French Alps in Summer: Picture-Perfect Holidays

Renowned as a popular holiday destination for winter sports, snow activities and outdoor pursuits, the Alps are best known for the thrills they provide keen skiers year after year. However, a few lucky travellers will already be familiar with how incredible a summer holiday in the Alps is. 

But, you might not consider visiting the French Alps outside the winter season. We’re here to change this! The Alps transform during the sunnier months, becoming the ultimate summer holiday destination – you just need to know where to look…

So, for where to head when the temperature warms up, here is our top selection of picture-perfect French Alps summer holiday destinations.

Barcelonnette, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Fancy exploring a charming French town?

Barcelonnette is nestled in the heart of the southern French Alps, easily accessible on a transfer from Turin airport. It’s home to colourful houses, picture-perfect views and street markets.

If you’re a fan of unusual architecture, you’re in luck! The town boasts many historic monuments and remarkable Mexican villas. One of these Mexican villas is home to the Musée de la Vallée, which is a museum of history, art and archaeology.

In fact, the entire town was built on inspiration from Mexico.

Every August, the town transforms, putting on France’s most exciting hispano-Mexican festival. Complete with dancing, processions and traditional mariachi music, it’s a family-friendly event that will make you feel as though you’re in Mexico!

Even if you’re not in Barcelonnette for the festival, the town doesn’t disappoint. As it’s located in the Ubaye valley, many hiking trails are accessible.

For those who are looking to experience the mountains in a fresh and exciting way, Barcelonnette is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss!

Getting there: The closest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, around 150km away, with a drive time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Marseille and Grenoble airports are also options, though slightly further.

Lake Annecy

The pristine Lac d’Annecy, comes to life in the summer months and is one of the largest lakes in France, sits among snow-capped mountains and is known as the cleanest lake in Europe.

Lake Annecy is famous for its clear waters, charming lakeside towns, and easy access to scenic mountain passes like the Col de la Forclaz, a popular spot for paragliders and cyclists alike.

And the views of Lake Annecy are simply breathtaking. If you need to cool off after taking part in hiking, strolling or exploring the Palais de l’Isle, the lake’s waters are perfect to swim in. Alternatively, why not paddle across it?

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the gourmet cuisine on offer won’t disappoint. If you love the taste of traditional French food, you’ll delight in the markets and restaurants that surround the lake.

There’s so much to do on and around Lake Annecy, you’ll need to dedicate more than one day of your holiday to it!

Getting there: Geneva Airport is your best bet, just over 40km away. Geneva to Annecy transfers typically take around 45 minutes to an hour. With Alps2Alps, you’ll be lakeside in no time – perfect for a spontaneous summer escape or day trip.

Fer-à-Cheval Cirque

If you thought the French Alps resorts were at their best during winter, you might change your mind after visiting the Fer-à-Cheval Cirque. Officially one of the most picturesque villages in France; the largest mountain cirque in France won’t disappoint its guests. Home to awe-inspiring views and fresh mountain air, rare wildlife and dramatic waterfalls, it’s a must-visit gem!

The whole of the valley offers some great mountain biking, cross country and downhill and there is no shortage of great spots in and around the Sixt Village.

If you fancy exploring the cirque fully, hiking around it is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, for those seeking a more relaxing holiday, the cirque is the ideal picnic spot!

Children of all ages can appreciate the cirque’s beauty! It’s a family-friendly place that has a lot to offer its visitors.

Getting there: Located near Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, this natural amphitheatre is best accessed via Geneva Airport, just under 90km away, or less than a two hour airport transfer from Chambery.

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Le Chȃteau de Menthon Saint Bernard

Le Chȃteau de Menthon Saint Bernard is a medieval castle open from May to September. Its Gothic architecture is said to be the inspiration for many others, including a Disney castle!

Suitable for young children, families can explore the castle while being entertained by guided tours by actors. Visitors can admire the period furniture and decoration on display. The castle also puts on highly entertaining performances and costumed events. There’s even a play area for young explorers!

If exploring the inside of the castle wasn’t enough, why not venture outside? A hiking trail is located around the castle, giving guests a chance to admire the castle views from afar!

Getting there: A transfer from Chambery Airport to Menthon-Saint-Bernard takes approximately 30 minutes, suitable for even the most impatient traveller.

Lake Geneva

No French Alps holiday is complete without a trip to the impressive crescent-shaped lake! Shared by France and Switzerland and under an hour from Geneva airport, Lake Geneva is another great hotspot, popular in the summer months.

The French half of the lake is less populated than the Swiss half, allowing its visitors to fully take in its stunning views without being obscured by crowds.

Évian-Les-Bains is a French town located on the lake, the perfect place for those looking to relax and unwind.

Another town located on the lake, Yvoire, has managed to retain its traditional medieval look. This has not gone unnoticed by its visitors, as it’s classified as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’.

It’s easy to see why! With picture-perfect views, a wealth of stunning flowers and even a castle, the town deserves its fame.

Getting there: With Geneva Airport right next to the lake’s western edge, this is one of the easiest destinations to reach, whether you’re heading to the Swiss side or the French towns like Évian-les-Bains.

Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix

The Aiguille du Midi has been a popular tourist destination since the 1800s, and today visitors can take a cable car to the summit. Enjoy the most spectacular views from the top, including Italy and Mont Blanc.

At 12,615 feet high, it is one of the highest peaks in the area, making it a popular destination for climbers and hikers, with several challenging routes to the summit. The South Face of the Midi is one of the most famous rock faces in Chamonix, and an ascent of one of these iconic routes is essential for any aspiring alpine climber.

Getting there: Located in Chamonix, Aiguille du Midi is easily accessed via Geneva Airport, about 100km away. Geneva to Chamonix transfers take around 1 hour 30 minutes. Alps2Alps will get you to the base station with zero stress, so you can ride the cable car straight into the clouds.

Briançon

Nestled at 1,326 m, Briançon is the highest town in the European Union and a UNESCO World Heritage gem thanks to its Vauban fortifications. The charming old town – with its fountains, colourful façades, and hilltop citadel – provides a historical counterpoint to the surrounding wilderness. Summer here means endless possibilities: hiking through mountain meadows, biking along scenic trails, paragliding over the valley, or enjoying white-water fun on the nearby rivers. 

It’s a superb spot for history lovers and outdoor families seeking both culture and adventure in the French Alps.

Getting there: The closest major airport to Briançon is Turin Airport, around 125km away, just over the border in Italy. Geneva to Briançon transfers take roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, making it another viable option. Whichever airport you fly into, Alps2Alps offers reliable, door-to-door transfers direct to Briançon for a smooth start to your alpine escape.

Les  Deux  Alpes

If you thought the Alps turn quiet in summer – think again. Les Deux  Alpes is open for glacier skiing between June and September, offering a rare alpine skiing experience when much of Europe is snow-free. 

Beyond the slopes, the resort boasts a thriving mountain-biking scene, with the Jandri Express gondola launching riders into vertiginous trails and freeride zones – including the famous “Mountain of Hell” downhill event. 

Whether you want to carve fresh turns on glacier ice at dawn or race downhill amidst dramatic peaks, Les Deux  Alpes delivers adrenaline without compromise.

Getting there: Grenoble Airport is the closest to Les Deux Alpes, about 110km away, with a transfer time of roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. Lyon and Geneva are also good options, especially for international flights. Book your Geneva to Les Deux Alpes transfers with Alps2Alps for a comfortable, hassle-free journey to your summer playground in the clouds.

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Portes du Soleil

Portes du Soleil summer activities are varied and plentiful. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking to get active or to just relax in the sun.

For those of you who love water based summer activities and enjoy adrenaline-filled water sports, white water rafting along the Danse river is a must-try if you’re spending your summer holidays in Morzine. There’s also a great opportunity for horse lovers to enjoy a horse ride through the woods or a longer hack through the forest.

Go for a bike ride on the winding roads and legendary climbs of Le Tour de France. Between steep climbs and long descents, you will have time to enjoy the beauty of the Alps landscapes.

And whilst holidaying in Portes du Soleil, don’t forget to visit the Morzine aquatic centre. Take advantage of the outdoor swimming pools on sunny days and while the little ones are having fun on the slide, relax in the spa area.

Getting there: The Portes du Soleil region (including resorts like Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets) is best accessed via Geneva Airport, roughly 70 to 90 minutes away depending on the village. Alps2Alps offers Geneva to Portes du Soleil transfers for a hassle-free journey to one of the Alps’ top multi-resort areas – even in the sun-drenched summer months.

Tempted to head to the French Alps this summer? Alps2Alps provides an affordable, safe and reliable transfer service all over the Alps. Find your hassle-free summer transfer here!