Summer in the Alps: Sun, Trails and Alpine Lakes - Explore by Place
When the snow melts, the Montriond 📍 and Morzine valley transforms into a vibrant green paradise, offering endless outdoor activities under the summer sun.
(Click on the map icon to be taken to that location in Google Maps)
Lac de Montriond: 5 min walk
Ardent Gondola: 5 min drive
Les Lindarets: 15 min drive
Avoriaz: 20 min drive
Morzine: 10 min drive
Nyon: 15 min drive
Les Gets: 20 min drive
Saint-Jean-d'Aulps: 10 min drive
Lac de Montriond
The jewel of the valley, just a 5-minute walk from Chalet Truman.
Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, mini golf, lakeside dining and easy family walks make Lac de Montriond one of the most popular summer destinations in the area. The largely flat path around the lake is ideal for families, pushchairs and dogs.
Perfect for: Swimming • Families • Picnics • Relaxing • Dog Walking
Where We Love to Eat
⭐ L'Auberge du Bout du Lac – Traditional Savoyard dishes, ice creams and wonderful lake views.
👨👩👧👦 Le Verdoyant – Family-friendly menu with a terrace overlooking the water.
👨👩👧👦 Lactuel – Great burgers, crêpes and casual lunches.
🌄 Hôtel du Lac – A varied menu in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Chalet Truman Tip
Start the day with a leisurely walk to the lake before the crowds arrive. Enjoy a coffee overlooking the emerald water, hire a paddleboard or kayak, then follow the woodland path to Cascade d'Ardent. If you're still feeling energetic, continue up to Ardent for a drink before catching the shuttle bus back down the valley.
Les Lindarets – The Goat Village
A mountain village where the goats are in charge.
Famous for its free-roaming goats, traditional restaurants and mountain atmosphere, Les Lindarets is one of our favourite family days out. Easily reached from the Ardent Gondola, it is also the gateway to Avoriaz, Châtel and some spectacular hiking routes.
Perfect for: Families • Lunches • Gentle Exploration
Where We Love to Eat
⭐ Le Petit Lindaret
⭐ La T'Chapa - one of Chalet Truman's favourites
⭐ La Ferme des Lindarets
☕ Mamo's Café – Coffee, cakes and people watching.
🌄 Les Marmottes – Traditional mountain cuisine with a lovely terrace.
👨👩👧👦 Les Barmettes – Excellent crêpes and relaxed lunches.
🌄 Les Alpages – Superb terrace, cocktails and mountain views.
Useful Links
Chalet Truman Tip
Arrive before lunchtime to enjoy the goats while the village is quieter. After lunch, browse the local shops and continue on to Avoriaz or Châtel for even more spectacular mountain scenery. It's one of the easiest ways to experience the beauty of the Portes du Soleil without a major hike.
Avoriaz
A unique mountain resort high above the valley.
From Aquariaz and family activities to mountain biking and hiking, Avoriaz offers something for every age. It makes an excellent full-day excursion from Chalet Truman.
Perfect for: Families • Teenagers • Adventure
Food & Drink
Avoriaz has a wide selection of cafés, mountain restaurants and terrace bars. We often combine a visit with lunch in Les Lindarets before heading up to explore the resort.
Useful Links
Please note: Babies and young children can travel on gondolas and cable cars, but are generally not permitted on chairlifts. Always check lift opening dates and operating conditions before setting out, as services may be suspended if weather conditions deteriorate.
Chalet Truman Tip
One of our favourite family days is to take the Ardent Gondola up to Les Lindarets, enjoy lunch amongst the goats, then continue on to Avoriaz for an afternoon exploring the resort or Aquariaz. It's a great combination of mountain scenery, family fun and very little driving.
Morzine
The heart of the valley.
Browse independent shops, enjoy cafés and restaurants, visit the aquatic centre or take part in one of the many family events organised throughout the summer.
Perfect for: Shopping • Dining • Rainy Days • Family Activities
Where We Love to Eat
🌟 Restaurant La Rotonde
Our favourite special-occasion restaurant in the valley. Beautiful riverside setting and excellent food.
⭐ La Chaudanne
Traditional Savoyard dining with fondue, raclette and tartiflette.
👨👩👧👦 Ô Chalet Burgers & Crêpes
A family favourite for relaxed lunches and informal dinners.
🥐 La Bonbonnière
Our favourite bakery for bread, croissants, pastries and cakes.
Useful Links
Chalet Truman Tip
If the weather forecast looks uncertain, head into Morzine. Between the cafés, shops, bakery, swimming facilities and tourist office activities, it's one of the easiest places in the valley to spend a relaxed day and there's nearly always something happening.
Pointe de Nyon – Waterfalls, Lakes & Mountain Views
Waterfalls, mountain lakes and breathtaking views.
Reachable by bus or lift, Nyon combines spectacular scenery with accessible walking routes, adventure parks and some of the best viewpoints in the Portes du Soleil.
Perfect for: Walkers • Families • Photography
Food & Drink
Several mountain restaurants and terraces operate during summer, making it easy to enjoy lunch with spectacular views before continuing your walk or adventure.
Useful Links
Chalet Truman Tip
Use the M Bus from near the chalet and leave the car behind. Start with the waterfall, continue to Nyon-Guérin Lake, enjoy lunch with a view and then choose between a gentle walk or one of the adventure parks. The scenery here is some of the best in the valley.
Les Gets
A traditional Alpine village packed with family activities.
Home to Alta Lumina, the 4-Season Alpine Coaster, Lac des Écoles and one of Europe's most famous bike parks.
Perfect for: Families • Adventure • Evening Entertainment
Food & Drink
Les Gets offers a wonderful mix of cafés, mountain restaurants and village terraces. Ideal for combining with a day at Lac des Écoles or the Bike Park.
Useful Links
Important Booking Advice: Alta Lumina is one of the area's most popular attractions and frequently sells out during school holidays and peak summer weeks. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Chalet Truman Tip
Combine a morning around Lac des Écoles with lunch in the village and a ride on the 4-Season Alpine Coaster. If you're visiting during summer holidays, finish the day with Alta Lumina after dark for a truly magical experience.
Saint-Jean-d'Aulps & Vallée d'Aulps
Discover the valley's history, heritage and hidden gems.
Explore the medieval abbey, venture underground into the slate mines, marvel at the Devil's Gorge, enjoy an evening of bowling and games at WOODY, or escape to the peaceful shores of Lac des Mines d'Or — one of the valley's most beautiful and tranquil alpine lakes.
This area offers a wonderful contrast to the busier resorts, combining history, nature and family-friendly activities within a short drive of Chalet Truman.
Perfect for: Rainy Days • History • Nature • Photography • Mixed-Age Groups
Where We Love to Eat
🎳 WOODY Restaurant & Bar
Ideal for a relaxed family meal alongside bowling, karaoke or laser tag.
🌄 Refuge du Lac des Mines d'Or
A traditional mountain refuge beside the lake serving Savoyard favourites, drinks and desserts with beautiful views across the water and surrounding peaks.
☕ The village also has several traditional cafés and bakeries that make excellent lunch stops when exploring the abbey and local attractions.
Useful Links
Chalet Truman Tip
Make a full day of it: visit the Abbey and Devil's Gorge in the morning, enjoy lunch in Saint-Jean-d'Aulps, then drive up to Lac des Mines d'Or for an afternoon walk, coffee or ice cream beside the lake. It's one of the quieter corners of the valley and a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Châtel & The French-Swiss Border
Mountain adventures and incredible views.
Ride Europe's largest zipline, hike to the Swiss border or explore another beautiful Alpine resort.
Perfect for: Adventure • Hiking • Scenery
Food & Drink
A number of mountain restaurants and terrace cafés can be found throughout the Châtel lift area, making it easy to stop for lunch while exploring.
Useful Links
- Fantasticable
- Châtel Resort
- Hiking Routes
Chalet Truman Tip
If you're already visiting Les Lindarets, it's easy to continue into the Châtel area. Even if you don't tackle the Fantasticable, the lift network and mountain views alone make it well worth the journey.
A Final Tip
Mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer.
We recommend packing:
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Walking shoes or trainers with good grip
- Layers for cooler evenings
- Sun cream and sunglasses
Even on the warmest days, temperatures can drop quickly once the sun disappears behind the mountains.
Most importantly, slow down and enjoy the surroundings. Chalet Truman sits in one of the most beautiful corners of the Alps and many of our favourite days involve nothing more complicated than a walk to the lake, a good lunch and a glass of wine while admiring the view.