Posted on 09 February 2026
The French Alps in summer is the latest buzz term in both tourism and real estate markets. As remote working and alternative holiday destinations become more popular, the Alps are luring attention away from sandy beaches around the world. And for good reasons.
When the snow melts across the mountain peaks, a vibrant transformation begins. Many know about French ski holidays, but as a real estate agent, we’ve noticed a new trend. Savvy investors and wannabe holiday home owners are now loving alpine pastures. From the glamour of Val Thorens to the lakeside charm of the Annecy Mountains, the French Alps are now the top year-round destination.
Take the Cable Car in Saint Gervais. Cool off in glacial rivers or paraglide over Annecy’s turquoise waters. Have exciting adventures on the mountain trails in Les Gets, or relax in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Each part of this region has a story, from the stylish streets of Megève to the high-end comfort of Courchevel 1850 and family-friendly Morzine. And that is why more and more people are looking for permanent homes there.
Quick Summary About the French Alps in Summer
Peak Season: July and August offer the best weather (20–30°C), while June and September are quieter with blooming flora or autumn colours.
Major Places: Chamonix is the mountaineering capital; Annecy is nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps” for the canals and turquoise lake. Vanoise National Park is best for wildlife spotting (marmots and ibex), Briançon is the highest city in France, famous for its UNESCO-listed fortifications.
Who: The Alps cater to active adventurers (hikers, climbers, MTB riders), families looking for alpine slides and lake swimming, and sightseers wanting to experience the majestic Mont Blanc massif without the winter crowds.
Activities: Aside from hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, go paragliding over Lake Annecy, biking or take the Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace glacier. Significant events like the Tour de France Femmes also finish in the nearby region.
Transport: While a car is great for hidden valleys, the SNCF train network connects major hubs. Within resorts, many multi-passes offer unlimited access to lifts, buses, and pools for a few euros a day.
Quick Summary – Best Dual Season Resorts
Dual-season resorts cater to two distinct personas. In winter, it’s the snow enthusiast (skiers, boarders). In summer, the demographic shifts toward adrenaline seekers (mountain bikers, paragliders) and nature lovers (hikers, families seeking fresh air). Most northern resorts are 1–1.5 hours from Geneva Airport. Grenoble or Lyon better serves Southern resorts (Alpe d’Huez, Les 2 Alpes).
Chamonix: (Mont Blanc Massif): The undisputed capital for year-round extreme sports and iconic scenery. The most famous mountain town in the world. In winter, it features the Vallee Blanche (a 20km glacier run) and steep, technical terrain. The city is the global hub for trail running (UTMB) and mountaineering, and has an active year-round population of 10,000+.
Les Deux Alpes: (Isère): Best for glacier skiing and Europe’s premier mountain bike park. Home to Europe’s largest skiable glacier. Winter is an “Inverted” mountain design, with the easiest slopes at the top (3,600m). Summer offers excellent mountain bike parks and is one of the best places in Europe to ski in June/July.
Morzine/Les Gets: (Haute-Savoie): The heart of the world’s biggest MTB park, the family-friendly gateway to the massive Portes du Soleil network. Winter is part of the 650km Portes du Soleil circuit with traditional Savoyard architecture. Summer is the “European Whistler.” Thousands of bikers descend here for the interconnected lift system.
Tignes & Val d’Isère (Vanoise): High-altitude snow security and “Tignes Plage” lake activities. High-altitude reliability with lake-based adrenaline. In winter, Tignes, at a high altitude (2,100m base), ensures skiing until May. Tignes Le Lac transforms into a sporting arena with “Acroland” (water slides into the lake), paddleboarding, and glacier skiing on the Grande Motte.
Megève: The luxury choice for “slow mountain” living and Michelin-starred dining. Winter is about Chic, cobblestoned streets and horse-drawn carriages. For the rest of the year, think high-end golf (Mont d’Arbois), spas, and 300km of gentle hiking trails.
Alpe d’Huez (Grandes Rousses): Called the “Island in the Sun.”The resort holds the “Famille Plus” label, meaning its infrastructure and services are specifically geared toward families. Beyond traditional mountain sports, the village offers a “decathlon” of recreational activities.
Deep Dive: Guide to Summer Time in the Alps
1: For Mountain Peaks: Les Trois Vallées and Beyond
In Vallée des Belleville, the “holiday atmosphere” shifts from adrenaline to tranquillity. Saint-Martin-de-Belleville remains a jewel for its authentic charm. Picture owning a property near La Bouitte. The local food is just as stunning as the views. Further up, Val Thorens and Courchevel 1850 offer more than skiing; they provide access to Deux Nants and Bout du Monde.
For luxury, the market thrives. Whether you prefer the prestige of Courchevel Le Praz or the rustic elegance of Chalet des Montagnes, these homes provide a sanctuary after a long hiking trip or a visit to Chez Pépé Nicolas.
2: For Waterside Wonders: From Lake Annecy to Lac Montriond
If the mountains provide the frame, the lakes offer the soul. Lake Annecy (or Lac d’Annecy) is often called the cleanest lake in Europe. Here, one can enjoy a relaxing dip or explore the Bout du Lac nature reserve. Properties near the Roc de Chère or overlooking the Palais de l’Île offer lifestyles to match the Bernese Oberland or Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Take the Blue Diamond Taxi Boat across the water to dine at La Cuillère à Omble. The surrounding summits, including Mont Trélod, Mont Colombier, and Dent d’Arclusaz, provide dramatic backdrops for the parc naturel régional de Les Bauges. Also sample the local Tome de Bauge cheese and Beaufort cheese.
3: For Wild Nature and Hidden Valleys
True adventurers will find rugged beauty in Mercantour National Park and the Gorges de Daluis. Driving through the Col de Cayolle or visiting Saint-Martin-d’Entraunes feels like stepping back in time. In these quieter corners, you might spot a mouflon or a chamois skipping across the ridges.
Even in quieter villages like La Compôte or Morillon, the quality of life is unmatched. Spend mornings picking up fresh treats at Les Fromages du Fermier and your afternoons on a hiking trip to Lac de Lessy or the Col des Annes.
4: Consider Morzine for Adventure
UK mountain bikers flock to the biking trails. The resort is popular because of its amazing hikes and nearby lakes and rivers for swimming. Morzine has more to offer you than ski slopes! Swim in Lac Montriond, an easy cycle away, with crystal clear water and breathtaking scenery. Also soar down to Châtel on the Fantasticable zipline and hike across mountain ridges.
Also, for high-altitude skiing, the Morzine – Les Gets ski area is lower than the others. Morzine offers extensive hiking, and it’s close to other interesting Alpine destinations like Samoëns. Morzine is larger than many ski resorts, which works in its favour. For somewhere to buy property to use at any time, Morzine is somewhere to live year-round. The Morzine–Les Gets area is where to find family-friendly spaces with plenty for children to do.
5: Head to Chamonix for Alpine Charm
A bona fide year-round destination, Chamonix attracts tourists seeking something different. Chamonix also earns fame for the famous UTMB week of long-distance trail running, and hosts the world championship in speed climbing. Sitting on the border between France, Switzerland, and Italy, Chamonix is a hugely popular tourist destination for 9 months of the year, with little downtime and a large local population.
As Chamonix’s town sits at a lower altitude, it’s very green and pleasant. The QC Terme Spa provides luxury and mountain views. Le Tour has wide open trails that feel like the “Sound of Music.” Enjoy mountain biking trails, high altitude lakes, a goat sanctuary, and the Mer de Glace.
6: Courchevel is for Luxury
Whilst some of Courchevel’s villages might not be best suited to summer seasons, lower altitude villages like Village and Le Praz are great. These resorts sit below the tree line, where the wildlife is most abundant, yet still offer access to skiing in the Three Valleys. By far the biggest draw in Courchevel, though, is the climbing. If that’s your bag, Courchevel is easily a great town to buy a ski chalet or apartment.
When the winter snow finally retreats from the Tarentaise Valley, Courchevel undergoes a breathtaking metamorphosis into a vibrant tapestry of emerald pastures and wildflower-dotted ridges. This destination is for anyone seeking a refuge from the heat; families find a haven at the Lac de la Rosière, while seasoned hikers head deep into the Vanoise National Park.
This high-altitude sanctuary, spanning six unique villages from Le Praz to 1850, offers a refreshing “cool-down” during July and August. By utilising the resort’s efficient lift system, visitors can effortlessly reach peaks over 2,700 meters, where the silence of the mountains is broken only by the distant chime of cowbells and the whistle of marmots.
7: Alpe d’Huez – Alpine Island in the Sun
While Alpe d’Huez is a titan of the winter season, its summer persona is perhaps the French Alps’ best-kept secret. Called “L’Ile au Soleil” for its remarkable 300 days of sunshine per year, the resort reveals lush, high-altitude playgrounds perched on a south-facing plateau.
For investors and holidaymakers alike, the appeal lies in the resort’s dual-season vitality; the same lifts that carry skiers in January transport hikers and families to the 3,300-meter summit of Pic Blanc in July. Here, the panoramic views stretch across one-fifth of France, offering an incredible, crystalline escape from the sweltering heat of the valleys below.
What is it that draws thousands of athletes to these roads? The answer lies in the 21 legendary hairpin bends that snake up the mountainside, a pilgrimage site for road cyclists worldwide. However, the adrenaline doesn’t stop at the asphalt.
Alpe d’Huez is a cornerstone of the mountain biking world, hosting the infamous Megavalanche, which sees riders plummet from the Pic Blanc glacier down to the valley floor. With over 260 kilometres of marked trails catering to everyone from elite enduro riders to families on e-bikes, the resort has solidified its status as a premier destination for sports tourism, ensuring high occupancy rates throughout the warmer months.
8: Tignes & Val d’Isère
Nestled in the Haute-Tarentaise valley of the French Alps, these two resorts sit at the doorstep of the Italian border. Tignes is characterised by its high-altitude purpose-built villages like Val Claret (2,127m). In comparison, Val d’Isère (1,850m) maintains a traditional Savoyard charm with stone-and-wood chalets and a 17th-century church at its heart.
The transformation from winter white to green is dramatic. Tignes centres its energy around its natural lake, offering “Acroland” water slides, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Val d’Isère provides access to the Vanoise National Park for world-class trekking. Together, they share a massive Bike Park with over 220km of trails. Unique to this area is the ability to ski in the morning on the high-altitude glaciers and play golf on Europe’s highest course (2,100m) in the afternoon.
Connectivity is seamless. A free shuttle bus (navette) links the various villages of Tignes and Val d’Isère, making a car-free holiday entirely possible. For the more adventurous, the lift system is optimised for “pedestrian” and “biker” modes, allowing you to traverse between the two resorts via the Tovière ridge or the Solaise gondola with ease.
Popular Questions and Answers
Q – Which French Alps destinations are most popular for summer tourism?
Chamonix: Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix has more than views. It features world-class hiking, the Aiguille du Midi cable car, and the Montenvers railway. Because Chamonix stays busy year-round, rental demand remains stable. It is a top choice for consistent income.
Morzine and Les Gets: These two towns have mastered the year-round active lifestyle. They are the world’s central hub for mountain biking (MTB). There are hundreds of miles of MTB trails and family-friendly adventure parks.
Megève and Courchevel: If you want Michelin-starred dining, these resorts are perfect. They offer excellent golf courses, spas, and upscale shopping. The scenery is lush and green, ideal for a relaxed retreat. These are “haven” markets. Wealthy buyers look here for prestige and capital preservation.
Q What are the main differences between visiting the French Alps in summer versus winter?
They change with each season. The “White Season” and “Green Season” offer two very different lifestyles. Each one has its own unique appeal and financial benefits. Think high energy in winter and alpine zen in other seasons.
Winter is about the “Big Three”: skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. From Spring, landscapes open up for several sports. Go biking, paragliding, or rock climbing. Many resorts feature clear alpine lakes for swimming, paddleboarding, and glacier skiing. Find these in high-altitude spots like Tignes.
Summary – Your Ultimate Sanctuary
From the top-tier prestige of Les Trois Vallées to Mercantour Park, this region has something for everyone. Enjoy the glamour of Courchevel 1850 or the traditional charm of Megève. In the Vallée des Belleville, you’ll find the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville close to the Deux-Nants valley. Nature lovers explore the beautiful Les Bauges or head south to the Col de Cayolle, a mountain pass leading into wild landscapes.
The Swiss peaks, such as Zermatt, the Matterhorn, and the Bernese Oberland, as well as Italy’s Val Gardena and the Tre Cime Loop, are well known. However, the Alps offer magic. Imagine relaxing by the clear waters of Lake Annecy, with the Annecy Mountains watching over you. No trip is complete without trying real Beaufort cheese or eating at the famous Chez Pépé Nicolas. It sits between Val Thorens and Les Menuires.
Find Out More About Investing in the Alps
Dual-Seasonality: Resorts are no longer just for skiing; tourism is surging with hiking, biking, and wellness. Chamonix, Morzine, and Les Gets for consistent occupancy.
Financial Perks: 20% VAT recovery on new builds and reduced notary fees (2–3% vs. 7–8%). Through the LMNP (Non-Professional Furnished Landlord) scheme, buyers can reclaim the 20% VAT on the purchase price. Mortgage rates have stabilised at around 3.2%, and many resorts are entering a “buyer-leaning” phase for the first time in years.
Safe Haven: A mature, stable market with high capital appreciation due to strict building limits. Strict environmental regulations (RE2020) and geological limits make new-build land incredibly rare. For Off-Plan Purchases (VEFA), buyers pay in stages as construction milestones are met, reducing upfront risk.
Who is buying?: Families seeking a “work-from-anywhere” base with outdoor access. Investors are looking for a stable “haven” asset that hedges against inflation. Active Retirees prioritising health, wellness, and a community-oriented “Joie de Vivre.”High quality of life, clean air, and infrastructure that supports remote work and long-term living.
Capital Growth: Property prices in the Northern Alps have risen significantly (up to 20% in some regions over three years). Buying now allows you to capture the capital growth expected leading up to the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Rentals: Many new builds offer “leaseback” options where a management company handles everything from cleaning to bookings. Short-term rentals can generate between €3,000 and €15,000 per month during peak weeks. Since 2020, occupancy has spiked (up to 90% in some resorts), extending the rental season from 14 weeks to 20+ weeks. For more about owning property
- See our portfolio here and use the contact details to find out more or arrange viewings.
- Call us today and chat more with an agent about the French Alps in summer.
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