With several bank holidays in May, it’s a great time to get away from it all! The mild spring weather means there’s plenty to do in the mountains, whether you’re looking for a relaxing, sporting or gourmet weekend. What’s more, during the low season, the resorts in the Alps keep working hard to welcome visitors.
Here are eight ideas for planning an unforgettable May weekend in the mountains.
Plan your May mountain getaway:
Why should you head for the mountains in May?
Planning a weekend break in the mountains during the May bank holidays is a great way to get away from it all. The flora and fauna are coming to life, the weather is pleasant, and resorts at various altitudes offer a wide range of activities.
It’s the perfect opportunity to practise outdoor sports or simply recharge your batteries surrounded by nature, breathing the fresh Alpine air. What’s more, you’ll often find attractive offers on accommodation, activities and equipment hire at this time of year.
A gourmet getaway in Saint-Gervais
Make the most of a May bank holiday to enjoy a gourmet weekend in the mountains. Saint-Gervais is an ideal destination, and food lovers won’t be disappointed: this charming Alpine resort offers a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes!
Here are just a few of the restaurants in Saint-Gervais where you can enjoy a delicious culinary experience.
Where to eat in Saint-Gervais
Source restaurant
Dishes are served according to the season at this top-of-the-range restaurant, always with the right balance between sea and land. The chef shares his passion for local cuisine, combined with flavours brought back from his excursions around the world. Expect to pay €69 for the “Source” menu and €95 for the “Dégustation” menu, comprising six dishes chosen by the chef.
Address: 43 Avenue du Mont d’Arbois, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Rond de carotte
Well-prepared dishes with a dose of creativity are the ingredients of this Michelin-recommended restaurant. The menu changes every week, depending on what’s in season. A three-course lunch costs €30, while tasting menus cost €60 for five courses and €75 for seven.
Address: 50 Rue de la Vignette, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Restaurant 4 épices
The cuisine at this restaurant-crêperie in the heart of the village is delicious and welcoming, just like the wood-panelled decor. The menu features slow-cooked dishes, buckwheat pancakes, Savoyard specialities and homemade desserts. Don’t hesitate to try the pan-fried tartare or risotto – the chef’s signature dishes.
Address: 12 Avenue du Mont d’Arbois, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Le Sérac
With a Michelin star and three Toques Blanches from Gault et Millau, this restaurant is one of the best culinary addresses in Haute-Savoie. It offers mountain cuisine focusing on the delicious produce of the Savoy region. All of this is accompanied by a wide choice of wines expertly selected by the sommelier, and a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc.
Address: 22 Rue de la Comtesse, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Where to stay in Saint-Gervais: Chalet La Chandelle
This chalet for 12 guests is located in an unspoilt hamlet less than 10km from Saint-Gervais. There are wonderful mountain views from the landscaped garden and the balcony, where you can relax in the Nordic bath.
In addition to Chalet La Chandelle, there are two charming, detached Savoyard “mazots” (small chalets) on the property, which sleep two and four people. This makes it ideal for groups of up to 18 people.
2. A sporty weekend in the Portes du Soleil
The Portes du Soleil, a huge ski area spanning the French/Swiss border, is a favourite destination for those who love mountain sports and all kinds of outdoor activities. It includes the resorts of Abondance, Morzine-Avoriaz, Champéry, Châtel, Les Gets, Montriond, Morgins, Saint-Jean-d’Aulps, Torgon and Les Crosets.
From May onwards, it becomes the ideal terrain for mountain biking, hiking and trail running, offering spectacular panoramic views and top-quality facilities for demanding sports enthusiasts.
What to do in the Portes du Soleil
Mountain-biking
With over 600km of marked trails and 22 bike-friendly lifts, the Portes du Soleil region has been attracting mountain bikers since the 1990s.
The Morzine bike park, for example, offers challenges for all levels in a delightful alpine forest. The Atray blue trail offers a gentle, natural descent suitable for beginners, while the legendary black trail, with its banked bends and jumps, provides technical challenges for the most experienced mountain bikers.
Hiking
Hiking in the Portes du Soleil guarantees breathtaking scenery and a rejuvenating experience in an unspoilt natural environment. There are no fewer than 800km of signposted trails in the area, linked by a network of ski lifts.
For example, the Crêtes circuit from Châtel is an ideal excursion for mountain lovers. Its varied route passes through flower-filled mountain pastures and peaceful forests, with incredible views of the Mont-Blanc massif and Lake Geneva.
Paragliding
If you’ve got a head for heights, a paragliding flight is a great way to enjoy the mountains from a whole new angle. Several resorts in the Portes du Soleil offer this unique aerial adventure.
The summit of the Pointe de Nyon, in the commune of Morzine, offers great conditions for paragliding, with favourable winds and a breathtaking view of the Chablais mountains. Several companies offer tandem flights with professional guides.
Climbing
The Portes du Soleil region has many natural cliffs to suit all levels of climbers. The Pas de l’Ours site in Abondance is particularly popular for its well-equipped routes and wild setting.
With rock faces of varying heights and difficulty, it is suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike. This exceptional spot, surrounded by nature, offers a variety of challenges and superb views of the surrounding peaks.
Where to stay in the Portes du Soleil:
Chalet Levant Blanc
Chalet Levant Blanc is equally suited to both cycling groups and family holidays. It has all the equipment you need to look after your bike, as well as everything you need to keep children of all ages safe and entertained.
Top-of-the-range facilities include an outdoor hot tub and a spacious games room with a pool table. In May, you can sunbathe in the garden and use the pétanque court.
3. A relaxing family weekend in La Clusaz
La Clusaz, in the heart of the Aravis mountains, is an ideal destination for relaxation and well-being. Its breathtaking scenery, from snow-capped peaks to verdant mountain pastures, offers the whole family the chance to relax and unwind.
Peaceful walks, high-altitude yoga and Savoyard gastronomy complete this rejuvenating getaway, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What is there to do in La Clusaz
Family walks
The Aravis mountains offer a multitude of walking routes to suit all abilities. Take the path to Lac des Confins, or head up to Pointe de Beauregard, where you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the Alpine scenery.
Take the time to observe the rich flora and fauna of May with your family. If you keep a low profile and are lucky, you may even spot chamois, ibex, marmots or bearded vultures, Europe’s largest vultures…
Visit the “Hameau des Alpes”
Housed in a magnificent traditional chalet on the banks of a stream, the “Hameau des Alpes” is a kind of eco-museum – a playful, interactive and cultural space.
The museum is divided into two exhibition rooms: one explains the history of La Clusaz and how it developed into a popular ski resort, while the other shows how the famous farmhouse Reblochon cheese is made. There are also traditional buildings (sawmill, oven and granaries) depicting farming life in days gone by.
Enjoy the local food
The gastronomy of La Clusaz reflects the richness of the Savoyard terroir. Emblematic cheeses from local farms, such as Reblochon, feature prominently on the menus of local restaurants such as L’Écuelle and La Cordée.
Diners enjoy generous servings of Alpine cuisine combining mountain specialities, traditional charcuterie and local desserts. Every meal becomes a delicious and comforting experience, to be enjoyed with family and friends.
Where to stay in La Clusaz: Chalet Arpitania
Chalet Arpitania is a luxury chalet for 14 people, perfect for a stay focused on well-being. It includes a sauna, a steam room and an indoor swimming pool, with a breathtaking view of the Aravis mountain range.
The chalet has been awarded OVO Network’s “Cool for Kids” and “Cycling friendly” labels, and is equipped with all the essentials for a cycling trip or a family holiday, whatever the age of your children.
4. A nature weekend in Le Grand-Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand is the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend in the great outdoors. This traditional village in the heart of the Aravis mountains offers an unspoilt setting between mountains and alpine pastures.
Hiking, paragliding, cycling and family picnics are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the Alps. With its friendly atmosphere and Savoyard cuisine, Le Grand-Bornand promises a relaxing getaway in the heart of nature.
What to do in Le Grand-Bornand
Visit the Maison du Patrimoine
The Maison du Patrimoine is a must for those who want to discover the history and traditions that have forged the identity of Le Grand-Bornand. This eco-museum, housed in a typical 19th century farmhouse, will give you a taste of the daily lives of the inhabitants of days gone by, through antiques and anecdotes.
Workshops and family activities are also available throughout the year to illustrate the rich heritage of the Bornand region.
Visit local farms
The region’s farms offer guests another way to discover Savoyard traditions. Some organise guided tours, so you can see how Reblochon cheese is made, meet the animals and learn about traditional ways.
You can also taste the artisan cheeses, charcuterie and jams made at the farm These visits offer an authentic and educational experience, ideal for introducing young and old to local agriculture, in an enchanting mountain setting.
A walk with the family
The Aravis mountains offer a number of hiking trails suitable for the whole family. These include the five-hour loop to the “tête du Danay”, or the path through mountain pastures to Lac de Maroly.
Some of the views are truly spectacular, such as those over the Bornes massif or the Jallouvre summit, which dominates the Col de la Colombière. Between forest paths and mountain pastures, let the fresh Alpine air recharge your batteries!
Where to stay in Le Grand-Bornand: Chalet Happyview
Chalet Happyview is a very spacious property for large groups of up to 23 people. It offers a range of great facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, gym, home cinema and sauna.
As well as all the cycling and child-friendly facilities, you’ll appreciate the chalet’s quiet location less than 2km from the village, and the absolutely stunning views over the valley.
5. A weekend of nature and tradition in the Grand Massif
The Grand Massif is an area of unspoilt natural beauty and authenticity. This vast area, linking Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, is packed with magnificent landscapes, forests, mountain pastures and majestic peaks.
It’s an invitation to get away from it all at any time of year, with its ski slopes, hiking trails and outdoor activities. The traditional atmosphere of its resorts makes it an ideal destination for an authentic mountain holiday.
What to do in the Grand Massif
Discover Samoëns, awarded the “Ville et Métiers d’Art” label
The charming village of Samoëns boasts a rich heritage of craftwork. It showcases ancestral skills, particularly those of the stone-cutters, a legacy of the famous Frahans of the Giffre valley.
Take a stroll through the narrow streets and you’ll discover workshops, sculptures and tufa stone buildings. Its unspoilt atmosphere, combining tradition and nature, makes Samoëns an ideal destination for lovers of art and authenticity. Several tours are organised by the tourist office.
Hiking in the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval nature reserve
The Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval nature reserve is an unspoilt natural reserve covering more than 9,000 hectares. Surrounded by majestic cliffs and spectacular waterfalls, it is home to a rich fauna and flora, including the ibex, the bearded vulture and rare plant species.
Its famous Fer-à-Cheval amphitheatre, formed of imposing rock faces, offers hikers an impressive panorama. Listed as a nature reserve since 1977, it bears witness to the wild beauty of the Alps.
Themed walks in Morillon
Proud of its roots, Morillon remains a farming village of wooden chalets surrounding a 16th-century church. Nowadays, guests can explore the region’s cultural and natural heritage on a number of themed trails.
These include the 5.6km route to the shores of Lac Bleu, a favourite spot for families and children. This trail features educational panels on the local flora and fauna, to help you better understand this ecosystem.
Where to stay in the Grand Massif: Chalet OCimes
You will have access to all the activities of the region when you stay in this chalet for 12, close to the centre of Samoëns. Facilities include a sauna and hot tub, as well as a fireplace for cooler days.
Two landscaped terraces and a flat garden make Chalet OCimes ideal for a relaxing May weekend in the mountains. There are several sociable lounges with plenty of natural light, thanks to the large picture windows.
6. A weekend of adventure in Chamonix
Chamonix, located at the foot of the Mont-Blanc mountains and the highest peaks in the Alps, is the ideal place for thrill-seekers. The resort offers a multitude of activities including mountaineering, paragliding, mountain biking and glacier trekking.
Its breathtaking scenery, numerous equipment hire shops and high-quality infrastructure make it a real paradise for sports enthusiasts and adventurers.
What to do in Chamonix
Visit the Mer de Glace
This iconic seven-kilometre glacier offers a fascinating insight into the icy world of the Alps. It can be reached by the famous Montenvers cogwheel train, a unique attraction in its own right.
There’s even an ice grotto on site, which is sculpted every year, giving visitors a glimpse inside the glacier, as well as an area designed to raise awareness of the effects of global warming on this natural wonder.
Climbing the Aiguille du Midi
Climbing the Aiguille du Midi from Chamonix is a must for all walking and mountain enthusiasts. The summit, which is accessible by cable car, rises to 3,842m, offering stunning views of both sides of the French-Italian border.
The famous “Step into the void” attraction, a glass footbridge overlooking the valley, guarantees thrills for adrenalin-seeking visitors. From here, more experienced walkers can reach the Vallée Blanche or attempt to climb Mont Blanc.
Adventure parks
Two adventure parks in Chamonix offer fun experiences in the forest for adults and children aged 3 and over. These sites at the foot of Mont Blanc offer thrills and spills while taking in the Alpine scenery.
The Forêt Magique offers suspended obstacle courses and wooden games, as well as zip lines and a catapult that propels you 20 metres into the air. The more sporty Accro’Park des Gaillands offers six tree-top courses and over 100 workshops to help you overcome your fear of heights.
Where to stay in Chamonix: Chalet Choquette
Families love Chalet Choquette, set in the Chamonix valley, 4km from the village. It has a games room, complete with consoles, widescreen TV and board games, as well as all the equipment you need for children of all ages.
You can also relax in the outdoor hot tub on the furnished terrace. The unspoilt views guarantee a relaxing weekend away from the stresses of everyday life.
7. A refreshing weekend in Combloux
The village of Combloux, nicknamed the “pearl of Mont Blanc” for its authentic setting and privileged location with breathtaking mountain views, is a magnet for visitors thanks to its traditional architecture and vast natural spaces.
Its ski area is linked to the Portes du Mont-Blanc and Évasion Mont-Blanc slopes. During May, hiking trails, mountain bike routes and the organic swimming lake invite you to relax in an unspoilt natural setting.
What to do in Combloux
Take a dip in the ecological lake
Combloux’s manmade ecological lake is an oasis of freshness in the shadow of Mont Blanc. The first biotope lake open for swimming in France, it operates without chemicals, thanks to an ecosystem of filtering plants.
Its crystal-clear water and decked beach provide an idyllic setting for a family picnic. In summer, it attracts bathers in search of clean air and unspoilt nature, with an exceptional panorama of the Alps that makes it a unique and rejuvenating place.
Walks with great views
From Sunday strolls to breathtaking climbs, there’s sure to be a hike near Combloux to suit all abilities and fitness levels.
Take the Haut-Combloux trail, which leads over wooden footbridges and through Savoyard hamlets to a panoramic view of Mont Blanc. The Croix des Salles route takes you to the top of the ski area, where you can admire the Aiguilles de Varens and the Aravis mountain range.
Discover the local heritage
Discovering Combloux’s cultural and architectural heritage is like plunging straight into the history of Savoie. The tourist office offers a tour to discover the region’s Baroque art, including the church of Saint-Nicolas, with its interesting onion-shaped tower.
You can also explore the region’s rural heritage on family walks, such as old bread ovens and chapels, while enjoying an exceptional natural setting with Mont Blanc views.
Where to stay in Combloux: Chalet Eteila
Up to 14 guests (including 11 adults) can enjoy the wellness facilities at Chalet Eteila. These include a steam room, sauna and outdoor hot tub. There is also a fully-equipped cinema room for evening entertainment.
Cyclists will find all the facilities they need for their mountain excursions, while parents will have everything they need to look after their children.
8. A city break in Annecy
Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, is a multi-faceted destination, perfect for a weekend getaway close to the mountains.
Its lake, surrounded by mountains, is perfect for swimming and water sports. The old town is charming, with its canals, cobbled streets and colourful facades, while its rich historical heritage, including the Palais de l’Île and the castle, blends with a vibrant atmosphere, punctuated by festivals, markets and delicious Savoyard cuisine.
What to do in Annecy
A day on Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is the perfect place for a family outing, whether on foot, by bike or by boat. A mostly flat trail takes you all the way around the lake, passing through several beaches and bucolic Savoyard hamlets.
Of course, there’s no shortage of water sports on the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. You can go paddleboarding, catamaran sailing or canoeing, and then spend the day in one of the many restaurants and cafés along its shores.
The old town
Annecy’s old town is a picturesque blend of cobbled streets, flower-bedecked canals and colourful buildings. A mix of heritage and craftsmanship, this getaway offers an authentic immersion in the town’s history and vibrant culture.
The Palais de l’Île and the château are reminders of the town’s rich medieval past, while its many restaurants showcase the region’s gastronomic delights. A stroll along the River Thiou leads to the local markets, where Savoyard specialities will delight your tastebuds.
Walking
One of Annecy’s great assets is its proximity to the mountains. Splendid Alpine panoramas are never far away, thanks to the many hiking trails that criss-cross the region and lead to the Col de la Forclaz and the emblematic Tournette, among others.
One of the must-see destinations in the nearby region is Mont Veyrier, which rises to an altitude of 1,293m. Its gradual ascent leads to uninterrupted views of the lake, as well as the Bornes and Bauges massifs and Mont Semnoz.
Where to stay in Annecy: Le SwansDoors
SwansDoors is an elegant apartment in the heart of Annecy, ideal for a getaway from everyday life. Set just a few steps from the lake in a historic building, it gives you the best that Annecy has to offer.
You can explore the city on foot and the region by bus or car, thanks to the free parking included with your rental. And although it’s in the heart of the city, its perfect soundproofing guarantees a comfortable stay.
Here are a few ideas for making the most of the May bank holiday and spending a memorable few days in the mountains. Whether you’re a couple, a family or a group of friends, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Alps.
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