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Best things to do in La Plagne in summer (2026 Guide)
What happens when the snow melts?
If you only know La Plagne as a ski resort, summer here can be a bit of a surprise.
We live here year-round with three kids, and it’s honestly one of our favourite times in the mountains: quieter, slower, and much more flexible than winter. But it’s also not the kind of place where everything is laid on for you. There aren’t endless organised activities or “theme park” days. You need to be happy keeping things simple.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in La Plagne in summer with kids. From easy lake days and family-friendly walks to mountain activities and day trips like Annecy. Plus what actually works (and what doesn’t) when you’re travelling as a family.
Is La Plagne worth visiting in summer?
Is La Plagne worth visiting in summer with kids?
Short answer: yes! But it depends what kind of family holiday you’re looking for.
La Plagne in summer works really well for families who like being outdoors, but aren’t looking for anything too extreme. You don’t need to be hardcore hikers or mountain bikers to enjoy it. Most of our best days are pretty simple. A lake, a short walk, a picnic, and letting the kids just roam a bit.
What makes it work so well with kids is the space and flexibility. It’s not busy in the same way as winter, so you’re not constantly navigating crowds or queues, and there’s a lot less pressure to “get your money’s worth” from every day. You can take things at your own pace, which makes a big difference with younger children.
It’s also worth knowing what it’s not. La Plagne isn’t a theme park-style destination. There aren’t loads of organised activities running all day, every day, and you won’t find the same level of infrastructure you get in some of the bigger summer resorts. You do need to be happy planning your own days and keeping things fairly simple.
That said, this is also exactly why we like it. Compared to places like Tignes or Morzine, which are much more set up for summer tourism and mountain biking, La Plagne feels quieter and more low-key. It’s less about ticking off activities and more about just being in the mountains.
The pace is completely different to winter too. Instead of rushing to ski school, lifts, and restaurant bookings, summer here is slower and more relaxed. You’ve got time to notice things, the scenery, the alpine flowers, spotting marmottes on a walk, all the bits you miss when everything’s focused on skiing.
If you’re happy with a mix of simple days, fresh air, and the odd activity rather than a packed schedule, La Plagne in summer can be a really good fit for a family holiday.
What can you actually do in La Plagne in summer?
There’s more here than people expect. But it’s not about filling every hour of the day. Most families end up mixing a few activities with plenty of slower, easy days.
Here’s what that can look like in real life:
- Lakes and swimming – from easy local spots like Plan d’eau in Macot to bigger lake days further afield
- Easy walks and family hikes – nothing extreme needed, just fresh air, views, and plenty of snack stops
- Mountain biking (with lifts) – great for older kids who are confident on bikes
- Mountain carting – fun and a bit different, especially if your kids like a bit of speed
- Zip line and adventure activities – quick wins if you want something exciting without committing a whole day
- Cani-rando (walking with dogs) – a really unique experience that younger kids tend to love
- White water rafting nearby – more of a “planned activity day” but great for older kids
- Picnic spots and slow days – honestly, some of the best days are the simplest ones
- Day trips to places like Annecy – for lake beaches, water sports, and a slightly different pace for the day
Most people don’t do all of thisBest outdoor adventure activities in La Plagne and you don’t need to. It’s more about picking a few things that suit your family and building your days around that, rather than trying to fit everything in.
Best outdoor adventure activities in La Plagne
If your kids like a bit of excitement, there’s plenty here to keep them happy but this is where it’s really worth choosing carefully. Some of these activities are brilliant, but they’re not all cheap, and not all of them work for every age.
Quick reality check
With all of these, it’s really tempting to try and fit loads in, but in reality, most families will only do one or two of these across a short trip.
They’re great to have as options, but your holiday doesn’t need to revolve around them. In our experience, the best balance is one or two bigger activities, and then plenty of simpler days in between.
Mountain Biking
One of the main reasons to visit ski resorts in the summer is mountain biking. The landscape is perfect for it, and the resorts are already there! The ski lifts convert to bike lifts. The runs get a quick reshape, bike parks are built, summer lift passes go on sale and voila! A mountain bike resort!
And don’t be afraid to book a mountain bike holiday as a beginner. The resorts are set up much the same way as in the winter. You’ll find equipment rental and retail shops, lessons, instructors, and knowledgeable lifties to help you get to grips with it all. Plus, there are green runs and beginner zones and fun parks to ease you in!
You can find out more here about La Plagne mountain biking and how to get kids involved.
Mountain carting
This is one of the more “fun once” activities in La Plagne. It's basically a three-wheeled cart you ride down the mountain.
It’s good if your kids like a bit of speed and something a bit different from the usual walks and lake days. That said, it’s not cheap, and it’s definitely better suited to older kids who are confident and happy going downhill on their own.
For us, it’s something we’d include if we’re here for longer, but not top of the list if you’ve only got a few days.
There's more detailed information here about the mountain carting in Plagne Centre.
Zip line – La Plagne Super Tyro
This is great for a quick win! Something exciting without needing to plan a whole day around it.
They work well if you’ve got kids who want a bit of adrenaline but maybe aren’t quite ready for bigger activities like rafting or mountain biking. It’s also a good way to break up slower days so everything doesn’t feel too samey.
The La Plagne Super Tyro zips from Aime 2000 to Plagne Centre and you can get some amazing photos. All the info is here to see if this is something you fancy doing this summer in La Plagne.
Parapenting (paragliding)
This is more of a “special experience” than an everyday activity and realistically one for older kids or parents. Although kids from the age of 3 can do it!
If you’ve got a child who’s confident and up for it, it’s an amazing way to see the mountains. Otherwise, it’s probably one to keep in mind for future trips rather than trying to squeeze in too early.
There are longer and shorter flights and it's not cheap, but it is good value for the experience. I loved it and here is my full review of parapenting in La Plagne with more info and prices. Everything you need to know to add this to your summer plans.
White water rafting (in the valley in Aime)
This is one of the bigger activity days you’ll need to plan it in advance and set aside a chunk of time.
It’s great for older kids and families who want something a bit more adventurous, but it’s not something we’d do with younger children in tow. Definitely one to pick if your family enjoys that kind of thing, rather than trying to do everything.
Cani-rando (walking with dogs)
This is one of the more unique activities, and a really good one if you’ve got younger kids who might not be as excited about a standard walk.
You’re essentially walking with huskies, which makes the whole experience feel a lot more engaging (and a lot less like “just another hike”). It’s a nice mix of activity and novelty, without being too intense. It's in Montalbert, so in the valley and you need to be able to get there. And it's a trip thats going to be the large part of a morning or afternoon.
Here's all the info you need to see if cani-rando in La Plagne is a good summer activity for you.
Slower summer days (our favourite kind!)
Honestly, this is where La Plagne really shines in summer.
It’s easy to get caught up looking at all the above activities! But in reality, most of our best days are the simplest ones. No big plans, no big spend, just letting the kids be outside and taking things at our own pace.
If you’re travelling with younger kids (or just want a more relaxed trip), these are the days that make everything feel easy.
Plan d’eau Macot
This is one of our absolute go-to spots in summer and probably the easiest day you’ll have all week.
It’s a small lake just down the valley from La Plagne, with a proper “beachy” feel, loads of space for kids to run around, and safe swimming (lifeguarded in summer). You don’t need to plan much at all. Just turn up, bring a picnic, and you’re sorted for a few hours (or the whole day).
What makes it so good with kids is how low effort it is:
- no complicated logistics
- no big cost
- no pressure to “make the most of it”
The kids can swim, play, wander, snack… and you’re not constantly trying to organise the next thing.
This is one of our go-to spots because it’s just so easy. No big planning, no big spend, and the kids are happy for hours.
If you only do one really simple day in La Plagne, this would be high on my list.
Picnic spots around La Plagne
Picnic days are another one of those underrated wins, especially with younger kids.
There are so many spots around La Plagne where you can just pull up, lay out a blanket, and let the kids explore a bit without it turning into a full-on hike or activity.
What I like about these kinds of days is the flexibility:
- you can keep it short or stretch it out
- no booking or timing pressure
- easy to adapt if moods shift (which they always do)
They’re also a good way to break up the more “activity-heavy” days so everything doesn’t start to feel a bit relentless.
Horse riding in Champagny
This is one I personally love, even though it’s not something my own kids have really got into yet.
I did this with another family and their older kids, and it’s a completely different kind of mountain experience. You’re out properly in nature, not rushing, just moving through the landscape at a really calm pace.
It’s definitely better suited to older children who are comfortable around animals and happy to follow instructions. So not always the easiest win with younger ones. But if you’ve got kids who are into horses (or you are), this is a really lovely, slower activity to include.
My full review is here: Horse riding in La Plagne (Chalet des Vignobles)
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Easy walks and gentle hiking
You don’t need to be doing big mountain hikes to enjoy being up here in summer.
One of our favourite free summer activities is exploring the family-friendly walking trails in La Plagne, many of which can be completed with younger children.
Nothing too ambitious. Just taking it slow. The scenery alone makes it worth it, even if you’re not covering much ground.
This is where kids tend to surprise you as well. Ours are far more interested in:
- spotting marmottes
- picking out wildflowers – respectfully – and wild strawberries or raspberries later in the season
- climbing rocks
- stopping for snacks every five minutes!
…than they are in actually “finishing” a walk.
And honestly, that’s kind of the point.
I remember my first summer here after only knowing La Plagne in winter. I was completely blown away by how different it felt. The alpine flowers, the colours, the quiet… it’s the sort of place where even a short wander feels like an experience.
A quick note on pace…
It’s really tempting to try and balance these slower days with lots of activities. But you don’t need to overdo it.
In our experience, the best trips are a mix of:
- one or two “bigger” activities
- and plenty of simple, low-pressure days like these
That’s what keeps it enjoyable for everyone, especially with kids in the mix.
Lakes & water-based days: beyond La Plagne
One of the best things about staying in La Plagne in summer is how easy it is to mix mountain days with proper “lake days”.
If you’ve got kids who love swimming (or just need a break from walking and activities), heading down to the lakes nearby can completely change the pace of your trip and often ends up being a highlight. You can head to the Macot Plan d'eau I talked about above, but if you fancy something bigger and more “wow factor” here are some great options.
If you’re looking to mix in a few easy days out, I’ve shared more ideas in my guide to the best day trips from La Plagne.
Annecy (worth the trip every time)
Annecy is one of those places we keep going back to. Especially Saint Jorioz, which feels a bit calmer and more family-friendly than some of the busier areas around the lake.
For a day trip, it’s hard to beat:
- clear, warm water for swimming
- proper lake “beach” areas where kids can play for hours
- paddleboarding and pedalo hire
- cycling paths all the way round the lake
- plenty of spots for an easy lunch or ice cream stop
It’s the kind of place where you can be as active or as relaxed as you want. Some days you might hire bikes or try something on the water, and other days it’s just about sitting by the lake while the kids go back and forth between swimming and snacks.
If you’re driving to La Plagne, it also makes a brilliant stop-off on the way. It breaks up the journey and feels like the holiday has started before you’ve even arrived.
Water skiing on Lake Annecy
If you’ve got older or more confident kids, water skiing on Lake Annecy is one of those experiences that feels a bit special.
It’s definitely more of a “book ahead and plan it” activity, but it’s a great option if your kids are into water sports or want to try something new.
That said, it’s not for everyone, and it’s worth being honest about that. Falls are part of the process, and they can knock confidence quite quickly (we’ve had this ourselves), so it really depends on your child’s personality and how they handle that kind of challenge.
For the right child, though, it can easily be one of the standout moments of the trip.
You can read more about our experiences about waterskiing at Annecy here.
Lac du Bourget & Aix-les-Bains (quieter alternative)
If you want a lake day that’s a bit closer and often a bit quieter, Lac du Bourget is a really good option.
Around Aix-les-Bains you’ll find:
- swimming areas and small beaches
- warmer temperatures down in the valley
- a slightly more relaxed, less touristy feel than Annecy
It doesn’t have quite the same “wow” factor as Annecy, but that’s also part of the appeal. Especially if you’re after something a bit simpler and less busy.
Why lake days matter
Even if you’re mainly coming for the mountains, having one or two lake days makes a big difference, especially with kids.
It breaks things up, gives everyone a reset, and adds that “summer holiday” feel that you don’t always get from mountain activities alone.
What I’d do with 3–5 days in La Plagne (real family plan)
If you’re coming for a short trip, the key thing to remember is: you don’t need to do everything.
This is roughly what we did when friends came to stay with us for a week last summer. They had older kids (teens), so we mixed in a few more activities than we normally would, and dipped in and out depending on what worked with our younger two.
Think of this as a guide, not a fixed plan and something you can scale up or down depending on your kids and energy levels.
Arrival day: break up the journey (highly recommend)
If you’re driving down, stopping at Annecy on the way is such an easy win.
We spent a few hours by the lake at Saint Jorioz: swimming, paddling, just letting the kids run around after being in the car and it made the whole journey feel like part of the holiday rather than just a long drive.
It’s a really good way to arrive in La Plagne already feeling relaxed rather than frazzled.
Day 1: ease in with a mix of activity and fresh air
Morning:
👉 Mountain biking using the lifts
Afternoon:
👉 Easy walking and hiking
This works well as a first full day because you get a bit of structure in the morning, then a slower, more flexible afternoon.
The biking is great for older kids (and adults), but if you’ve got younger ones, you can easily split here. One parent bikes while the other does a gentler afternoon.
Day 2: simple day with one highlight
Morning:
👉 Easy walk + picnic
Afternoon:
👉 Zip line / adventure activity
This is a good example of how most days work best. Keep one part of the day simple, and add one “fun” activity.
Trying to stack too much into one day is usually where it all starts to unravel with kids.
Day 3: slow, reset day (don’t skip this)
- Hotel / spa day
- Long lunch on a sunny terrace
- Dinner out in the evening
This kind of day is massively underrated! Especially if you’ve been doing activities the first couple of days.
It gives everyone a chance to reset, and it’s often the day that ends up feeling the most like a holiday for the adults.
Day 4: something a bit more adventurous
- E-bike tour up to the peaks
- Picnic lunch
- Chilled early evening
This is one of those days that feels like a proper “mountain experience”, but without being too intense.
Again, this works better with slightly older kids but you can always adapt by shortening the route or splitting the group if needed.
Day 5: activity-heavy day (only if you want it!)
Morning:
Mountain carting
Afternoon:
White water rafting
This is definitely one of the bigger days — fun, but quite full-on.
If your kids are up for it (and older), it’s a great way to pack in a couple of memorable experiences. But equally, this is the kind of day you could easily scale back to just one activity.
Day 6: something different
Morning:
Cani-rando in Montalbert
Evening:
Horse riding in Champagny
This is a nice way to finish. Something a bit more unique and slower-paced, especially compared to the bigger activity days.
The cani-rando works really well with younger kids, and the horse riding is a lovely option if you’ve got older ones (or if you just fancy doing something a bit different yourself).
What I’d do differently with younger kids
If I was planning this just for our family (with a 2, 7 and 9 year old), I’d simplify it:
- fewer paid activities
- more lake days and picnics
- maybe one or two “big” activities across the whole trip
That’s usually where things feel the most relaxed and where everyone actually enjoys it more.
The takeaway
You don’t need a packed itinerary for La Plagne in summer.
In fact, it works best when you don’t.
A couple of activities, a couple of simple days, and plenty of time to just be outside is usually more than enough. Plus it's much more enjoyable than trying to do everything.
Where to stay in La Plagne in summer
Where you stay in La Plagne in summer makes a bigger difference than people expect. Mostly because everything is a bit more spread out than in winter, and you’re not all centered around the lifts in the same way.
For families, apartments tend to be the easiest option. You’ve got more space, the flexibility to eat in when you want to, and it just takes the pressure off, especially with younger kids and slower-paced days.
Location-wise, it really depends on the kind of trip you want:
- closer to lifts and activities if you’re planning to be out and about
- quieter villages if you want a more relaxed, slower feel
I’ve got a full guide to the different villages in La Plagne to help you choose what suits your family best, as well as a separate post on the best La Plagne hotels with pools if that’s something you’re looking for.
If you’re booking in peak summer, it’s worth sorting accommodation a bit earlier, especially for the more family-friendly apartments and hotels.
Final thoughts
La Plagne in summer is very different to winter and that’s exactly why it works so well for families.
It’s slower, simpler, and a lot more flexible. You’re not rushing between ski school, lifts, and restaurant bookings. Instead, you’ve got time to take things at your own pace — whether that’s a full day out, or just a few hours by a lake with a picnic.
It also doesn’t need to be an expensive trip to be a good one. Some of the best days are the ones where you haven’t really planned much at all. Just getting outside, letting the kids explore, and keeping things easy.
If you’re happy with a mix of fresh air, simple days, and the odd adventure, La Plagne in summer can be a brilliant family trip. Especially if you don’t try to do everything at once!
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