Craving sunshine, adventure and authentic French culture? Activity holidays in France are the perfect recipe for unforgettable summer memories—whether you’re travelling as an active family, a couple seeking thrills, or a group of friends chasing the next adrenaline fix. From the lavender fields of Provence to the peaks of the Alps, here’s everything you need to plan your next active getaway.
The French Alps are widely regarded as the one of the best ski holiday locations in the world, however once the snow melts many resorts are transformed into a completely different type of adventure playground for the whole family. This is your quick guide to experiencing summer activity holidays in the French Alps.
With so many outdoor activities on offer it is a challenge to review them all for you, so here are the best of the huge variety of great, and different, activities you can try in the French Alps during the summer.
From family activity holidays to activity holidays for groups, here are some of the fantastic ways you can find some fun in the Alps.
Top Destinations for Activity Holidays in France
- Provence & Côte d’Azur
- Lavender bike tours around Valensole Plateau
- Sea-kayaking through the Calanques National Park (Cassis)
- Inland trail running in the Luberon hills
- Charming guesthouses and vineyard B&Bs
- French Alps (Chamonix, Morzine, Les Gets)
- Mountain-biking the Portes du Soleil network
- White-water rafting on the Giffre and Arly Rivers
- Via ferrata and high-rope courses
- Family-friendly self-catered chalets (Alpine Elements offers free bike hire!)
- Brittany & Normandy
- Surf lessons on the Côte d’Émeraude (Saint-Malo, Quiberon)
- Coasteering and sea-kayaking around Pointe du Raz
- Coastal hiking on GR34 (sentier des douaniers)
- Glamping domes and seaside campgrounds
- Dordogne & Lot Valley
- Canoe-kayak adventures on the Dordogne River
- Rock-climbing limestone cliffs at Rocamadour
- Horse-trekking through walnut groves
- Riverbank gîtes and medieval manor-house stays
- Pyrenees & Basque Country
- Canyoning in the Gorges de Kakuetta
- Paragliding over Lac d’Annecy or the Atlantic Coast
- Mountain-bike enduro routes in the Vallée d’Aspe
- Rugby-mad towns (Biarritz, Bayonne) as comfortable home bases
Most Popular Activities
- Cycling & Mountain Biking: From gentle family routes to red-graded bike parks, France’s network of trails caters to every skill level. Highly recommended cycling holidays in France with Explore
- Water Sports: Stand-up paddle, canyoning, sea-kayaking, white-water rafting—cool off while your heart races.
- Hiking & Trail Running: GR long-distance paths and summits like Mont Blanc or the Verdon Gorge offer epic single-day or multi-day treks.
- Aerial Adventures: Via ferrata, zip-lining, paragliding—soar above vineyards or granite gorges for a bird’s-eye view.
- Cultural & Culinary: Blend activity with tasting tours—olive-oil farms in Provence, cheese production in the Alps, oyster farms in Brittany.
Mountain Biking
Possibly not the most outrageous activity on our list but mountain biking in the French Alps is a must. A great day out on any family activity holiday that everyone can enjoy, explore the beautiful landscapes that the French Alps offer. From single-track to downhill trails and bike parks the amount of biking available is almost endless and is certainly accessible for all abilities and ages.
The Portes du Soleil is a very highly regarded mountain biking area which has a great sellout MTB event every year. …an 80km MTB ride featuring 15 chair lifts, 6000m of descent for only 1000m of climbing, 8 food stops and scenery to take your breath away either side of the French-Swiss border.
Summer Skiing in the French Alps
Not many people know that the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes sits on a glacier at 3600m above sea level. This means that there is snow on the top of the mountain all year round! So, if you still seek a snowsport fix, you can combine skiing in the morning with some mountain biking or trail running in the afternoon.
Accommodation Picks
- Active-Adventure Resorts: Alpine Elements’ chalet villages in Les Gets and Morzine include free bike hire, fitness classes and kids’ clubs.
- Glamping & Eco-Lodges: Canvas yurts and eco-pods in Provence and Normandy—comfortable, minimal-impact stays close to nature.
- Gîtes & B&Bs: Stone cottages in Dordogne or Basque farm-stays, often with full kitchens and garden patios for post-activity barbecues.
- Boutique Hotels: Seaside retreats on the Côte d’Azur, town-centre escapes in Chamonix or Avignon, perfect for couples.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Fête de la Musique (June 21): Nationwide street-music bonanza—pack a picnic and join free concerts in town squares.
- Lavender Festivals (July/August): Tour Provençal distilleries, perfume workshops and sunset bike rides through violet carpets.
- Tour de France (July): Cheer on the peloton as it crosses alpine passes or coastal towns—book roadside accommodation early.
- Calanques Open-Air Cinema (July/August): Catch beachside film screenings in Cassis under a starlit sky.
- Jazz à Juan (July, Juan-les-Pins): One of Europe’s premier jazz festivals on the Riviera, blending beach life with top-tier music.
Pro Tips for Planning Your Activity Holidays in France
- Book Early for Peak Season: June–August campsites, chalets and festival accommodations fill fast—reserve 3–6 months ahead.
- Layer Up & Pack Smart: Mountain mornings stay cool even in July; moisture-wicking layers and waterproof shells are essentials.
- Invest in Insurance: Ensure your policy covers guided excursions, mountain rescue and high-adrenaline sports.
- Local Passes & Guides: Many regions offer summer lift passes (Alps) or river permits—unlock discounts on activities.
- Mix It Up: Balance high-octane days (rafting, biking) with cultural afternoons (winery tours, medieval villages).
Where to find out more about summer family activity Holidays in the French Alps
Whether you’re organizing an action-packed family round-the-clock adventure, a romantic cycling getaway or a friends-only canyoning weekend, activity holidays in France deliver unparalleled diversity and excitement.
I highly recommend Much Better Adventures as your go to provider for activity holidays in France.
Ready to get moving? Pack your bags, chart your route, book your activities in France with GetYourGuide and let France’s epic landscapes be the backdrop to your next great adventure.