Enjoy French Alps in summer

Urban-dwellers willing to try something a little different for their summer holiday can experience all the ‘sensational’ things Nature has to offer in the French Alps. Long associated with healthy retreats, the mountains have become the new summer detox destination. With varied activities, spectacular landscapes, French “art de vivre” and authentic local cuisine, every day brings something new to discover. Here you can mix mini-adventures (a mountain bike trip, family hike and night in a mountain refuge, a yoga session in the middle of a nature reserve) with more extreme thrills (high altitude zip line, via ferrata at 3,000 metres, or vertiginous canyon descents).

In Méribel, you’ll notice how traditional mountain customs and rhythms are still observed in summer – offering visitors a complete break from ordinary life. Here, walks in Nature help even the busiest people slow down and appreciate the environment and the sounds of the forest, and encourage them to listen to their biological clock. In this enchanting setting, your heart rate will slow, your muscles will relax and stress will evaporate. This may begin with a yoga session on the banks of Lake Tuéda, a 3-hectare mirror lake, or with a hike at sunrise. Follow with a hearty breakfast in a refuge, while marmots and chamois frolic in the still-silent Vanoise National Park.

Walking paths and hiking trails

Keen hikers share the walking paths and hiking routes that can be either gentle or steep. Guide books to local walks are available, and mountain guides are here to share their passion for ecology and glaciology with you. Hikers can also take advantage of the 53,000 hectares and 500 km of trails where they can spots marmots and meet Alpine Beaufort cheese-makers, discover edible and medicinal plants or even learn the history of the valley.

Mountain biking in all its forms

The world of mountain biking is given pride of place in Méribel. The Downhill World Cup Final took place here in 2014 and the Maxiavalanche competition will again be held here this summer. In total, there are 11 downhill trails for experienced riders and novices, 10 enduro trails, 4 cross-country trails, 3 special trails designed for electric mountain bikes, and a pumptrack and fun learning area at the foot of the slopes.


A spectacular 18-hole mountain golf course

Méribel’s golf course lies at 1,500m, allowing you to play in the cooler air of the mountains. Covering 35 hectares, it’s regarded as spectacular, even by experienced golfers. This exceptional 18-hole, par 71 course has breath-taking views and is the perfect setting for playing or learning, as beginners are most welcome.