What to do in summer in Les Contamines-Montjoie
Summer in the mountains offers a wealth of activities and opportunities
If you’re hesitating between a summer in the mountains or a summer on the Côte d’Azur, let us put forward our arguments (almost) objectively. We share with you what we really like: the Aubergistes Lyonnais’ favorites, what we recommend to our customers, what we do as a family and what makes a summer vacation in Les Contamines Montjoie so memorable.
Le Pontet: the lively heart of summer
It’s one of the resort’s best-known attractions, but it’s hard not to mention it… The Parc de loisirs du Pontet is a huge playground at the foot of the nature reserve. 30 hectares, over 20 activities… and above all, a real summer atmosphere.
We come here for :
- Swimming at the lake (supervised area, equipped beach)
- Rent a paddle or pedalo in the afternoon
- Tennis (8 courts on site)
- Try your hand at mini-golf or simply lie back on the grass and watch the ducks.
Innkeeper’s tip: come at the end of the day. Fewer people, incredible light, and often a drink at the Chalet du Lac facing the mountains.
For the most active
Les Contamines-Montjoie offers a variety of summer activities around Le Pontet:
- Climbing at La Duchère (one of the area’s great sites)
- Mountain biking from the lifts
- Adventure park / tree climbing
- Biathlon, slackline, ski-wheels…
Taking the plunge
In summer, the lifts are in operation, and that changes everything.
The Gorge and Signal gondolas are open from the end of June to around the end of August, between 8.45am and 5.30pm. In just a few minutes, you’re at altitude, ready for a ride with a Mont-Blanc view. It’s also a great idea with children (or to avoid 800 m of ascent in the morning).
Hiking: true luxury in Haute-Savoie
Summer hiking in Les Contamines-Montjoie is clearly the heart of the matter. Some people come just for that!
You have it all:
- Family walks around Notre-Dame de la Gorge
- Alpine trails among the cows
- Access to the Tour du Mont-Blanc for the most motivated
The views are incredible, and above all… accessible. Our advice: leave early, come back late for lunch, then a siesta or a lake. That’s how to enjoy a real summer holiday in Haute-Savoie.
The simple pleasures of Haute-Savoie
Because when it comes down to it, people’s opinions of a summer in Les Contamines are often the same: it’s the simple moments that stand out.
- Watching paragliders at the end of the day
- Buy local cheese (head to the Alpage du Mont cheese dairy) and picnic at altitude
- Walk to Notre-Dame de la Gorge at sunrise
- Stop for a coffee on the village terrace
Practical information for summer visitors to Les Contamines
- All essential shops are open in summer
- Local market every Tuesday morning on the Place du Village
- Weather: warm during the day (20-28°C), cool in the evening
- Remember to book certain activities in high season (paragliding…),