Our mountain vacation accommodation
Vacation villages and residences
Summer vacation destinations in the mountains are Azureva’s best-kept secret: natural coolness when everyone else is sweltering, hikes through flower-filled alpine meadows, and that crazy silence you only hear at altitude. Our villages in the Alps and Pyrenees offer the perfect combo: pure air that cleanses city-dwellers’ lungs, high-altitude lakes for swimming, and cool nights when you finally sleep without air conditioning. Choosing mountain vacation destinations with us in summer means discovering that the mountains without snow are even better than with it!
Summer vacation destinations in the mountains: coolness has found its paradise
You know that noise? That crazy silence you only hear in the mountains, disturbed only by the sound of a marmot in the distance and the murmur of a rushing stream? While everyone else is fighting for a square meter of beach, you could be up there, breathing the purest air in France, with your feet in the fresh grass and your nose in the blueberries. Summer vacation destinations in the mountains are the best-kept secret of smart vacationers: natural freshness, open spaces for real, and that feeling of finally being in the right place at the right time.
At Azureva, we’ve been seeing families come down from our mountain villages with stars in their eyes and calves made of concrete for 70 years. We have our summer quarters in the most beautiful parts of the Alps and Pyrenees, where the cows really do have bells, where the water in the streams is so pure you could drink it (but we’re going to avoid it anyway), and where the nights are so cool you’ll be happy to pull out your sweater. The mountains in summer are our favorite playground: no heatwave to knock you out, no crowds to suffocate you, just you, your family and nature in XXL. Ready to take to the heights?
Why take a summer vacation in the mountains?
So let’s start with the scoop of the century: the mountains aren’t just for skiing! Revolutionary, we know. But seriously, summer vacation destinations in the mountains are a revelation for those who have tried them out. First of all, let’s talk temperature: while your colleagues are melting at 38°C in town, you’re relaxing at 25°C max, with nights at 15°C where you FINALLY sleep like a baby. Natural air conditioning, free of charge, and it even smells of pine resin!
The mountains in summer are first and foremost an explosion of green. Everywhere. Greens we didn’t even know existed: soft green, deep green, emerald green, apple green… The Alps shedding their white coats, Mother Nature putting on a technicolor show. Meadows in bloom with their millions of little flowers (kids go crazy with their bouquets), marmots whistling for real (not just in cartoons), butterflies as big as your hand… It’s Discovery Channel live, but better because you can touch it!
And then, let’s talk about what’s annoying elsewhere: the crowds. Summer mountain vacations are the anti-sardines-on-the-beach. Want to go hiking? Choose from 150 trails. Want to swim in a lake? There are 12 within a 30 km radius. A terrace for a beer? The owner asks you where you want to sit, because there’s so much room. That feeling of space, of freedom, of being able to stretch out your arms without hitting someone… Priceless!
Are we talking about mountain air? It’s like oxygen! Pure, fresh, invigorating. For the first few days, you’re a bit stoned because you’re not used to breathing real air. The kids sleep like logs (a miracle!), the parents rediscover an energy they’d thought gone since 2009, and even Grandpa does 3-hour hikes without flinching. We’ve seen families arrive pale and stressed and leave pink and zen. The mountains are a life-size spa.
And don’t forget the fantastic value for money! Summer mountain vacation destinations are 30-50% cheaper than winter destinations. The same chalets, the same scenery, but without the price of a ski pass and with the added bonus of sunshine. Restaurants give you special rates, activities are often free or almost, and we at Azureva offer summer prices that put a smile on your face. No more budget for evening raclettes and souvenirs!
What to do in the mountains in summer
Ah, the big question! “But will we be bored without skiing?” So sit tight, because the list of things to do in the mountains in summer is longer than the climb to Alpe d’Huez!
- Hiking, of course, but not the kind that hurts your feet! Trails for all levels: Grandma’s digestive stroll around the lake, the “marmot hunt” hike for the kids, the summit climb for Dad who wants to be a warrior… With summer vacations in the mountains, there’s something for everyone (preferably a good pair of walking shoes). The magic trick? Lifts that work in summer! You can take the gondola up, then walk back down. Clever!
- Mountain water activities, the plot twist no one expects! Mountain lakes are the picture-postcard version of swimming. The water is cool (an understatement), but it’s great after a hike! Paddleboarding on a high-altitude lake, canyoning in the gorges, rafting, etc.
- for the adventurous… We’ve even seen families pedaling at 2000m altitude. Now that’s class!
- Mountain biking and cycling, with or without electric assistance (no shame, we don’t judge). The resorts have created some sick bike parks! Green trails for beginners, black trails for the mad. And for quiet families, hundreds of kilometers of forest paths where you’ll meet more cows than cars. The two-wheeled version of summer mountain vacation destinations is adventure without aches and pains (thanks to the VAE).
- Climbing and via ferrata, for those who like to climb (even more). Via ferrata is climbing for dummies: you’re safe, you follow the path, and you think you’re Spiderman. Kids love it (aged 8-10 and up), and parents freak out a bit, but love it too. And climbing on cliffs or walls, with local instructors who know every hold… Thrills guaranteed!
- Unusual activities that really hit the spot: summer tobogganing (yes, it exists and it’s great), accrobranche (tree climbing) among giant fir trees, paragliding to see the mountain from the sky, a 2km-long zip line (record for shrill screams beaten), stream fishing (patience required), blueberry picking (purple fingers are a gift), etc. In short, boredom in the mountains in summer is a myth!
- Zen and cultural activities, because you don’t have to sweat non-stop. Farm visits with cheese tasting (farmhouse Reblochon, a real treat), museums of mountain traditions, local farmers’ markets, summer festivals at altitude, lounging by the lake with a good book… The mountains are also the art of doing nothing in a dream setting.
10 must-see places in the Alps and Pyrenees
Because summer vacation destinations in the mountains also mean discovering breathtaking spots, we’ve put together our top 10 Alpine and Pyrenean wonders. Hold on tight, it’s going to be uphill!
- Lac d’Annecy – “Europe’s purest lake”, with its turquoise waters and mountain backdrop. Swimming, paddle-boarding, cycling around the lake, and Annecy’s old town is well worth a visit. Visit the Lake Annecy Tourist Office to prepare your visit. Kids love feeding the swans!
- The Cirque de Gavarnie in the Pyrenees – UNESCO listed, with its 423m waterfall (the highest in mainland France!). A magical walk or donkey ride. For practical information, visit the Cirque de Gavarnie website. Don’t forget your camera, it’s breathtaking!
- The Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix – the cable car that takes you up to 3842m, with a view of Mont-Blanc. Le Pas dans le Vide, a suspended glass cage… Thrills and chills guaranteed! Contact Chamonix Mont-Blanc to book your tickets. Don’t forget your woolly jacket, even in August!
- Pont d’Espagne in the Pyrenees – Waterfalls, streams, marmots posing for photos… A paradise for beginners and families. Cauterets Pont d’Espagne to plan your day. The chairlift up to Lac de Gaube, great for little legs!
- Les Gorges du Verdon – OK, it’s the Southern Alps, but it’s impossible not to mention them! The French “Grand Canyon” with its emerald waters. Pedal-boat, kayak, or just admire from the lookouts.
Gorges du Verdon to choose your activities. A memorable picnic on the banks! - The Pic du Midi in the Pyrenees – The astronomical observatory at 2877m accessible by cable car. The 360° view, the stars at night (you can sleep up there!). Pic du Midi to book your ascent. You won’t forget the sunsets from up there!
- Lac de Serre-Ponçon in the Hautes-Alpes – One of Europe’s largest man-made lakes, with beaches and water sports. Water at 23°C in summer – a dream come true! Serre-Ponçon to find your beach. Discover sunken villages by diving for the adventurous!
- Parc National de la Vanoise – France’s oldest national park, home to ibex and marmots. Family-friendly mountain refuges, crystal-clear high-altitude lakes. Parc de la Vanoise for itineraries. Watching ibex through binoculars is a guaranteed success with children!
- Le Train de la Rhune in the Basque Country – This little cogwheel train climbs to the summit at 905m. Views of the ocean on one side, the Pyrenees on the other. Petit Train de la Rhune for timetables. Pottoks (small Basque horses) roaming free at the summit!
- Lac du Bourget in Savoie – France’s largest natural lake, along with Aix-les-Bains and its thermal baths. Beaches, water temperatures up to 26°C, the Alps in the background. Aix Riviera for your stay. Hautecombe Abbey, accessible by boat, mystical!
These 10 nuggets are just a taste! Every valley hides its treasures, and at Azureva we love to share our secret spots with curious families.
What should you pack for a summer vacation in the mountains?
The summer version of the mountain suitcase is an expert’s headache! Between the bright midday sun and the cool of the evening, between a swim in the lake and a glacier hike, you need to be ready for anything. Here’s the ultimate list, tested and approved by 70 years of experience!
The summer mountain survival base:
- QUALITY sunglasses. At altitude, the sun beats down hard, very hard. Category 3 or 4 mandatory.
- Sunscreen factor 50 – non-negotiable. Mountain sun + reverberation = sunburn in 10 minutes.
- The hat/cap/bob. Sunstroke at 2000m is no fun.
- Water bottle or water bag. Hydration at altitude is vital. Minimum 1.5L per person for a hike.
The schizophrenic mountain wardrobe (because it’s 5°C in the morning and 28°C in the afternoon):
- The 3-layer system: breathable t-shirt + fleece + windbreaker. Take it off, put it back on, juggle with the weather.
- Pants convertible into shorts. Revolutionary! Pants in the morning, shorts in the afternoon, pants again in the evening.
- A warm sweater for the evenings. Even in August, at 1500m, it’s freezing in the evenings.
- The swimsuit. You bet! For lakes, village pools and brave streams.
- Technical underwear that dries quickly. Because sweating on a hike and then getting cold at the summit is just too bad.
Shoes, THE crucial point:
- Hiking boots. Not your city sneakers! Real ones, with notched soles and ankle support.
- Lightweight sneakers for the village, leisurely strolls.
- Flip-flops for the pool, lake and relaxation.
- Water shoes for stony torrents and lakes.
Special mountain gear:
Hiking backpack (30L for the day is perfect).
- Telescopic walking poles. Knees say thank you on descents!
- Headlamp or flashlight. For late returns from hikes or night walks.
- Binoculars. Marmots, ibexes, birds of prey… It’s a permanent spectacle!
- The Swiss Army Knife. The essential multifunctional tool for mountaineers.
The smart hiker’s first aid kit :
- Anti-blister plasters. INDISPENSABLE. Blisters are enemy No. 1.
- Arnica gel. For aches and pains and minor injuries.
- Mosquito repellent. Yes, there are mosquitoes in the mountains too!
- Antihistamines. For mountain pollen allergies.
- Paracetamol. For altitude headaches (it happens).
The little extras that make all the difference:
- Garbage bag. To protect your belongings in the event of a storm, collect your garbage.
- The survival blanket. It weighs nothing, takes up no space and can save lives.
- Freezer bags. For phones, papers, picnics.
- The IGN map of the region. GPS is all very well, but a map always works.
- Notebook and pencil. For noting spots, drawing landscapes and keeping the kids busy.
- Cereal bars and dried fruit. Portable energy for hiking.
We provide fully-equipped accommodation (sheets, blankets, the essentials), but if you want to make the most of your summer mountain vacation destinations, now you know what to pack!
Book early to enjoy the best summer mountain vacation destinations at the best price
The hidden benefits of early booking in the mountains :
- Time to get in shape (yes, you can prepare your thighs)
- Book cool activities (mountain biking courses, climbing courses, guided outings)
- Buying gear at the right time (spring sales for hiking boots!)
- Slowly building excitement (the countdown on the calendar)
- Spread out payment (we offer facilities, we’re not savages)
We’ve noticed something: families who book their summer mountain vacation destinations early arrive relaxed, prepared and excited. Those who book at the last minute arrive stressed, ill-equipped, and spend 3 days getting organized on site. Guess which ones get the most out of their vacations?
The trap to avoid: waiting until the last minute. Summer in the mountains is becoming increasingly popular. The French have discovered the right plan, as have foreigners. The best spots go fast, very fast. We’ve seen families cry (literally) because everything was sold out in July. “They’d say, “But it’s the mountains, there’s plenty of room! Well no, not in the right villages, not on the right dates.
A little friendly advice that’s worth its weight in gold: set an alert in your phone for early December. “Book summer mountains”. You’ll thank us when you’re sipping your craft beer on your terrace with a view, while others are desperately looking for a place in July!
Why book your summer mountain vacation with Azureva?
Come on, it’s time to tell you why we’re the best for your summer mountain vacation destinations. But we’ll do it with our legendary modesty (well, we’ll try)!
We’re true mountaineers at heart. 70 years on the trails, we know every pass, every secret lake, every mushroom patch (but we’re not talking about that). Our on-site teams aren’t seasonal workers who just turn up, they’re locals who know the mountains like the back of their hand. When Michel at reception tells you “tomorrow, leave early, there’s going to be a storm around 3pm”, you can trust him. This local knowledge is our treasure.
Our villages are authentic mountain villages. Not tourist factories, real villages with a soul. We’ve chosen prime locations: in the heart of the most beautiful massifs, yet accessible. High enough to enjoy the freshness and scenery, but not too high to avoid altitude sickness. Our accommodation is designed with the mountains in mind: terraces to admire the peaks, secure bike storage, a place to dry your hiking boots… Summer vacations in the mountains – we know what it takes!
The mountain version of the kids’ club – a nugget! Because bored kids in the mountains are hell. Our activity leaders help them discover the flora and fauna, build huts, organize trapper-style treasure hunts… I saw a marmot, I built a dam, I learned to recognize animal footprints! Meanwhile, the parents go about their leisurely adult hikes. A win-win situation!
Azureva is all about mountain conviviality. You know, that hut atmosphere where everyone talks to each other, shares good tips and drinks together after a great day out? That’s what we cultivate. No fuss, no dress code, just simple people who love the mountains and share it. Aperitifs on the terrace where everyone talks about their day, games evenings where families mingle, giant barbecues where everyone pitches in…
Our signature flexible formula. Full board for those who want zero constraints (with killer mountain dishes), half board for explorers, single rental for the self-sufficient. Change your mind during your stay? We’ll work something out. Want a picnic basket for the big hike? We’ll prepare it. This flexibility is what makes us different from your average vacation club.
Unbeatable value for money. We’re not going to lie to you, we don’t have a spa with panoramic Jacuzzi (although, in some villages…). But we do have the essentials: comfortable accommodation, great entertainment, golden tips for your outings, and above all that unique atmosphere. Your budget goes into memories, not luxuries. Summer mountain vacation destinations accessible to all – that’s our credo.
Safety and support. The mountains are magnificent, but they’re not forgiving. Our teams will brief you on the weather, the itineraries suited to your level and the precautions to take. We have partnerships with local guides and instructors for technical activities. We want you to experience adventure, but in safety. We want your mountain vacation to be a great memory, not an episode of “Enquête exclusive”!
And above all, we love what we do. We really do. When you see a family coming back from a hike with stars in their eyes, children who have tamed their fear of heights on a via ferrata, grandparents rediscovering the mountains with their grandchildren… That’s why we’re in this business. Azureva’s summer mountain vacation destinations aren’t just about renting a chalet at altitude. It’s about experiencing the mountains to the full, simply as a family.
To sum up your next summer mountain vacation
So, do you feel the call of the summits? Do you long for fresh air, wide open spaces, cool nights where you can finally sleep well? Summer vacation destinations in the mountains are an enchanted interlude where time slows down, children rediscover nature and parents get back into shape without even realizing it.
At Azureva, we’re waiting for you with our hilltop villages, our 70 years of experience, our secret tips, and above all this promise: summer mountain vacations that truly taste of gentle adventure and simple happiness. Where every day brings a new discovery, where the evenings are warm and starry, where we say to ourselves “why didn’t we think of that before?
The mountain has prepared its most beautiful trails, the marmots are whistling, and we’ve already chilled the génépi for the welcome aperitif. Now all you have to do is choose your summit and book (early is better, as you’ve already guessed!).
Because the mountains in summer are the best-kept secret of a successful vacation. But we don’t want to say it too loudly – we want to keep our corners of the world quiet!