<p>The perfect summer escape, Megève has something for everyone to enjoy after the snow melts.</p>
Photo: Mairie de Megève/Marie Bougault

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Megeve in Summer

The perfect summer escape, Megève has something for everyone to enjoy after the snow melts.

Summer
Published at: 10 Jul 2020
Last updated at: 22 Feb 2024

Explore the traditional town of Megève this summer with its stunning setting below the famous Mont Blanc mountain. The perfect summer escape, Megève has something for everyone, from paragliding and hot air ballooning to family hikes and spa days.

Alicia Bryan
Alicia Bryan

1. Golf

Overlooking the village of Megève at an altitude of 1,320m, the 18-hole Domaine du Mont d’Arbois golf course was founded in the 1920s making it one of the oldest golf courses in the mountains. Landscaped in the style of a French garden, the 50 hectares course was designed by the professional golfer Henry Cotton and has outstanding views from Mont Joly to the Aravis range.

The scene of many amateur and professional competitions including the Winter Golf Cup, the Mont d’Arbois golf course is located on a plateau at an elevation that allows players to really use an energetic swing. Visitors are welcome every day to use the driving range, putting green and practice bunker, so enjoy the mountain views as you work on your handicap.

STAY: Chalet Talland - just a two-minute drive from the golf course, this five-bedroom chalet offers sun-soaked terraces and a superb indoor pool.

Golfing in Megeve in summerPhoto: Mairie de Megève/Marie Bougault
Summer at Chalet Talland in MegevePhoto: Chalet Talland
Pool at Chalet Talland in MegevePhoto: Chalet Talland

2. Hiking & Biking

Discover the meadows, forests and mountain tops of this beautiful resort with over 300 km of bike trails waiting to be explored. From novices to experienced cyclists, Megève offers a variety of trail levels with routes for both road cycling and mountain biking. If you are looking to improve your mountain bike skills, Megève has VTT courses for anyone over the age of four years old with organised cycle tours around the resort. For experienced cyclists, the cycling training course is not to be missed giving cyclists the opportunity to ride in the company of a former professional Megèvan cyclist, Jean-Lou Païni.

When it comes to hiking, Megève also has over 150 km of trails to choose from, with scenic and family walks to discover as well as the more challenging sport trials. Megève has also put together a collection of themed hikes with something for everyone to enjoy including animal track trails and forest discovery trails.

STAY: Chalet La Connivence - the perfect spot to relax after a day's hiking & biking, this family chalet is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Megeve with an outdoor hot tub and barrel sauna.

Hiking in Megeve in summerPhoto: Mairie de Megève/Marie Bougault
Mountain biking in Megeve in summerPhoto: Simon Garnier
Chalet La Connivence in summer in MegevePhoto: Chalet La Connivence

3. Leisure

The largest leisure complex in the Alps, Le Palais provides hours of fun for both adults and children alike. With an Olympic ice rink, you can enjoy skating to the rhythm of music even in the summer months or compete in a game of curling. Fans of climbing will love the climbing area to work on strength and flexibility, with further sporting activities including tennis on an indoor Taraflex tennis court as well as the use of two outdoor clay courts.

Those looking simply to sit back and relax can unwind in the wellness spa of Le Palais offering an extensive range of face and body treatments including massages, a sauna and an OPI nail bar.

STAY: Chalet Otoctone - alternatively, recharge in your private chalet, swimming lengths in the 9-metre-long indoor pool or relaxing in the Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room.

Curling in MegevePhoto: Mairie de Megève/Simon Garnier
Chalet Otoctone in summerPhoto: Chalet Otoctone
Pool at Chalet Otoctone in MegevePhoto: Chalet Otoctone

4. Fly High

Uncover Megève from a bird's eye view as you paraglide high above the valley and several of the tallest mountain peaks in Europe. From discovery sessions to performance flights with piloting experiences, take in the breathtaking view as instructors glide you over Megève’s dazzling landscape and luxury chalets. For a romantic experience, take a trip in a hot air balloon at the height of 2,500m and enjoy the auburn colours of the sun setting behind the mountains of Mont Blanc and Aravis.

Megève also offers both panoramic helicopter and airplane tours, the perfect experience for aviation enthusiasts. From flights around the Megève and Chamonix Valley as well as the Vallée Blanche and the Mont Blanc Massif, this is an experience you will never forget.

STAY: Chalet Eastwood - after an adrenaline-inducing day on the mountain, soak up the peace and quiet at this five-bedroom chalet boasting wonderful mountain views.

Paragliding in Megeve in summerPhoto: Mairie de Megève/Simon Garnier
Balcony at Chalet Eastwood in MegevePhoto: Chalet Eastwood
Living area at Chlaet Eastwood in MegevePhoto: Chalet Eastwood

5. Adrenaline-Fuelled Water Activities

For the adrenaline seekers of the group, canyoning is sure to get your heart racing as you explore the hidden nature of this impressive French resort. A technical sport, you will be accompanied by a certified mountain guide as you slide down rock canyons, jump into pools of water and abseil down waterfalls.

Alternatively, cool off in the resort’s aquatic centre complete with several swimming pools or try the exhilarating activity of white water rafting. Popular with both families and large groups, white water rafting is suitable for anyone over 8 years old and is the perfect team bonding experience as groups work together to navigate 8 km of six rapids on the Arve River.

STAY: Chalet Apicius - for a private swim look no further than this stunning chalet which comes fully serviced with a private chef and butler to attend to your every need.

Swimming in Megeve in summerPhoto: Mairie de Megève/Christophe Bougault
Chalet Apicius in Megheve in summerPhoto: Chalet Apicius
Living area at Chalet Apicius in MegevePhoto: Chalet Apicius