Unlike many purpose-built ski resorts, Chamonix has a very buoyant summer season. During the warmer months you can be as active or as chilled out as you like.

Relax over lunch on a restaurant terrace gazing at the mountains views, or get a guide and get kitted up to go off exploring the Mer de Glace glacier with crampons and an ice pick.

Each resort in the Chamonix Valley, including Les Houches and Argentiere, has lifts open during the summer season so you can access hikes and walks, or take your mountain bike up and have a go at the downhill trails (not for the fainthearted!).

Our favourite outings include a walk over to Lac Blanc from La Flegere, family-friendly walks around the nature reserve at the col des Montets and the amazing views when hiking at 1900m from the Plan d’Aiguille to Montenvers.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning town which resembles a smaller version of Venice with pretty waterways cutting through the historic centre. Lake Annecy is a cool place to hang out with lots of summer time bands and amusements plus you can hire a small motorboat and go for a spin around the lake. It's around a 90 minute drive from Chamonix heading towards Geneva on the motorway and following the directions for Annecy.

Lake Passy

If you feel like being at the beach on a hot summers day then head down to Lake Passy. The lake is around a 25 minute drive to the start of the climb up to Chamonix just before you get to main town of Sallanches. Great for sunbathing on the white sandy beach with the snow-capped Mont Blanc in the background.

Courmayeur

The "boring" but quickest option is via the Mont Blanc Tunnel but the most memorable route is to go via Aguille du Midi, then across the glacier on the Helbonner cable car on to the Italian side of Monte Bianco, before heading down in to Courmayeur. The pedestrianised center boasts some of the best restaurants in the Aosta Valley and the window shopping is excellent with boutiques and designer shops lining the medieval streets...