Europe The history of the commune began in the 19th century, when many of the inhabitants of the Ubaye valley emigrated to...
With 20% of French holidaymakers on a summer break in Savoie Mont Blanc taking part in a wellness activity, we have identified six spa towns that are well worth a visit to reinvigorate yourself.
In summer, Courchevel also becomes a haven for gourmets. For the first time, several of the resort's emblematic establishments, usually closed in summer, have decided to extend the pleasure by opening their doors all summer long. A godsend for holidaymakers looking for culinary experiences in an exceptional setting. Asia at altitude with the Asian Chalets From 1 July, palate travellers will be able to embark on a single ticket to Asia without leaving the Alps. The Asian Chalet 1850 and Asian Chalet 1650, set out on two levels of the resort, promise an immersion in the flavours of...
Would you like to recharge your batteries with traditional French cuisine 100% homemade? In the heart of the forest, traditional French cuisine can be enjoyed just like at home at the Chalet du Bresson (La Plagne Tarentaise). Perched in the heart of a peaceful forest, the Chalet du Bresson tells a simple and warm story, that of a refuge turned gourmet restaurant. ALSO READ: Christopher Diericx: "Promoting spring skiing at La Plagne" Nestling in the greenery, this chalet, completely renovated by the commune of La Plagne Tarentaise, is now a place apart, a blend of authenticity and modernity, taken over by three friends...
One of the most beautiful villages in France", Bonneval-sur-Arc is a veritable tableau vivant, where every street seems to tell a story.
To meet the growing demand from people looking for activities that are more in tune with nature and the living world, particularly to reduce stress, the Courchevel resort has created and inaugurated in 2023 the "sentier des contemplations" (contemplation trail), focusing on well-being, meditation and yoga.
The Via 3 Vallées project is the stuff of dreams for cyclists and mountain enthusiasts alike. This ambitious initiative, aimed at linking the main resorts in the 3 Valleys by roads entirely dedicated to cycling, is gradually making headway. But how far have we really got? As Gilles Leonard, Director of Méribel Tourisme, points out, mountain biking is gaining in popularity, whether it's road cycling or mountain biking. "We're thinking about a complete cycling circuit in the 3 Valleys. It's a serious project that we're working on", he recently told us....
Do you have the soul of a tireless explorer, always ready to push back your limits? In Les Arcs, summer is a huge playground for those who want to move, vibrate and marvel endlessly. Here's our selection of 5 must-do activities for a 100 % active holiday in the Haute Tarentaise. ALSO READ: Want to spend your holidays in the mountains? Here are the main events for summer 2025 in our resorts 1. Cycle touring: freewheeling in the mountains Here, cycling is king, and all its disciplines have pride of place. Whether you're a mountain biker or...
This summer, discover the mountains as you've never seen them before. Between animal encounters, contemplative hikes, pastoral gastronomy and educational farms, Orcières and the surrounding area reveal an authentic and unexpected mountain world. Here are five ideas for unusual experiences for young and old. 1. watch the marmots at dusk at Prapic As the sun goes down and the light becomes soft, the marmots emerge from their burrows. Accompanied by a nature guide, set off on a walk from the village of Prapic to catch a glimpse of these emblematic little rodents. An immersive outing to discover the biodiversity of the Écrins, which...
From legendary trails to high-altitude festivals, Chamonix Mont-Blanc is establishing itself as one of the summer capitals of the French Alps. Sport, culture, nature, photography, science and music: the 2025 season promises to be more vibrant than ever. Here's a round-up of the highlights not to be missed. ALSO READ: Chamonix: mountain activities, highlights, restaurants, hotels... What to do this summer in the Mont Blanc Valley? 1. Chamonix Film Festival - From 10 to 16 June To open the season, the Chamonix Film Festival returns for a 5th edition dedicated to mountain, adventure and wide open spaces enthusiasts. Screenings, meetings...
Dévoluy, in the mountains between Drôme and Hautes-Alpes, is increasingly becoming a cycling destination. Gravel, mountain biking, raids, cyclosportives: the destination is multiplying the formats, routes and events to appeal to two-wheeled enthusiasts. Here's a round-up of the major new events to be discovered this summer. A new gravel route to explore the high plateaux This is one of the summer's major new features: the Tour du Dévoluy gravel route is now officially signposted and available online. ALSO READ: Everything you need to know about the major redevelopment of the leisure centres at La Joue du Loup...
Summer 2025 promises to be full of new features for mountain bike enthusiasts in Les 2 Alpes. With its high altitude, new reworked trails, technical innovations and renowned ambassadors, the Bike Park confirms its status as a must-see playground for riders of all abilities. The return of mountain biking on snow The famous "Highway to Heaven" track, one of the Bike Park's emblems, is back in action. Located at an altitude of between 3,200 m and 2,600 m, it offers mountain bikers the chance to ride on snow in a unique setting at the top of the glacier. ALSO READ: Mountain bike events not to miss!
In Val d'Isère, summer is experienced differently. With its unspoilt nature, invigorating altitude and off-the-beaten-track experiences, the Savoyard resort cultivates a summer version of the mountain art of living. Here are five original suggestions for filling up on unforgettable sensations and memories. Sleep under the stars... or almost There's nothing like a night in a refuge to get away from it all. Val d'Isère has two emblematic refuges that can be reached in less than two hours on foot: the more committed Fond des Fours refuge, ideal for experienced hikers, and the recently renovated Prariond refuge, perfect for a first night in the...
Alpe d'Huez, France's outdoor mecca, is packed with events this summer. From mountain biking to trail running, triathlons, solidarity challenges, climbing and legendary cycling routes, the Isère resort has a packed calendar of events. June 5 - Alpe d'HuZes: climbing to beat cancer A symbol of courage and solidarity, the Alpe d'HuZes is a charity event in which participants, on foot or by bike, climb the legendary Alpe d'Huez ascent up to six times. Last year, this Dutch challenge raised over...
With almost 50 establishments open in summer, the resort of Les 2 Alpes has established itself as a Mecca for Alpine gastronomy, far from the clichés of raclette and fondue. Here, we cook "à la française", with heart, skill and a sincere attachment to the land. From Michelin-starred restaurants to neighbourhood pizzerias, here's a round-up of the best places to go this summer. Award-winning high-altitude gastronomy A culinary gem perched at an altitude of 1,650 metres, Le P'tit Polyte, the restaurant in the Chalet Mounier, remains one of the jewels in the crown of Les 2 Alpes. Under the leadership of chef Guillaume Barengo, the establishment has been...
In Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the art of high-altitude living is taking on a whole new dimension with the opening of "La Belle Vie", an aqualudic and wellness area designed as a serene interlude facing the mountains. With its evocative name, "La Belle Vie" combines gentleness and contemplation in a well-kept setting, open to nature. LIRE AUSSI : Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the new Eldorado of mountain wellness? Three pools allow visitors to recharge their batteries whatever the season: a 16-metre outdoor pool bathed in Alpine light, a combined indoor/outdoor pool maintained at 33°C, and a relaxation area...