What to do in Morzine in summer

Despite being far from the coast, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water in Morzine. Locals and tourists alike flock to the open-air swimming pool in the summer, or head to nearby lakes – like Lake Montriond – for a true Alpine experience. You can swim, stand-up paddle, kayak and even fish, and there's a lifeguard on hand at the children's swimming area for total peace of mind. The Parc des Dérêches next to the Dranse de Morzine river has swimming, pool scuba diving and a spa, all against a gorgeous green backdrop. There's a kids' pool, water slide, beach volleyball and plenty of relaxing spots to sunbathe. For a less sedate afternoon, book onto a wild white-water rafting expedition on the Danse or try canyoning – an activity combining climbing, abseiling and swimming into one fun, adrenaline-packed adventure. Less than an hour's drive away lie the shores of Lake Geneva, where sailing, wakeboarding and water-skiing opportunities await. Not to mention, an afternoon in the sunshine sipping on a crisp drink and watching others enjoy the water also sounds rather pleasant, don't you think?

Stripped of their snowy blanket and clad in their summer greenery, the trails and hills surrounding Morzine could entice any walking enthusiast. You can stroll around Lake Montriond, follow trails to nearby villages, or even simply explore the shady riverside path in town with the snow-capped peaks as your backdrop. There are hundreds of kilometres of trails in the surrounding hills and mountains, and you can get a summer pass for the cable cars and chair lifts to skip the legwork and get straight to those fabulous views. Experienced walkers might like to pick up a map at the tourist office or follow the trail markers, but if this is your first time hiking, you can always book a guided tour and benefit from your guide's expert knowledge of local flora and fauna too. You could also spend a day at the stunning Cascade de Nyon waterfalls. Of course, if you fancy the views but also enjoy moving at speed, the road cycling routes in the area are legendary, and there are plenty of local spots to hire mountain bikes for a downhill extravaganza.

Besides the canyoning and white-water rafting opportunities, you can also head up into the mountains on a climbing excursion. There are fantastic routes for all abilities starting from Morzine, but for something a little different, why not try the popular Via Ferrata in nearby Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval? A Via Ferrata is an expedition on pre-laid mountain routes and footpaths using fixed aids like ladders, rungs and wire ropes – and with a guide close by, you don't need any prior experience or your own equipment. Those with a head for heights won't want to miss the Fantasticable, an aerial zipline spanning two valleys that you soar down head-first at almost 60 mph. Paragliding, hot-air ballooning and helicopter trips are also popular ways to experience the mountainous scenery from a whole new perspective. For something slightly less high-octane but just as fun, check out the golf facilities, high-rope courses and epic summer sledge runs in the glorious Alpine scenery.

Morzine is tucked in a fabulous corner of Europe that's well worth exploring. You're close to the vibrant town of Chamonix, which is just as popular in summer as it is in ski season. The atmosphere here is always lively and bustling, with plenty of places to eat, shop and drink, as well as unrivalled views of the Mont Blanc massif. Just over an hour from Morzine, Annecy is a quintessential French town with its colourful architecture, picture-perfect bridges, and an abundance of flowers. A walk through the old town is a delight, or you can take a boat onto the lake or explore the Jardins de l'Europe botanical garden. A drive out to the stunning national park of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a must, as you'll take in one of the Tour de France’s most challenging and iconic routes along the way. On a clear day, you'll spot Mont Blanc too. Nearby Les Lindarets boasts an unusual tourist attraction in the summer... herds of goats roam the streets, stealing sandwiches, posing for photos and generally causing mischief. This gourmet village is packed with venues selling local produce, particularly from the aforementioned goats, so it's worth a stop of an afternoon.

With temperatures frequently hovering around the low to mid-twenties in summer, Morzine is a wonderful place to simply unwind and take a break. You'll easily lose an afternoon walking the flower-lined streets, gazing up at the wooden chalets with their quaint balconies – or perhaps just taking in the view from your own. There are plenty of restaurants, wine bars, creperies and small breweries to sample, as well as a small spa area in the Parc des Dérêches with saunas and Turkish baths. Les Gets is less than a ten-minute drive away, with equally beautiful scenery and ever-so-tempting eateries. Kids will enjoy the water park here, while grown-ups might like to sample one of the three spa venues. Stay after dark to experience the impressive Alta Lumina, a nighttime lantern and light display like no other, guaranteed to enchant adults and children alike.