Best Summer Activities in Les Belleville: A Local Guide

When people think of the Alps, they tend to  think of snow-covered slopes and long ski days. But I’ve been living here for over 10 years and, for me, summer has always been the most magical time in the Belleville Valley.

The mountains feel calmer and the long sunny days invite you to slow down and truly enjoy the landscape. It’s the season when I most love welcoming guests and sharing the beauty of this place we call home.

The Belleville Valley, part of the famous Three Valleys, is a region that offers some of the most beautiful summer activities in the French Alps.

If you’re planning a visit, here are some of our favourite summer activities in Les Belleville – all of which can be organised through us at Snow&Co. (or as we like to say, Sun & Co in the summer!). 

Hiking Through Alpine Meadows

One of the very best ways to experience Les Belleville in summer is simply walking through the mountains. The valley offers dozens of marked trails that wind through alpine meadows, forests, and traditional mountain hamlets. In July and August, the mountains are covered with wildflowers and the views across the valley are extraordinary.

For guests looking for hiking in Les Belleville in summer, there are routes for every level. One of the most popular is the hike to Lac du Lou, the largest lake in the Belleville Valley. Starting from Plan de l’Eau, the trail follows a gentle alpine valley to a crystal-clear mountain lake and welcoming refuge — a perfect spot for lunch or a peaceful break in nature.

The Balcon des Belleville trail is a wonderful option for sweeping views across the valley. This scenic route follows a gentle path high above the valley floor, offering panoramic views across Saint-Martin and the surrounding mountains.

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Mountain Biking in the Belleville Valley

The area is also fantastic for cycling, with a growing network of trails across the valley. From relaxed rides, to more technical alpine descents, mountain biking in Les Belleville offers something for everyone.  

Across Val Thorens, Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville there are two high-altitude cycle paths, a large Bike Park and 40 cycle routes suitable for all levels. You can explore a map of all the mountain bike and mountain bike trails and hikes available in the Belleville Valley.

For more adventurous riders, lift-assisted trails in nearby Les Menuires provide access to higher terrain and longer descents. It’s one of the most exciting ways to discover the valley during the warmer months.

Paragliding Above the Alps

Few experiences capture the scale of the Alps quite like paragliding. Launching from nearby peaks, you can glide silently above the valley with panoramic views of alpine villages, green pastures, and dramatic ridgelines below.

Our partner in the valley is Aéro-dynamique, run by Stéphane and Pierre who have been professional pilots for 25 years. They agree that seeing the Belleville Valley from the air gives you an entirely new perspective on the valley. Many guests say it becomes one of the highlights of their stay.

Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata

The surrounding mountains offer excellent climbing opportunities. Via ferrata routes combine hiking with protected climbing sections using ladders and cables fixed into the rock. They allow beginners and experienced climbers alike to experience the mountains in a more dramatic way. 

There are two freely-accessible Via Ferrata trails. One is above the village of Lavassay, 1km from Les Menuires; a rocky ridge suitable for beginners, so all the family can join in. The other is  for more experienced climbers at Le Cochet. It dominates the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville where clear quartzite cliffs create a dramatic natural landmark.

It’s an exhilarating way to explore the landscape and discover parts of the valley you might never otherwise reach. 

Horseback Riding Through Alpine Landscapes

Exploring the valley on horseback offers a unique way to experience the landscape. Guided rides take you through alpine pastures, along mountain paths, and past traditional Savoyard hamlets. 

Several stables offer short introductory rides available for families, while longer excursions take riders higher into the mountains, passing traditional hamlets and grazing pastures.

One nearby is Le Ranch Nordique de Méribel, located in Méribel in the wider Three Valleys area. The ranch offers guided horseback rides through alpine forests and mountain trails, with options suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders.

Moving through the mountains at this slower pace gives you a completely different perspective on the valley only the summer can offer.

Day Trips to Annecy and Lyon

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While the Belleville Valley offers plenty to explore, its location also makes it easy to discover some of the most beautiful cities in the region.

A popular day trip is Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps.” Just a couple of hours away, the town is famous for its flower-lined canals, colourful old town, and the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. Spend the day wandering the medieval streets, cycling around the lake, or enjoying a picnic in the lakeside parks.

Another excursion is Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital. The historic district of Vieux Lyon, with its Renaissance streets and hidden passageways known as traboules, forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s long history.

Both cities make for memorable day trips and offer a lovely contrast to the peaceful mountain atmosphere of the Belleville Valley.

Relaxed Summer Days

Summer in the Belleville Valley isn’t only about adventure, it’s also about slowing down. The region’s clear rivers and quiet alpine lakes provide beautiful fishing spots where you can spend a peaceful morning surrounded by mountain scenery. For example, the Doron with its 100 km of banks to catch trout.

For guests who prefer something a little more relaxed, tennis courts and nearby alpine golf courses like Golf de Méribel offer sport with spectacular views. Playing against the backdrop of the mountains makes even a casual game feel special.

New This Summer: Yoga in the Mountains

As part of our Sun&Co Summer Programme, we’ll also be introducing guided yoga sessions for guests staying with Snow&Co. Summer naturally encourages a slower rhythm in the valley, and yoga feels like a perfect way to embrace that. Imagine beginning your day with a gentle practice on a chalet terrace, breathing in the fresh mountain air as the sun rises over the peaks.

Get in touch to hear about our plans. 

Plan Your Summer in the Three Valleys

From hiking and cycling to paragliding, yoga, and long sunny afternoons in the mountains, there are endless summer activities in Les Belleville in summer. For many of us who live here, it’s the season we love most.

If you’re interested in a summer in the alps, Snow&Co’s carefully curated chalets and apartments provide the perfect base for exploring the mountains. We specialise in creating seamless alpine stays in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and across the Belleville Valley. From finding the perfect chalet, to booking your activities, we take care of everything.