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Dreaming of cooler temperatures this summer? Beat the heat with a holiday in Morzine
Basking in Mediterranean sunshine might sound idyllic, but when temperatures climb towards 40°C, sightseeing, activities and even getting to the beach can quickly become draining. For a more refreshing summer escape, Morzine in the French Alps offers cooler mountain temperatures, shady forests, pristine swimming lakes, river sports and plenty of space to breathe. Whether you want active days outdoors or simply somewhere beautiful to unwind, a summer holiday in the Alps offers all the sunshine, without the stifling heat.
Why are people seeking cooler holiday destinations?
It’s no secret that recent European summers have been scorching, with popular destinations across Cyprus, Greece, Spain and southern France regularly seeing temperatures in the 40s and beyond. For many travellers, especially families, this level of heat can quickly turn a relaxing holiday into an exhausting one. As a result, ‘cool-cationing’ is on the rise, with more people rethinking the traditional summer beach holiday and looking instead towards cooler destinations.
Enter the Alps: a refreshing alternative to the Mediterranean, with far more comfortable temperatures and a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. And you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker or mountain biker to enjoy it. In our corner of the French Alps, you’ll find lakeside beaches, a fantastic open-air swimming pool, and sunny restaurant terraces made for leisurely lunches in the sunshine.
In Morzine, summer days are warm and pleasant rather than overpowering, typically sitting in the mid to high 20s. It’s a place where you can stay active if you want to, or simply slow down and enjoy summer at your own pace. Read on to discover why Morzine is the ultimate destination for cooler vibes this summer.
Alpine lakes and beaches
When the summer sun is shining, there’s nowhere better to be than beside the water. Just a few miles from Morzine centre, Lac Montriond is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs, forests and mountain peaks. It’s a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, and sure to become a highlight of your summer holiday in Morzine.
Bring a picnic, roll out a towel on the grassy lakeside and settle in for a lazy afternoon while the kids splash about in the water. Feeling more energetic? Head to the water sports area where you can hire paddle boards and kayaks to explore the lake. Beside the lake, a smaller supervised swimming lake has lifeguards for children in July and August, making it an easy spot to relax.
Along the shore, there’s also a café and two restaurants serving drinks, ice cream, lunch and evening menus.
There are more lakes to discover near Morzine too, each with something a little different. Lac des Écoles is always a hit thanks to its Wibit Park — a giant inflatable obstacle course floating on the water with climbing walls, slides and balance beams.
For a proper beach day complete with buckets, spades and sand castles, head down to Lake Geneva, known in France as Lac Léman. For a memorable day trip from Morzine, Plage d’Excenevex is a long sandy beach with shallow, warm water that’s ideal for younger children. You’ll also find pedalos, paddleboards, restaurants and plenty of space for picnics and lazy afternoons by the water.
Altitude without the effort
One of the best things about summer in Morzine is taking in the spectacular mountain scenery without spending hours slogging uphill in the heat. Thanks to the resort’s network of chairlifts and gondolas, it’s easy to reach incredible viewpoints, walking trails and mountain refuges with minimal effort.
A favourite excursion is the Pas de l’Aigle in the Nyon area, accessed via the Pointe de Nyon chairlift. Sitting at 2,019 metres, this dramatic footbridge stretches out over the mountainside with panoramic views reaching from Mont Blanc all the way to Lake Geneva.
Another summer favourite is a trip to the hamlet of Les Lindarets – known as the ‘Goat Village’. During summer, goats roam freely through the village streets, happily posing for photos and hoping for treats from visitors. With a handful of mountain restaurants, easy walks and lift access nearby, it’s an easy-going outing with plenty of alpine charm. Discover more stunning walks in our best easy hikes in Morzine blog.
Long outdoor lunches on sunny terraces
One of the simple pleasures of summer in Morzine is settling in for a long lunch with front row seats to the spectacular mountain scenery. Unlike beach destinations where the midday heat can become unbearable, summer temperatures in the Alps make outdoor dining a real pleasure.
Many of the best mountain restaurants are accessed by foot, bike or gondola, turning the journey into part of the adventure. . A few favourites around Morzine include Auberge du Bout du Lac, set right on the edge of Lac de Montriond with panoramic lake views. Higher up, Les Chevrelles rewards a longer walk from Mont Chery with sweeping views towards Mont Blanc, while Ferme Auberge de Fréterolles in the Mine d’Or area offers a wonderfully rustic, farm-to-table experience in a more remote mountain setting.
Rivers and waterfalls
The Dranse river flows through Morzine village and valley, adding a cool, fresh feel to the area in summer. Riverside walking paths, bridges and shady grassy picnic spots make it perfect for gentle strolls and easy family outings.
One impressive spot to explore is Cascade de Nyon, a dramatic waterfall that tumbles through the forest just outside the village. There’s a walkway that brings you right alongside the fall for a wonderful close-up view. For older kids and adventurous adults, canyoning is another unforgettable way to experience the mountains in summer. The activity, led by a guide, includes scrambling through rocky gorges, jumping into natural pools and sliding down smooth waterfalls.
Further down the valley, the river becomes a playground for white-water adventures, with rafting and hydro speed trips suitable for all confidence levels. Frogs Rafting offers beginner-friendly sessions as well as more adventurous trips with bigger rapids for thrill-seekers.
Affordable activities with the multi pass
One of the best things about a summer holiday in Morzine is how easy it is to fill your days with different activities — and the genius Multi Pass scheme makes it even easier. The pass gives access to more than 70 activities across the 12 Portes du Soleil resorts, including pedestrian lift access, swimming pools, lakes and leisure areas, tennis courts, mini golf, summer luge rides, the tourist trains and plenty more family-friendly attractions. Better still, many activities are free or heavily discounted with the pass.
You can head up the mountain after breakfast, cool off at the swimming pool later in the afternoon, then decide on a last-minute activity without constantly thinking about entry prices or logistics.
Planning your cooler summer holiday in Morzine
Which month is best for visiting Morzine in summer?
You can enjoy a summer holiday in Morzine anytime between June and September, when the mountains are green, the temperatures are pleasantly warm and outdoor life is in full swing.
The main summer lift network typically operates from early July until the end of August, with the Pleney Gondola opening earlier from mid-June. July and August are the liveliest months, with the full range of activities and attractions open across the resort and wider Portes du Soleil area.
If you’re visiting in June or September, expect a quieter atmosphere, beautiful walking conditions and fewer crowds. It’s always worth checking the Morzine Tourist Office for the latest opening dates and activity information.
How can I get to Morzine in summer?
The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, around 1 hour 30 minutes away by transfer or car, with regular summer flights from across the UK and Europe.
It takes around 9 hours to drive to Morzine from Calais, and with plenty of charging stations along the route, you can easily reach Morzine in an EV.
If travelling by train, the closest stations are Cluses Railway Station and Thonon-les-Bains Railway Station. Cluses is around 45 minutes from Morzine by transfer, taxi or bus, while Thonon-les-Bains is around an hour away. The train route to Morzine from London is by Eurostar and TGV.
What should I pack to visit Morzine in summer?
Pack for warm sunny days and cooler mountain evenings. Lightweight summer clothes are ideal during the day, alongside comfortable trainers or walking shoes if you plan to explore the trails. Don’t forget swimwear for lakes and pools, plus a light waterproof jacket as mountain weather can change quickly. Even in summer, evenings in the Alps can feel fresh, so it’s worth bringing a jumper or fleece too.
How hot does Morzine get in summer?
Summer temperatures in Morzine usually range between the mid and high 20s°C during July and August, with June and September being a few degrees cooler. Thanks to the mountain altitude, evenings stay cool and fresh, making it more comfortable for sleeping.
Is Morzine a good destination for families with kids in summer?
Absolutely. Morzine is packed with family-friendly activities, from lake swimming and paddle boarding to waterfalls, tree top adventure parks, mini golf and scenic lift rides. There is a huge swimming complex right in the centre of Morzine, with two outdoor pools, a kids splash area, bouncy castle and water slide. The village is easy to get around, there are plenty of relaxed places to eat, and the cooler mountain temperatures make summer activities much more enjoyable.
Can I go mountain biking in Morzine?
Yes! Morzine has a huge bike park with trails for all levels, from beginners through to pro riders. You can hire bikes from the bike shops in the centre of Morzine, or bring your own. To access the lifts with a bike you need a MTB lift pass, which you can purchase from any lift station. For families the Dereche river trail from the centre of Morzine is a fun entry level route. Many of our bike-friendly Morzine chalets come with secure bike storage and are a few metres from the chair lifts.
Where should I stay in Morzine in summer?
For summer holidays, staying close to the centre of Morzine makes it easy to access restaurants, lift stations, swimming pools and local activities without needing to drive. If you have a car, quieter spots on the edge of the village or nearby Montriond offer beautiful views and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Our Morzine summer chalets combine comfort, style and stunning mountain scenery, with lovely outdoor spaces perfect for relaxing after a day in the mountains. Choose from central Morzine chalets with shops, bars and restaurants on your doorstep, or quieter properties where you can step straight onto the trails and reach Lac Montriond within minutes.
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