Praz-sur-Arly is one of the smaller, undiscovered resorts in the Northern French Alps, so sometimes it can be difficult to find ideas of things to do online.
But, if you’re heading to Praz-sur-Arly and want to explore things to do in summer and winter, and where to ski – then you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, you’ll find information about our top 10 activities:
- Hot air ballooning
- Dog sledding / ‘Canirando’
- Paragliding
- White watersports
- Snowshoeing
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- ‘Accrobranch’ (treetop adventures)
- Via ferrata
- Horse draw carriage rides
Scroll down to find out more…
Praz-sur-Arly: Things to do
As Praz-sur-Arly is a small resort, you will find that some activities require you to travel to neighbouring resorts. You can find out more about transport in and around the town here. The Tourist Office can also assist you in organising and booking activities for your stay, you can find directions to the office by clicking here.
1. Hot air ballooning
Easily one of the most memorable experiences you can have on your holiday – hot air ballooning is top of our list of things to do in both summer and winter.
Leaving from Praz-sur-Arly, you can take in the views of the Mont-Blanc range, the Aravis, Beaufortain and much more on this unique embarkment.
Prices range from 180-260€ per person, depending on age and number of passengers.
The length of flight varies between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on weather and flight conditions.
Overall, the experience lasts between 3-4 hours including a Champagne on landing and the trip back to the meeting point. Take a look at the website for more information.
2. Dog sledding / ‘Canirando’
Dog sledding is an incredible experience to try on your ski holiday. For animal lovers especially, there’s no better activity than discovering the mountains with a pack of four-legged friends!
For dog sledding in winter, you’ll need to make your way over to Le Mont du Villard Nord in Megève. They offer a range of winter dog sledding packages including driving initiations and nighttime tours. You can find out more about what they offer and their prices on their website.
In summer, you can still tour the mountains with a canine companion on a ‘Canirando’. You’ll be fitted with a belt, attached to the sled-dog’s harness, which will help to pull you as you ascend the alpine paths. You can find out more about this activity and book by visiting 3D Nordic’s website here (select the ‘translate’ option in the top right-hand corner).
3. Paragliding
Take to the sky and soar above the mountain peaks on a paragliding tour over Mont Blanc and the Aravis mountains! You can admire the landscape from above whilst enjoying the unique sensation of gliding through the air at great heights in the safe hands of a professional pilot.
As this activity is very reliant on good weather, it’s best to ask at the closest Tourist Office where you’re staying for more information before booking. They can direct you to the take-off and landing points and help organise the flight.
4. White watersports
Though not in Praz-sur-Arly itself, those looking to satisfy their sense of adventure should head a little further out to Passy to discover the world of white watersports!
Choose from rafting, canyoning or hydro-speed (swimming down rapids with a float) and explore the mountain scenery along the way.
For more information including prices and age restrictions, take a look at this website, or head to the Tourist Office.
5. Snowshoeing
If you’re a non-skier, snowshoeing is a fantastic option if you still want to get out in the mountains throughout the winter months.
Essentially, you’ll be hiking with the help of specialised footwear that covers a large surface area of snow, making it easier to walk on top of deep powder without sinking.
As well as being great exercise, it’s a great way to discover the stunning scenery and wildlife that Praz-sur-Arly is home to.
If it’s your first time, we’d recommend joining a guided tour to make sure you get the most out of your experience in safe hands. You can take a tour with Megève Mountain Guides’ Office or Altitude Nature (website in French only).
Discover self-catered properties in the Espace Diamant…
6. Hiking
In the summer months, visitors to Praz-sur-Arly can swap their snowshoes for their hiking boots and embark on one or more of the many stunning trails on offer!
The Crêt du Midi chairlift will take you to the foot of a number of different trails, suited to a variety of different abilities. The lift opens from early July – late August in the summer months (check this website for current opening times) and costs 6.90€ for adults (aged 17+) and 5€ for a child (aged 6-16), the descent is free.
The trails in Praz-sur-Arly are categorised by a star system, which fall under the following groups:
Ban Rouge (Gold Star)
This is one of the highest peaks in the area and one of the slightly more challenging, longer walks, taking approximately 2 hours, depending on how many breaks you take, etc. The highlight of this walk is the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains – including the Mont Blanc.
The Evettes Lake (Silver Star)
This trail is slightly less challenging with a walking time of just under 2 hours. You can expect to walk through the forest and discover the small mountain lake along the way.
The Epines Blanches (Bronze Star)
The easiest of the three hikes, the Epines Blanches takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete, passes traditional alpine farms and eventually meanders through the forest.
These are just a few of the hiking adventures you can try in Praz-sur-Arly. You can also choose from a number of other options including photo hiking, a smugglers’ trail and the grand tour! Visit the website for more information and to purchase your own hiking map.
7. Mountain biking
250km of mountain biking trails with varying difficulties await in the Espace Diamant area, so bikers will find themselves spoilt for choice!
The Espace “Portes du Mont-Blanc” circuit is perfect for beginners, families and advanced mountain bikers. Not only is there 400km of varied trails to choose from, less experienced riders can benefit from a large range of descents too.
With 50 circuits altogether, bikers can discover Praz-sur-Arly, plus the surrounding areas of Megève, Combloux, Cordon and more on two wheels throughout the summer!
If you want to try mountain biking, but you don’t have your own kit, then that’s not a problem! Renting is an option, with shops such as Derby Sports offering a range of kit including e-bikes for those who fancy a gentler ride!
Those with reduced mobility can explore the mountains with the use of all terrain wheelchairs, including the self-driven FTT and the option of being guided by a driver on a Cimgo, with Altitude Nature. Prices range from 140€ for a half day to 230€ for a full day. You can contact them here, or ask at the Tourist Office before booking.
8. Accrobranch
‘Accrobranch’ is a fantastic family activity that involves navigating your way over the footbridges, beams and ladders in the treetops, with the help of safety equipment.
Providing you have no fear of heights, it’s a great plan for your summer holiday itinerary.
You can contact the tour operators via their website (French only), or visit the Tourist Office for more help and information about this activity.
9. Via ferrata
Whilst safely attached to the fixings on the dedicated trails by a harness and leash, you can explore the surrounding mountains on a via ferrata adventure. With no previous experience required, it’s a great choice for beginner climbers or complete novices!
The closest spot for via ferrata is approximately 20 minutes away at the Rocher des Aravis, so you will need a car if you decide to give it a go.
10. Horse-drawn carriage rides
In both winter and summer, families can enjoy a ride around the village and surrounding area by horse and carriage! Kids especially will love this enchanting experience, plus it’s a great way to see all the top sights through the eyes of a local! Head over to the car park in front of the Tourist Office to book a slot!
Heading to the Espace Diamant?
Check out stunning self-catered properties in the area with fantastic facilities below…
