Summer: Massif des Aravis

In summer too, young and old can entertain themselves perfectly in the Massif des Aravis. Take breathtaking mountain hikes — from mid-June the mountain pastures turn into one great festival of flowers — and you may well find yourself face to face with the majestic Mont Blanc. Those who want something more active will find plenty of adventure in the valley, while lovers of peace and nature can indulge themselves in the vast alpine meadows.

Hiking with Mont Blanc in sight

The Chaîne des Aravis is a hiking paradise for every level. From the Col des Aravis (1,486 m), with its characteristic little chapel of Sainte-Anne, you look straight onto Mont Blanc in clear weather. Strong hikers climb the Pointe Percée (2,752 m), the highest point of the Aravis, or the Tournette above Lake Annecy. Countless waymarked routes and the multi-day Tour des Aravis lead past crystal-clear mountain lakes such as the Lac des Confins and high-lying alpine meadows full of flowers.

Blooming alpine meadows and special nature

Summer in the Aravis is a feast for nature lovers. The mountain pastures glow with alpine roses, gentians and countless other flowers, while marmots whistle among the rocks and chamois and ibex graze high on the slopes. Early in the morning or towards sunset the chances of special wildlife sightings are greatest.

Reblochon straight from the farm

The Aravis is the cradle of Reblochon, the creamy Savoyard cheese with AOP certification. In the valleys around Entremont and Le Grand-Bornand you will still find plenty of farms and alpages where the farmers make the cheese in the traditional way, with milk from cows that graze in the mountain pastures all summer. Many farms welcome visitors: you see how the cheese is made and taste it, preferably right there on the spot.

Adventure for the whole family

In the valley you can undertake all sorts of adventurous activities, such as canyoning, rafting, kayaking and fishing in the clear mountain streams. With children, a visit to the Tyroo adventure park in La Clusaz is a real recommendation: here you can clamber, climb and jump to your heart's content among the treetops. Accrobranche courses and summer toboggan runs also ensure a day full of fun.

Paragliding from the mountain peaks

Want to discover the Massif des Aravis in a truly adventurous way from great heights? In La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand you can paraglide almost all year round at various flying schools. Under the guidance of an experienced pilot you glide over the green mountain pastures and authentic chalets, with the peaks of the Aravis within easy reach.

Cycling over legendary cols

Road cyclists indulge themselves on the famous mountain passes around the Aravis. Right above Le Grand-Bornand the Col de la Colombière winds upward, a regular climb in the Tour de France, and the Col des Aravis is also a beloved classic. Mountain bikers find hundreds of kilometres of trails and bike parks in both Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz, from quiet routes to demanding downhills.

Authentic mountain villages full of history

In summer, in the villages of Entremont and Le Grand-Bornand, you marvel at the more than 400 authentic chalets, a number of which are more than 200 years old. It is a living open-air museum of alpine architecture, surrounded by green mountain pastures where the cows graze whose milk is turned into Reblochon. At the weekly markets you taste and buy the regional produce of local farmers and craftspeople.

Climbing, golf and swimming

Le Grand-Bornand also has a climbing park (La Forêt des Dodes), a beautiful golf course and tennis courts. And to cool off after all the activities, both villages have large swimming pools with outdoor baths. So there is always something to experience for the whole family, from the sporty type to the seeker of peace.

Summer peace from the chalet

After an active day in the mountains you come home wonderfully to our chalet in Entremont, with its wraparound terrace and large balcony. In winter the Aravis guarantees top skiing; in summer hiking, cycling and adventure. Take a look at the available dates and book your stay in the French Alps.