16.06
2011 Advice and tips

Dreaming of a mountain vacation with your family, but limited by a small budget ?  Rest assured, the mountains are an affordable vacation option.  With innovative new activities, the mountains have more to offer than you ever imagined.

The spectacular show of a mountain sunset…the sun disappearing behind the snow-covered massifs, the sky glowing with fiery colours, the light fading away until sunrise the following morning.  The mountains have so many magical moments to offer, without spending a penny.

Dreaming of a mountain vacation with your family, but limited by a small budget ?  Rest assured, the mountains are an affordable vacation option.  With innovative new activities, the mountains have more to offer than you ever imagined.

The spectacular show of a mountain sunset…the sun disappearing behind the snow-covered massifs, the sky glowing with fiery colours, the light fading away until sunrise the following morning.  The mountains have so many magical moments to offer, without spending a penny.

Walking, a free activity for all
Hiking and walking are among the primary attractions of the mountains, fun, free activities which are an essential part of every mountain holiday.  The French mountains boast an elaborate network of marked trails and some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes.  Whether you dream of vacationing near Mont Blanc, in the heart of the Pyrenees, or among the volcanoes of Auvergne, these magical sites, ideal for discovery on foot, require nothing more than a backpack and a sense of adventure.  Regardless of age or activity level, hiking is a fun, healthy and relaxing activity, accessible to all.  There are more trails and activities than you can count.  Focus on your breathing for an introspective experience, or grab a pair of hiking poles for a rhythmic « nordic » walk.  Whether you are seeking a contemplative, fun, or family-oriented experience; experience the nature, wildlife, and local culture along the legion of trails in the French mountains.

Go Higher
Accessible to all budgets, cycling offers another possibility for discovering the French mountains.  Whether you prefer an all-terrain or touring experience, you will find an itinerary to suit your tastes.  To make your experience that much more enjoyable, chairlifts are accessible to walkers and cyclists, offering the possibility to access high-altitude trails minus the effort of hours of arduous climbing.  One example, the multi-activity pass available at all twelve stations of the Portes du Soleil (Alps) allows access to 22 chairlifts, swimming pools, tennis facilities, supervised lakes and skating rinks, all for one euro per day. A wealth of possibilities are available for a varied and stimulating holiday.

Affordable Cultural Activities
Cultural and wellness activities are also not to be overlooked when planning a mountain holiday.  Try drawing or cooking classes, stretching, yoga, or massage, or film screenings at outdoor cinemas.  Take advantage of a wide selection of exhibitions, concerts and festivals ; the mountains are top cultural destinations in the summer.  One example : for 20 years running, « Le Bonheur des Mômes » at Grand Bornand is a week packed with enchanting experiences, with exhibitions and shows the whole family will love, many of which are free.  From August 21st until 26th.

 

Photos : Ot du Grand-Bornand, P.Royer

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