Most families tend to head to the coast for their sunshine holidays and leave the mountains for winter snow, but summer holidays in the French Alps ticks many of the boxes for a great family holiday, without the problems faced by families staying in packed resorts.

We think there are three main reasons to consider the Alps for a summer holiday:

1. They are considerably cheaper than the coast
2. The Alps is much quieter
3. You’ll find loads of fun activities

So why at the Alps cheaper than the coast?

It’s all to do with the cost of accommodation. Because this area is better known for being a ski resort, there’s a glut of accommodation that’s never full in the summer months.

You can pick up an apartment from as little as a couple of hundred pounds per week in the school summer holidays – compare that with a beach family holiday  where normally you wouldn’t get much change from a thousand pounds.

How about the traffic?

The traditional exodus to the coast doesn’t affect the Alps. Roads remain quiet over the summer months, driving becomes a pleasure and you can explore the mountain roads at your leisure, without the fear of being stuck in traffic down to the beach, or back again at the end of the day.

And what is there to do?

For those of you who can’t bear the idea of missing out on swimming, the mountain resorts tend to be well-equipped with either pool complexes or lakes you can swim in.

You’ll see signs for ‘Base de Loisirs’ where there’s often many activities on offer, from swimming, tree-top adventure climbing, river rafting and play-grounds for children.

For the more adventurous there are the more challenging activities. Try climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, parascending or via ferrata.

A via ferrata (Italian for “iron road”) is a climbing route in the mountains where climbers secure themselves to cables or iron rungs to help them reach high peaks. The origins of via ferrata date back to the nineteenth century, but via ferratas are strongly associated with the First World War, when several were built in the Dolomite mountain region of Italy to aid the movement of troops. More on via ferrata to follow when our own intrepid mountaineer tries it for the first time this summer…

Where to stay?

Here are three summer holiday options on our website, FranceforFamilies.com.

Chalet La Giettaz is located in the picturesque Savoyard village of La Giettaz, surrounded by fabulous Alpine scenery: a wonderful location for year-round holidays with family and friends.  In summer, the area offers many opportunities for walking, cycling, mountain biking and other outdoor activities, or simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings.

Simply Morzine offers summer family activity holidays with renowned alpine family specialists. You can choose from a variety of catered and self-catered accommodation including family-run French hotels, private luxury chalets and apartments perfect for a family. There is a superb programme of activities for all ages and interests, from toddlers to teenagers and dads to grandads! Catered bookings include free activities.

Chez Pascal is a luxury chalet in Morzine, French Alps.  It’s great for summer family activity holidays and the chalet offers an outdoor terrace and games area with spectacular views.

So, are you up for trying something different?  We can recommend it!