{"id":137,"date":"2014-07-29T16:26:43","date_gmt":"2014-07-29T14:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/wordpress\/?p=137"},"modified":"2023-10-03T15:10:43","modified_gmt":"2023-10-03T13:10:43","slug":"top-10-summer-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/summer-activities\/top-10-summer-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Summer Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"image-container\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/col-bonette-climb-sign-summer-10831.jpg\" alt=\"Low view of Route de la Bonette road sign with mountains\" class=\"centered-image size-full wp-image-7566\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>1: Break free on a bike&#8230; <\/h2>\n<p>You might be able to pedal up the mountains like the pros in the <strong>Tour de France<\/strong>, but for cycling softies it doesn\u2019t have to be an uphill slog. Most areas have a choice of signed itineraries to suit all levels, and you\u2019re free to do as much or as little as you please. But if are feeling fit some classic climbs are closed to motor vehicles on certain days in summer, to allow cyclists to enjoy them in safety and at their own pace.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Maurienne Valley<\/strong> in the Alps claims to be the biggest cycling area in the world. Visit the  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.maurienne-tourisme.com\/velo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">VeloMaurienne<\/a> pages for suggestions of where to stay, full details of the routes and other useful links. If you\u2019re a competitive rider you can make <strong>timed ascents on 16 itineraries<\/strong> (you\u2019ll need to rent a <strong>timing chip<\/strong> from the local Tourist Office).<\/p>\n<p>Another especially good area for cyclists is the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ubaye.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vall\u00e9e de l\u2019Ubaye <\/a>in the <strong>Alpes de Haute-Provence<\/strong>. For those who enjoy a challenge there is also a special challenge \u2013 the \u201c<strong>Brevet des 7 Cols<\/strong> \u201d certificate for completing the seven passes which include <strong>La Bonette<\/strong>, one of the highest road passes in Europe. There\u2019s special informative signing and the <strong>Col d\u2019Allos<\/strong> is reserved for cyclists every Friday morning throughout July and August.<\/p>\n<p>See our hands-on feature on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/summer-activities\/cycling-col-du-parpaillon\/\">Route du Parpaillon<\/a>, an epic high-mountain route for walkers and cyclists above the Vall\u00e9e de l\u2019Ubaye, among literally breathtaking mountain scenery.<\/p>\n<p>If cycling uphill still doesn\u2019t appeal you can always take your bike up the mountain on a ski-lift. Most resorts operate a limited number of lifts in the summer for walkers and cyclists. See our feature on mountain-biking in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/summer-activities\/saisies-mountain-biking\/\">Les Saisies<\/a> where the combination of lifts and shuttle-bus services make cycling nothing but a pleasure. <strong>Ch\u00e2tel<\/strong>, in the <a href=\"http:\/\/en.portesdusoleil.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Portes du Soleil<\/a> area of Haute-Savoie, in the northern Alps, has 15 chairlifts which can carry mountain bikes, and offers <strong>600km of tracks<\/strong>, <strong>19 trails<\/strong> and a <strong>bike park<\/strong>. Buy a <strong>Multipass<\/strong> card for <strong>discounts<\/strong> on activities throughout the area &#8211; great for families.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1130\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-restaurant-menu-val-thorens-22797.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of chalkboard menu in mountain restaurant\" class=\"centered-image size-full wp-image-7569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-restaurant-menu-val-thorens-22797.jpg 1130w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-restaurant-menu-val-thorens-22797-250x117.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-restaurant-menu-val-thorens-22797-150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-restaurant-menu-val-thorens-22797-350x164.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-restaurant-menu-val-thorens-22797-200x94.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-restaurant-menu-val-thorens-22797-500x235.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1130px) 100vw, 1130px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>2: Sample fine local cuisine&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p>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 <strong>authentic cuisine<\/strong> visit a mountain auberge or restaurant where the menu can often appear relatively limited but where you will be guaranteed a delicious and hearty meal made entirely from local produce.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to push the boat out, the Alps are blessed with more than their fair share of <strong>Michelin-starred chefs<\/strong>. A visit to one of their restaurants promises an unforgettable meal in extraordinary surroundings.<\/p>\n<p>Useful addresses:<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/winter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/heart_sml_tick.jpg\" alt=\"Seen, tried and tested.\" \/> All tried and tested!<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.la-bouitte.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"broken_link\">La Bouitte<\/a>, 73440 Saint Martin de Belleville<br \/>\nLa Grange Restaurant, Route d\u2019Autun, Saint-Lary-Soulan, Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.lesfermiers.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">La Ferme<\/a>, 1078 Route du Col des Aravis, La Clusaz.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.auberge-anthy.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">L\u2019Auberge D\u2019Anthy<\/a>, 2 rue des Ecoles, 74200 Anthy-sur-L\u00e9man.<br \/>\nLa Ferme de la Fruiti\u00e8re, 337 Route de la Plagne, Morzine<br \/>\n<strong>Le Vaffieu<\/strong>, Le Pleney, 74110 Les Gets.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lafermeduchozal.com\/fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"broken_link\">Hotel Restaurant La Ferme de Chozal<\/a>, 73620 Hauteluce.<\/p>\n<p>Talking of food, there\u2019s 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. Most villages hold weekly markets, even in ski resorts such as Tignes you\u2019ll find authentic produce, fresh roast chickens and probably hot tartiflette.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>3: Ride the waves&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p> 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.<\/p>\n<p>Group activities include<strong> rafting<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/summer-activities\/canyoning\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">canyoning<\/a>, but there are plenty of places where you can hire a <strong>kayak or canoe<\/strong> if you are experienced and prefer to go your own way. An increasingly popular sport is <strong>hydrospeed<\/strong> 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\u20ac per person for hydrospeed, and from around \u20ac50 per person for rafting or around 250\u20ac for a group per descent. Always go with <strong>qualified guides<\/strong> &#8211; check with the local Tourist Office if you are unsure.<\/p>\n<p>For more information and a comprehensive list of where you can take part in these exciting sports visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.savoie-mont-blanc.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Savoie Mont-Blanc<\/a> website.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-container\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1130\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-festival-banner-summer-Barcelonnette-10800.jpg\" alt=\"View of mountain festival banner across street in Barcelonnette\" class=\"centered-image size-full wp-image-7563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-festival-banner-summer-Barcelonnette-10800.jpg 1130w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-festival-banner-summer-Barcelonnette-10800-250x117.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-festival-banner-summer-Barcelonnette-10800-150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-festival-banner-summer-Barcelonnette-10800-350x164.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-festival-banner-summer-Barcelonnette-10800-200x94.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/mountain-festival-banner-summer-Barcelonnette-10800-500x235.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1130px) 100vw, 1130px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>4: Share the fun of a local festival&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p><\/strong>There are all kinds of <strong>summer festivals<\/strong> to enjoy. Most villages and towns will have events and festivities, where you\u2019ll find plenty of local produce, a big helping of hospitality and fun for everyone. If you\u2019re the sporting type you can take part in a whole range of <strong>competitive events<\/strong>, while <strong>music lovers<\/strong> can simply sit back and relax or get up and dance to the music. There\u2019s sure to be something to your taste \u2013 and what better setting could there be?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some festival events to look out for<\/strong>:<br \/>\nMid-August: <strong>F\u00eates Latino-Mexicaines<\/strong>, Barcelonnette, Vall\u00e9e de l\u2019Ubaye. Barcelonnette celebrates its <strong>South American connections<\/strong> with a week of latin rhythms and <strong>dancing in the streets<\/strong>.<br \/>\n2nd Saturday in October: <strong>Retour des Alpages<\/strong>, Annecy (photo: Cider-makers demonstrating their craft, Annecy). A traditional folk festival which includes crafts events, demonstrations of traditional trades plus a procession of animals returning from the mountain pastures.<a href=\"http:\/\/www.lac-annecy.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> www.lac-annecy.com<\/a>. It\u2019s a real spectacle.<br \/>\nLate August: <strong>Au Bonheur des M\u00f4mes Festival<\/strong> at Le Grand Bornand. One of the most popular festivals in France and Europe, it includes shows, workshops, exhibitions, giant games, children\u2019s books and numerous amusements. www.aubonheurdesmomes.com\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-container\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1920\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Beaufort-cheeses-French-Alps-13506.jpg\" alt=\"Beaufort cheeses maturing\" class=\"centered-image size-full wp-image-7049\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Beaufort-cheeses-French-Alps-13506.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Beaufort-cheeses-French-Alps-13506-250x91.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Beaufort-cheeses-French-Alps-13506-1130x412.jpg 1130w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Beaufort-cheeses-French-Alps-13506-150x55.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Beaufort-cheeses-French-Alps-13506-350x128.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Beaufort-cheeses-French-Alps-13506-200x73.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Beaufort-cheeses-French-Alps-13506-500x182.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>5: Visit a mountain cheesemaker&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p>Find out more about the<strong> traditional methods of cheese-making<\/strong> in the valleys and the high alpages, where you can see the production process \u2013 then sample and buy the best the region has to offer. In the Mont-Blanc area there\u2019s even a <strong>cheese touring route<\/strong> created to help visitors discover the processes of traditional cheese-making. The tour takes in producers and dairies who welcome visitors and who keep the traditions alive. Leaflets are available from Tourist Offices in the <strong>Mont-Blanc<\/strong> area.<\/p>\n<p>See <strong>Nicolas Baud<\/strong> at the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/alpage-morzine.com\/la-fruitiere\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"broken_link\">Fruiti\u00e8re de Morzine<\/a><\/strong> demonstrating the making of the morning\u2019s batch of cheese while he explains the process and traditions of local cheese-making. M. Baud will translate into English if you make yourself known. An introductory video (available in English) plus a visit to see the maturing cheeses rounds off a fascinating hour or so. Afterwards, visit the shop (the only place in Morzine to buy the cheese), which also sells a wide variety of other <strong>local products<\/strong> and <strong>gift baskets<\/strong>. Visits are organised by the Tourist Office, where you can get more information.<\/p>\n<p>See our page on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/mountain-living\/alpine-regional-cheeses\/\">Alpine Cheeses<\/a> or read about our visit to a maker of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/mountain-living\/beaufort-cheesemaker\/\">Beaufort cheese<\/a> high above the <strong>Lac de Roselend<\/strong> in the <strong>Beaufortain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>6: See tradition in action&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p>Wherever you travel in the mountains and valleys you\u2019ll find craft workers whose skills have been passed down through generations, and who produce work of extraordinary quality. Many traditional working practices can be witnessed on fascinating guided visits to <strong>mills<\/strong>, <strong>dairies<\/strong>, <strong>potteries<\/strong>, <strong>glass-makers<\/strong>, <strong>wood- and stone-carvers<\/strong>, and more. A visit to the local Tourist Office will provide information on local craftsmen and visit options.<\/p>\n<p>\nArpin Wool Mill, 2 rue de la Filature, S\u00e9ez. Makers of <em>le Drap du Bonneval<\/em>, a traditional woollen cloth, still woven on machines now listed as <strong>historic monuments<\/strong>. Today big names in interior design use these exceptional materials. Fabrics, blankets, cushions, curtains, clothes and accessories are all available for purchase in the <strong>boutique<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Moulin de Burdin<\/strong>, 73440 Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. This is a grain mill, its mechanism entirely restored, which is open to the public. Contact the Tourist Office.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Morzine slate workshops<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>Take a guided visit to a <strong>slate-producer<\/strong> for a fascinating insight into its origins, how the slate is mined and crafted, and to watch the craftsmen in action. Contact the local Tourist Office.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sawmill and Moulin du Raffort<\/strong>, M\u00e9ribel. Both have recently been restored and an audio-visual exhibition reveals the work of the woodsman and the miller. Contact the Tourist Office.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-container\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1130\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/walkers-Massif-du-Parpaillon-Ubaye-11123.jpg\" alt=\"walkers-Massif-du-Parpaillon-Ubaye-11123\" class=\"centered-image size-full wp-image-7554\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/walkers-Massif-du-Parpaillon-Ubaye-11123.jpg 1130w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/walkers-Massif-du-Parpaillon-Ubaye-11123-250x117.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/walkers-Massif-du-Parpaillon-Ubaye-11123-150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/walkers-Massif-du-Parpaillon-Ubaye-11123-350x164.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/walkers-Massif-du-Parpaillon-Ubaye-11123-200x94.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/walkers-Massif-du-Parpaillon-Ubaye-11123-500x235.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1130px) 100vw, 1130px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>7: Discover fun ways to get walking&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p>A great way to discover an area is by joining a <strong>guided walk<\/strong>. Various themes are offered, so look in any Tourist Office for a list of outings by registered and <strong>qualified local guides<\/strong>. <strong>Children<\/strong> often don\u2019t like the idea of walking, but they\u2019ll jump at the chance to join you on a large-scale <strong>treasure trail<\/strong> or<strong> treasure hunt<\/strong>. It\u2019s the ideal way to get them walking for miles and learning without realising it. <strong>Meg\u00e8ve<\/strong> is organising a treasure hunt available in comic strip form and on the internet. Once you\u2019ve solved the riddles, all you have to do is enter the answer online for a chance to <strong>win free gifts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Geocaching\u00ae<\/strong> is the next generation of <strong>treasure hunting<\/strong>, in which a <strong>GPS<\/strong> is used to find the \u2018treasure\u2019. Some footpaths in <strong>Savoie Mont-Blanc<\/strong> have been specially equipped for GPS technology and other equivalent systems. Available at various resorts including <strong>La Tania<\/strong>, <strong>Les Saisies<\/strong>, <strong>Les Gets<\/strong> and <strong>Savoie Grand Revard<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.savoie-mont-blanc.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Savoie Mont Blanc<\/a> website is a good place to start for ideas with comprehensive lists of walks and other activities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-container\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1130\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/freestyle-skier-glacier-summer-tignes-28364.jpg\" alt=\"High view of freestyle skier in snowpark on glacier in summer, at Tignes\" class=\"centered-image size-full wp-image-7560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/freestyle-skier-glacier-summer-tignes-28364.jpg 1130w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/freestyle-skier-glacier-summer-tignes-28364-250x117.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/freestyle-skier-glacier-summer-tignes-28364-150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/freestyle-skier-glacier-summer-tignes-28364-350x164.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/freestyle-skier-glacier-summer-tignes-28364-200x94.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/freestyle-skier-glacier-summer-tignes-28364-500x235.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1130px) 100vw, 1130px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>8: Ski or snowboard on a glacier&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p>If you just can\u2019t get enough skiing during the winter months, or want to combine snowsports with a huge range of other summer activities, then head for<strong> Les Deux Alpes or Tignes<\/strong>. Les Deux Alpes boasts Europe&#8217;s highest and biggest glacier, on which you can ski between June and September. <strong>Tignes<\/strong> is open for business during this period on the <strong>Grand Motte Glacier<\/strong> which has <strong>20km of runs<\/strong> and is the summer training ground for many <strong>professionals<\/strong>, including <strong>freestylers<\/strong> who come to enjoy the <strong>snowpark<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Softer summer snow suits <strong>learners<\/strong> very well, and of course, little chance of getting freezing cold on these slopes&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>More information:<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.les2alpes.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Les Deux Alpes<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/en.tignes.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"broken_link\">Tignes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-container\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1130\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Redoute-de-Berwick-mountain-fort-ubaye-10851.jpg\" alt=\"Low view of Redoute de Berwick mountain fort\" class=\"centered-image size-full wp-image-7571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Redoute-de-Berwick-mountain-fort-ubaye-10851.jpg 1130w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Redoute-de-Berwick-mountain-fort-ubaye-10851-250x117.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Redoute-de-Berwick-mountain-fort-ubaye-10851-150x70.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Redoute-de-Berwick-mountain-fort-ubaye-10851-350x164.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Redoute-de-Berwick-mountain-fort-ubaye-10851-200x94.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Redoute-de-Berwick-mountain-fort-ubaye-10851-500x235.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1130px) 100vw, 1130px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>9: Step into history&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p>From <strong>Baroque churches<\/strong> with <strong>dazzling interiors<\/strong> to <strong>historic border fortresses<\/strong>, <strong>Belle Epoque thermal spas<\/strong>, <strong>tramways and funiculars<\/strong>, there\u2019s something surprising for everybody, whatever their interest.<br \/>\nVisit <strong>local museums<\/strong>, such as at <a href=\"https:\/\/st-martin-belleville.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Saint-Martin de Belleville<\/a> in the <strong>Three Valleys<\/strong> for an insight into life in the mountains, <strong>architectural styles<\/strong>, <strong>traditional skills<\/strong> and the development of the <strong>tourism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>We enjoyed visiting the museum in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.barcelonnette.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Barcelonnette<\/a> in the <strong>Valley de l\u2019Ubaye<\/strong>, in the southern French Alps. Housed in one of the splendid <strong>Mexican villas<\/strong> for which the town is renowned, the museum gives a fascinating insight into the heritage of the valley people and its natural history.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Journ\u00e9es du Patrimoine<\/strong>. For one weekend in mid-September <strong>heritage sites<\/strong> throughout France have free or reduced entry. Included are sites not normally open to the public.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"image-container\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1920\" height=\"699\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/hammam_vuegene_hd.jpg\" alt=\"Relaxing spa image\" class=\"centered-image size-full wp-image-7055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/hammam_vuegene_hd.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/hammam_vuegene_hd-250x91.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/hammam_vuegene_hd-1130x411.jpg 1130w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/hammam_vuegene_hd-150x55.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/hammam_vuegene_hd-350x127.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/hammam_vuegene_hd-200x73.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/summer\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/hammam_vuegene_hd-500x182.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"feature-singlecol-container\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h2>10: Unwind in a thermal spa&#8230;<\/h2>\n<p>From the 17th Century thermal spas in the mountain areas of the <strong>Alps and Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es<\/strong> began to attract wealthy visitors. The advent of mass tourism in the early 20th Century brought about an expansion of the spa towns, with villas and hotels built to accommodate the new influx. While thermal spas (whose <strong>mineral-rich waters<\/strong> each offer specific benefits) continue to treat sufferers of many ailments, the current trend for <strong>relaxation, well-being and spa treatments<\/strong> also finds spas once again providing <strong>luxurious escapes<\/strong> from everyday cares and pressures. Today thermal spas are thoroughly <strong>modern and accessible<\/strong> centres where the whole family can relax and play together. For an introduction, visit one of our selections.<\/p>\n<p>Some Pyrenean spa suggestions:<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mountainpassions.com\/winter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/heart_sml_tick.jpg\" alt=\"Seen, tried and tested.\" \/> All tried and tested!<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.balnea.fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Baln\u00e9a<\/a>, Les Jardins de Baln\u00e9a, 65510 Loudenvielle.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bains-rocher.fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Les Bains du Rocher<\/a>, Ave du Docteur Domer, 65112 Cauterets.<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.aquensis.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aquensis<\/a>, Rue du Pont d\u2019Arras, 65200 Bagn\u00e8res-de-Bigorre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"10 of the best summer activities and things to do in the mountains.","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4075,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[15,16,17,20,22,23,24,25,29,30],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.3 - 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