Méribel: The Alps’ Best-Kept Summer Secret

When the last ski boot is stowed and the fondue pots begin to cool, something quietly magical unfolds in Méribel. The snow-capped majesty of winter gives way to a lush alpine utopia—more wildflower-strewn meadow than mogul-strewn piste—and those in the know are already zipping up lighter gear and heading for one of Europe’s most underrated summer playgrounds.

Camping, But Make It Classy

For those who believe five billion stars beat five-star hotels, Huttopia Bozel en Vanoise is a revelation. This lakeside gem is the kind of place where nature gently slaps your phone out of your hand and says, “Look around.” Set on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, it offers alpine serenity, an outdoor pool with a solarium, and just the right amount of rustic charm in its chalet and safari tent offerings—from £13 a night, no less.

The Hills Are Alive… With Hikers

Walkers here don’t just hike—they pilgrimage. The Vanoise National Park, right on Méribel’s doorstep, is a paradise of trails with marmots for company and peaks that feel pulled from a travel poster. Rest your weary legs at the wonderfully no-frills Refuge du Saut (from £14 a night), a base that’s as authentic as the paths that lead to it.

Alpine Eating, the Savoyard Way

If your idea of a summer salad is baked cheese with a view, then welcome home. La Brizolée dishes out bubbling pots of fondue and velvety tartiflette in the kind of cosy chalet setting that whispers sweet, stinky nothings to your taste buds. Come for the mountain air, stay for the molten dairy.

Zen and the Art of Altitude

On 23–24 July, Méribel turns into a floating yoga mat with Zen Altitude, a wellness festival mixing mountain serenity with actual serenity—think yoga sessions, forest walks, massages, and mindful meditation at 1,500 metres. For those seeking the spiritual in nature, this is where spa day meets summit.

The Marathon with the Best Views on Earth

Forget dodging double-decker buses and bored tourists on your run—here, you’ll be dodging rocks, climbing ridgelines, and grinning like a lunatic at 3,300 metres of vertical gain. The Méribel Trail Marathon is as grueling as it is glorious. And the finish line? A cold beer and a view that just might convert you to trail running for life.

Pedal Power & Cheese Dreams

Cycling in Méribel is serious business. With 10 downhill runs, 9 enduro routes, and a Tour de France stage climbing the legendary Col de la Loze this July, it’s pure pedal-powered paradise. Fancy a softer saddle? Try the Ingham’s Cheese Lovers Bike Tour: think alpine cycling meets fromage-fueled pit stops, complete with wine and cheese tastings for £41.

Splash Into Summer

Who needs a crowded beach when you’ve got crystal-clear alpine lakes and roaring mountain streams? From stand-up paddleboarding to white-knuckle rafting, Méribel’s aquatic adventures are the kind that swap sunburn for soul-refreshing immersion.

Flying High

No trip is complete without a quick defiance of gravity. Paragliding from the top of Saulire or Col de Loze gives you a hawk’s eye view of Méribel’s summer transformation. It’s 20 minutes of adrenaline and awe—from £75—and possibly the only time you’ll willingly pay to jump off a cliff.

Méribel with Mini Explorers

Don’t think the kids are left out—this place is a family dream. Adventure parks, kid-friendly bike trails, nature walks, and enough zip-lines to satisfy any aspiring Tarzan make Méribel the kind of destination where screen time magically disappears.

Final Word?

While others sweat it out on sweltering beaches or jostle in city queues, you could be soaking in a hot tub with Mont Vallon on the horizon or sipping Savoie wine beside an alpine stream.

Cycling in Crans Montana