There's no need to wait for the summer holidays to breathe easy. In June, Les 2 Alpes emerges from winter with a bang. On the contrary: the Isère resort is kicking off its summer season with a bang, with skiing, major sports shows and the first steps towards the summits. While the heat settles in on the plains, here it's the altitude that takes over, offering a breath of fresh air, adrenalin and freshness. Here are five reasons to give in to the call of the mountains, in complete tranquillity, just before the hustle and bustle of July. 1. breathe in the shade of the peaks Far from the heat peaks...
Author: Romain Boisaubert
In the Serre Chevalier Briançon valley, calves are warming up and wheels are squealing with anticipation. All summer long, the roads, paths and mountain pastures will be buzzing with the rhythm of two-wheelers. With world-class events, legendary routes reserved for cyclists, innovative bike parks and specially adapted accommodation, it's sure to be a total experience for enthusiasts and the curious alike. The opening event is the Alps Epic, from 21 to 24 June. This marathon mountain bike race, now included in the UCI calendar, crosses the Hautes-Alpes over five stages, including two in the valley: on 23 June, a 62.6km loop between Saint-Chaffrey and the Col du Lautaret,...
From committed mountain sports to poetic shows, Tignes is once again proving itself to be a summer destination that's as dynamic as it is responsible. Here are the highlights of the season for you to make a note of in your diary. On 5 July, the resort kicks off the summer with a disability awareness day, organised by the Communauté de communes de Haute Tarentaise. It's a great opportunity to remind people of the resort's commitment to inclusion, as it adapts its facilities and website to meet accessibility standards. A day of exchanges, events and sharing, to make the mountains a welcoming place for...
Far from the glitz and glamour of winter, Courchevel hides another facet of its identity in summer. Here, between lush green mountain pastures and majestic peaks, mountain farming keeps its traditions alive. Three emblematic farms bring this Alpine heritage to life, offering visitors an authentic immersion in ancestral know-how. La ferme auberge de l'Ariondaz: gourmet delights at the summit At an altitude of 2,000 metres, in the heart of the Ariondaz mountain pasture, Émily and Bernard Chardon have transformed their former maturing cellar into a warm and friendly farmhouse inn. Their herd of 70 tarines graze the flower-filled meadows of the mountain from...
Dévoluy has everything to appeal to families looking for a relaxing holiday in the great outdoors. Awarded the "Famille Plus" label in 2011, the resort is doing everything it can to offer a tailor-made holiday for young and old alike, with a rich and varied range of activities on offer. One of the summer's must-do activities is D-en-Bulle's mountain walks. During the Langue d'oiseaux outing, young and old alike head off into the forest to meet the animals, in silence and using a simple, intuitive sign language, to learn how to read the signs of the local fauna. Experiments...
When the snow gives way to flowering mountain pastures, Val d'Isère is transformed into a summer playground, punctuated by a multitude of events celebrating nature, sport, tradition and culture. From June to August, the high-altitude resort offers a host of not-to-be-missed events. Sport and nature in majesty From 13 June (subject to availability), the opening of the Col de l'Iseran marks the start of the summer season. At an altitude of 2770 metres, Europe's highest road pass offers a spectacular backdrop, much sought-after by cyclists from all over the world. On 22 June, the...
At the end of June, Briançon is decked out in its finest old-fashioned finery to bring back the spirit of the Middle Ages. From 27 to 29 June, the famous Cité Vauban plunges residents and visitors alike into a timeless atmosphere for the 21ᵉ edition of its major Medieval Festival. In the heart of the listed ramparts, troubadours, knights, beggars, acrobats and craftsmen make the picturesque streets vibrate to the rhythm of ancient music, demonstrations of forgotten skills and colourful shows. A rich and festive programme for young and old The festivities kick off on Friday...
As the mountains put on their summer colours, the 3 Vallées unveil a new... gourmet menu. From back-to-the-land farmhouses at altitude to the culinary audacity of young artisans, from creative addresses to out-of-the-ordinary concepts, Alpine gastronomy is being reinvented all summer long. READ ALSO: Méribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens... We already know the dates when the ski lifts will open in the 3 Vallées this summer Whether you're a hungry hiker or a curious epicurean, here are the most inspiring culinary experiences to be had this season, from Val Thorens to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, via...
Between top-level sporting performances, mountain traditions and crazy festive events, Les 2 Alpes is once again one of the liveliest spots in the Alps this summer. From May to August, the resort has a packed calendar of events for all ages and tastes. Get your diaries ready! MAY: spring snowboarding and committed young people JUNE: riding, respect and adrenalin READ ALSO: Mountain biking: what's new this summer in Les 2 Alpes JULY: girls power, speed and mechanical shows READ ALSO: Where to eat this summer in Les 2 Alpes...
It's a call to calm, clear skies and wide horizons. With the return of fine weather, the Vallée des Avals, Courchevel's wild jewel nestling at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, is once again awakening to the rhythm of hikers' footsteps. Up there, two high-altitude refuges are reopening their doors for the summer season, offering a timeless interlude to share with family and friends. LIRE AUSSI : Courchevel: the new gourmet addresses to try out this summer A night under the stars or a simple break in the fresh air: here, authenticity is experienced at every moment. Refuge...
A new page is being turned and a new era is beginning for Crest-Voland Cohennoz. From next winter, skiers and walkers will be using a brand new gondola lift to replace the venerable Logère chairlift, which was installed in 1976 and modernised in 1986. The project, which has been eagerly awaited for a number of years, is part of the resort's commitment to speeding up its modernisation while meeting environmental challenges and the growing expectations of visitors in both summer and winter. With an investment of almost 13 million euros excluding taxes, this new gondola lift - supported by the commune of Crest-Voland in...
Exploring the mountains in a converted van means embracing a way of travelling where freedom rhymes with wonder. In summer and winter alike, France abounds with mythical routes and spectacular panoramas to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you're a keen hiker, a lover of wide open spaces or a gourmet, here are five perfect itineraries for an unforgettable adventure at altitude. 1. The Pyrenees, between grandiose summits and thermal baths Itinerary: Bagnères-de-Bigorre - Saint-Savin - Cauterets - Gavarnie - Massif du Néouvielle - Arreau - Loudenvielle - Ainsa - Oô - Bagnères-de-Luchon Distance: 400 km - Duration:...
Located at the tip of the Haute Maurienne, Bonneval-sur-Arc is a jewel among France's most beautiful villages. Nestling at an altitude of 1,800 metres and dominated by majestic peaks, this authentic hamlet captivates visitors with its exceptional natural setting and traditional architecture. Listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", Bonneval-sur-Arc is the epitome of Savoyard authenticity. Here, the stone houses, topped with lauze roofs, bear witness to ancestral know-how. The village has managed to preserve its architectural heritage, creating a timeless atmosphere in which each alleyway tells the story of a centuries-old place. ALSO READ: Combloux: preserving its authenticity...
Faced with the challenges of the climate and the new expectations of visitors, Dévoluy is taking a decisive step forward. Since 2020, a vast project to redevelop the ski area has been underway, based on a vision of a sustainable future that respects the environment. Backed by a number of strategic studies, the resort has defined a roadmap that combines sobriety, attractiveness and efficiency. The principle is simple: adapt rather than expand. LIRE AUSSI : Zoom sur les événements incontournables de l'été au Dévoluy : un été rythmé par le sport, les traditions et les étoiles Le projet refuse toute artificialisation nouvelle et toute...
France is a country with a beauty and diversity of mountain landscapes that is almost unrivalled anywhere in the world. Here are five of the most beautiful mountain walks in France. 1. Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) The TMB is an iconic hike that takes you around the Mont Blanc massif, crossing France, Italy and Switzerland. It offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and other Alpine peaks, as well as a variety of routes through the Alps. 2. The GR20 in Corsica The GR20 is one of the most popular hiking trails in...
The mountains offer breathtaking panoramas, and France has no shortage of spectacular peaks to admire them from. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or just looking for a breathtaking view, these five mountain panoramas are well worth a visit. 1. The summit of Puy de Sancy (Massif Central) Puy de Sancy, the highest volcano in the Massif Central, rises to 1886 metres and offers an absolutely breathtaking 360° panorama. The ascent begins with a vertiginous cable car ride from Le Mont-Dore station, covering more than 450 metres in just 4 minutes. Afterwards, there's a...
This summer, Dévoluy invites you to experience a unique blend of nature, culture and adventure. From the heights of the Col du Noyer to the technical trails of the Grande Trace, from pastoralism to farmers' markets, the massif has a programme packed with discoveries and excitement. Here are the highlights not to be missed between June and September 2025. LIRE AUSSI : Le Dévoluy: a sensational new activity to be launched this summer L'Éterlou (5-6 July) The 17th edition of L'Éterlou, an emblematic event in the Dévoluy, returns with mountain bike rides for all levels (13, 27, 33 and...
It's official: on Thursday 24 July 2025, Courchevel will host the end of the 18th stage of the 112th Tour de France, marking the return of the Grande Boucle to its high altitude peaks. After the spectacular finish in 2023 on the altiport track at 2,007 metres, the peloton will be back to tackle one of the most feared and emblematic climbs on the route: the Col de la Loze, culminating at 2,304 metres. This pass, located in the Vanoise massif, has become a benchmark climb since its first inclusion in the Tour in 2020, when the Colombian...
Nestled in the splendid Austrian state of Vorarlberg, the 5-star Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon offers an unrivalled experience for families looking for a luxurious, eco-friendly holiday in the heart of the Alps.
In the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park, at an altitude of 2,042 metres, Saint-Véran is often cited as Europe's highest year-round village.