Episode 70 – Top Destinations in the French Alps for Second Homes for Family Summer Holidays
Discover the best French Alpine destinations for family summer holidays and why a second home in the mountains can be a year-round lifestyle investment.
Summer in the French Alps offers a refreshing alternative to Mediterranean holidays, with comfortable temperatures, fresh air, stunning scenery and activities for all ages.
In this episode, Steve Thomas explores top Alpine destinations for families considering a second home for both summer and winter use.
With the rise of the “coolcation”, more families are choosing the Alps for cooler summers without sacrificing sunshine. A second home here can be used year-round for skiing, summer breaks, weekends and active holidays.
Choosing the right destination
Key factors include:
- Accessibility and transfer times
- Family activities (kids to teens)
- Hiking, cycling and mountain biking
- Village facilities and restaurants
- Multi-generational appeal
- Summer events
- Year-round usability
- Lifestyle vs investment value
Morzine, Les Gets & Châtel
The Portes du Soleil is a top family choice, especially Morzine, Les Gets and Châtel, all close to Geneva.
Les Gets is especially family-friendly with its village centre, lake and summer events. Morzine is livelier with sports and activities, while Châtel offers a relaxed village feel and great access to the wider area.
Teens can enjoy biking, rafting and adventure sports, while others benefit from lakes, lifts and cafés.
Chamonix & Megève
Chamonix and Megève offer contrasting lifestyles, both about an hour from Geneva.
Chamonix is active and dramatic with Mont Blanc views, hiking and climbing. Megève is more elegant, with restaurants, spas, golf and gentle outdoor activities, ideal for families.
Tignes & Val d’Isère
For high-altitude summer living, Tignes and Val d’Isère are strong options.
Tignes offers lake activities, biking, hiking and watersports, while Val d’Isère continues to expand its summer programme. Steve will cover Tignes in more detail in Episode 71.
Méribel & Courchevel
The Three Valleys resorts of Méribel and Courchevel offer premium summer experiences.
Méribel has biking, hiking and golf, while Courchevel features Lac des Rosières and Aquamotion. Both are high-end destinations with higher property budgets.
Les Deux Alpes & Alpe d’Huez
For active families, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez are excellent choices.
Both offer biking, hiking, swimming and summer lift access, with Alpe d’Huez also famous for its cycling routes.
Samoëns & Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves
Samoëns combines a historic village with outdoor activities and was featured in Episode 22.
Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves is a hidden gem offering hiking, biking, a swimming lake and glacier access, with attractive property prices.
A second home for every season
The French Alps are becoming a leading summer destination for families seeking cooler holidays and outdoor living.
From the Portes du Soleil to Chamonix, Megève, Tignes, Val d’Isère, the Three Valleys and hidden gems, there is a destination for every lifestyle.
A second home here offers year-round use for summer holidays, skiing, weekends and family time.
In this episode:
🏔️ Why the Alps are a “coolcation” hotspot
👨👩👧👦 What to consider when buying
🚵 Portes du Soleil family appeal
🏞️ Chamonix vs Megève lifestyles
🌊 Tignes and Val d’Isère summer activities
⛳ Méribel and Courchevel highlights
🚴 Active family resorts
🌸 Hidden gem villages
🏡 Year-round property use
Interested in buying in the French or Swiss Alps?
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📧steve@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk
📧lesley@alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk
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