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Best Day Trips from La Plagne (Family Guide for Summer 2026)
Best Day Trips from La Plagne: Summer Guide
If you’re planning a summer trip to La Plagne, it’s very easy to stay put! There’s plenty to do in resort, especially with kids. But some of the best days we’ve had here have actually been the ones where we’ve got in the car and explored a bit further.
Living here year-round with three kids (currently 2, 7 and 9), we tend to keep things fairly simple. But mixing in the occasional day trip makes a big difference. It breaks up the mountain days, gives everyone a change of scenery, and lets you experience a completely different side of the Alps.
Within an hour or two of La Plagne, you’ve got everything from easy lake days and family-friendly towns to bigger trips like Annecy or even crossing over into Italy for the day. The key is not trying to do it all. Just picking one or two that suit your family and building them into your week.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best day trips from La Plagne in summer, including the ones we actually do as a family, what works well with kids, and how to keep it all feeling manageable (not like you’ve planned a full-on itinerary).
Are day trips from La Plagne worth it with kids?
Short answer: yes! But you can keep it simple.
Day trips are a really nice way to break up your time in La Plagne, especially in summer when the days are long and the weather is good. They give you a change of scenery and let you experience more than just the resort. Whether that’s a lake day, a town visit, or something a bit different like heading over into Italy.
One thing that often surprises people is how much hotter it gets down in the valley. When it’s high 20s and fresh up in La Plagne, it can easily be mid-30s below. Which makes lake days like Annecy or Lac du Bourget feel less like an “extra” and more like a really good idea with kids.
That said, it’s very easy to overdo it.
Driving times, parking, tired kids, and just the general effort of getting everyone out the door can all add up, especially if you’re trying to do too much in one week. In our experience, one or two well-chosen day trips is more than enough, with plenty of slower days in between.
If you get the balance right, though, day trips can easily end up being some of the highlights of your holiday.
Quick overview: best day trips from La Plagne
If you’re not sure where to start, these are some of the best day trips from La Plagne to consider depending on how far you want to go and what kind of day you’re after.
- Plan d’eau Macot – the easiest option. A quick, low-effort lake day that works really well with younger kids
- Annecy – the classic lake day. Swimming, paddleboarding, cycling and proper “holiday” vibes
- Chambéry – a short and easy trip for a wander around a pretty old town and local markets
- Aix-les-Bains / Lac du Bourget – a quieter alternative to Annecy with warm water and a more relaxed feel
- Lyon – a bigger day out with more of a city break feel (great for food and culture)
- Petit St Bernard → Italy – a scenic drive over the pass into Italy, with stops in places like Courmayeur or the Pré St Didier spa
- Vanoise National Park – a nature-focused day with hiking, wildlife spotting and incredible scenery
Most families won’t do all of these. And you don’t need to. It’s more about picking one or two that suit your family and mixing them in with slower days back in La Plagne.
If you’re still figuring out your overall trip, you can also read my guide to the best things to do in La Plagne in summer to help plan your week.
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Easy, low-effort day trips (perfect with younger kids)
Not every day trip needs to be a big plan.
In fact, with kids, especially younger ones, the easiest days are often the ones that work best. Less driving, less expensive, less organising, and a lot more flexibility if things don’t go exactly to plan.
If you’re only going to do a couple of trips from La Plagne, I’d always include at least one of these easier options.
Plan d’eau Macot (the easiest win)
This is probably the simplest and most reliable “day trip” you can do from La Plagne and one we come back to all the time. We love it and I've done a whole review here of all the activities and what to expect at the Macot Plan d'Eae.
It’s only a short drive down the valley, but it feels completely different to being up in resort. There’s a proper lake with a beachy feel, plenty of space for kids to run around, and safe, shallow areas for swimming.
What makes it so good is how little effort it takes:
- no big planning
- no need to book anything
- low cost (or free, depending how you do it)
You can just turn up with a picnic, find a spot, and let the kids get on with it: swimming, playing, wandering, snacking… all the things that somehow keep them happy for hours.
This is one of our go-to spots because it’s just easy. No big planning, no big spend, and the kids are happy for hours.
If you’re travelling with younger kids, or just want a guaranteed low-stress day, this is often a better option than heading further afield.
If you’re looking for more simple ideas like this, you can also read my guide to the best things to do in La Plagne in summer.
Chambéry (short, easy change of scene)
Chambéry is a really easy win if you want to get out for a few hours without committing to a full-on day trip.
It’s about an hour from La Plagne, and feels like a completely different pace. Pretty old town streets, little cafés, and just enough to wander around without needing a big plan. We really enjoyed wandering around the old town with zero aim or plans.
This works well if:
- you want a break from mountain scenery
- the weather isn’t ideal up high
- you’ve got kids who won’t tolerate a long day out
It’s not a “must-do” destination, but it’s a very easy, low-effort option to have in your back pocket. We really like it there and have been back multiple times, which says a lot. Here's my full review of things to do in Chambery with kids.
Lac du Bourget / Aix-les-Bains (quieter lake option)
If you like the idea of a lake day but want something a bit less busy than Annecy, this is a great alternative.
Around Aix-les-Bains, you’ll find:
- swimming spots and small beaches
- warmer temperatures down in the valley
- a more relaxed, less touristy feel
It doesn’t have quite the same wow factor as Annecy, but that’s also part of the appeal. It’s often easier, quieter, and just a bit less intense, which can be exactly what you want with kids.
Why these days matter
It’s easy to focus on the bigger, more “exciting” day trips. But these are the ones that often make your trip feel relaxed rather than rushed.
A couple of easy, low-effort days like this can make everything else run more smoothly and usually end up being the ones everyone remembers most.
Bigger day trips worth the drive
Annecy (the classic day trip from La Plagne)
Annecy is often described as one of the most beautiful places in the Alps, and while it can get busy, it still lives up to the hype. For families, it’s one of the easiest ways to add that “proper summer holiday” feel to your trip.
It is a longer day trip from La Plagne, so it’s worth planning it properly and not trying to squeeze too much in around it. But if you pick a good day for it, it’s very likely to be one of the highlights of your trip. It's one of our favourite summer day trips from La Plagne. You can find more tips, beach recommendations, and family-friendly activities in my full Annecy day trip guide.
We’ve been multiple times, and we nearly always head to Saint Jorioz rather than the centre of Annecy itself. It’s a bit calmer, more family-friendly, and just feels easier with kids.
What makes Annecy such a good day trip is the variety. You can keep it really simple or make a full day of activities depending on your energy levels.
A typical day might include:
- swimming in the lake (clear, warm, and safe for kids)
- spending time on the small beach areas
- hiring paddleboards or pedalo boats
- cycling part of the lake loop
- stopping for lunch or an ice cream by the water
It’s also one of those places where doing very little still feels like a great day. Sitting by the lake while the kids go back and forth between swimming and snacks is often more than enough.
If you’re travelling to La Plagne by car, it’s also well worth considering as a stop on the way. We've had friends do this on the way here and met them there for a day out. Breaking up the journey here makes everything feel much more relaxed and means you arrive in resort already in holiday mode.
For families with older or more confident kids, you can also add in activities like water skiing, which is a really fun experience if it suits your child. Just be aware that it’s not for everyone. Falls are part of it, and they can knock confidence quickly, so it depends on personality as much as ability.
Lyon (a bigger day out, more of a city break feel)
Lyon is a very different kind of day trip from La Plagne. And one that won’t be for everyone, but can be a really good option if you’re looking for something beyond lakes and mountains.
It’s a longer drive, so this is more of a full day out rather than something you’d do on a whim. But if you’ve got older kids, or you’re staying for a bit longer and want to mix things up, it can work really well.
The biggest draw here is the food and atmosphere. Lyon is known as one of the food capitals of France, and even with kids, it’s easy to enjoy. Whether that’s a long lunch, a wander through the old town, or just stopping for pastries and ice cream along the way.
A typical day might include:
- exploring the old town (Vieux Lyon) and its narrow streets
- taking the funicular up for views over the city
- stopping in one of the parks for a break and exploring the free zoo (great if kids need space to run around)
- a relaxed lunch or early dinner before heading back
Compared to somewhere like Annecy, this is less about “activities” and more about a change of pace. It feels more like a mini city break dropped into your mountain holiday.
That said, it’s worth being realistic. With younger kids, this can feel like a long day, and it’s not as easy or flexible as a lake or local trip. If you’re only in La Plagne for a few days, this is probably one to skip in favour of something closer.
But if you’ve got the time and especially if you enjoy food, markets, and a bit of culture, Lyon is a really nice way to add something different to your trip.
Italy via the Petit St Bernard pass (a completely different kind of day)
If you want a day trip that feels a bit more like an experience than just “another place to visit”, heading over the Petit St Bernard pass into Italy is a really good one.
It’s one of those days that feels quite special. You’re driving through the mountains, crossing the border, and suddenly everything shifts slightly. The scenery, the food, the pace… it all feels a bit different, even though you’re not that far from La Plagne.
We’ve done this a couple of times, and it’s always one of those days that stands out.
On the way over, we’ve stopped in La Thuile for lunch, which is a really easy, relaxed place to break up the drive. It’s not overly busy, and it has that slightly more laid-back Italian feel. A long lunch here is never a bad idea.
From there, you can carry on towards Pré-Saint-Didier, which is where you’ll find the thermal spa. This is definitely more of an adult-focused stop, but if you’ve got the opportunity (and childcare sorted), it’s one of those experiences that feels like a proper treat. The spa is incredible and sitting in the outdoor pools with mountain views is hard to beat.
We’ve combined this with a night in Courmayeur, which turns it into more of a mini trip rather than just a day out. It’s a lovely town to wander around in the evening, and it gives you a bit more flexibility rather than trying to rush everything into one day.
If you are doing it as a day trip, it’s still very doable. Just worth planning your stops and not trying to fit too much in.
What makes this trip different is that it’s less about ticking off activities and more about the overall experience:
- the drive itself (which is beautiful)
- stopping somewhere like La Thuile for lunch
- exploring a new place without needing a packed itinerary
It’s probably better suited to families with slightly older kids, or if you’re happy to split things up and take turns doing different parts of the day. We have done it with the kids when they were little, and their favorite pastime was probably spotting marmots as we drove through the pass.
If you’ve got the time in your trip, though, this is one of those options that adds something completely different and makes your La Plagne holiday feel a bit bigger than just staying in one place.
Vanoise National Park (nature, wildlife and easy mountain days)
If you want a day that feels properly “in the mountains” without needing to plan a big activity, heading into the Vanoise National Park is a really good option.
It’s one of the easiest ways to experience the Alps at their best: wide open scenery, quieter trails, and the kind of views you don’t have to work too hard for.
Compared to some of the bigger day trips, this one is much more flexible. You can keep it really simple:
- a short walk
- a picnic
- a bit of exploring
- and head back when you’ve had enough
That’s usually more than enough, especially with kids.
One of the highlights here is the wildlife. This is one of the best places locally to spot marmottes, and that alone can turn a simple walk into something much more exciting for children. Add in the alpine flowers, open landscapes, and space to roam, and it’s the kind of day that feels very different to being in resort.
It’s also a good option if you want to keep costs down. There’s no need to book anything or pay for activities — you can just head out and make a day of it at your own pace.
This works particularly well if:
- you want a break from busier places like Annecy
- you’ve got younger kids and don’t want a long, structured day
- you just want something slower and more relaxed
It might not have the “wow” factor of crossing into Italy or spending the day on a lake, but that’s not really the point. This is about fresh air, space, and letting the kids explore without too much structure.
How to choose the right day trip from La Plagne
With so many options nearby, it’s very easy to overplan.
In reality, most families will only do one or two day trips during their stay and that’s more than enough. The key is choosing the ones that fit your family, rather than trying to squeeze everything in.
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple way to think about it:
If you want the easiest, lowest-effort option
Go for Plan d’eau Macot
This is the one that works almost every time — especially with younger kids. Minimal driving, no planning, and very easy to adjust on the day depending on energy levels.
If you want a proper “summer holiday” lake day
Go for Annecy
Swimming, beach areas, water sports, cycling. This is the one that feels most like a classic summer destination. Best for a full day out when you’re happy to plan ahead a bit.
If you want a quieter, simpler lake alternative
Go for Lac du Bourget / Aix-les-Bains
A good middle ground. Still a lake day, but usually less busy and a bit more relaxed than Annecy.
If you want something short and easy
Go for Chambéry
Perfect if you just want to get out for a few hours without committing to a full-on day. Easy to wander, stop for lunch, and head back without it feeling like a big effort.
If you want something a bit different
Go for Italy via the Petit St Bernard pass
This is less about ticking off sights and more about the experience . The drive, the change of scenery, and doing something that feels a bit more memorable.
If you want a nature-focused day
Go for Vanoise National Park
Best if you’re happy keeping things simple: walking, picnics, wildlife spotting, and just being outside without a fixed plan.
If you want a bigger day out
Go for Lyon
More of a full-day commitment, but great if you’re after something beyond mountains and lakes especially if you enjoy food, markets, and a bit of culture.
A quick reality check
You don’t need to do all of these.
In fact, most trips work best with:
- one bigger day trip (like Annecy or Italy)
- one easy option (like Macot or Chambéry)
- and plenty of slower days in between
That balance is usually what keeps things enjoyable, especially with kids.
What we actually do as a family
When it comes to day trips from La Plagne, we keep things pretty simple.
Living here with three kids (2, 7 and 9), we’ve learned quite quickly that trying to do too much usually backfires. The days that work best for us are the ones that feel easy, with plenty of flexibility built in.
Most of the time, we’re not heading somewhere new every day — we tend to repeat the things we know work.
For us, that usually looks like:
- Plan d’eau Macot for easy wins
This is our go-to. If we want a day out that requires almost no effort, no real spend, and keeps everyone happy, this is where we go. We’ll pack a picnic, head down for a few hours (or the whole day), and just let the kids swim, play and run around. It’s simple, but it works every time. - Annecy for “wow” days
When we want something a bit more special, we’ll head to Annecy. This is more of a planned day, but it always feels worth it. Swimming in the lake, paddleboarding, sitting by the water… it’s the kind of day that feels like a proper summer holiday. - Lyon or Chambéry for a change of scene
If we’re after something different, we’ll occasionally head into a town or city. Chambéry is the easy option: quick, simple, and low effort. Lyon is more of a full day out, but great when you want a bit of food, culture, and a break from being in the mountains.
We don’t try to do everything — and we definitely don’t try to do multiple big day trips in one week.
In reality, most of our weeks are a mix of:
- one or two “bigger” days (like Annecy or Italy)
- a couple of really easy options (like Macot)
- and plenty of slower days back in La Plagne
That balance is what keeps it enjoyable — and stops it from feeling like hard work.
Tips for planning day trips from La Plagne
A bit of planning goes a long way with day trips, especially with kids. It doesn’t need to be overthought, but a few small things can make the difference between an easy day and a stressful one.
Here’s what’s worked well for us:
1 Keep driving times realistic
On paper, a lot of places look “close enough” but mountain roads, traffic, and stops all add up.
As a rough guide:
- under 1 hour = easy, low-effort day
- 1–1.5 hours = good half/full day
- 2+ hours = proper day trip (plan around it)
If you’ve got younger kids, shorter is almost always better.
2 Plan around the heat (especially in the valley)
One thing people often underestimate is how much hotter it gets lower down.
It might be fresh and comfortable in La Plagne, but down in places like Annecy or Aix-les-Bains it can easily be mid-30s in peak summer.
That’s not a bad thing, it’s perfect for lake days. But it’s worth planning for:
- go earlier in the day if you can
- bring plenty of water, shade and snacks
- don’t plan anything too intense in the middle of the day
3 Don’t overpack your itinerary
This is probably the biggest one.
It’s very tempting to think “we’ll go here, then here, then do this…” In reality, with kids, that’s where things tend to unravel.
Most day trips work best when you:
- pick one main focus (lake, town, activity)
- leave space for breaks, snacks, and downtime
- accept that you might not see everything
4 Think about parking and access
Especially in places like Annecy, parking can take longer than you expect.
A few things that help:
- arrive earlier in the day where possible
- have a rough idea of where you’re aiming to park
- don’t be afraid to park slightly further out and walk
It takes a bit of pressure off trying to find the “perfect” spot.
5 Mix bigger days with easy ones
Not every day needs to be a full outing. In fact, most trips feel much more enjoyable if you balance:
- one bigger day trip (like Annecy or Italy)
- one easy option (like Macot or Chambéry)
- and time back in La Plagne
That way, you’re not constantly packing up and heading out.
6 Use travel days to your advantage
If you’re driving to or from La Plagne, this is a really easy way to fit in a day trip without adding extra driving.
Stopping somewhere like Annecy on the way:
- breaks up the journey
- gives the kids a proper break
- makes the whole trip feel more relaxed
It’s one of the simplest ways to get more out of your time without adding extra effort.
If you’re planning your full week, you can also read my guide to the best things to do in La Plagne in summer to help balance day trips with time in resort.
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Planning your full summer trip to La Plagne
Day trips are just one part of a summer holiday in La Plagne and they work best when you build them into a more relaxed overall plan.
If you’re still figuring out how to structure your trip, I’d start with a mix of:
- a couple of days exploring La Plagne itself
- one or two day trips (depending on how long you’re staying)
- and plenty of slower, flexible days in between
That balance is what stops things feeling rushed and makes the whole trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Final thoughts
Day trips from La Plagne are one of the easiest ways to get more out of your summer holiday, but they don’t need to be complicated.
Some of the best ones are the simplest:
- a few hours at a lake
- a wander around a town
- or just a change of scenery for the day
It’s not about trying to see everything. In fact, the more you try to fit in, the harder it tends to feel. specially with kids.
If you pick one or two trips that suit your family, keep the rest of your days flexible, and leave space to slow things down, you’ll get far more out of your time here.
La Plagne in summer works best when you don’t overplan it.
