Chamonix or Morzine? Two superb destinations for a summer holiday in the French Alps. Arguably two of France’s most iconic summer resorts, they both offer charming town centres, wonderful family activities and breathtaking mountain scenery that will certainly elevate your summer holiday experience.
With so many different elements to consider for both destinations, this guide will highlight what makes each resort special to help determine which one is better suited for you. Perhaps this article will decide your next family summer holiday in the French Alps?
Endless Summer Activities
For most people, a summer holiday in the French Alps is all about embracing the warm weather, the laidback atmosphere, and experiencing incredible mountain activities amongst the scenic surroundings.
Chamonix
When a resort like Chamonix has such impressive mountain landscapes, why not make the most of them? High adrenaline sports, such as paragliding and wingsuit flying, are popular things to do in Chamonix in summer. From high vertical rock faces to peaceful flights above the valley, the breathtaking scenery showcases a truly unique experience in the open-air. Other Chamonix summer activities include climbing. There are numerous exciting climbing areas such as Aiguilles Rouges. As well as this, there are also plenty of amazing hiking trails for any keen explorers looking to scale the sun-drenched mountains.
Morzine
With so much to see, hiking in Morzine is also a big attraction. Mountain biking and road cycling are extremely popular Morzine summer activities too. Whether it’s beautiful sights along roads or exciting downhill trails, this summer paradise caters to all cycling enthusiasts. Boasting access to over 600km of biking trails and often hosting stages of the Tour de France, Morzine is a great destination for a cycling holiday. Any casual riders or families who are eager to race around the resort can also hire e-bikes for a wonderful family day out in the sunshine.
Alternatively, some may prefer to step on the course for a round of golf in the mountains. Local lakes and rivers, including the River Dranse, also opens your trip up to a plethora of watersports that include kayaking, paddleboarding, white water rafting, and canyoning.
Unforgettable Family-Friendly Holidays
Of course, many families travel to the Alps for a memorable summer holiday. Both Chamonix and Morzine have excellent facilities for families, from young children to grandparents, ensuring unforgettable holiday moments for everyone. Both resorts are destinations to consider for multi-generational family holidays.
Chamonix
It is certainly hard to top a summer in Chamonix spent with the family. With so many summer activities in Chamonix, your only problem will be where to start. Experience endless thrills on the Luge Alpine Coaster; it’s a 1,300m long track in the heart of the mountains with where you control your own speed while gliding down the side of the mountain. Additionally, the Le Paradis des Praz children’s park, numerous adventure parks, pony rides and a tour around town on Le Petit Train will undoubtedly keep little ones busy throughout your summer holiday in the French Alps.
For a full day out with your entire group don’t miss the flat cycle ride along the river to Argentiere. Simply hop on a bike and enjoy a gentle pedal in the beautiful balmy summer temperatures. Or, spend the day at the Parc de Merlet, a nature and animal park that is open every day during the peak months of summer. Explore the 21 hectares of woodland, where you will see a range of alpine creatures in their natural surroundings.
Morzine
While Morzine’s summer luge is always a popular activity for families, the Parc des Dérêches is the perfect place to start your family activity holiday in Morzine. In the centre of resort, below the suspension bridge, this incredible leisure centre offers tennis, ice skating, an impressive 50m outdoor swimming pool, and much more. Make a splash in the pool with friends and family while enjoying the stunning mountain views all around.
We’d also recommend spending a morning during your Morzine summer holiday at the Lindarets Goat Village. A unique experience for both children and their parents where you can see the animals up close as they freely wander this small hamlet. With a few restaurants and artisanal gift shops it’s a relaxed, fun and unexpected experience! Water lovers shouldn’t miss the Aquariaz water park in nearby Avoriaz, while the 240m high Fantasticable zip line in Chatel offers an adrenaline rush that teenagers will love.
Must Visit Spots in Chamonix and Morzine
Chamonix
Any summer holiday in Chamonix must include the Aiguille du Midi. Take the 20-minute cable car up to discover this iconic peak. At the top, you will be amazed by a 360° view of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. More adventurous explorers can experience the ‘Le Pas dans le Vide’. This is a glass box above a 1000-metre drop, allowing a closer look at the surrounding mountain scenery that includes Mont Blanc.
Morzine
When looking for things to do in Morzine in summer, Lake Montriond is the place to relax and simply enjoy the great outdoors. A lovely family picnic by the lake, mixed with a variety of water sports, is the perfect way to enjoy the Morzine summer temperatures. A couple of restaurants near the lake also offer you an alternative dining experience where you can dine in style together.
Stunning Yet Accessible Locations
Chamonix and Morzine are only about an hour’s drive apart from each other. However, they boast slightly different landscapes. Dominated by the Mont Blanc Massif, Chamonix is elevated with dramatic peaks and sensational views, while Morzine sits at a slightly lower altitude with wooded slopes and rolling pastures. Despite their differences, Chamonix and Morzine are both relatively easy to access with great transport links.
Chamonix
Located near the borders of Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix is a wonderful French resort found at the base of Mont Blanc. Situated just a 1-hour drive from Geneva Airport, Chamonix provides great access for travellers. The resort centre includes the Chamonix Mont Blanc train station. This is the main station, which is open from Monday through Friday and offers a variety of different available routes, including to Geneva. During your Chamonix summer holiday, there is a very comprehensive bus service that allows you to easily navigate through the Chamonix Valley.
Morzine
Found between Les Gets and Avoriaz, Morzine sits right in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Located in such a well-connected area, Morzine offers easy access to endless hiking and biking trails across the Portes du Soleil.
With Geneva Airport being a 1.5 hour drive away, groups flying to their summer holiday in Morzine can arrive via a private or shared transfer. To make your summer days easier, a bus shuttle service in Morzine takes you to the Prodains Express cable car for access to Avoriaz. This shuttle runs throughout the day and can be caught at various different points in town. Overall, Morzine is well-equipped for an easy family summer holiday in the Portes du Soleil.
Luxury Chalets for a Summer Holiday in the French Alps
Following a day full of activities and exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to a base where you feel right at home during your summer holiday in the French Alps. Thankfully Chamonix and Morzine both offer a variety of luxury chalets perfect for a summer mountain holiday.
The top summer chalets in Chamonix are often elevated with large floor-to-ceiling windows, embracing the incredible surroundings with views of the towering peaks and, of course, Mont Blanc. These comfortable chalets offer a slight modern twist to provide the perfect blend of alpine charm and style. Luxury chalets in Morzine typically have a slightly different setting. Taking advantage of the beautiful woodlands in the resort and elevated on the hillside, Morzine chalets arguably have a cosier feel through their secluded location and authentic designs.
Whether your choice is Chamonix or Morzine, each resort will guarantee a memorable summer adventure. However, if you are interested in finding out more about either destination then feel free to give us a call or send an email.
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