The Alps are not just for winter, they make for an amazing summer playground too. And, they’re one of the best kept holiday secrets for nature lovers and families.

There’s not much to beat the fresh mountain air, the scent of summer blossom and wild meadow flowers, and blue skies reflected in clear lakes. A holiday in the French Alps in is all about experiencing a different world that’s revealed once the snow has melted...

The Alps are Europe’s longest mountain range, starting in the south of France and extending out to Vienna. Those mountains help to provide a natural barrier against cloud and rainfall, creating a warm and dry summer climate.

5 reasons to take a holiday in the French Alps in the summer:

1. Spectacular landscape

When warm air rolls in across the mountains after winter and the snow melts, the Alps undergo a remarkable change. White snow disappears, and green leaves and bright meadow flowers rise and colour the landscape. The scent of blossom fills the fresh air, and you can’t help but be moved by the intensity of the colours and the captivating beauty of the French Alps in the summer.

2. Glorious summer weather

Summer in the mountains tends to be hot and sunny in the lower valleys, but it does get chilly at high altitudes. The driest, hottest months are July and August, although if you’re high up, it can still snow. There’s nothing quite like the quality of light in the mountains, the skies somehow seem bluer, the grass greener, it’s quite astoundingly beautiful.

3. Something for the whole family

Getting out and about in the fresh air, walking with the kids through flower filled meadows, through Alpine passes and picturesque villages, it’s one of life’s true pleasures.

If you don’t feel like walking, there’s always the cable car and chairlifts – they work in summer too!

Cycling – or e-bikes which will take you further with less effort, there are hundreds of miles of marked trails. Or why not try pony trekking, horse riding, fishing, mountaineering or potholing and paragliding for the adventurous - those stunning views are worth the effort. There’s even golf with several nursery ski slopes being put in to use as golf courses in the summer

There’s nothing mass tourism about a holiday in the French Alps, it’s all about natural, unspoiled countryside and adventures galore.

4. Lovely lakes…

There are around 40 beautiful, natural lakes, their calm surfaces reflect the beautiful blue skies and sparkling in the sun. Where there are lakes, there are water sports - canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, boating, scuba diving, swimming, even white-water rafting. If you’re hankering after something a little less active, a gentle boat ride with views of the mountains and lake side villages might tempt.

Or a picnic on the lakeside, or a relaxing break in the bars and restaurants that pepper the shores of lakes such as gorgeous Annecy.

5) Its brilliant for families

Many of our alpine holiday homes have stunning views, plenty of room for families, and with plenty to do for kids of all ages, the French Alps makes for a great holiday destination.

French Connections have a great selection of holiday homes in the French Alps, so if you’re looking for a holiday with altitude, let us help you make your holiday dreams come true…