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Why is taking your summer vacation in the mountains a good idea?

/ Why is taking your summer vacation in the mountains a good idea?

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Why is taking your summer vacation in the mountains a good idea?

Rather than sweltering on a crowded beach, why not get some heights this summer? A summer vacation in the mountains is the perfect way to combine well-being, nature, and serenity. Far from the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts, they offer a soothing setting, ideal for both relaxation and adventure. With its pleasant climate, breathtaking views and wide range of activities, the mountains are sure to win over holidaymakers, including families. That’s why, in this article, we give you 7 good reasons to spend your summer holidays in the mountains, along with a must-visit location in Haute-Savoie, between lake and peaks.

1. Enjoy the benefits of a summer holiday in the mountains

A stay in the mountains is much more than just a nature break It’s a real boost for the body and mind. Here’s a list of the health benefits of altitude:

  • stress levels drop, thanks to the silence and natural surroundings
  • the immune system is stimulated by the pure air, rich in beneficial microorganisms
  • blood circulation improves, and high blood pressure decreases
  • the metabolism works at full capacity
  • respiratory issues related to pollution (asthma, allergies) are reduced
  • sleep and mood are regulated by greater exposure to natural light
  • vitamin D, essential for bone and immune health, is better synthesized

To sum up, a summer holiday in the mountains is not just about relaxing. It’s a revitalising cure for your body and soul You’d be missing out not to take advantage of it.

2. Avoid mass tourism for a more personal experience

Can’t stand fighting for towel space on crowded beaches anymore? Do tourist-packed cities stress you out? Are endless group tours wearing you out? Then maybe it’s time to consider a new summer destination. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with your family, or solo, a mountain holiday offers you more space – both physically and mentally. With fewer crowds and more spectacular views, you’re sure to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

3. Enjoy a milder climate and pleasant weather

In the mountains, temperature tends to drop by about 2°C every 300 metres of elevation So, the higher you go, the cooler the air. or example, at 1,200 metres, summer temperatures are often around 22°C – much more bearable than in the lowlands. However, this information can be qualified. Exposure to the sun becomes more intense as you approach the summits. The orientation of the slopes must also be taken into account. As the adret is more exposed than the ubac, it is logically warmer.

As far as rainfall is concerned, there’s no hiding the fact that there’s more of it in the mountains than on the plains in summer. That said, summer thunderstorms mainly occur at the end of the day. In this way, they help to cool the air and temper the accumulated heat. A good point for the mountains, then, which offer sunny days and breathable nights.

4. Choose a freer form of holiday with camping

The camping spirit: simplicity and sharing

Opting for a camping holiday is much more than just booking accommodation. It means choosing a true art of living. Away from the daily grind, camping offers a welcome return to life in the great outdoors and a chance to unwind. So you can enjoy the simple pleasures of reading in the shade of a tree or taking a siesta in the fresh air. Relaxation guaranteed!

This lifestyle also encourages exchanges. The close proximity of the accommodation encourages people to meet and share. An impromptu aperitif, a chat between neighbours or a community event are all it takes to create a bond. At the campsite, conviviality is an integral part of the experience, to everyone’s delight.

Cost-effective, flexible accommodation

Camping holidays are generally cheaper than staying in a hotel or renting a flat. And even when accommodation prices are in line, the services provided make all the difference. At a campsite, you’ll often find a pool area, sports and cultural activities or themed evenings. That’s why open-air hotels offer the best value for money. A major factor in your decision to go camping in the mountains this summer.

5. Choosing Haute-Savoie as a holiday destination

Now that you’ve decided to take a holiday in the mountains, let’s take a look at the region where our Le Relais du Léman campsite is located. Booking a holiday in the Alps is great, but spending your summer holidays in Haute-Savoie is even better. We’ll tell you why, right now.

Discovering an exceptional heritage

Just because we own a campsite in Haute-Savoie doesn’t mean that this is one of the most picturesque departments in France. It just is. And not just because it is home to internationally renowned ski resorts. And if you come to Savoie in high season, here are the places you absolutely must visit:

  • Annecy and its lake. The Venice of the Alps has some timeless moments in store for you, with its cobbled streets and romantic canals. As for Lake Annecy, there’s something for everyone from the most sporty to the most contemplative.
  • authentic Savoyard villages. To do this, set off to discover Chamonix, Megève or Yvoire. One of the most beautiful villages in France, it offers an extraordinary journey back to the Middle Ages.
  • the many castles that bear witness to the region’s warrior past. Don’t hesitate to push open the doors of the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, above Lake Annecy, or the Château des Allinges near Lake Geneva.

Breathtaking landscapes

But Haute-Savoie is also a permanent open-air spectacle. The scenery is magnificent. Among the wonders of our beautiful region, you can’t miss the ones we’ve listed here:

  • Mont-Blanc. The highest point in the Alps can be seen from afar, but you can also discover panoramic views without undertaking a long hike. To do this, don’t hesitate to take the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
  • the many waterfalls that dot the mountains. And if you had to see just one, we’d recommend the Cascade du Rouget in the Giffre valley.
  • Lake Geneva, the Franco-Swiss jewel, which we’ll talk about in more detail later.

6. Enjoy a wide range of mountain activities in summer

If you’re coming to spend your summer holidays in our mountains, you’re sure to find plenty to do in Haute-Savoie. Between lakes, rivers and peaks, the environment offers almost limitless possibilities. Discover the leisure activities available in the vicinity of our campsite.

Hiking: the ultimate mountain sport

It’s hard to put together a succinct compilation of walks in Haute-Savoie. But one thing is certain: you’ll find trails to suit all tastes and of varying degrees of difficulty. To select the tours that suit you best, see our article on the top 10 best walks in Haute-Savoie.

Outdoor activities for young and old

Hiking may be our number 1 sport, but there are plenty of other things to do in the Haute-Savoie in summer. Here are just a few of them:

  • Fishing
  • white-water sports such as kayaking and rafting;
  • Biking or mountain biking
  • Paragliding
  • tree climbing
  • climbing.

Unusual experiences to create lasting memories

Hiking and outdoor activities may spring spontaneously to mind when you think of holidays in the mountains, but that’s not the case for the unusual activities in Haute-Savoie that we’re going to introduce to you here. But we’re sure that once you’ve tried them, they’ll never leave your mind. So, among the leisure activities that are out of the ordinary, we suggest :

  • visit the Lamartine cave at Bourdeau or the Jourdy cave at Mieussy,
  • take the Thonon-les-Bains funicular,
  • discover the Cheminée de Fée in Passy,
  • to brave the vertigo on the bridge of the abyss & Chaos of the Chéran.

7. Leisure activities on Lake Geneva

As you may have guessed, our campsite is located close to the famous lake. That’s why we’ve decided to answer the question that must be on your mind: what can you do on Lake Geneva in summer? Here are the water activities on offer.

The pleasure of swimming with a view of the Alps

Swimming is probably the most obvious summer activity on Lake Geneva. All that remains is to choose a beach for a dip, as there are plenty of options, with 180 kilometres of shoreline to choose from. At the Relais du Léman, we have our favourites:

  • Messery beach, a 20-minute walk from the campsite, ideal for family swimming.
  • Excenevex beach, the only beach with fine sand. Allow 12 minutes by car to get there.
  • the beach at Sciez-sur-Léman, where you can cool off and/or enjoy the beach activities. It’s a quarter of an hour’s drive from our campsite.

Water sports activities on the lake

With a surface area of 580 km2, there is no shortage of water sports activities on Lake Geneva. It’s up to you to choose which of the following inspire you most:

  • freshwater diving,
  • Sailing courses for adults and children,
  • board sports of all kinds: water skiing, towed buoys, etc,
  • cruises to Switzerland for those who aren’t into thrills.

📌 To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the events taking place during your stay in Savoie, check out the Destination Léman website!

8. Le Relais du Léman: your campsite for unforgettable summer holidays in the mountains

Pausado Group values

At Pausado, we invite you to experience holidays in the heart of nature, in exceptional locations. Family spirit reigns supreme at our campsites. Everything is designed to make every generation feel at home and have fun. For us, a warm welcome is essential. We want it to be humane, sincere and attentive. Our campsites are first and foremost places to live and meet people, where the moments you share are just as important as the scenery.

Acting for a world that is more respectful of the environment is one of our fundamental values. We make it easy to sort waste and promote short distribution channels via our grocery shop and our local recommendations. Lastly, we are supporting local employment by relying on the talents of our region, from recruitment to construction.

The services offered by our campsite

Now that you know our values, you won’t be surprised to discover the services available at Le Relais du Léman. Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • a swimming pool,
  • a life-size playground with a multi-sports pitch and a petanque court,
  • a varied programme of daytime events for all the family,
  • evening entertainment: concerts, themed evenings, etc,
  • Chez “Titi” restaurant,
  • a bar,
  • a bakery service,
  • a mini grocery shop,
  • a launderette,
  • electric recharging points, etc.

To top it all off, our campsite is next to a park full of activities (fitness, zip line, etc.).

The different types of accommodation at the Relais du Léman

There’s something for everyone in this Pausado domain:

  • chalets for 1 to 5 people, from 28 to 100 m2, because nature and comfort can go hand in hand,
  • mobile homes for 1 to 6 people, from 21 to 42 m2, where comfort meets simplicity,
  • pitches for caravans, tents and motorhomes,
  • and the large chalet of the Relais du Léman, a gîte for up to 11 people.

You can find out more on the page dedicated to our holiday rentals.

As you will have realised, summer holidays in the mountains today offer a complete experience: pure air, unspoilt nature, villages with character and activities to suit all tastes. When you choose Haute-Savoie, you’re opting for a destination rich in discovery, with crystal-clear lakes and majestic peaks. And to combine comfort, freedom and conviviality, camping remains the ideal formula. So go ahead and book your next stay in Haute-Savoie at Le Relais du Léman.