A Brief Guide to La Plagne in Summer
Nestled high in the French Alps, La Plagne is a snow-lover’s paradise and a year-round mountain escape. With dramatic alpine scenery, charming high-altitude villages, and endless outdoor adventures, La Plagne blends high-octane fun with laid-back mountain charm.
La Plagne was created in 1961 as part of a post-war initiative to boost tourism and save mountain communities from economic decline. Its success helped revolutionize French skiing. Over time, it expanded to include 11 distinct villages, each with its own personality—from the modern feel of Plagne Centre to the traditional charm of Champagny-en-Vanoise. It’s now one of the most visited ski resorts in the world and forms part of the vast Paradiski ski area, linked with Les Arcs.
Discover La Plagne
Top Attractions in La Plagne
- Paradiski Ski Area – A massive 425km playground of pistes connecting La Plagne and Les Arcs. Great for all levels, from gentle blues to thrilling off-piste.
- Bobsleigh Track – Ride the only Olympic bobsleigh track in France. Choose between bob raft, speed luge, or the adrenaline-fueled bob racing experience.
- Vanoise National Park (near Champagny) – Hike or snowshoe into this pristine natural reserve, spotting ibex, chamois, and alpine flowers along the way.
- Bellecôte Glacier – Take a guide and explore the dramatic glacier—ideal for summer ski touring and incredible views.
- Igloo Village (Plagne Villages) – Sleep in an igloo, dine in an ice restaurant, or simply tour this frozen wonderland for a unique après experience.
Events You Won’t Want to Miss in La Plagne
- Subli’Cimes Festival (April) – A quirky celebration of spring skiing with themed zones, live music, and fun installations on the slopes.
- Fête de la Montagne (June) – Celebrates mountain life with guided hikes, wildlife spotting, and traditional food in Champagny.
- Trail Alpin du Grand Bec (August) – A challenging yet scenic alpine trail run for competitive runners and nature lovers alike.
- Torchlight Descents (Winter) – Magical night skiing events with ski instructors lighting up the mountain.
Family-Friendly Activities in La Plagne
- Head to the Colorado Luge or themed pistes like Funslope for family thrills.
- Explore the indoor climbing walls and activity zones.
- Join ski schools with fun clubs and snow gardens tailored to little ones.
Romantic Things to Do for Couples in La Plagne
- Relax in a spa with mountain views – try the Deep Nature Baths in Belle Plagne.
- Enjoy a gourmet fondue dinner at altitude, arriving by snowcat.
- Snowshoe through silent forests at sunset.
For Solo Travellers in La Plagne
- Take a ski touring course or join a local guided group to meet fellow adventurers.
- Ride the Vanoise Express and explore new terrain every day.
- Unwind with a vin chaud and a book at a scenic mountain café.
Nearby: Explore Les Arcs
Just a quick trip across the Vanoise Express lift, Les Arcs offers even more varied terrain and a lively après scene.
Things to do in Les Arcs
- Try speed riding – a thrilling mix of skiing and paragliding
- Take a wellness break at Mille8’s indoor pool and spa area
- Stroll through Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the valley town with authentic Savoyard charm
Travel Information: Geneva, Lyon & Chambery Airports to La Plagne
- Geneva Airport to La Plagne – Approx. 2h45 by car or private transfer
- Lyon Airport to La Plagne – Around 2h30–3h
- Chambéry Airport to La Plagne – Just 1h30 away
Suncompare makes getting to the mountains smooth and stress-free with reliable, top-rated private transfers direct to your chalet door.
La Plagne Resort FAQs
What makes La Plagne a popular resort in the summer?
La Plagne might be best known for its winter slopes, but summer here is seriously underrated! Once the snow melts, the mountains transform into a playground for hikers, bikers, and adventure-seekers. Think epic alpine views, fresh mountain air, loads of activities, and a really relaxed village vibe. Whether you’re here to get active or just chill with a glass of wine and some sunshine—La Plagne has you covered.
Is La Plagne expensive during the summer?
Not at all compared to winter! Summer in La Plagne is actually a great time to visit if you’re looking for a mountain getaway that won’t break the bank. Accommodation tends to be cheaper, and many activities (like hiking and lake dips) are free. Plus, there are often great deals on lift passes for bikers and walkers.
Is La Plagne a good summer resort for families with children?
Absolutely! La Plagne in the summer is a dream for families. There are safe, well-marked walking trails, fun adventure parks, trampolines, bouncy castles, and even mountain karting. Many of the resorts offer free or low-cost kids’ clubs and activities too. It’s a great way to keep little ones entertained and active.
Are La Plagne bars and pubs lively during the summer months?
It’s definitely more low-key than winter, but there’s still a fun social scene in the summer—especially in the busier villages like Plagne Centre or Belle Plagne. You’ll find relaxed terraces, friendly bars with local beers, and some places even host live music or themed nights. It’s more chilled-out than wild, but perfect for those golden-hour drinks with a view.
What are the best restaurants open in La Plagne during July and August?
Lots of restaurants stay open through the summer, especially in the larger resort areas. Places like Le Refuge in Plagne Centre serve up delicious Savoyard favourites year-round, and La Face Nord in Belle Plagne is great for a more refined mountain meal. There are also cosy crêperies, pizzerias, and sunny spots for casual lunches with panoramic views.
What is there to do in La Plagne in the summer?
So much! There’s hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, zip-lining, white-water rafting, and even summer bobsleigh (yep, really!). You can also take the lifts up for scenic picnics or head down to the valley for lake swims and canyoning. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just want to chill out in nature, La Plagne’s got it all.
What special events does La Plagne host during the summer?
La Plagne hosts a mix of sporty and family-friendly events in summer—think mountain biking festivals, trail running races, and outdoor yoga sessions. There are also weekly village fêtes, live music, and themed evenings like mountain BBQs or stargazing nights. Keep an eye on the local events calendar, as there’s usually something fun going on!
Is La Plagne a good place to visit in the summer?
Yes—massively underrated! If you love the outdoors, peace and quiet, and fresh alpine air, La Plagne in the summer is a total gem. It’s less crowded than winter, much more affordable, and still packed with things to do. Perfect for couples, families, solo travellers—you name it.
What is the weather like in La Plagne during the summer?
Expect plenty of sunshine, fresh mountain breezes, and comfy temps—usually between 15°C to 25°C. It can get pretty warm during the day, especially in July and August, but mornings and evenings stay cool. Always bring layers (and sunscreen!) as mountain weather can change quickly.
Is La Plagne a good resort for mountain biking and road cycling?
Totally! La Plagne has a huge network of MTB trails, from gentle green runs to seriously technical descents. There’s even a bike park and lift access for those downhill days. Road cyclists also love tackling nearby mountain passes like the Cormet de Roselend or Col de la Madeleine.
Is La Plagne a popular destination for hiking during the summer months?
Yes, and for good reason. There are trails for every level—from gentle strolls through alpine meadows to full-day hikes with incredible views of Mont Blanc. You’ll find waterfalls, wildflowers, and plenty of peaceful picnic spots along the way. Plus, the lifts make it easy to reach higher-altitude paths without too much effort.
When does the summer season generally start and finish in La Plagne?
The summer season in La Plagne usually runs from early July to late August, with some lifts and activities opening as early as mid-June. If you want to catch everything open—including events and full lift access—July and August are your best bet.
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