Most people think of the French Alps as a winter destination. And while the skiing is world-class, there’s a secret that regular visitors have known for years: summer in the Alps is extraordinary.
The snow melts to reveal lush green meadows, wildflower trails, and dramatic mountain scenery — all without the ski crowds. Temperatures are comfortable, the air is crisp, and there’s a remarkable range of activities on offer for every age and fitness level.
Whether you’re planning a summer stay in the Paradiski area or simply looking for ideas for an Alpine adventure, here are 15 amazing things to do in the French Alps in summer.
1. Hike the Mountain Trails
The Alps have thousands of kilometres of marked hiking trails, from easy valley walks to serious multi-day routes. In the Paradiski area around Les Coches and La Plagne, trails wind through Alpine meadows with stunning views of Mont Blanc on clear days. Most ski lifts run through the summer, giving you easy access to high-altitude starting points.
Best for: All abilities — choose trails rated by difficulty
2. Mountain Biking
When the ski runs aren’t covered in snow, many become downhill mountain bike trails. Bike parks in the region offer everything from gentle cross-country loops to adrenaline-pumping freeride descents. Hire a full-suspension bike at resort level, take the lift up, and ride back down through forests and open mountain terrain.
Best for: Thrill-seekers and cycling enthusiasts
3. Paragliding
Few experiences match the feeling of launching from an Alpine summit and soaring above the valleys below. Tandem paragliding flights are available throughout the Alps, with experienced pilots guiding you safely through the thermals. The views of glaciers, peaks, and villages from above are genuinely breathtaking.
Best for: Those who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience
4. Via Ferrata
Via ferrata — Italian for “iron road” — are fixed climbing routes bolted into the rock face, complete with metal rungs, ladders, and cables to help you navigate sheer cliff sections. No technical climbing experience is needed. You’ll feel like a mountaineer while staying safe on the route. The French Alps have some of Europe’s best via ferrata, suitable for beginners and advanced climbers alike.
Best for: Adventure lovers and families with older children
5. White-Water Rafting
The rivers that flow down from glaciers carry powerful, fast-moving water all summer long. White-water rafting trips operate on rivers throughout the Alps — particularly around the Tarentaise Valley — offering everything from gentle family floats to serious Grade 4 rapids. It’s one of the most exhilarating summer activities in the region.
Best for: Groups, families, and adrenaline seekers
6. Swimming in Alpine Lakes
The Alps are home to some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes — clear, cold, and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Lac de Roselend near Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Lac de la Rosière are popular summer swimming spots. For those who prefer warmer water, many resorts have outdoor lidos and heated pools open through the summer months.
Best for: Families and those who love swimming in nature
7. Cycling the Col de la Madeleine or Cormet de Roselend
The French Alps are the spiritual home of road cycling. Legendary Tour de France climbs — including the Col de la Madeleine, Cormet de Roselend, and Col de l’Iseran — are right on your doorstep in the Tarentaise Valley. Hire a road bike and tick off a famous climb, or simply cycle through the valley roads and villages at a more leisurely pace.
Best for: Road cyclists and Tour de France fans
8. Visit Bourg-Saint-Maurice
The gateway town to Les Arcs and the broader Paradiski area, Bourg-Saint-Maurice comes alive in summer with markets, festivals, and local restaurants. Explore the old town, try Savoyard cuisine, and pick up local cheeses, charcuterie, and wines at the weekly market. It’s a great base for day trips and evening dining.
Best for: Food lovers and cultural explorers
9. Take a Glacier Walk
Several glaciers in the French Alps are accessible on foot or by gondola throughout the summer. The Mer de Glace near Chamonix is France’s largest glacier and can be reached by the famous Mont Blanc Express railway. Guided glacier walks offer a fascinating and humbling perspective on these ancient rivers of ice.
Best for: Those interested in natural history and Alpine environments
10. Canyoning
Canyoning involves navigating river gorges on foot — swimming, jumping, abseiling, and sliding through spectacular water-carved landscapes. The gorges of the French Alps are perfect for it, and guided sessions cater to beginners through to experienced adventurers. It’s wet, wild, and enormously good fun.
Best for: Groups and adventurous families
11. Watch (or Ride) the Tour de France
If you’re lucky enough to be in the Alps in July, there’s every chance the Tour de France will be riding through. Watching the peloton tackle a mountain stage — with thousands of cycling fans lining the road — is one of sport’s great spectacles. Check the route in advance and pick a viewpoint on the climb for an unforgettable afternoon.
Best for: Sports fans and cycling enthusiasts
12. Wildlife Spotting
The high Alpine terrain is home to remarkable wildlife. With patience and a good pair of binoculars, you might spot ibex on rocky outcrops, marmots playing near boulder fields, golden eagles riding thermals, and chamois picking their way across steep hillsides. Guided wildlife walks are available for those who want expert help tracking down the best spots.
Best for: Nature lovers and families with curious children
13. Archery and Outdoor Activity Centres
Many resorts transform their activity spaces in summer, offering archery, tree-top assault courses, climbing walls, zip wires, and outdoor adventure centres. These are fantastic for families with younger children and offer a full day of activity without needing to venture far from the village.
Best for: Families and groups
14. Cheese and Fondue Tours
The Alps are famous for their cheese — Beaufort, Reblochon, Tome des Bauges, and Abondance are all produced in the mountain pastures of Savoie. Summer is the perfect time to visit a working Alpine dairy (a fruitière) and see how the cheese is made. Many tours end with a tasting, and some include a traditional fondue lunch in a mountain chalet.
Best for: Food and culture enthusiasts
15. Simply Breathe It All In
Sometimes the best thing to do in the Alps in summer is nothing at all. Find a mountain restaurant terrace, order a cold rosé and a plate of charcuterie, and sit back and look at the view. The combination of clean mountain air, dramatic scenery, and the feeling of being completely away from everyday life is something the French Alps delivers better than almost anywhere on Earth.
Best for: Everyone
Plan Your Summer Alpine Escape
Les Coches and the wider Paradiski area is as stunning in summer as it is in winter. With direct access to high-altitude trails, incredible valley scenery, and a growing calendar of summer activities, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Alpine tourism.
Ice and Fire offers accommodation in Les Coches for both ski season and summer stays. Contact us to find out more about summer availability.