6 good reasons to choose a summer holiday in the mountains (between lakes and peaks)

The gist of the article in 10 seconds: With beaches becoming overcrowded and heatwaves becoming a regular occurrence, the mountains are emerging as the go-to summer retreat. Based in Messery in Haute-Savoie, Camping Le Relais du Léman combines the cool air of the Chablais mountains with the water sports on Lake Geneva. On the agenda: refreshing nights, mini-adventures and a chance to unwind away from the crowds.

With coastal areas becoming increasingly crowded and France regularly experiencing heatwaves in July and August, the mountains are emerging as the new destination of choice. Choosing a summer holiday in the mountains means swapping crowds for space, and sweltering tarmac for a refreshing breeze.

Tucked away on the Léman peninsula, in Messery, Camping Le Relais du Léman (and our second site, Le Léman Plage in Excenevex) offers you a magnificent playground in Haute-Savoie. Here’s why you should head for the hills this summer.

1. An ideal climate: nights that are finally bearable

The physical rule is mathematical: on average, the temperature drops by around 2°C for every 300 metres of altitude. The Chablais region also benefits from the regulating effect of the water mass of Lake Geneva.

During the day: Plenty of sunshine – ideal for walking in the mountain pastures or water sports.
At night: The mountain air flows down into the valley. The nights remain cool, ensuring a deeply restorative sleep, whilst air-conditioners in the cities are running at full blast. It’s the ideal setting to try your hand at slow travel and unwinding whilst camping.

2. The unique appeal of ‘Lac-Montagne’

Experience the mountains whilst enjoying the benefits of the seaside: that is the unique promise of the Bas-Chablais region in Savoie.

800 metres from the campsite: Messery Beach is the perfect spot for a swim with stunning views of the Swiss coastline.
A 12-minute drive away: Excenevex Beach is the only natural beach with fine sand on the whole of Lake Geneva. A veritable freshwater lagoon at the foot of the Alps.
Note to cyclists: Lake Geneva is also the starting point of EuroVelo 17. If you’re travelling by bike, check out our guide to cycling along the ViaRhôna to plan your stages.

3. Escape mass tourism and rediscover some space

Forget the morning scramble to claim a spot on the sand. In the mountains, space is the norm, not the exception. Whether on the hiking trails of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Chablais or on the unspoilt shores of the lake, you’ll enjoy the freedom of movement and tranquillity you need to unwind with your family.

4. Haute-Savoie: an exceptional cultural hub

The campsite’s location in Messery puts you right next to the region’s greatest attractions:

5 minutes away: Yvoire, a fortified medieval town listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Less than an hour away: The unmissable town of Annecy with its canals, Geneva, or even Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc for a memorable day trip.

5. An unlimited range of outdoor activities

The mountains in summer are anything but monotonous. The hills and mountain streams of the Chablais offer thrilling experiences for all abilities:

In the air and on the rock: Via ferrata, tree-top adventure courses, rock climbing and paragliding taster sessions to soar over the lake. To book your climbing activities in complete safety, you can contact local guides via the Alpes du Léman Tourist Office.
White-water activities: Rafting, hydrospeed or canyoning trips down the Dranse river with professional instructors from 7 Aventures, the leading adventure centre based in La Baume.

6. The Pausado camping experience: A friendly atmosphere and natural comfort

Camping at the Relais du Léman is a way of life centred on simplicity and sharing, without compromising on comfort:

Facilities: A large swimming pool to relax in after a long hike.
Local produce on your plate: The campsite’s restaurant, La Maison du Malakoff, showcases locally sourced produce and regional specialities (such as the famous Malakoffs, those golden cheese fritters).
Flexible accommodation options: From spacious tent pitches to modern mobile homes, right through to large wooden chalets capable of accommodating groups and families of up to 11 people.

🚩 Quick facts: Your summer in Haute-Savoie

Your wish / Need	The response to the Relais du Léman	Distance / Accessibility
Freshwater swimming	Messery Beach or the fine-sand beach at Excenevex.	800 m (on foot) / 12 mins (by car)
Local heritage	The medieval village of Yvoire and the Château des Allinges.	A 5-minute drive
Culinary speciality	Homemade Malakoffs at the campsite restaurant.	On site (La Maison du Malakoff)
Alpine hiking	The footpaths in the Massif des Hermones or the Roc d’Enfer.	Just a 20-minute drive

❓ FAQs: Planning your holiday between the lake and the mountains

What is the water temperature in Lake Geneva in summer?

In July and August, the lake’s water temperature generally ranges between 20°C and 24°C at shallow beaches such as Excenevex. The water is fresh and particularly pleasant and refreshing for a swim after a day’s walk.

Should you pack warm clothes for a summer holiday in Haute-Savoie?

Yes, that’s typical of the mountains. Whilst the days are warm (often over 28°C in the lowlands), temperatures drop rapidly as soon as the sun goes down. A jumper and a light jacket are essential if you want to enjoy your evenings on the terrace in comfort.

Is the campsite a good base for visiting neighbouring Switzerland?

Quite right. Messery is situated a few kilometres from the border. You can easily reach Geneva by car or take a lake shuttle operated by the Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN) from the port of Thonon-les-Bains or Yvoire to cross the lake and visit Lausanne or Nyon by boat.