Heatwave-proof vacations: our best cool activities at altitude
Why choose Haute Maurienne to escape the heatwave?
With its moderate temperatures (on average 25°C during the day, 15°C at night in the villages, and a mere 10°C at 2000 m altitude), Haute Maurienne Vanoise, in the heart of the Alps, offers an ideal mountain climate for escaping the sweltering heat of the plains.
Between lush green valleys, refreshing rivers, lakes, waterfalls and shady forests, Haute Maurienne Vanoise offers a natural, authentic destination far from the crowds, perfect for cool vacations and rejuvenating nights.
Refreshing activities
daytime activities
Canyoning in Bonneval sur Arc
For a refreshing dip in the water, head for l'Écot, at 1850 m altitude, the highest hamlet in Haute Maurienne Vanoise, near Bonneval sur Arc.
The Écot canyon offers a spectacular setting: granite, sandy beach, turquoise water and glaciers in the background. On the program: 10 jumps (from 1.50 m to 9 m), slides, siphons and meanders over 250 m of vertical drop. An ideal canyon for an introduction to this cool, fun activity. And there's no arguing about it: wetsuits are mandatory, and the water temperature is 10°!
Info : From age 10 (must be able to swim), 2 to 3h. Bookings required with Haute Maurienne Vanoise guides.
Kayaking on Lake Mont Cenis - Val Cenis
Refreshment guaranteed at the Mont Cenis water sports center, the highest in Europe at 2,000 m altitude, between France and Italy. Here you can cool off in a canoe or pedalo. And why not try a kayak-apéro tour? Cross the turquoise waters of the lake from one shore to the other, then enjoy an aperitif with local produce (Beaufort, sausage, ham...) on a deserted cove.
Info: from 10 years and reserved for people who know how to swim.
River Tubing on the Arc at Val Cenis ©evolution2
River Tubing on the Arc - Val Cenis
A good balance of adrenalin, freshness and relaxation for a great river tubing trip down the Arc: special inflatable buoys with two handles. Once you've settled in and equipped yourself with a paddle, it's off down the river with this individual mini-raft. All that's left to do is choose the mode: contemplation to enjoy the panorama, or... sporty and fun as you stamp on the rocks and your friends. River tubing, still in the buoy, but... a trip into the water is not out of the question!
Info: prerequisite for activity: ability to swim. Equipment provided (wetsuit, helmet, booties, vest and paddle).
Giant Tyrolean traverse duo - Valfréjus
A breath of fresh air and thrills guaranteed with the zip lines at Valfréjus! Here's how it works: two people take off on a series of 6 parallel zip lines 100 meters apart and 200 meters long. A breathtaking adventure above the Charmaix gorge, amid the fir trees and lush greenery of Haute Maurienne Vanoise.
After the big thrills, you too can soak your feet and splash around at the Charmaix aqua park, just a few steps from the zip lines.
Cool mountain sleeping: refuges and bivouacs
The best way to spend a cool night? Sleeping in a refuge, at over 2000 m altitude!Reservations are required at Haute Maurienne Vanoise refuges, which are accessible for hikers of all abilities.
Bivouacs are also permitted in the vicinity of certain refuges (with the agreement of the warden and booking required in the Vanoise National Park): a nature experience to be enjoyed with a good comforter, even when the heat wave is raging in the plains!
Swimming: pools or lakes
The easiest way to soak up the heat in the mountains is to take a dip in the pool at Valfréjus, Aussois and Val Cenis, or in the lakes at La Norma and Bessans. The choice is yours! Facilities that also offer fun activities for children.
Why preserve high-altitude lakes?
Where to swim in Haute Maurienne Vanoise ?
