A heartfelt Alpine welcome awaits in Megève, when travel to France resumes
For most of us, it is 18 months or more since we took that last important overseas holiday. Stringent travel restrictions remain in place across much of Europe, but as vaccine programmes roll out, we can look ahead to better times, and that means planning that first big trip, reconnecting with loved ones, and making the most of the great outdoors. With its wide-open spaces, fresh mountain air, and abundance of well-being, cultural, and active experiences, the beautiful village of Megève in the French Alps will offer that perfect escape once travel returns.
Megève is becoming increasingly popular with British holidaymakers outside of the ski season, with just as much to offer in the summer and autumn, including hundreds of hiking and biking trails set against the stunning mountain scenery. The traffic-free, cobbled medieval centre features a variety of artisan shops, excellent dining options and an impressive array of three, four and five-star hotels, as well as no less than three Michelin-starred restaurants boasting six stars between them. The perfect base for exploring the entire Haute-Savoie, the village is a hive of activity from June to October with plenty on offer to suit all tastes and abilities.
With yoga retreats and superb spa facilities, Megève is the ideal destination to simply unwind and relax in the mountains, but holidaymakers can also choose from a range of climbing, trekking and fishing excursions or opt to play tennis or a round of golf on a world-class course. Visitors can also reconnect with nature through an array of transformative experiences, think horse-back rides to the summit of Mont d’Arbois to admire the spectacular sunset, or taking to the skies over the Alps in a light-aircraft. What’s more, Megève is home to a terrific year-round events calendar and thrill-seekers are spoilt for choice, with the village making a great location for anyone wanting to take advantage of the region’s superb paragliding, parachuting, canyoning and mountain bike
offering.
Currently, tourism bosses in Megève are working hard with local businesses to ensure that everyone that can travel this summer or autumn, will fully enjoy their holiday. With the wellbeing of visitors their number one priority, several health and safety procedures have been rolled out, including the requirement to wear facemasks in accommodation communal areas and on the mountain lifts. Social distancing measures have been introduced throughout the village and hand sanitisers are widely available. Hospitality employees have received additional training, and guests are encouraged to book their activities online in advance to ensure that they make the most of their time in the mountains.
More news from Megève
Cycling event, 11-12 September 2021
Megève hosts an impressive array of events each year, spanning countless sporting, cultural, music and family themed festivals. As Covid restrictions ease, many favourites are returning this summer, including the Megève Mont-Blanc Cycling event, which combines endurance, freedom and accessibility. The organisers are working with the cycling champion Nicolas Roux, who has devised four unique MTB races, ranging from a 60km Haute route through to a challenging 165km course. The races cover the disciplines of Cyclosportive, Gravelbike and e-Biking, and cater to a whole host of abilities. Furthermore, there is a dedicated kids racing programme, with a 400-metre course for five- and six-year-olds, all the way up to a 15km race for teenagers. Registration is now open, with adult entries costing from €38 pp (£32.50), and child entries costing just €10 pp (£8.50).
Rothschilds centenary
Megève has a long agricultural and architectural history, which can be traced back many centuries and is celebrated and authentically preserved. However, it was with the opening of the Domaine du Mont d’Arbois (which became a luxury hotel) by the Rothschild family in 1921, that Megève began its transformation into the world class tourism destination it is today, while retaining its rich cultural heritage. A century on, the Rothschild’s presence in Megève continues, with the family working in partnership with the Four Seasons Hotel Megève, the Canadian group’s flagship property in the region.
New e-scooter experience
Evolution 2 are an outdoor specialist company, that offer a range of active experiences. New to Megève this summer, the organisation has introduced guided e-scooter excursions, for those aged 12 and over. Much like an e-bike, the scooter equivalent is powered by a small electric motor, which allows users to go faster and to effortlessly ascend steep inclines. Using state of the art E-TROTT models, riders stand upright throughout, with all the necessary safety equipment and expert supervision provided. The tours, which cost from €50 pp (£43) and last for either one or two hours, begin in the village centre, before participants head off into the mountains to explore from this unique perspective.
Go There
Megève is only an hour and a quarter from Geneva Airport, which benefits from direct, low-cost flight access from London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Bristol and Leeds. Return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva with EasyJet are priced from £49 pp*.
To plan your Megève trip and for more information, please visit: https://megeve.com
(Images copyright of Marie Bougault Commune de Megève; Kiki Multem; Mélanie Calcéi Commune de Megève; Evolution2)
