There’s something magical about the French Alps. Tucked away in the eastern corner of the country next to Italy and Switzerland, the French Alps offer visitors an enchanting mix of stunning scenery and French alpine culture. Despite their renowned reputation for incredible skiing, the resort towns in the French Alps are endearing and unpretentious. Their classic alpine architecture and unbeatable mountain views draw tourists year after year, solidifying their status as a timeless destination.
I was invited to Les 2 Alpes on a press trip to cover the opening weekend of the 2019 summer season. As always, all opinions are my own.
Summer in Les 2 Alpes
When I was younger, my family and I took a road trip through southern France, and one of our favorite stops was Chamonix, a beautiful ski resort located in the French Alps. Last weekend, I revisited this region on a trip to Les 2 Alpes, a large ski resort in Isère, France. The resort just opened for its summer season, which runs from June 22nd to August 25th this year! The season kicked off with an outdoor festival that offered a range of events and activities including a skateboarding competition, downhill mountain bike races, and more! Read on to see what I did, where I stayed, and more recommendations for your trip to Les Deux Alpes!
Getting to Les 2 Alpes
You can reach Les 2 Alpes from several nearby airports. I flew into Geneva, which was 2.5 hours from Les 2 Alpes by car. The Grenoble, Chambery, and Lyon airports are all located around 1.5-2 hours from Les 2 Alpes. From these airports, you can either take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to reach the ski resort!
Where to Stay in Les 2 Alpes
There are so many hotels in the Les 2 Alpes resort area, offering everything from hostel dorm rooms to luxury suites. If you’re on a budget, The People Hostel is a great choice. This newly opened hostel has private rooms and dorm-style beds, so it’s an affordable but comfortable option in Les 2 Alpes. I stayed in Hotel Spa Côte Brune, a cozy 3-star hotel located in the heart of the little town! This classic alpine hotel has a spa, restaurant, and super comfortable beds!
Where to Eat in Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes has so many food options, including a range of casual and upscale restaurants throughout the town. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious French meal, I recommend grabbing a galette from Les Sagnes! For
Dessert at Chalet Mounier
Things to Do in Les 2 Alps During the Summer
Skiing
Did you know that you can ski in Les 2 Alpes during the summer? I had no idea that this resort is home to some of the best summer skiing in Europe until I visited! The glacier at the top of the mountain is covered in snow all year, so you can even ski in the middle of the summer!
Mountain Biking
During the summer, several of the ski slopes turn into perfect mountain bike paths! You can try e-biking on paths in the hills around the resort, or you can take a lift up to the top and go downhill mountain biking!
Hiking
Les Deux Alpes’s mountainous location makes it the perfect place for hiking during the summer! I took a lovely hike down from Les 2 Alpes to Vénosc, an adorable village located in the valley below the ski resort. From there, we hiked to the impressive Muzelle waterfall before taking the cable car back up to Les 2 Alpes. This is just one of several hiking options in the area- you can find more hiking paths on the the website!
Paragliding
Want to try something a little more adventurous? Les 2 Alpes is a great place to paraglide! See the French Alps from a bird’s perspective and fly over the mountains and the village below in this exhilarating experience. I am far too afraid of heights to try paragliding, but the members of our group who did try it absolutely loved it! There are several companies that offer tandem paragliding in the resort.
Relaxing
After a day of hiking, skiing, or biking, you may want a day of relaxation in Les 2 Alpes. Whether you want to get a massage at the spa, cool off in the pool, or just chill with a glass of beer in the sun, Les 2 Alpes is a great place to relax! The peaceful environment and beautiful views of the mountains are perfect if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city!
Summer in Les Deux Alpes
I loved visiting Les Deux Alpes this weekend, and I can’t wait to visit again one day! The French Alps will always have a special place in my heart, and I think this area is amazing any time of year. During the winter, Les 2 Alpes is a winter wonderland offering incredible skiing, and during the summer, it is a nature lover’s dream, with tons of outdoor activities in a beautiful, scenic setting. What would you do in Les 2 Alpes?
Looks amazing.i would really love to visit sometime soon
Oh yes, thats truly beautiful 🙂