Savoie-Mont-Blanc spreads across more than two-thirds of the French Alps and counts 110 plus resorts on home territory, including ski icons like Val d’Isère, Chamonix and Courchevel.
Summer in Annecy, Savoie-Mont-Blanc
Naturally, in late April, when the snowline recedes back up the mountains, everyone in the area simply falls sound asleep until ski season kicks off again in December.
Oddly enough, that unlikely scenario might very well be one you’ve just assumed. After all, what could there possibly be to do in the French Alps except ski?
Well, apart from the lakes; beaches; Alpine meadows; spectacular national parks; rivers; valleys and snow-free mountains themselves, you could try almost endless sunshine and average temperatures of 25˚. Then there are dozens of Famille Plus resorts, so the area’s made for kids. And if all that isn’t quite tempting enough, have some wildlife: most sensible creatures snooze out winter around these parts but, come summer, it’s showtime – and how.
Still think you can’t do a family holiday in Savoie-Mont-Blanc without extortionate lift passes and equipment hire? Here are another 10 great reasons to change your mind.
Marmot summer © Savoie-Mont-Blanc
1. Meet the mighty cute whistling Marmots in Flaine
As far as a gap in your wildlife knowledge goes, don’t worry too much about unfamiliarity with the marmot – especially if you’ve only visited the French Alps to ski.
A member of the squirrel family, these endearing creatures hibernate in winter and only make an appearance in late spring. Then, for about four months straight, they eat non-stop; romp around; whistle loudly to attract each other’s attention and grow fat and fluffy.
Flaine Mountain is one of the best places to spot marmot in summer and the resort organises family hikes with local guides in July and August. Kids as young as six are welcome so it’s not too strenuous and the prospect of spying giant squirrels is always enormously motivating.
Cycling round Lake Annecy © Annecy
2. Take a fun family cycle around sunny Lake Annecy
Lovely Lake Annecy hardly needs any introduction. From the historic canal-woven town of Annecy itself to the ring of mountains which enclose it all round, there’s probably isn’t a more instantly recognisable stretch of water in the French Alps.
Do it justice this summer and take the kids cycling.
The perimeter of the lake’s 40km round which sounds like a challenge, but the one and only climb’s tiny and there are about a million and one reasons to stop along the way – try sunny and sandy beaches for starters.
Hiking, La Plagne © La Plagne
3. Get excited about kid-size hiking all over La Plagne
La Plagne is another Famille Plus resort and there’s virtually nothing here which isn’t child-size and fantastically exuberant all summer long.
Kids can learn anything from tennis and archery to circus skills and magic. They have adventure parks, playgrounds, creative kids clubs and outstanding creches; even restaurants are geared towards young gourmands.
This is the place to introduce mini-walkers to the ways of the mountains on dozens of well-marked, graded for difficulty and satisfyingly wildlife packed hikes. Many are designed just for kids so expect lots of information boards, picnic places, pretty lakes, gentle climbs and deep, mysterious forests.
Vanoise National Park © Savoie-Mont-Blanc
4. Spend a night in Vanoise National Park
France’s first national park, Vanoise covers over 130,000 acres in the heart of Savoie-Mont-Blanc. This is where to see Ibex and Marmots at their wildest, walk Alpine meadows at their finest and explore the majesty of mountains as you rarely – if ever – have the freedom to do.
Just to add to the adventure, Vanoise is liberally dotted with charming traditional guesthouses (Refuges) for overnight – or longer -stays. Converted from ancient barns or mountain huts, some are pretty strenuous to reach but worth the hike and just as many are perfect for little legs.
Try Refuge Porte de L’Orgère for starters: not only is it in prime marmot territory, the surroundings are breath-taking, you’ll find easy walking in every direction and family-style evening meals and entertainment are part of the experience. You can drive right up to the front door too.
Meeting the cute locals in Savoie-Mont-Blanc
5. Wait till your kids try donkey trekking
Did you know that donkeys are wonderful travelling companions? They’re also one of the most iconic sights on the mountains, paths and trails all over Savoie-Mont-Blanc.
Introduce kids to their sweet natures, easy pace and pretty much endless patience at Les Ânes Montagnards. The cute, four-legged residents here are local experts on the lakes and foothills and no child has ever failed to be enchanted by an amble along the ancient smuggler routes in their company.
