Top 5 best mountain resorts in summer for families

Choosing a family mountain resort in summer requires taking into account several criteria for a successful vacation. Everything obviously depends on your personal desires, but some criteria will help you establish a short-list of suitable resorts for your family:

• home-to-vacation spot distance, especially with young children;

• Famille Plus label, granted to resorts that commit to offering services and activities adapted for children and parents;

• activities compatible with theage of your children (e.g.: inflatable play area for toddlers, tree climbing for slightly older children, canyoning for teenagers);

• childcare solutions and kids' clubs, allowing parents to fully enjoy certain activities or rest, and children to have fun;

• educational discoveries and visits, such as farm visits, discovering mountain animals, themed trails, etc.;

• easy hikes and adapted for your children, or even stroller-accessible trails;

• adapted accommodations for families, for example with connecting rooms, baby equipment or access to a swimming pool;

• safe and friendly environment : little traffic, or even pedestrian areas, peaceful atmosphere, etc.

Don't feel like comparing all the resorts and would like some ideas for perfect destinations for a family mountain stay? Here are several resorts to consider and their advantages for families!

Chamonix, for amenities and multiplicity of activities

The resort of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has the advantage of being at the foot of the highest mountains in the Alps, at 1035 meters altitude, while having all the amenities of a small town. This is a plus for family vacations, as you will easily access all the useful services for children : daycare, babysitting, supervised activities (climbing courses, workshops, farm visits and animal park, etc.), multiple playgrounds, public transport for getting around, etc.

Chamonix also offers a wide range ofoutdoor activities to experience with family, such as rail sledding, orientation courses, tree adventure courses, the ascent to theAiguille du Midi by cable car, the little train to get to the Sea of Ice, etc. And if you're looking for some coolness during a summer stay, you can also go to the swimming pool, hike near waterfalls, or practice white water activities with your teens.

Samoëns, for its friendly and natural spirit

Another essential Alpine resort for a family stay is the village of Samoëns, in Haute-Savoie. In a pleasant setting amidst preserved nature, it is a destination suitable for vacationers of all ages.

The youngest are welcomed at the Marmots Daycare, while parents can go hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, discover paragliding, etc.

The family activities are very numerous in Samoëns, whether in nature or in the resort. For a sports activity, think of easy or medium-level hikes, mountain bike rides or Via Ferrata. For thrills with children old enough, opt for white water sports such as rafting, tubing, water skiing, hydrospeed, etc.
Samoëns in summer also offers the possibility to enjoy the leisure center, an easily accessible area from the village center. Parents and children will enjoy learning golf, going fishing or enjoying the outdoor swimming pool.
The restaurants are also very diverse in Samoëns, giving you the opportunity to satisfy the appetites of the whole family!

Tignes, for its lakes and sports offer

In Tignes, a resort located in Savoie, they also know how to please families for summer vacations. With the My Tignes card, you benefit from preferential rates for 9 activities and unlimited access to the Bike Park and to ski lifts for pedestrians and mountain bikes. It's an ideal formula for a family stay, giving access, for example, to the lagoon swimming pool, tennis courts, the Panorama area, etc. And thanks to pedestrian lifts, you can admire the panoramic view effortlessly, or easily access hiking trails.

Of course, a multitude of other activities focused on sport, nature, relaxation or thrills are very suitable for families in Tignes, such as walks between Lake Tignes and Lake Chevril, quad biking, guided tours of the villages and the highest farm in Europe, Via Ferrata routes, etc.

For welcoming children, the Tignes resort also has several babysitting services and a Youth club from 4 to 16 years old. Furthermore, like all Famille Plus certified resorts, Tignes has several restaurants and accommodations perfectly suited for a stay with children.

Saint-Lary, for a typical Pyrenean stay

Heading to the Pyrenees massif now, to the resort of Saint-Lary Soulan. A village of character with preserved heritage and nature, it is a perfect place for summer mountain vacations.
To welcome families properly, Saint-Lary has a daycare center as well as a leisure center, and regularly offers entertainment for the whole family.

Between mountain activities, cultural outings and relaxation area, Saint-Lary has no shortage of activities for children and parents. In nature, enjoy white water sports, the Bike Park and mountain bike trails, the leisure park with summer biathlon, archery and axe throwing, a donkey ride or cani-rando, etc.
If you are looking for places to visit, head to the House of the Pyrenees National Park, the House of Heritage and the farms of Saint-Lary and the surrounding area (this will also be an opportunity to taste good regional products!).
Finally, don't miss a wellness moment at Sensoria Rio, a thermoludic space accessible to children, featuring indoor and outdoor pools.

Métabief, to discover the mid-mountains with family

Are the Alps and the Pyrenees a little too far from you? Do you want to spend a mountain vacation in a mid-altitude resort ? Consider the Métabief resort, in the Jura, perfectly suited for family holidays in summer.

In Métabief, sports and leisure activities are well thought out for both adults and children. Just to give you a few ideas, there's first the Métabief Bike Park, which has several downhill tracks, Enduro tracks, hiking routes, fun areas for learning, etc. The whole family can also share good times on the brand new summer luge or at the Adventure Park (tree climbing courses and all kinds of fun areas for the little ones).

Furthermore, just a 10-minute drive away is Lake Saint-Point with its 5 nautical bases offering paddleboarding, canoeing-kayaking, catamaran, boat trips, swimming areas and much more. All in a calm and preserved environment, without motor vehicles.

It's impossible to list all the mountain villages in France that allow you to spend great family holidays, as there are so many. Nevertheless, don't limit yourself to our Top 5 to choose your destination! You can also find your happiness at Grand-Bornand, in La Plagne, in Pralognan in the heart of the Vanoise, in Vaujany, in Mont-Dore, in Gérardmer, in Chamrousse and in many other resorts.

Do not hesitate to consult the Tourist Office website of the resort that interests you, to discover accommodations, services, shops, transport and activities, in order to find the perfect village for your next summer mountain holidays!