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Summer in Flaine reveals a gentle, luminous mountain that is perfect for slowing down as a family. Far from the bustle of winter, the Hameau de Flaine offers a peaceful setting to reconnect: breakfast on the south-facing terrace, games in the 770 m² garden, walks in the fresh air and cosy evenings by the wood stove when temperatures drop.
From Chalet Elodie, a renovated family home sleeping up to 9 guests, summer activities are plentiful and accessible for all ages. Hiking, lakes, mountain biking, Savoyard villages and spectacular scenery: here is our selection for a wonderful summer holiday in Flaine.
Hiking from Chalet Elodie
In Flaine, hiking is the star activity of the summer. The resort offers around 150 km of waymarked trails, with routes suited to young children as well as experienced walkers. The landscapes alternate between alpine pastures, forests, mountain lakes and sweeping panoramas.
📊 150 km of waymarked trails around Flaine
From Chalet Elodie, tucked away in the quiet Hameau de Flaine, you can easily set off on foot without turning the day into a logistical expedition. Pack a rucksack, a few water bottles and a snack, and let the children look out for marmots, alpine flowers and the surrounding peaks.
Walks for every level
For a family outing, choose the gentle paths around the resort or a stroll to Flaine lake. Seasoned walkers can head for the high-altitude routes, in particular those leading to the Désert de Platé, a remarkable limestone landscape that feels like walking on another planet.
The resort’s themed trails and adventure games also make walking more fun. It is a great way to motivate children: they walk with a goal, hunt for clues and discover the mountain in a different way.
“Flaine offers hiking routes for all levels and 150 km of waymarked trails”— Flaine Tourist Office
Cooling off in the lakes around Flaine
After a hike or an active morning, nothing beats a break by the water. The area around Flaine has several spots popular with families for picnicking, relaxing and, depending on the location and conditions, enjoying a refreshing swim.
Flaine lake: a nature break at altitude
Flaine lake makes a lovely destination for an easy walk and a quiet moment facing the mountains. It invites you to slow down, watch the peaks reflected in the water and enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature. It is the perfect place to introduce little ones to the mountains without attempting a big hike.
The Lac aux Dames in Samoëns
In Samoëns, the Lac aux Dames is a must for families. The site combines walking areas, leisure activities and a summer atmosphere. After exploring the village, it is a pleasant stop to play, relax in the shade or extend the day by the water.
The Les Carroz leisure park
The Les Carroz leisure park is the perfect complement to a summer stay in Flaine. It is a practical option for days when the children want a variety of activities: games, relaxation, swimming depending on the facilities open, and simple moments outdoors. Before setting off, remember to check opening times, access conditions and lifeguard cover.
Mountain biking, lifts and outdoor fun
Summer in Flaine is not just about walking. Cyclists can explore the mountain by mountain bike on routes suited to different levels. Between pistes, forest tracks and more demanding trails, everyone can set their own pace. For families, renting mountain bikes or e-bikes lets you enjoy the scenery without necessarily tackling big climbs.
The chairlift open in summer is also an excellent way to gain altitude with ease. It opens up new panoramas and lets you start a hike higher up while sparing little legs. It is also an activity in itself for children, who are often delighted to glide over the mountain pastures.
| Activity | Who is it for? | The family idea |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | All levels | A walk with a picnic and marmot watching |
| Mountain biking | Independent children and adults | Rent suitable bikes or e-bikes |
| Summer chairlift | The whole family | Ride up for the panorama and walk back down |
| Games and events | Young children and teens | Mix up activities between two hikes |
The resort also offers plenty of summer activities: tree-top adventure courses, paragliding, fishing, orienteering, mini-golf and children’s workshops depending on the programme.
“The Flaine Summer Pass gives access to more than 35 sporting and cultural activities subject to the offer’s conditions”— Flaine Tourist Office
Day trips to Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Strolling through the village of Samoëns
A few kilometres from Flaine, Samoëns deserves a day’s visit. This authentic Savoyard village charms with its narrow streets, traditional houses, café terraces and warm atmosphere. Come here to take your time: buy some local produce, enjoy a drink, meet the craftsmen or simply wander as a family.
The Rouget waterfall and the Fer-à-Cheval cirque
For a memorable outing, head to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. The Rouget waterfall, nicknamed “the Queen of the Alps”, impresses with its power and wild setting. Easy to fit into a family day out, it offers a natural spectacle children remember for a long time.
Then continue to the Fer-à-Cheval cirque, a vast natural amphitheatre of dizzying cliffs and countless waterfalls. This exceptional site sits at the gateway to the Sixt-Passy nature reserve. Bring good shoes, water and enough time to admire this grandiose scenery without rushing.
“The Fer-à-Cheval cirque and the Rouget waterfall are among the major natural sites of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval”— Haut-Giffre Tourism
Why choose the Hameau de Flaine in summer?
Staying in the Hameau de Flaine means enjoying the mountains while coming home to the calm of a real family chalet. After a day of hiking, swimming or sightseeing, Chalet Elodie becomes a cocoon: the children play in the garden, the adults enjoy an apéritif on the south-facing terrace, and everyone gathers around a convivial dinner.
In winter, the Grand Massif slopes are a two-minute walk away via the Gérats piste. In summer, this same location offers a peaceful mountain setting close to Flaine’s trails and activities.
Frequently asked questions
Which hikes can you do in Flaine with children?
Walks around Flaine lake and the resort’s themed trails are good options. Choose a short route, plan frequent breaks and turn the outing into a marmot hunt or an alpine picnic.
Can you swim near Flaine in summer?
Several spots let you enjoy the water nearby, notably the Lac aux Dames in Samoëns and the Les Carroz leisure park. Swimming conditions, supervision and opening times vary: check before each outing.
What can you do in Flaine in summer when it rains?
Enjoy a trip to Samoëns, a gourmet break in a mountain village, the resort’s activities, or a relaxing afternoon at Chalet Elodie with board games and a wood fire.
Is Flaine suitable for a family summer holiday?
Yes. The resort offers easy hikes, outdoor activities, events and quick access to many natural sites in Haute-Savoie. It suits sporty families as well as those looking for peace and quiet.
Fancy a family summer in Flaine?
At Chalet Elodie, enjoy warm, renovated accommodation perfectly located for alternating mountain adventures with quiet moments of rest.
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