French Alps In The Summer
If you love nature and wide-open spaces, the French Alps are among the best places to visit in France in summer. Mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and more await you in this small peaceful land located in Eastern France.
Whether you are visiting on a weekend getaway or planning dedicated French Alps summer holidays, there are many incredible places to see and great experiences to live in this unique mountain range! From hiking to mountaineering or paragliding, theres a good reason the French Alps in the summer lure millions of visitors each year.
The Alps in France also have a beautiful historical heritage, which you will discover as you stroll through the alleys of Vieux-Annecy, Chambéry, or the upper town of Briançon.
Fancy some wine, great cheese, or even better, a fondue? Then the French Alps will amaze you with its culinary choices too.
From the most beautiful towns in the French Alps to national parks and iconic alpine landscapes, here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in the French Alps in summer.
Ollie And Maria’s B& b Gimmelwald
Hanging on vertiginous slopes overlooking the Lauterbrunnen valley in the Bernese Oberland, Gimmelwald is a car-free village with, arguably, the most spectacular terrain of the Swiss Alps on its doorstep. There are no shops, hardly any tourists just cows, hikers and cheese. The Mountain Hostel is the most famous place for meeting fellow mountain lovers but Ollie and Maria’s B& B offers a lovely pine-drenched stay if sharing bunk beds isn’t your style. You can catch a cable car up the Schillthorn peak to get closer to the heavens or you can use one to get you to Murren if you’re seeking more distraction than the gentle sound of cows munching Alpine grass.Doubles from CHF 130 , gimmelwald.ch
Backstage Boutique Spa Hotel
Backstage Boutique SPA Hotel offers traditional Swiss hospitality in the heart of Zermatt. It is within walking distance of Gornergrat and Sunnegga railway station.
You can expect the rooms to be clean, cozy, and beautiful. The decor inside the rooms is more of trendy and modern style rather than traditional/vintage.
Suite views will leave you spellbound the Matterhorn can be viewed from the hotel property.
There is a 2 Michelin stars restaurant onsite. The breakfast buffet and the menu has many food and drink choices to choose from.
Pets are allowed.
There is a ski bus stop close by. A tennis court and a skating rink are located in front of the hotel.
Ski areas include
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Interlaken Center Where To Stay In Interlaken For First
Breathtaking mountain views, charming historic houses, and a lovely old town atmosphere that will make you think youve just arrived at the location of an upcoming movie set hundreds of years ago.
Filled with tons of activities for all age groups, if youre looking for where to stay in Interlaken for the first time, then the central area is for you. The friendly neighborhood is as lively at night as it is during the day! Youll find tons of chalet-style hotels in the heart of Interlaken that have great deals from luxury to budget with great views of the River Aare, especially in the morning when the sun rays reflect in the river and it starts shining!
The city center is located between the Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West , and you have easy access to most points of interest in the neighborhood. For all my adventure junkie readers who are looking for the best spots, Ive got you covered!
Any traveler who is looking for a relaxing time in the city center, the Swiss air and picturesque mountain views will take your mind off any problems! For those traveling with the family, Interlaken Switzerland is a great place to stay as there are tons of spacious hotels that have activities for kids.
Albertville And Surrounding Ski Resorts
Albertville is a good base for a ski holiday in the French Alps and a worthwhile destination to simply enjoy the Alpine scenery. This bustling high-mountain town was founded by King Charles-Albert of Savoy in the 19th century and was laid out with a modern city plan.
On a hilltop spur above the town is Conflans, the oldest part of Albertville. This historic quarter is a relic of the past with its Gothic town gates, medieval walls, historic houses, and Baroque church.
Several top ski resorts are less than an hour away from Albertville. About 45 kilometers from Albertville is La Clusaz, a popular winter sports destination. La Clusaz ski area encompasses five interlinked mountain peaks, with 85 ski slopes covering 125 kilometers of groomed trails.
The charming historic village of La Clusaz, with its narrow, winding streets and splendid views, is a wonderful place to stay. Accommodations range from luxurious five-star hotels to cozy chalets and family-friendly rental apartments.
Another nearby option for skiers is La Plagne, part of Paradiski ski area, which is one of the largest ski resorts in Europe with 425 kilometers and around 150 ski slopes. The resort area of La Plagne includes several small villages, and each has its own distinct high-mountain character.
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Where To Stay In Lucerne Switzerland
Lucerne is a medieval Swiss city that is home to lovely mountain views, a historic Altstadt or Old Town, and of course the iconic Chapel Bridge . The Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrücke is a covered bridge dating back to 1333, and it connects the Old Town to the Reuss Rivers right bank.
It would be a sin to stay in Lucerne and not be in full view of the lake. Here are some epic hotel recommendations for you!
Resorts In The Aravis
One of Frances best-loved ski domains, the breathtaking Aravis mountains are home to various hidden gems for cyclists. The area has actually seen the Tour de France pass through in the past, making it a hot spot for road cycling.
One great itinerary to try is the Col de la Croix Fry route from Thônes to Manigod. Be sure to stop at the restaurant-boutique Lo Garajo along the way an OVO team favourite!
Another popular cycling track is the Col des Aravis. Featured in the Tour de France over 40 times, the 19 km trail offers stunning views of the Mont Blanc from the heart of the Massif des Aravis. This is a must-try for cycling enthusiasts at an advanced level.
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Where To Stay In Ramsau Am Dachstein In Summer
Budget | Pension Adlerhorst is a clean and comfortable B& B in Ramsau am Dachstein. Guests love the generous breakfast, quiet location, and friendly hosts. The Pension is only a 10-minute drive to Schladming, which is a resort town with lots of restaurants and shops. Its also the gateway to the Schladminger Tauern mountain range, which is another fantastic place to hike, especially if you love mountain lakes.
Midrange | Hotel Sporthof Austria is a traditional Austrian mountain hotel, offering a plentiful breakfast, half board if desired, a wellness center , a large garden, and sun terrace.
Luxury | Hotel Lindenhof is the finest hotel in Ramsau am Dachstein, boasting gorgeous alpine-modern rooms, a wonderful wellness center, Dachstein mountain views, and an on-site restaurant featuring Austrian and international cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced from the hotels farm. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is included in the rate as well as the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card.
Private 4room Flat Heart Of Basel
Located in the heart of Basel, this apartment is great for a family or a group of 5 guests. Rooms are spacious and airy.
Location amenities: Located about 4 minutes away from the centre of Basel. The tram station can be found right in front of the flat, plus there are several markets/grocery stores within walking distance as well as a super beautiful park close by.
Although accessible to amenities, the area is quiet, and homey. Inside the airbnb, there are 3 bedrooms with 4 beds, bathroom, full kitchen and paid parking is also available.
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Lauterbrunnen Where To Say In The Mountains
Lauterbrunnen is actually a separate village but it is located just 5 miles south of Interlaken, deep in a valley full of mountains and waterfalls. So if the reason you want to visit the region is to spend as much time as possible outdoors, then I highly recommend Lauterbrunnen as the place to stay. Dont worry, you can still easily jump on a train and be back in Interlaken within 30 mins if you need a city break.
This area screams Switzerland, its filled with chalet-style houses, amazing restaurants, and cute cafes. If youre a picture freak like me and love to see the most beautiful scenery and experience the authenticity of a city then youve come to the right spot!
Everything looks super green here, well if youre visiting during the warmer seasons! The mountains are so close and the best way to enjoy all of this is just to walk around the friendly town while base jumpers fly over your head.
Youll also be able to see glacial waterfalls at Grindelwald and the highest peaks like the Jungfrau and the Monch here. For the best views take the train and the cable car up the Schilthorn mountain, it will just blow your mind. The rotating restaurant at the top of this mountain was actually built to film the James Bond movie Her Majestys Secret Service! Show some excitement kids!
Austria Is One Of The Most Exciting Places I Have Visited And The Austrian Alps Are Just As Much Adventure As Relaxation
The Austrian Alps have a variety of adventures that will keep you occupied during summer and winter. I visited a few different destinations in the Austrian Alps and I loved all of them. Here are some of the best places to visit that youll love.
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Music And Magical Castles In Germany
The music of Wagner and the opulent architecture of Bavarian King Ludwig II are closely tied, historically and spiritually. Book now to experience two of the German composers most iconic works on Andante Travels five-day Wagner at the Munich Opera Festival itinerary, which also visits Ludwigs fantasy masterpiece Neuschwanstein Castle.
From £2,395pp, including flights, four nights accommodation, concert tickets and excursions. Departs June 28 2018. Andante Travels .
Discover Heritage Cities And Towns
In spite of being an ostensibly natural area, the Japanese Alps are absolutely full of history. The Nakasendo Way, which Ive mentioned several times already, was once a trading route between Kyoto and Edo . Other worthwhile historical destinations include aforementioned spots such as Shirakawa-go and its famous Gassho farm houses, and Nagano and Matsumoto cities themselves, which are often overlooked, but which you should definitely scrutinize .
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A Special Hiking Tour In The Austrian Alps
MoaAlm is a holiday concept where adventures are shared and new friends are made. You will arrive as guests, but youll leave as friends is the promise on their website. After spending a couple of days with Barbara and Hubert, I can vouch that this is true!
MoaAlm is one of two WearActive homes a small company that offers Relaxingly Active holidays in Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria and on the Croatian Island of Vis.
You engage in activities tailored to you and to your adventure level. In summer this includes hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and rock climbing to name a few. In winter guests can choose between downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and sledding in this alpine region.
We did several easy trails including hiking to the Dorfertal Valley and enjoyed several trips into the Hohe Tauern National Park and got in some views of the Grossglockner, Austrias highest peak. During these hikes, I also had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful alpine pastures that litter the Austrian Alps.
Amble The Alternative Camino
Centuries before Grand Tourists roamed the Alps for education and edification, British pilgrims traversed the range on the Via Francigena between Canterbury and Rome. Francigena Ways 10-day Via Francigena in the Alps self-guided hike links Lausanne and Aosta via Lake Geneva, the Unesco World Heritage-listed terraced vineyards of Lavaux and the St Bernard Pass.
From 1,440pp, including nine nights accommodation, breakfasts, route notes and luggage transfers, but not flights. Suitable until end September. Francigena Ways .
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Where To Stay In Switzerland For First Time Visitors
Switzerland has our heart forever. It is one of the beautiful destinations in the world, with a perfect blend of city, nature and culinary delights! If you are planning a trip, you must be wondering where to stay in Switzerland, and this one is perfect for first time visitors and repeat travelers alike.
We will provide you with hotel, and Airbnb/VRBO accommodation options for every budget level.
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Hotel The Cambrian Adelboden
Hotel The Cambrian is located just 15 minutes from Bern, but it seems worlds away from a big city. Originally built in the early 1900s, it remains one of the regions top hotels. Today it is a 21st century ultra-modern chateau, its stone and slate sleekness interspersed with panoramic windows displaying the mountains and greenery of the Adelboden Valley. Youll enjoy world-class skiing in the winter, while hiking and biking allow you to explore the environs in the summer.
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Flying To The French Alps
There are two international airports to consider if you are planning on flying directly to the alps, Lyon and Geneva . Both are well connected to flights internationally and within Europe.
Lyon airport is connected to the city by tram which takes about 30mins. The airport also has a train station with TGV services connecting to cities across France and Italy. Bus services connect the airport to towns across the region. In winter shuttle services connect the airport with the ski resorts. The airport is located just outside the city making access by car relatively easy.
Geneva airport is connected to the city center by both bus and train. The journey time by train is 7 mins and by bus 13 mins. From the train station at the airport, you can connect to a range of destinations within both France and Switzerland. There are a range of regional buses and shuttles operating from the airport to locations within the alps. Access by car is straightforward should you choose to drive.
The airport in Geneva sits on the border between France and Switzerland. If you are planning to spend a night or two in Geneva consider staying in hotels on the French side of the border as they are considerably cheaper than on the Swiss side.
Grenoble also has an airport however, it only operates regular flights in the winter months to service the many skiers who visit the Alps.
B& b Da Mariangela Avio Trentino
It’s a bit of a stretch but Avio 30 minutes from the northern tip of Lake Garda can still just about be classified as the Alps if you’re looking for their softer side. This B& B is run by Mariangela and Carlo, who renovated an old mill building a lot of the furniture and fittings themselves and attempt to live as in as eco-friendly a way as possible, reducing light pollution at night and composting with fervour. There is a creek for fishing and they can supply bikes for cycling along the Adige river a lot more accessible than most cycling in the Alps. Views from some of the rooms are over the Val d’Adige and at breakfast you feast on homemade cakes and local produce. Doubles from 58 B& B, bbdamariangela.com
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Schruns: Snowshoeing In The Austrian Alps
I found out about Schruns, in the Austrian Alps by accident. I was itching to get in a weekend of snowshoeing but really didnt know where to go that was reasonably close to Stuttgart, where I was living.
Schruns is a small village of 3800 people in Vorarlberg in western Austria. Its surrounded by mountains and lies 500 km west of Vienna and ~250km south of Stuttgart. Youll need a car to get around easily.
Snowshoeing is not very popular in Europe but luckily Schruns has a good selection of snowshoe trails and winterwanderrouten .
The lady at the tourist office was good enough to recommend two snowshoeing trails. You should also be advised that the hiking trails are only accessible with snowshoes.
Austria Travel Tip: If youre looking for good routes to snowshoe or take part in other winter activities, ask the locals. I have discovered some great places this way.
We did the Bartholomäberg region, just a few kilometres from Schruns. A good portion of the hike takes you past cottages and across roads.
AustriaTravel Tip: Always make sure to have some food in case the mountain huts are closed which happens during off-seasons.
The next day, we found ourselves at the Silbertal Ski Area, just a short drive from Schruns. Our chosen trail started at the bottom of a downhill ski run. We cautiously trekked up the side of the trail.
Htel Royal Genve Suisse
Hôtel Royal Genève is a 4 star property located in the city center area of Geneva. Although the hotel is marked as an upscale accommodation in Switzerland, you can score room rates at less than $200 USD on booking sites in the off-season.
Nearby attractions: Located 2 km from the iconic Jet dEau fountain and 4 km from the Palexpo convention complex.
The room interiors of the Royal Genève hotel are spacious, rich, and very sophisticated. You can also opt for suites with kitchenettes.
There are 2 high-end French restaurants with terraces and a bar with a fireplace onsite. The views from their balcony are beautiful! Dont forget to enjoy a lovely breakfast or room service from the restaurant.
There is a spa, sauna, and a gym on-site for guests to use for free. The property is also child and pet friendly.
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