Best 10 Things to do in Summer

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Year round flights from the UK to Geneva offer a huge choice of stunning holiday destinations throughout the Alps.

Mountain biking. Mont Blanc
Mountain biking above Les Menuires with a backdrop of Mont-Blanc.

1: Break free on a bike...

You might be able to pedal up the mountains like the pros in the Tour de France, but for cycling softies it doesn't have to be an uphill slog. Most areas have a choice of signed itineraries to suit all levels, and you're free to do as much or as little as you please.
The Maurienne Valley in the Alps claims to be the biggest cycling area in the world, and has a dedicated CycloMaurienne website with suggestions of where to stay, full details of the routes and other useful links. If you're the competitive sort, you can make timed ascents on 16 itineraries (you'll need to rent a timing chip from the local Tourist Office).

Another especially good area for cyclists is the Vallée de l’Ubaye in the Alpes de Haute-Provence, with seven great mountain passes to choose from including the Col de Vars (2109m), Col d'Allos (2250m) and the Col de Restefond (2715m). There's special informative signing and the Col d'Allos is reserved for cyclists every Friday throughout July and August.
See our hands-on feature on the Route du Parpaillon, a route popular for walkers and cyclists in the Ubaye, among literally breathtaking mountain scenery.

And if cycling uphill really doesn't appeal, you can always take your bike up the mountain on a ski-lift. Châtel, in the Portes du Soleil area of Haute-Savoie, in the northern Alps, has 15 chairlifts which can carry mountain bikes and offers 600km of tracks, 19 trails and a bike park. Buy a Multipass card for discounts on activities throught the area - great for families.

2: Sample fine local cuisine...

Mountain produce and traditional cuisine are of the highest quality and deservedly popular in the mountains, where welcoming visitors is a proud tradition. To sample authentic cuisine visit a mountain auberge or restaurant where the menu can often appear relatively limited, but you will be guaranteed a delicious and hearty meal made entirely from local produce.
If you want to push the boat out, the Alps are blessed with more than their fair share of Michelin-starred chefs. A visit to one of their restaurants promises an unforgettable meal in extraordinary surroundings.

Close-up of dish preparation at La Bouitte.
Culinary artistry at La Bouitte, Saint-Martin de Belleville, Savoie, French Alps.

Useful addresses: Seen, tried and tested All tried and tested!
La Bouitte, 73440 Saint Martin de Belleville
La Grange Restaurant, Route d'Autun, Saint-Lary-Soulan, Pyrénées
La Ferme, 1078 Route du Col des Aravis, La Clusaz
L’Auberge D’Anthy, 2 rue des Ecoles, 74200 Anthy sur Léman

There's nothing better than visiting a local market, talking to the producers and buying a few items for a picnic or evening meal, to savour the true taste of the mountains.

3: Ride the waves...

Rafting When things are hotting up, what could be more refreshing than dipping into some white-water sports? Snow-melt and glaciers create torrents and turbulent waters which are just great for water-lovers seeking excitement, fun and thrills.

Group activities include rafting and canyoning, but there are plenty of places where you can hire a kajak or canoe if you prefer to go your own way. An increasingly popular sport is hydrospeed or riverboarding where all you need to descend a white-water river is a wetsuit and fins, life-jacket, helmet and a flotation board. Prices vary, but expect to pay from around 35€ per person for hydrospeed, and from around €50 per person for rafting or around 250€ for a group per descent. Always go with qualified guides - check with the local Tourist Office if you are unsure.

For more information and a comprehensive list of where you can take part in these exciting sports visit the Savoie Mont-Blanc website.

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