Enjoy an autumn break in the Alps, a hidden gem with so much to offer, where the season is heralded by the changing colours of nature. It will put you in the mood for hot chocolate and the magic that happens on walks through the woods, adorned in their golden hues. From sporting activities to discovering the autumnal charm of the mountains before winter, you’re garanteed to find something for everyone. Read on to discover the best of autumn in the Alps.
Discover the best of the autumn in the Alps
Discover everything that autumn in the Alps has to offer… Although this season is not an obvious choice for visitors, the glorious, changing colours of nature make outdoor activities a feast for the eyes, and offer a complete change of scenery.
The mid-season also allows you to enjoy the mountains in a more peaceful and unspoiled way. You’ll enjoy hiking in the heart of nature, far from the crowds, where you can disconnect from everyday stress and enjoy these exhilarating moments to the full. With fewer visitors, you’ll have more flexibility to arrange your holiday: you won’t have to worry about finding a parking space when you arrive at your destination, for example. The Alps in mid-season are also less expensive, allowing you to broaden your range of activities and experiences.
The charm of autumn, with its mild temperatures and calm, soothing atmosphere, invites you to relax. The pure Alpine air, which is so good for your health, is also a benefit not to be forgotten. Even if you’re not on holiday, why not come and work remotely from a restful, rejuvenating location?
So you’ve decided to come and discover the Alps this autumn? It’s important to choose the right accommodation, depending on the activities you’re planning. In the rest of this article, we’ll show you some of the best accommodation for every type of stay. You can also discover all our partner properties on our website.
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The best activities for a sporting break in autumn
The Alps are home to a multitude of sporting activities in all seasons! There’s a huge range of sports on offer, with something for everyone, whatever their abilities or interests. In autumn, the pure air and sparkling landscapes will make you feel as if you are discovering the splendour of these mountains for the first time.
If you’d like to know more about arranging a sporting break in the Alps, you can read our article on the subject.
Activities for a sporting holiday
The most popular:
The most popular and accessible activity is, of course, hiking in the Alps. From the 2km loop of the Hameau des Alpes in La Clusaz to the 30km-long Pas de Cherferie, you’ll find wonderful hikes everywhere and for all abilities. Check out our articles on the best walks in the Aravis mountains, in the Évasion Mont-Blanc domaine and around Lake Annecy to help you plan your stay.
What’s more, hiking is also one of the activities you can enjoy with your faithful canine companion. There are plenty of trails for this, so it’s easy to plan your next hike with your dog.
For more details, take a look at the various apps offering maps and descriptions of walks in the Alps, including the classics AllTrails, FFRandonnées, VisioRando, or the more local MontBlanc Rando or ViAnnecy. The geolocation service offered by most of these applications can also help you plan your routes and find your way around once you’re there.
The most iconic:
- Cycling in all its forms: road, mountain or gravel. These activities are very accessible and you can bring your own equipment, or hire it from one of the many Alpine agencies that you’ll find locally.
- Trail-running: you can do this alone or with others, for relaxation or competition. There are many trail events in the Alps throughout the year, including the Manigod Trail Challenge, which takes place in Manigod in September.
- Nordic walking: a good compromise between hiking and trail running.
- Paragliding: many schools offer a range of options, from first paragliding flights to week-long advanced training courses.
- Climbing: indoors or outdoors, the Alps are full of climbing areas from which you can admire the autumn landscapes.
The most original:
- Via ferrata: for thrills and views.
- Treetop assault courses: in the Alpine landscapes and autumn colours.
- White-water sports, such as kayaking and canoeing: for those who are not afraid of the cold, most agencies are open until the end of September, but some are open until the end of October.
- Golf: for more information, this article describes the five best golf courses in the Alps.
- Tennis: learn the basics or improve your backhand in the mountains of Haute-Savoie.
- Zipwire: marvel at the scenery as you fly along the cable.
Accommodation for a sporting holiday
The elegant Chalet Alphonse in Châtel welcomes you in autumn with its top-of-the-range facilities. After an intense session in the chalet’s gym, you can head to the private sauna for a healthy detox. Numerous hiking and mountain bike trails are also accessible from the chalet, so you can take full advantage of everything the Alps have to offer, without wasting a minute.
There are plenty of sporting activities in and around Châtel, including golf, zip-lining, paragliding and the Châtel Bike Park, which is open until the end of September.
Chalet Ysopi in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt is another great choice of accommodation. It’s in a great location, with some of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps starting in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, or in nearby La Clusaz. The Bun J Ride attraction also offers plenty to keep thrill-seekers busy.
What are the best ways to enjoy a well-being break in the Alps?
For some people, holidays are all about relaxation… The Alps are an excellent destination if you want to de-stress from the back-to-school season or the end-of-year review. The pure mountain air and magnificent views will enable you to relax in a soothing and serene setting.
Activities for a relaxing break
The most popular:
Don’t miss out on visiting one of the many thermal baths and springs in the French Alps. You can enjoy cures and baths at the thermal baths in Saint-Gervais, Monetier, Brides-les-Bains, Allevard and Thonons-les-Bains. These establishments also offer a range of treatments for ailments: massages, scrubs, body and facial treatments, etc. Once you’re there, just let yourself be guided by your mood.
The most iconic:
- Well-being establishments: the treatments on offer will leave you feeling relaxed and invigorated.
- Massages: on your own or as a couple, these moments are always very pleasant.
- A yoga session: indoors or outdoors, enjoying the view of the mountains and the autumn colours.
The most original:
- A painting class: take the time you don’t necessarily have on a day-to-day basis to discover a new talent and bring back some memories.
- A pottery class: this is an opportunity to spend an unforgettable time with friends and family creating something with your hands.
Accommodation for a relaxing break
Thanks to OVO Network, you can find the perfect chalet that is just right for you. Have a look at our partner properties to find those where you can enjoy a sauna, steam room, hot tub, home cinema, fireplace, etc. Your wellbeing autumn break is the ideal place to pamper yourself.
In Chalet Marinaka, you can share moments with friends or family in the large living room, while the three bathrooms and various other spaces respect everyone’s need for privacy. Choose from the TV room, the reading corner or the hot tub area, where you can relax and admire the panoramic view over the Manigod valley.
Local culinary specialities and gourmet activities: autumn edition
The heritage of the Alps is vast and diverse. When you come in autumn, you’ll be able to discover a wealth of local produce and specialities. It’s also an opportunity to sample some lesser-known seasonal produce.
The various gastronomic events taking place in autumn mean it’s the perfect season for a tasty escape. All over the Alps, heritage festivals, agricultural fairs and Savoyard food fairs take place at this time of year.
Activities for a gourmet getaway
The most popular:
The Alps are full of restaurants to suit all tastes. Outside the high seasons, some restaurants are closed or slowing down, so it’s worth asking around, but most remain open and offer seasonal menus.
There are no fewer than 30 Michelin-starred restaurants in the Haute-Savoie Alps, ready to transport you into a unique world of flavours. In this article, we invite you to discover 10 of them where local and seasonal produce are given pride of place on the chefs’ tables.
Some other ideas:
- Visits to agricultural establishments (cheese dairies, cellars, farms, etc): you can learn more about local produce and buy it directly from the makers.
- Tastings: these often go hand-in-hand with the visits.
- A cookery class: group, private or even home cookery classes enable you to learn from a chef so that you can impress your family and friends on your return.
- Meals with a private chef in your chalet: discover the flavours of the region in complete privacy.
- Daytime or evening picnics in nature: so you can enjoy the countryside during your meal. A few precautions should be taken to avoid disturbing the local flora and fauna.
Accommodation for a gourmet holiday
If you choose to stay at Chalet Pajules, you can enjoy its sauna and sunny terraces.
Located on the outskirts of the charming resort of Valmorel, it’s the perfect choice for foodies. You’ll have access to a range of organisations such as the Coopérative Laitière de Moutiers, where you can stock up on local produce.
Courchevel, around 30 minutes away by car, offers a choice of several Michelin-starred restaurants: from Le Chabichou, with its inventive, modern cuisine, to Le Montgomerie, where plants are king, and Sarkara, with its sweet creations – you’ll be amazed by what you find!
You could also choose to stay at Chalet Primpiolet, in Combloux, where you can take part in Toquicimes, a gourmet festival which takes place in late October in the nearby resort of Megève. Until the end of September, you can also discover the Jardin des Cimes, with its world vegetable garden and local plants.
Cultural visits – what is there to do in the Alps in autumn?
The Alps have so much to offer in terms of culture and heritage. These mountains full of history reveal themselves to those who know where to look. While Annecy, nicknamed the Venice of the Alps, is an unmissable stopover on your Alpine cultural holiday, there are plenty of other towns and villages that may surprise you.
Activities for a cultural visit
The most popular:
Visits to historical and heritage sites are obviously the first activity you think of when planning a cultural break. And Haute-Savoie has plenty to offer. From the must-see historic centre of Annecy to the Plateau des Glières, an iconic area of the Resistance during the Second World War, or the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, said to have inspired the design of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, you’ll find an endless choice of culture in the Alps.
The most iconic:
- Museum visits: they are many and varied in Haute-Savoie.
- Go to the cinema: as well as Annecy, the world capital of animated films, the towns in the Alps have numerous independent cinemas for memorable screenings.
The most original:
- Local produce and craft markets.
- Heritage festivals and celebrations: there are many during the autumn season.
- Hockey games: a very popular sport in the region, you’ll get a real taste of the Haute-Savoie atmosphere!
Accommodation for a cultural holiday
Villa Trois Lauriers is ideally placed for enjoying the local heritage. In the heart of the historic village of Talloires, just 1km from Lake Annecy, all the places you want to visit are within easy reach. And until the end of October, you can take a dip in the pool when you return from a day out.
The best activities for family holidays in the autumn
Are you planning a wonderful Alpine holiday for the whole family? It’s a great idea, and there are plenty of activities to choose from.
Activities for a family holiday
The most popular:
Once again, hiking remains the most popular activity in the Alps! Many trails are perfectly suited to children, so you can enjoy the autumn changes in the Alps with the whole family.
The most iconic:
- Horse-riding: whether you’re a regular rider or a novice, this is the perfect chance to share an unforgettable moment with with these magnificent animals.
- An escape game: this immersive activity will give your brain a workout as you create special memories with your loved ones.
- Laser game: for the more competitive, a laser game session is an excellent choice.
- Nature walks: in autumn the scenery is magnificent and there are fewer tourists. You’ll be able to enjoy the countryside in a more relaxing way.
The most original:
- Go mushroom picking: there are plenty of things to forage in autumn, but mushrooms are the most popular. However, you need to be careful what you pick, and if you are in any doubt, you can go to a pharmacy, where the professionals will advise you on what you can eat.
- Observing the local flora and fauna: go on a walk or a treasure hunt, you and your children can look for signs of animals or seasonal changes in the flora.
- Fishing: some areas are open all year round.
- A hot-air balloon ride: conditions permitting, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Alps from the sky in autumn, which is sure to create a timeless memory for you all.
- A boat trip: book a trip on Lake Annecy, to enjoy the view of the mountains away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
- Photography: take an artistic approach or make it a fun treasure hunt, the memories captured will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Accommodation for a family holiday
OVO Network offers a number of partner properties with great facilities for children. These properties are labelled “Cool for kids” and you can find them all on our website.
For example, a stay at Chalet Ibusta, in Le Grand-Bornand, will ensure that the whole family has a great holiday. The games room, garden and various games available will keep the children busy while you enjoy the comfort of the hot tub or sauna.
The resort of Le Grand-Bornand has been awarded the Famille Plus label, which guarantees entertainment and activities for children all year round. Pony and horse rides are available all year round in this resort, with the team at Equit’Horizon.
And finally…
Autumn in the Alps offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure and tranquillity. Whether you’re wandering through golden forests, savouring local dishes or simply enjoying the views from your cosy chalet, your autumn getaway in the Alps will be unforgettable. Plan your trip today and experience the splendour of the Alps in autumn.
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