A week in Les Ménuires in summer for sports enthusiasts

Summer is often associated with beach holidays, but for sports and adventure lovers, the mountains offer endless possibilities. Les Menuires, the renowned ski resort of the Trois Vallées, is a perfect example of a summer mountain destination. In the heart of the French Alps, Les Menuires offers a multitude of activities for thrill-seekers.

On the programme: a downhill run in a Mountain Kart, a hike, a day on a mountain bike, an accrobranche course and a zip-line descent, the via Ferrata at Le Cochet, a canyoning trip and a paragliding experience to finish on a high note. Les Menuires is the ideal playground for lovers of outdoor sports. The surrounding mountains offer breathtaking scenery and challenges for all abilities. The resort is also equipped with modern facilities to ensure the safety and comfort of sports enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, Les Menuires has something to satisfy you and give you an unforgettable week of adventure.

Descending ravines

- © Dimitrije Ostojic / Shutterstock

A descent in a Mountain Kart

After settling into their accommodation and getting to know the Les Menuires resort for the first time, sporty holidaymakers are already looking forward to getting active with their first sporting activity.

🛷 They're already looking for thrills to get them into the swing of things straight away. Mountain Karting is just what they need! With this activity, they can hurtle down the Roc'N Bob toboggan run at breakneck speed and feel an incomparable rush of adrenalin while enjoying a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

The ascent to the summit is made in complete safety by the Roc 1 gondola, and once at the top they can embark on a frantic descent over 4km of bends at an altitude of 500 metres. This unique experience is the perfect opportunity to push yourself and your limits.

The route then takes you back to your starting point on the Croisette at the Roc 1 station.

The descent lasts between 40 minutes and 1 hour and this sport is accessible from 10 years old and 1m40.

👛 Prices:

1 run: €29

5 runs: €120

10 runs: €180

Information and bookings on the website

https://www.skipass-lesmenuires.com/fr/?utm_source=easyvoyage

A walking tour

⛰️ For the second day in Les Menuires, sporty holidaymakers can discover the pleasures and benefits of mountain hiking in the Vallée des Belleville, an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and keen hikers.

With over 50 routes to suit all abilities, you can walk, stroll and even hike your way through the magnificent surrounding countryside. The region's lakes, including Grand Lac, Lac des Allamands, Lac des Combes and Lac des Echauds in Les Menuires, and Lac du Lou, Lac du Longet, Lac Noir and Lac Crintallia in Pointe de la Masse, offer breathtaking views and a real change of scenery in the heart of the mountain pastures.

Résidence Club mmv Le Cœur des Loges 4* (in French) Les Ménuires

Résidence Club mmv Le Cœur des Loges 4* (in French)

The hotel features a heated indoor swimming pool, a spa with jacuzzi, sauna and hammam.
From
£196
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What walks can you do?

The Roc de la Lune circuit

Set off on an adventure along the paths of the Vallée des Belleville and discover a loop that will take you through mountain pastures, majestic forests and steep ridges. All along the way, marvel at the magnificent panoramas that unfold before your eyes.

The hike starts from the Béranger car park, taking circuit no. 1 of the Roc de la Lune. After passing through the charming hamlet of Béranger, you begin a fairly steep climb before joining a path that leads to a crossroads.

At the junction, follow the Col de la Lune sign and descend slightly into a forest before climbing up to a small pass. From here, continue towards the summit of Roc de la Lune.

Once you've reached the summit, head towards the Plan du Gollet and Col de Leschaux, taking a short climb along a ridge. At the Plan du Gollet, follow the signs for Croix Jean-Claude and Plan du Genièvre to reach the Col de Lechaux.

From the Col, follow the signs for Croix Jean-Claude and Plan du Genièvre and take in the breathtaking views from the Dos de Crêt Voland plateau. Then descend towards the Plateau de Leschaux and Le Verdet via the Col de Jean.

After passing the edge of the lake, turn right before descending to the next junction, where you will see a small lake on your right. Follow the signs for Béranger and take the quiet path back to the car park, passing through the hamlets of Cacabeurre and Dogettes.

Practical information

To avoid getting lost, take a hiking map or GPS with you. Check the weather forecast before setting off, as most mountain hikes should be avoided in bad weather.

Here's a map of the hiking trails around Les Menuires: https://static.lesmenuires.com/files/carte-IGN-pietons-ete.pdf?utm_source=easyvoyage

A VTTAE day

🚵‍♀️ The VTTAE, or electrically assisted mountain bike, is becoming increasingly popular for mountain descents. Firstly, electric assistance means you can climb steep slopes and technical trails without too much difficulty, giving you easier access to some of the most beautiful mountain scenery. What's more, VTTAE makes it possible to do several downhill runs in a single day, without having to worry about the physical fatigue that could be a brake on traditional mountain biking. VTTAE can also be very sporty.

Which VTTAE route to try in the Les Menuires bike park?

To start with the Vallée des Encombres :

Starting from the Cochet car park, an easy 24.4km trail with 676m of positive gradient.

This trail is a perfect choice for exploring the wild landscapes of the region, while benefiting from an electric boost for the more challenging climbs. Cyclists will be able to take a break and refuel along the way at the Gittamelon refuge, while retaining the freedom to turn back at any time.

With more difficulties for those who found the first route a little too easy: the Balcon de Tougnette.

This 25.1km VTTAE itinerary begins with a tough climb to the top of the Saint-Martin Express chairlift, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks. But it's well worth the effort, because once you've reached the top, you can take to the 'Blue Line' downhill slope in Méribel, which offers a fast and technical descent for snow lovers. And that's not all, as you can then take the Pas de Cherferie enduro down to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. It's a descent with a 1,300-metre vertical drop that's sure to thrill any thrill-seeker!

Practical information

Map of VTTAE circuits : https://static.lesmenuires.com/files/plan-vttae.pdf?utm_source=easyvoyage

Where to hire a VTTAE in Les Menuires ?

Summary list of all rental companies by commune: https://static.lesmenuires.com/files/location-vtt.pdf?utm_source=easyvoyage

Le Hameau de la Sapinière Les Ménuires

Le Hameau de la Sapinière

The Hameau de la Sapinière offers panoramic views over the Belleville valley.
From
£96
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A treetop adventure course and a zip-line descent

🧗‍♂️ The Les Menuires adventure course, located in the heart of the village of Saint Martin de Belleville, offers a unique experience for thrill-seekers. With a dedicated course for adults and another for children, there's something for everyone.

Practical information

👛 Prices:

Adults: €22

Under 16s: €19

Children: €12.50

⏰ Open every day in July/August from 10am to 7pm with a last departure at 5pm.

More information on their website:

https://www.laforetdesaventuriers.com/index.html?utm_source=easyvoyage

And to round off the day in style, take a zip-line descent and admire the Plan de l'Eau des Bruyères lake in Les Menuires from a great height.

The Montagne Aventure course offers two large zip lines so that adventurers can fly over the lake in complete safety. Accessible from 1m40 and 40kg, this unforgettable experience is open to all. Enthusiasts can visit the site every afternoon to enjoy this unique experience.

Tyrolean traverse

👛 Prices:

Adults and children: €10

Book online:

https://www.guides-belleville.com/ete/activites/tyrolienne/tyroliennes/?utm_source=easyvoyage

The Cochet via Ferrata

The quartzite cliffs of Le Cochet, majestically overlooking the village of Saint Martin de Belleville, are home to a difficult via ferrata.

The via ferrata is a course equipped with metal rungs and other features that allow sports enthusiasts to venture safely up the east-facing rock faces.

With a height difference of 375 m, a total length of 750 m and an escape route at 550 m, the via ferrata takes around 4 hours round trip.

Participants should bring their own equipment, including helmet, harness and double lanyard with shock absorber. However, it is important to note that this activity involves risks due to the mountain terrain. It can be supervised by a mountain guide.

© Via Ferrata Les Ménuires / Youtube

Where can I hire via ferrata equipment?

https://www.sport-menuires.com/via-ferrata/?utm_source=easyvoyage

A canyoning trip

For sports enthusiasts who want to combine two canyons in the same day, the perfect canyoning trip is the Groin canyon, followed by the Chaley canyon. The Groin canyon is very aquatic, fun and aerial, and they can even try their hand at a 15-metre jump! The Chaley canyon, meanwhile, offers crystal-clear water in an intimate, idyllic setting.

Practical information

👛 Price:

Adults: €15

Children: reduced rate

Contact and booking with the guide office: https: //www.guides-belleville.com/ete/activites/canyoning/canyoning-decouverte-sportive/?utm_source=easyvoyage

A first paragliding flight to finish on a high note

👛 Price:

Adults: €15

Children: reduced rate

Contact and booking with the guide office: https: //www.guides-belleville.com/ete/activites/canyoning/canyoning-decouverte-sportive/?utm_source=easyvoyage

Practical information

👛 Prices:

Adults: €95

Children aged 6 and over: €85

Contact Thierry Guigonnet on 06 29 17 83 93

by Faustine PEREZ
Need a hand? take a look at our guide
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