Mont Blanc, Chamonix Valley & Val dArly region, French Alps in Summer. Lakes and Mountains holidays with Peak Retreats including Chamonix

Mont-Blanc Val d'Arly

Previous Image Stop Slideshow Next Image

At 4810 metres, Mont-Blanc – as everyone remembers from school geography lessons – is Europe’s highest mountain. Nicknamed “the Lord of the Alps”, it’s the absolute high point of any trip to the area south of Lake Geneva. On first view, you almost think that the astonishing glaciers come tumbling right down into the valley. Mont-Blanc is the third most visited natural site in the world and the resort of Chamonix is the undisputed capital of mountaineering having hosted the first ever Winter Olympics back in 1924.

There’s actually too much to see and do in Chamonix – surrounded by 3000-metre peaks, it’s the departure point for a comprehensive and clearly marked network of mountain paths and biking tracks. It’s simply made for adventures. For a start, you could go hiking on the glaciers in the Mont-Blanc massif, there are 71 to choose from in total. You could take the Mont-Blanc tramway, which predates the First World War, up to the Bionnassay glacier, from where experienced mountaineers proceed to scale the sacred peak. You could ride the Montenvers railway as far as one of the most beautiful icescapes in the world: the Mer de Glace, a vast frozen sea that inspired Mary Shelley to describe it so memorably in Frankenstein. You could discover the summer grotto complete with ice sculptures and a gallery of crystals. You could hop aboard the Aiguille du Midi cable car for an outstanding view of Mont-Blanc together with the Swiss and Italian Alps. Where else in the world can you see three countries at once?

And all that’s without even mentioning the scores of activities you can participate in Mont-Blanc country: canoeing on the Arve river, swimming in rapids on the Giffre, paragliding, via ferrata, ice skating, horse riding or just strolling in the foothills. For something a little out of the ordinary, try a canyon descent at night or 18 holes of golf on one Europe’s most stunning courses. Children can join a course to learn how to be a trapper in the forest outback and the whole family will want to pay a visit to the Greenland Husky breeding kennels.

The lift system in the valley enables visitors to switch at will between landscapes of shady forests, ethereal glaciers and flower-filled meadows. Keep an eye out for golden eagles soaring overhead. Offering unlimited access to all the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc ski stations and installations save for the panoramic gondola, the Mont-Blanc multipass is the ideal way to explore the unearthly snowfields and glacial domes of the massif. You can buy a consecutive or non-consecutive option so you’re not forced to cram all your outings into a short space of time. See our website for further details.

Summer is definitely the best time to witness the Savoyard lifestyle at its liveliest. Festivals and holiday celebrations take place throughout the season; the most well-known is the annual Fête des Guides which takes place around the 15th of August in Chamonix and includes a special mass to bless the mountain guides’ ropes and ice axes.

Cheese lovers will feel right at home in this part of France. Apart from the rich fondue that you’ll find everywhere, try the soft mountain cheeses Tomme de Savoie and Reblochon. Fritters and turnovers are very popular in Haute-Savoie but best of all is Le Farçon, a tasty potato dish mixed with bacon, raisins and prunes. Eat it accompanied with a local Mondeuse wine. Vive la montagne!

In the heart of the French Alps between Mont Blanc, Beaufortain and Aravis, the Val d’Arly is still a well kept secret despite being one of the oldest tourist centres in Savoie. Unique, varied terrain with Mont Blanc as a stunning backdrop, fantastic scenery, charming traditional villages, and the warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants, discerning travellers have made this area their ideal alpine getaway. A major crossroads, and the starting point for hikes and car excursions to take in famous tours of The Savoy Alps

For those in search of attractions and activities, there are endless possibilities for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits. There is a huge variety of sites available within an hours drive, with activities for thrill seekers and passive sightseers alike. The three reservoirs in the region are particularly appreciated for their water sports activities. There are over 250 km of marked walking tracks and 135 km of biking trails. Several chairlfts operate in the region to ease access to the breath-taking landscapes of Val d’Arly Mont Blanc.

For Golfers there are several Alpine Golf courses to choose from, with breathtaking views and uncrowded fairways.

View here for Chamonix Valley 360 virtual tours

Chamonix Set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain at 16,000 feet, Chamonix has been a major alpine centre since the 19th century and is one of the most visited natural sites in the world. It hasn't changed so much since Charles Dickens said, "Mont-Blanc and the valley of Chamonix, and sea of ice, and all the wonders place are above and beyond one's wildest expectation. I cannot imagine anything in nature more stupendous or sublime".	Les Houches At the entrance of the Chamonix valley and only 4km from its famous town, the pretty village of Les Houches is right under the impressive Mont-Blanc. It is a typical mountain village with a lovely church and old wooden Savoyard farmhouses around. There are a number of pleasant bars and good restaurants for quiet evenings out and buses run in and out of Chamonix all day.
Grand Bornand (Aravis) Le Grand-Bornand is one of the best preserved and most beautiful of the Savoyard villages. Perfectly located between Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy and Switzerland, the local community has carefully worked to combine their visitor's needs, whilst maintaining the area's traditional charm and respecting its alpine heritage. The Aravis Mountains form the main backdrop to the village which is divided into two parts. The original village is the picture of old France with its church, market square and "grenette" - a traditionally roofed market hall.	Saint-Gervais Situated at the foot of Mont-Blanc and 20 minutes from bustling Chamonix, the spa resort of Saint-Gervais with its Baroque church and pedestrian areas has attracted tourists since 1806. Set in a narrow river gorge halfway between Megève and Chamonix, the landscape is impressive wherever you look. This small Savoyard market town offers an excellent selection of interesting food shops, cosy bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
Les Saisies The setting of Les Saisies is spectacular as it lies half-way between the 'Beaufortain' valley and the 'Val d'Arly' valley, two magnificent areas of Savoy, with views towards Mont Blanc. The 'Beaufortain' with its wonderful scenery is sometimes called' The French Tyrol'. The village itself is charming with wood clad chalets and a bustling high street complete with some 40 shops and a big selection of bars, pubs, pizzerias, crêperies, grills and restaurants offering the choicest Savoyard dishes.	Argentière Dominated by the Aiguille du Midi and the 4810m high Mont-Blanc, the old village is in a spectacular setting towards the head of the Chamonix valley and beneath the renowned Glacier at Les Grands Montets. The village retains picturesque mountain feel with a large number of traditional wooden houses, as well as ancient farmhouses. There is a newer side too with all the modern shops and services, a variety of cosy bars and restaurants.
Notre Dame de Bellecombe Notre Dame De Bellecombe is one of the most picturesque of all the French alpine resorts nestling just above Flumet in the splendid surroundings of the Val d'Arly between the Aravis and Beaufortain mouintain ranges.	Combloux Facing the majestic Mont-Blanc, Combloux is a traditional Savoyard village situated in a beautiful setting. Unspoilt by tourist developments, and with a 360-degree panorama of Mont-Blanc, Combloux is often aptly referred to as 'the Pearl of Mont Blanc', respectful of the traditions of the French Alps with its ancient church, medieval fountains, old rustic buildings, traditional farmhouses and wooden chalets.
Megève An enchanting town set in a lovely sunny setting which has retained its heritage and old rustic charm to become a popular resort in France both winter and summer. The mountain is accessible by foot, by mountain bike, by horse, by donkey and by cable car, and as you would expect, the views are tremendous. It has a beautifully preserved medieval centre with narrow cobbled streets, tastefully restored buildings, fountains, a pretty church, horse-drawn sleighs, and a market on Friday mornings	Vallorcine The tiny, unspoilt village of Vallorcine is superbly located at the foot of Mont-Blanc, 20km from Chamonix and close to the Swiss border. The scenery is stunning and is a family friendly resort with a relaxed atmosphere.
La Clusaz La Clusaz is a traditional alpine resort set in the Aravis mountain range. It is ideal for families with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone happy.