The French Alps are world-famous for incredible skiing but visiting in summer can be just as much fun, or more. In the warmer months the region is a paradise for cyclists, hikers, rock climbers, and Alpine enthusiasts of all kinds.

Ski resort towns like Chamonix and Argentière are nestled down low on the valley floor but the Alps rise up sharply on either side. The lie in the center of a network of ski lifts and cable cars, some of which reach altitudes of 4000m or 13000ft, and only a small number lie dormant in the summer. The others deliver mountain bikers to the top of carefully groomed trails that lie under deep snow all winter, or take climbers up to the base of adventurous mountain routes.

The cable cars also mean that the best hikes in the Alps are open to anyone, even those who aren't super fit. You can get up high and enjoy staggering views without huffing and puffing. Some lifts can drop you off in a grassy Alpine meadow (complete with marmots and wildflowers), and others will take you up above the snowline and let you look
down on magnificent glaciers while high altitude wildlife like ibex look down on you. 


There is plenty of adventure at ground level too. The valleys are dotted with small cliffs and they make great places to try rock climbing. There are climbing guides and instructors in every village, to help you get a taste of the climbing experience even if you have no ambitions to tackle Mont Blanc. School-age kids can join in and the French take guide certification very seriously, so you'll be in safe hands at all times.

All that melting snow has to go somewhere, and in spring it roars down the rivers and streams. Kayakers and white water rafters come from all over the globe and if you feel like getting wet, local adventure schools will be only too happy to help. Just one note of caution- the water is still very chilly, even in mid-summer!

Sooner or later you'll need a rest day. Go from July to September and you might catch the annual Mountain Film Festival, or you can always visit the Alpine Museum. Chamonix is also home to excellent shopping and some first class restaurants and delis. There is nothing better than picking up a fresh baguette, some local cheese and maybe a pastry or a glass of wine, and eating it at an outdoor table with a view of the Mont Blanc range.

For a real treat in between healthy outdoor activities, you can go on a self-guided gourmet tour of the town. Wander from boulangeries to chocolatiers, patisseries to pancake makers. The area is renowned for excellent milk and dairy products so be sure to sample the local cheese and icecream too.

About the Author:

Jess is an Alpine climber and a mountain hiker. She writes for Appalachian Outdoors, a US-based outdoor store selling everything from Keen footwear for wandering along easy trails right through to ice axes for the high peaks.