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Love Megève in the Winter? Well, just imagine Megève in Summer!
Summer in the French Alps surrounded by mountains - what could be better?!
Lush, green valleys full of beautiful flowers, the picturesque chalets of Megève bedecked with overflowing flower boxes and the towering white mass of Mont Blanc dominating the background.
Megeve is a great place to relax and catch your breath. Here are some ideas for a relaxing summer holiday:
Day 1 - Have a wander down to the picturesque central square in Megeve and perhaps take a coffee at one of the many cafes lining the cobbled streets. Stroll through the town, enjoying the wide variety of shops although watch what takes your fancy as some of the boutiques are on the pricey side! Make sure you have a look inside the beautiful 13th century church in the village's central square. Choose a restaurant for a relaxing lunch from our Megeve restaurant guide . Then head to Le Musee du Haut val d'Arly hidden away behind the Hotel Chalet St. Georges. This charming little museum paints a vivid picture of what life was like in the farming village of Megeve before the tourists arrived. If you have time, perhaps you might also visit Megeve's other small museum, a former charity hospital with its 17th century chapel. (www.megeve.com).
Day 2 - Just below Megeve is the pretty village of Combloux. The Plein d'Eau at Combloux is well worth a visit. A man made swimming lake that is naturally filtered. It is set on a plateaux that looks out to the Mont Blanc range so you can swim along looking at fantastic views. It is not heated so can be a bit on the chilly side! There is also a health and beauty section where you can book a massages on the deck looking out to Mont Blanc - fantastic! If the water is too cold then there is a sauna and steam room and day passes are available. For lunch there is a good restaurant right on the lake which also does fantastic ice creams. Click here for details.
For a full list of spas and beauty treatments in Megeve, please click here.
Day 3 - Take a guided tour from the Tourist Office to Le Calvaire. An important pilgrimage site of the 19th century, "Le Calvaire" is registered as one of the Sacred Mountains of Europe and is additionally noted as a historic monument. Here are 15 chapels and oratories, two of which are dedicated to Mary. They retrace the Stations of the Cross and feature several colorful statues, frescos and trompe l'oeil paintings. (www.megeve.com). The tourist office also offers other tours in English such as the historical centre, the religious heritage, Megeve's natural heritage and A very present past, discovery of the rural, architectural and religious heritage. After all that history, why don't you save your legs with a ride in a horse drawn caleche back to your chalet.
Day 4 - Have a tour of the various farms in and around Megeve to buy local cheese, milk, fruits, vegetables, jams and honey. Try La Ferme de la Cote 2000 for tomme and reblochon (04 50 58 75 49), L'Alpage les Tetes, Route du Leutax-Very for goats cheese and the possibility to attend milking (06 09 40 55 12) and Les Jardins de la Mottaz, 150 Route du Villaret, for fruit, veg and jams (04 50 58 75 49 4:00-7:30pm). Round off the morning at the Auberge du Christomet for lunch with excellent food and stunning views of Mont Blanc. This restaurant is one of our favourites with charming, rustic decor complete with hammocks and recliners in which to digest your lunch. Don't forget your swimming things as they have a small plunge pool. There are even swings and slides for the kids - set at just the right distance from the restaurant (not too near, not too far!) A fabulous spot to spend a long, lazy afternoon.
Day 5 - Try your hand at painting. The Atelier du Chat Noir offers clases in academiic, design and creative painting. In all mediums, oils, acrylics, charcoal, pastels and watercolours. Instruction is in small groups. Click for details. Or perhaps your taste runs more to pottery. Why not try your hand on the potters wheel or learning different glazing techniques? Call 04 50 21 59 09.
Day 6 - Market Day. The market is well worth a visit. Every Friday morning the town is taken over by the hustle and bustle of people on their way to the market. It spreads from below the outside ice skating rink (in the summer it often has a merry go round on it) to the sports centre. You can pick up Savoyard pottery, linen, ski wear and fleeces, jewellry and don't forget to head down to the food section. Here you can find local jams and honey, fruit and vegetables, fresh fish stalls, local cheeses and salami's not to mention the delicious Savoyard smoked ham. Yum!
What to do in the Evening - Megeve abounds with great restaurants and bars. Click here for the Megeve restaurant guide. Have an aperitif in the Caleche followed by a delicious meal in the restaurant of your choice. Then head to the Casino for an evening of roulette and black jack. Or, how about an evening of jazz? The 5 Rues jazz club is renowned and draws in musicians from all over the world. Book a table and dance the night away! Megeve hosts many musicians of different styles over the summer. Click here for specific concerts on offer.
Lastly, don't forget the jazz festival filling the streets of Megeve from 12th-14th July and the Senstival classical music festival from 25th-30th August.
Click here to download our list of summer activities
Click here for the Megeve restaurant guide
Click here for our Megeve summer prices
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info@stanfordskiing.co.uk
