If you are looking for a memorable family holiday that differs from your usual beach holiday, take a look at the amazing activities on offer in the beautiful French resort of Morzine, in the Portes du Soleil mountain range. Put together your own multi-activity holiday jam packed with awesome experiences, and opportunities to soak up the scenery and relax as a family. If you’ve never visited the French Alps in summer, you’ll love the laid-back vibe and may be surprised to hear that there’s plenty of sunshine to be had, with temperatures in the high 20s.
Amazing Activities in Morzine
Lac Montriond – a stunning natural lake and activity area
Lac Montriond is a breathtaking spot, and one of the reasons that families come back to Morzine for their summer holiday year after year. The lake sits at the foot of immense cliffs, and was formed when part of the nearby Nantaux mountain fell away and created a natural dam in the existing river thousands of years ago. Now this beautiful gem of emerald green water is a wonderful beauty spot and the perfect place for a whole day of laid back family fun. Around the lake you will find a wide range of family-friendly activities – mini-golf, pony rides and a water sports rental facility, which offers kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
Mountain Biking – no uphill pedalling required!
Morzine is a Mecca for mountain bikers, with one of the most accessible and well sign posted trail networks in Europe. You can hire a mountain bike guide to take you out for a half day or full day. Morzine has many excellent MTB guides, which will get you kitted out for the day and show you the best trails in the area for your ability. This is the best way to avoid the crowds and unlock the hidden trails of the mountains, plus this way you can put your map away, take in the views and enjoy the ride! A guide will also give you plenty of useful tips and help you work on your skills.
Morzine’s swimming complex– a swimming pool with a view
For a carefree day, grab your swimming gear and head down to Morzine’s swimming pool complex. This is no ordinary resort swimming pool, you’ll find a large outdoor Olympic swimming pool, a middle size pool, a twisty waterside, a toddlers’ water park, kids play area, bouncy castle and volley ball pitch. The whole area is surrounded by gorgeous mountain views with lovely grass areas for sunbathing. A connected indoor area has another large pool, medium sized pool and kids splash area.
The luge – sledge down the mountainside in summer
Whilst there may be no snow in Morzine in summer, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get a thrilling ride on a sledge. This town is addicted to downhill exhilaration and a ride on the luge is a fun and safe way to join in. What’s more, the driver controls the speed of the sledge by operating the brakes, so it is up to you whether you take a speedy dash down or enjoy the mountain views at a more gentle pace.
The Goat Village – Make friends with the curious goats
As well as being an idyllic mountain village with narrow streets and pretty chalets, the little hamlet of Les Linderets is known locally as ‘the goat village’, and is full of goats of all colours, shapes and sizes. They are also not shy and will allow children to get close and even pet them if they wish. The goats wander around freely, seemingly enjoying the attention of tourists as much as the fresh grass in the nearby pastures. Take some time to explore the village and take in the views before picking a restaurant to enjoy some of the local specialities.
Nyon waterfall – feel the gust of the water
A short walk from Morzine centre, you’ll find the impressive Nyon waterfall. Admire the gush of the water from various angles by taking the trails on either side of the fall. For a more adventurous route, sign up to the tree rope course with Cascade Adventure. Kitted out with a helmet and safety harness you can swing through the trees right over the top of the waterfall! There is even a mini course for 3 – 6 year olds, where little ones can have fun walking on footbridges, nets and monkey bridges.
Fantasticable – fly over the mountain tops on a huge zip wire
Fantasticable is one of The Portes du Soleil’s must-do family activities. It consists of 2 huge zip lines that go from one side of a mountain valley to the other at a height of 240m above the ground. They cover three kilometres in two stages and reaches speeds of up to 100km/h! For this exhilarating ride, you will be strapped into a harness to fly face first across the valley. If you can, keep your eyes open, as the views are incredible!
So there you have it – enough activities to keep you busy for a week or more in the beautiful resort of Morzine. If you’re ready to go, check out this 5-day itinerary put together by The Farmhouse Hotel, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Morzine. The hotel is a wonderful spot to rest your legs after adventures on the mountain, with quirky bedrooms including a former prison cell, an old cobbler’s shop, a carpenters workshop and a traditional Savoyard Mazot (mountain hut).
Last Updated on 10 months by Lavania Oluban