A Cool Getaway in France's Haute Maurienne Vanoise Region
Why choose Haute Maurienne to escape the heatwave?
With its moderate temperatures (averaging 25°C during the day, 15°C at night in the villages, and a cool 10°C at an altitude of 2,000 meters), the Haute Maurienne Vanoise, in the heart of the Alps, offers an ideal mountain climate for escaping the stifling heat of the lowlands.
Set amid lush valleys, refreshing rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and shady forests, the Haute Maurienne Vanoise a natural, authentic destination far from the crowds—perfect for a cool vacation and restful nights.
Things to do when it's hot in Haute Maurienne Vanoise
Canyoning in Bonneval sur Arc
To take a dip and cool off, head to L’Écot, at an altitude of 1,850 meters—the highest hamlet in Haute Maurienne Vanoise, just a short distance from Bonneval-sur-Arc.
The Écot canyon offers a spectacular setting: granite, a sandy beach, turquoise water, and glaciers in the background. On the agenda: 10 jumps (ranging from 1.50 m to 9 m), slides, siphons, and meanders over a 250-meter descent. An ideal canyon for an introduction to this fun and refreshing activity. Because when it comes to “beating the heat,” there’s no question about it: wetsuits are mandatory with water at 10°C!
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
A refreshing break is guaranteed at the Mont Cenis Lake water sports center, the highest in Europe at an altitude of 2,000 meters, located between France and Italy. Here, you can cool off in a canoe or on a pedal boat. And why not try a kayak-and-aperitif tour? Cross the turquoise-watered lake from one shore to the other, then take an aperitif break with local specialties (Beaufort cheese, sausage, ham…) on a deserted cove.
Info: from 10 years and reserved for people who know how to swim.
River Tubing on the Arc - Val Cenis
A perfect balance of adrenaline, fresh air, and relaxation for a wonderful descent down the Arc River on a river tube: special inflatable tubes equipped with two handles. Once you’re settled in and equipped with a paddle, it’s time to set off on a river journey with this individual mini-rafting experience. All that’s left is to choose your style: take it easy to enjoy the scenery, or… get active and have fun bumping into rocks and your friends. In river tubing, you’ll stay in the tube, but… a dip in the water isn’t out of the question!
Info: prerequisite for activity: ability to swim. Equipment provided (wetsuit, helmet, booties, vest and paddle).
Giant Tyrolean traverse duo - Valfréjus
Get a breath of fresh air and guaranteed thrills with the zip lines in Valfréjus! Here’s how it works: two people launch themselves down a series of six parallel zip lines, each 100 meters high and 200 meters long. It’s a breathtaking adventure that takes place above the Charmaix Gorge, surrounded by pine trees and the lush greenery of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise.
After the big thrills, you can also go dip your feet and splash around at the Charmaix water park, just a few steps from the zip lines.
How can you stay cooler at night? By sleeping at high altitudes!
Sleeping in the cool mountain air: mountain huts and bivouacs at altitudes over 2,000 metersReservations are required at the Haute Maurienne Vanoise mountain huts, which are accessible by hike for all skill levels.
Camping is also permitted near certain huts (with the hut warden’s permission and reservations are required in the Vanoise National Park): a nature experience to enjoy with a good sleeping bag, even when a heat wave is raging in the lowlands!
A Cool Getaway in France Thanks to Swimming in the Mountains
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.
Swimming with a view of the mountains in Bessans
At an altitude of 1,750 meters, Bessans offers an immediate sense of freshness. After a hike or bike ride, enjoy a swim with a view of the surrounding peaks. With fresh air, high-altitude sunshine, and a breathtaking panorama, this is the perfect spot for people of all ages to cool off. While the kids have fun on the inflatable water play structures, parents can relax and take in the mountain views.
The wellness pool in Aussois
In Aussois, the wellness pool is the perfect place to alternate between outdoor activities and moments of relaxation. With a hot tub, a wading pool for little ones, a relaxation area, and unobstructed views of the mountains, everyone—young and old— can enjoy the cool waters here. After a hike in the Vanoise National Park or a day of sports, treat yourself to a relaxing and refreshing break in a sunny, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Water Recreation Center in La Norma
Looking for a refreshing afternoon with the family? Head to the La Norma water park. Water games, relaxation areas, and fun activities let you cool off while enjoying the mountain setting. It’s the perfect place to alternate between swimming, lounging in the sun, and spending quality time with the kids on hot summer days.
Glières Recreation Park Municipal Swimming Pool
In Val Cenis, the municipal pool at the Parc de Loisirs des Glières offers a refreshing break in the heart of summer. After a stroll along the Arc River, a bike ride, or a day at Lake Mont-Cenis, take a moment to relax. It’s the perfect spot to cool off while enjoying the fresh Alpine air, featuring an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with a slide and a wading pool.
Glières Recreation Park in Lanslevillard
This summer, escape the heat and head for the mountains
When cities are sweltering in the heat, the Haute Maurienne Vanoise a different way to experience summer. Here, the high altitude brings cool nights, the streams and lakes invite you to slow down, and the wide-open spaces let you truly unwind. Between swimming with the mountains as a backdrop, hiking in the forest, mountain huts, and authentic villages, every day feels like a breath of fresh air.
Choosing a heatwave-free vacation in Haute Maurienne Vanoise means rediscovering the simple joys of summer outdoors, surrounded by unspoiled, vibrant, and rejuvenating mountains. A destination that isn’t too hot in the summer—perfect for cooling off… and catching your breath.
Why preserve high-altitude lakes?
Where to swim in Haute Maurienne Vanoise ?
