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Trade the summer crowds for alpine air — the French Alps in summer are where family adventures truly begin.
When the rest of Europe swelters, the French Alps stay blissfully cool. The outdoor activities for kids are endless—and every view is delightful. We believe the Alps are Europe’s best-kept secret for families, and they absolutely deserve a spot on your family travel bucket list.
We started Mango Tree with a Caribbean focus because families with young kids often flock to the beach for easy early vacations. But as we shifted our focus to Europe, we realized the Alps are the ideal balance between ease and adventure for families. And now we’re obsessed.
Last summer, our family spent three weeks in Morzine, a small alpine town just an hour from Geneva Airport, and we couldn’t wait to book it again for a second summer. Visiting the French Alps with kids changed our whole approach to what summer travel should look like. Between gondola rides, mountain biking, and crisp alpine lakes, we realized that a family summer vacation away from the heat and crowds was a dream for us.
Our first morning in Morzine is one I’ll never forget. From our balcony, we watched paragliders dot the sky and mountain bikers flying down the hill beneath them—it felt like waking up inside a postcard of pure alpine scenery. But just a few steps away sat the village bakery, the fromagerie, the wine shop. That perfect mix of adrenaline and the slow French way of life made me realize we’d stumbled into something truly special.
Thinking about the Alps? Mango Tree Travel helps families plan seamless, custom itineraries—matching you with the right French Alps towns, hotels, and pacing for your kids’ ages. Learn more here. 
Why Visit the French Alps in Summer
Forget crowded beaches and overpriced resorts—the French Alps in summer are a hidden gem. As the snow melts, ski resorts transform into vibrant mountain towns alive with outdoor energy: hiking, cable cars, and cafés perched above the clouds.
We had just left Paris during a major heat wave, and the contrast couldn’t have been more dramatic. In Morzine, I found myself buying a cozy sweater our first night—and then realizing I’d spend the next three weeks not sweating once. After days of sticky, sleepless city nights, it was pure bliss to breathe crisp mountain air and let the kids run free without worrying about shade or crowds.
What to Do in the French Alps in Summer with Kids
It’s easy to picture a winter ski resort vacation to the Alps—but summer might just be the secret season. Here’s what it really looks like with kids.
Gondola and Mountain Playground Life
Days in the Alps revolve around gondolas and cable cars. Kids under five ride free, and each trip becomes its own mini-adventure—floating over meadows, waterfalls, and mountain bikers. With my five-year-old, we spent entire days riding gondolas just for the fun of it—watching bikers speed down trails, paragliders launch into the air, and cows grazing far below. Our favorite ride was in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, where the cable car led to a “ninja playground” on top of a mountain with epic views of Mont Blanc. It was the joy of discovery that made every day special—you never knew what you’d find at the top, but it was always something magical: a café with an unbelievable view, a hiking path, or a playground in the clouds. It’s the kind of magic you only find in the Alps in summer, and this is why we’re so in on this destination for families.
Mountain Adventures for All Ages
From mountain coasters and paragliding to gentle hiking, the Alps cater to every comfort level. You’ll find stroller-friendly walking paths in one valley and teenagers soaring tandem with paragliders in the next. Every area has something to love.
The Playgrounds in the Sky
These aren’t your average playgrounds. Picture wooden cows with slides, rope courses above meadows, and ziplines over alpine flowers. They’re part of the trail system, not an afterthought.
Will You Miss the Beach? Not a Chance.
Trade sand for sparkling lakes and alpine pools. Swim in Lake Annecy—France’s largest natural lake—or Lake Geneva. Many mountain towns even have summer pools with Mont Blanc views.
One of our best family days was visiting Lake Annecy in the summer, where we rented a paddleboat and spent the afternoon floating under the mountains. The kids loved that some boats had built-in slides, while we loved that we could jump in for a swim, then grab ice cream in the old town afterward. Annecy can get busy in midsummer, but even for a day trip, it’s pure magic—a perfect balance of fun, scenery, and that easy French summer vibe.
What Are the Best French Alps Towns to Visit in Summer with Kids
There are so many ways to chart a court through the French Alps with your kids! In our experience, these are the best French Alps towns in summer for families worth considering for your itinerary.
Morzine
It’s easy to see why families from the UK visiting the French Alps with kids often start in Morzine. Just one hour from the Geneva airport, Morzine blends old-town charm with easy adventure—hiking, biking, cable cars, farm visits, and bustling markets. It’s the perfect French Alps town for families who want space to explore but still walk to dinner.
Morzine is well-known among British travelers as a mountain biking hub, but it offers so much more for families. Many travelers might skip it in favor of more famous names like Chamonix or Courchevel—but they’d be missing out. Morzine’s laid-back, low-key vibe makes it feel a little off the beaten path while still delivering endless fun.
We stayed in a beautiful chalet booked through Mountain Extra, a local company that specializes in family-friendly properties. There are also several excellent four-star hotels in town that Mango Tree Travel can recommend, depending on your family’s needs. Two main gondolas in Morzine whisk you straight into the mountains, opening up a whole network of scenic hiking trails.
But what really makes Morzine special is its vibe—a lively pedestrian square closed to traffic in summer, with games, music, and even a carousel at its heart. Families stroll, shop, and linger at cafés long into the evening. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly comfortable—as if you could settle in for weeks.
Les Gets
Just next door to Morzine, Les Gets is another family-friendly town in the Alps region. It blends a laid-back village feel with some of the best kid-focused attractions—like the incredible mechanical music museum, beginner-friendly bike trails, and the magical Alta Lumina nighttime forest walk.
Families love it for its accessibility, gentler slopes, and a town center that feels built with children in mind.
If you stay in Morzine, you can easily access Les Gets in just 15-minutes – by gondola or car – or vice versa. Les Gets tends to have less expensive lodging in summer so is worth considering as a home base if price point is an issue for your family.
Chamonix
For big views and even bigger thrills, Chamonix is one of the best French Alps towns in summer to visit with kids. It’s a must-see for families who want to stand at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak, and truly feel the scale of the Alps.
Chamonix blew me away with its dramatic landscape. The mountains rise straight up from the valley floor—so steep they almost look like vertical walls surrounding the town. You don’t just see the mountains here; you feel them, right above you.
There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages: the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the Mer de Glace train, and hiking paths leading to glaciers and ice caves. For parents, the café scene and elegant French bistros bring a surprising hint of Parisian sophistication to the Alps.
While Chamonix is world-famous as a ski resort, it’s just as captivating in summer for hiking, paragliding, and soaking up those alpine views.
Annecy
If there’s one place that captures the magic of summer in the French Alps, it’s Annecy. Nestled at the base of the mountains, this charming town combines a walkable Old Town straight out of a storybook with the sparkling waters of Lake Annecy—France’s largest natural lake.
Annecy surprised me more than almost anywhere else on our trip. We spent one of our best days of the summer out on the lake, paddling across its clear turquoise water with the alpine scenery rising around us. But what made it even better was the ease of it all—no reservations, no schedules, just pure freedom to walk up, rent a paddleboat, and go.
Afterward, we wandered the Old Town, browsed shops, and lingered over lunch along the canals. Yes, it can get busy in midsummer, but go early—or in shoulder season—and you’ll see why it’s one of the Plus Beaux Villages of France.
The only downside about Annecy in the summer is that the word is out – and it can get crowded, reminding you that you are, in fact, in Europe in the summer with everyone else. Avoid making it your home base if you are super crowd averse, and get there in the early morning to see the town before the daytripper crowds descend.
Évian-les-Bains
If you’re looking for a lakeside pause with easy access to the peaks, Évian-les-Bains is the perfect gateway. Sitting on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and just about an hour from Geneva Airport, it offers the best of both worlds — relaxed lakeside charm and the chance to hop up into the French Alps for mountain adventures.
We loved it for families because you get that calm lake vibe — boat rides, gentle strolls, and spa-town ease — while still being within reach of alpine trails and gondolas in towns like Morzine or Chamonix. One highlight is the Source Cachat, the famous fountain of Évian mineral water that flows naturally in town.
If you’re planning a family itinerary that combines lakes + mountains, Évian-les-Bains is a standout option — it gives the lake time, the resort comfort, and the mountain access in one stay.
Megève
Megève is a refined, quietly luxurious alpine village with cobblestone streets, designer boutiques, and a polished, serene atmosphere.
While we think Megève truly shines in winter—with its charming Christmas feel and cozy hotels—it’s still a lovely summer stop for lunch, strolling the village, or riding the alpine coaster just outside town. Families who appreciate a more elegant, slow-paced setting – and any mom or teen who watched Emily in Paris – will enjoy spending some time here as part of a larger Alps itinerary.
Samoëns
Samoëns is one of the most charming and authentic villages in the northern French Alps, perfect for families who want fewer crowds and a more local feel. The wide, flat valley makes it great for gentle walks, riverside picnics, and easy bike rides with kids. With its historic stone buildings and access to the Grand Massif area, Samoëns offers a peaceful alternative to busier resort towns.
Tignes
If your family loves high-energy adventure, Tignes should be on your list of contenders. This modern, high-altitude resort is packed with summer activities—mountain coasters, lake inflatables, beginner and advanced bike parks, skate parks, and even summer glacier skiing some years.
Teens in particular thrive here, and active families will appreciate that everything is walkable.
Where to Stay in the French Alps in Summer
The Alps are full of intimate ski resort lodges and family-run chalets that turn into summer sanctuaries once the snow melts. But many hotels transform into relaxed French Alps summer retreats.
If you’re wondering where to stay in the French Alps in summer, the answer depends of course on your family’s style, and we can help match you with the best hotel for your family. That said, in our first summer scouting the French Alps with kids, two hotels stood out as true showstoppers for families—and they happen to be just an hour apart, making them the perfect pair for a dreamy lakes-to-mountains itinerary.
L’Armancette Hotel, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
A boutique gem with fewer than 20 rooms, half designed specifically for families with bunk beds and cozy alpine details. The pool overlooks Mont Blanc, and the service feels personal from the moment you arrive. It’s ideal for those who want that small-hotel intimacy but easy access to Megève and Chamonix.
Use our complimentary booking service to receive $100 resort credit, breakfast included, and a top spot on the upgrade list at L’Armancette Hotel, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Evian Resort, Évian-les-Bains
Perched above Lake Geneva, this five-star resort is one of the most family-friendly properties in Europe. The kids’ club accepts babies, the views are breathtaking, and the atmosphere is luxurious but never stuffy. It’s the perfect base for exploring Évian-les-Bains or taking day trips into the Alps.
At Mango Tree Travel, we don’t just list hotels — we match families to the right ones. Whether you’re craving the views at L’Armancette, the spa comfort of Évian, or the flexibility of a four-star chalet in Morzine, we’ll curate a combination that fits your family’s rhythm and pace.
Use our complimentary booking service to receive $100 resort credit, breakfast included, and a top spot on the upgrade list at Evian Resort, Évian-les-Bains
Design the ultimate trip to the French Alps with Kids.
Planning a successful trip to the French Alps can feel overwhelming, but it can be a breeze. We’ve explored the area with our kids, and can’t wait to help you design the perfect itinerary for your family. All you have to do is show up.
Why Kids Love the Alps at All Ages
One of the most surprising things about the French Alps in summer is how effortlessly they delight kids at every stage. Parents often assume a mountain destination is best saved for older children, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. One of the reasons the French Alps with kids works so well is because of the wide range of activities for all ages.
Why the Alps Are Perfect for Families with Toddlers
For toddlers, the French Alps feel like one giant nature playground. You don’t need to try to conquer long hikes or move around with complicated logistics—just slow down and enjoy the wide-open space, running streams, and grassy meadows dotted with flowers and cows.
Gondolas and cable cars feel like amusement park rides (and under-fives ride free), which means simply getting up the mountain becomes an activity in itself. Many towns offer stroller-friendly trails, gentle walking paths, and “playgrounds in the sky,” where wooden climbing structures and slides appear unexpectedly along alpine trails.
Add in farm visits, petting zoos, and the novelty of watching paragliders launch overhead, and your little kids will be endlessly entertained. Plus, cooler temperatures mean toddlers can run around comfortably without overheating—an underrated gift for parents everywhere.
What the French Alps Offer for Elementary School Kids
Elementary-age kids might love the Alps even more. This age group thrives on discovery, and on that front, the French Alps deliver.
Our daughter loved her summer camp in the Alps because she could test her independence on forest paths, try mountain biking and paragliding, learn orienteering, and spot mountain bikers racing downhill.
Many towns offer kid-friendly adventure parks, ropes courses, mountain coasters, and community pools or lakes with pedal boats—activities that feel special without being overwhelming.
And because every town feels safe and walkable, families can linger in cafés, stay out late for evening concerts in the village square, and let kids play freely while adults unwind.
Why Even Your Teens Will Love the French Alps
Winning over teenagers is no small feat—but the French Alps can do it effortlessly. This is where the adrenaline kicks in: paragliding, downhill biking, zip-lining, whitewater rafting, canyoning, and more.
With our help, your teens will quickly realize the Alps are basically an endless menu of adventure activities, many of which they can’t find at home. But it’s not all high-energy thrills; the Alps also give teens space to breathe and disconnect from their phones.
Mountain lakes are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, towns have cool cafés and crepe stands, and even reluctant teens perk up at the chance to ride gondolas up to glacier viewpoints. The scenery is so jaw-dropping that even the most screen-attached teenager will have to raise their head and take notice.
And think about how fun watching that will feel for you too!
Family Dining in the Alps
Dining in the French Alps during summer is its own kind of magic—unpretentious, scenic, and wonderfully family-friendly. You’ll find that mealtimes aren’t something to rush through here; they’re woven into the experience, often unfolding outdoors with breathtaking views and space for kids to play.
One of my favorite memories from our first trip to the Alps actually happened before we even arrived. We’d been driving north from Burgundy, unsure what to expect as we climbed higher into the mountains, when we pulled off for lunch at a little lakeside restaurant we’d found online. It was one of those perfect surprises you can’t plan—the kind that reminds you why you travel.
And then there was the restaurant in Morzine we came back to again and again: good food for the adults, a trampoline for the kids, and paragliders landing just beside the terrace. We’d go before sunset, order a bottle of wine, and let the evening unfold. The kids jumped; we exhaled. It’s still one of my favorite travel memories: everyone was perfectly content in their own way.
What we loved most about dining in the Alps is how relaxed and natural it feels. Unlike in more traditional settings like Provence, the meals were a bit shorter, and within the natural mountain setting, kids weren’t expected to just sit still. 
Logistics: Planning Your Summer Family Trip to the French Alps
Planning a summer trip to the French Alps is refreshingly straightforward once you understand the rhythm of the mountains. And of course, if you’re feeling inspired, Mango Tree can help you design the perfect French Alps itinerary for your family.
We help families decide where to stay in the French Alps in summer based on their kids’ ages and interests, and to craft an itinerary that fits in all the great activities, with relaxation too.
Summer in the Alps has its own seasons—cool mornings, bright afternoons, a few charming quirks—and knowing what to expect will help you choose the best timing, the right towns, and the smoothest logistics for your family.
When to Go: Understanding the Alps’ Summer Season
The best months to visit the French Alps with kids are June through September, when gondolas are running, trails are open, and the mountains feel alive.
June brings cooler temperatures, wildflowers, and quieter trails. It’s a wonderful time for families who prefer light jackets on morning walks and don’t mind that some gondolas and mountain restaurants may not open until later in the month.
July and August are peak summer—warm days (usually in the 60s–70s°F), cool nights perfect for sleeping, and the widest range of family activities. This is when almost all cable cars, chairlifts, adventure parks, and lakeside amenities operate daily. Even in peak months, the Alps feel far less crowded than Europe’s beaches or major cities.
September is a dream for families looking for shoulder-season calm. The weather stays lovely, the trails are quiet, and hotel rates often dip. Just keep in mind that many gondolas begin closing mid-September and follow a staggered schedule as towns prepare for winter.
One note about mud season: late April through May is typically the melt period, when hiking trails can be muddy, some roads still open intermittently, and summer operations haven’t launched yet. If you want gondolas, lake days, or mountain activities, it’s best to wait until June, and to work with us to make sure the season will be fully underway during your time in the French Alps.
Gondola & Lift Operations in Summer
Most gondolas and cable cars open for summer between mid-June and early July, depending on the town and elevation. They typically run through late August or early/mid-September.
Each valley sets its own schedule, so Mango Tree can help you choose a town that fits your travel dates—especially early in the season or later in September when operations vary.
Every town in the French Alps follows its own summer rhythm—with gondolas and activities opening and closing in different periods based on weather conditions and elevation. Because each area runs on a different schedule, we help families choose the right towns and timing so nothing you’re excited about is unexpectedly closed.How to Get Around: Car vs Train
For families, the easiest and most flexible way to experience the Alps is by car. Driving lets you hop between valleys, visit multiple playgrounds and gondolas in one day, explore lakes at your own pace, and easily reach those beautiful “just outside of town” restaurants with trampolines and views.
Parking is abundant in most mountain towns, and the roads—while winding—are well maintained and safe. Just make sure to pack your best tools for motion sickness if your kids have a tendency to get car sick. (Note: in French pharmacies, you can get great lollipops with some helpful medicine in them which kids will love to enjoy before a long car ride.)
Closest Airports to Access the French Alps in Summer
For most families, Geneva is the easiest and quickest airport for reaching the French Alps, with painless connections to towns like Morzine, Chamonix, and Évian. Lyon is another excellent option, especially if you’re exploring the southern Alps or pairing your trip with Burgundy. Zurich works beautifully if you want to combine the Alps with Switzerland’s lakes or mountain villages.
Ideal Trip Length in the French Alps with Kids
A 7–10 day itinerary gives families the perfect balance of adventure and downtime, especially when you combine two or three towns. Pairing a mountain base with a lakeside stop—Morzine + Annecy, Chamonix + Évian—creates a trip that feels both energizing and relaxing. It’s enough time to soak in the alpine magic without feeling rushed.
Keep Exploring: Take a spin through our France destination page
Why the French Alps Belong on Your Family’s Travel List
Cool air, jaw-dropping views, and genuine adventure—all without the crowds.
If you’ve ever thought the French Alps were just for winter, this is your sign to think again.
Feeling inspired? Mango Tree Travel designs custom French Alps itineraries for families—handling the logistics, pacing, and hotel matching so your trip feels effortless from start to finish.
