Cultural experiences in the French Alps
Our team are proud francophiles; we love the mountains for the scenery, the crisp fresh air and activity-packed days outside but also for the culture - with music festivals, markets with local specialities, historic chapels and gardens and fascinating local traditions and rural history.
Chamonix - an historic mountain town
Wherever you are staying in the area, Les Houches, Chamonix itself, Samoëns or Le Grand Bornand (both approx 1h away) or down the road in St Gervais, a visit to this mountaineering capital is a must. Take the historic Montenvers Rack and Pinion railway to the Mer de Glace and discover the history of the glacier. Ride the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at a height of 3842m. It's the highest mountain peak served by an aerial lift system and this is the closest you can get to the summit of Mont-Blanc without hiking or climbing. During the course of 2026 the Musée du Mont Blanc is also opening in the town. Chamonix also hosts the Cosmo jazz festival in July each year with unique outdoor concert venues. Read more about Chamonix.
Samoëns, a historic mountain village
The linden tree in the heart of Samoëns next to its 13th century church dates from 1438 and has become a symbol of this pretty village. The village has grown around the edges but the historic centre boasts narrow streets, quaint boutiques and an old covered market place, where weekly markets have been held since 1355. The botanical garden (Le Jardin botanique alpin de la Jaÿsinia) has 2400 varieties of plant and is unique in the region. It was founded in 1906 by Marie-Louise Congnacq Jaÿ, who created the stunning art deco department store, La Samaritaine, in Paris. She originated from Samoëns and created the garden on a piece of land where she used to look after a herd of goats when she was 15. Explore Samoëns.
Le Grand Bornand - the home of Reblochon
If you've ever eaten tartiflette then you'll know the taste of Reblochon. This famous cheese is made in Le Grand Bornand, a village where, in summer the cow population almost outnumbers that of human inhabitants! The village has plenty of restaurants where you can try traditional dishes made with the cheese. Le Grand Bornand also boasts a cow art and sculpture trail, a museum house dedicated to rural history where you can see how the inhabitants lived in the past, and every August they host a much-feted children's festival with theatre, shows and music all aimed at children, Au Bonheur des Mômes. Read more about Le Grand Bornand.
Annecy - it's not just about the lake
Whether you stay around the lake in Annecy or somewhere, like Le Grand Bornand, from which you can take a day trip to the town, it's not to be missed.
Explore all our resorts