The mountains in the summer : for quality and price

Looking for a great holiday option that doesn’t break the bank ?  More and more, the French are staying at home and choosing a mountain vacation.  And for many reasons : unspoiled nature, a welcoming environment, and many services and activities at low prices.

France’s beautiful beaches have always been a top summer tourist destination, but the mountains are also gaining in popularity, even during the summer months.  An article published in  « Liberation » on March 8th shows that, this year, 19% of French vacationers will choose a mountain vacation, versus 15% in 2010.  The French massifs are attracting more and more vacationers every year.  Aside from the fresh air and beautiful landscapes, there is another important consideration : the price.  While the average daily expenditure in the mountains is 63 euros in the winter, it drops to 35 euros in the summer.  A significant reduction, when one considers all the high-altitude activities the mountains have to offer in summer, in addition to the quality of the services offered by the mountain resorts.  The mountains in summer ?  A wise decision for an unforgettable holiday at a low price.  

Comfort at a low price

Hotel, residence, apartment or campground…no matter which massif you choose for your holiday, you will find a choice of accommodation packages suitable for your budget, particularly when planning a holiday for your family.  See for yourself : connect to any major accommodation rental website and choose a time frame, from July 23 until 30th for example.  Then, look at the differences in rental price for a 2/3 person studio in the mountains, compared to the seaside.  You will see that mountain accommodation can be two to three times less expensive : from 300 to 450 euros for a holiday in the Alps or Pyrenees, compared to over 1000 euros on the Mediterranean coast.  Without taking into account the price of a cup of coffee, a meal in a seaside restaurant, or the space you would need to rent just to lay out your towel on the beach !

Package Deals

The mountains have changed.  Gone are the days when mountain activities were limited to simple contemplation or arduous hikes.  The French mountain stations offer endless new options for multi-activity holiday packages at reasonable prices.  Well-being, outdoor, culture, or sports…each member of your family can enjoy his favourite activities, even on a small budget.   Some examples ?  In Flaine, in Haute Savoie, access to tennis and archery facilities, workshops for kids, and the fitness centre are all free of charge.  Or, check out the « 1 euro per day » multipass at Portes du soleil.  Similar offers are proposed in the Vosges and the  Pyrenees.  Allow yourself all the pleasures the mountains have to offer, from the swimming pool at Orres with its spectacular view of the snow-covered summits of the southern Alps, to the saunas at l’Hôtel de Gabelou (Mont Jura) or the intriguing « Journée de Biches » in Ventron (Massif des Vosges) : a day entirely dedicated to women, with a programme including hikes, orientation courses, conferences, exhibitions…and massages !