Beaches with altitude

You may be contemplating a late getaway with the family this summer. Perhaps a cheap beach holiday somewhere like Tenerife? Well, STOP! Why visit some generic beach resort when you can visit the unique and stunning Alps for your summer break?

“But we like beach holidays!” I hear you proclaim. Guess what – we can beat beaches!

Lac Montriond has beautiful sweeping areas to sunbathe on and a swim in the lake is much more relaxing than the choppy sea. There’s diving and kayaking available too. There’s a small splash pool which is ideal for the kids, meaning they are much safer. Plus, unlike most beaches, you are allowed to barbecue around the lake making it ideal as a stunning lunch spot. There are also a couple of bar restaurants right by the shore so you will definitely not go wanting.

It’s ideal for sun worshippers with its sheltered location meaning it doesn’t suffer from any blustery winds sweeping in off the sea. And, at 1100m above sea-level, you are technically closer to the sun!

And if it’s actual sand you crave, nearby Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) has swathes of beaches and a whole host of water sports for your entertainment. You can water-ski, kayak, sail, pedalo and, of course, swim in one of the largest lakes in Western Europe making it an ideal day out.

“But it’s so expensive!” I hear you protest. Guess what – it actually isn’t!

A flight to Tenerife for a family of four in July is around £1,000*. A flight to Geneva for a family of four is between £400-£500*. And a stay in one of our stunning chalets is much more reasonably priced than a bog-standard Spanish holiday let. You can stay at the beautiful 7-bedroom Chalet De L’Ange in July for just €2200 / £1930 a week. And that comes with its own hot tub, large kitchen and dining area, balcony suntraps and a spacious, comfy living room for the evenings! For a similar price in Tenerife, you get a 3-bedroom apartment with very basic amenities and no lounge area.

If you want something smaller, you can stay at our bijou chalet La Petite Ourse for just €1000 / £835. This 2-bedroom chalet apartment has an outdoor hot tub, free wifi, kitchen/diner, living room, TV with Netflix and Apple TV. It even has a sauna – just in case you want to be even hotter! An equivalent priced apartment in Tenerife is a dark, characterless cell by comparison.

“But isn’t it just rocks and trees in the mountains?” I hear you ask. Guess what – no it isn’t!

Unlike the heavily built-up areas around beach resorts, Montriond and Morzine nestle in a beautiful green valley. If you’ve never been to the Alps in summer then you are definitely missing out on some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. And there’s so much to do – cycling, horse riding, white water rafting, canyoning, hiking – even luge!

So, what are you waiting for? Snap up a week in the beautiful Alps, in a beautiful chalet, and treat your family to a summer holiday to remember.

*Flight prices based on 2 adults and 2 children, Tenerife flights from Manchester or Gatwick, Geneva flights from Manchester or Luton.

Pictures: savoie-mont-blanc.com, homeaway.com