Summer in Chatel, France, is equally as fun as it is during the winter season. There’s ziplining across the Alps, zooming down the mountain on the bobsled, and mountain bike riding between France and Switzerland. Not to mention all the delicious French food, Abondance cheese, and wine that are available. Your options are endless, especially when it comes to outdoor activities, making it hard to decide on the top things to do and the best places to eat.
This cross-border resort village of Chatel, France, in summer is the ultimate destination in the Portes du Soleil. I have visited Chatel on numerous occasions during the winter season, and it has become one of my favourite places to ski. So going in the Summer really excited me, as I was keen to experience what there was to do and see in Chatel on a holiday.
Here is a summer guide for Chatel, France that covers the best things to do, where to stay, multipass activities, how to get there and when the summer lifts are open, plus more.
A view of Chatel in summer from my hotel in France, Portes du Soleil
Summer holidays in Chatel, France
Chatel Village is charming and relatively unspoiled, showcasing a distinctly French ambience, particularly characterised by its chalet-style buildings adorned with red flower baskets throughout the resort. Chatel is part of the Portes Du Soleil Ski area, which connects 12 resorts across France and Switzerland. However, it is also a great place to visit during the summer season, especially with access to the Multi-Pass.
You have a wide range of activities on and off the mountains using a Multi-Pass. As well as a large selection of restaurants and pubs to cater to your needs, there is something for everyone.
Chatel Summer Lift Passes
The lifts for summer activities in Chatel start in early June when the first lift opens and finish in late August. A total of 23 lifts operate across the Portes du Soleil during the summer, including the four lifts in Chatel.
Pedestrians can purchase a single ascent, descent, or return trip, making it great for hikers and trail runners. MTB lift passes can be bought in packages of up to 10 ascents. Additionally, you can obtain a Portes du Soleil pass, which grants access to all 23 lifts. Chatel lifts are free for visitors holding a Multi Pass.
Lifts open during the summer Chatel.
- Super Chatel Cable Car
- Pierre Longue Chairlift
- Morclan Chairlift
- Rochassons Chairlift
Multi Pass Card – Chatel France Portes du Soleil
The Multi Pass for Les Portes du Soleil
The best way to get around Chatel and the broader area of the Portes Du Soleil activities is by using a Multi Pass during the summer. The card provides unlimited access to over 70 activities and use of the 23 lifts across 12 resorts in France and Switzerland. You also receive discounts on various other activities, as well as on select accommodations, services, businesses, and restaurants.
There are different types of Multi Pass, and they are extremely flexible. You can get one for a day, a week, or even weekends. You can choose from a “holiday multi-pass”, “the day multi-pass” and “the multi-pass Portes du Soleil addict”. The Multi Pass is free for children under 5 years old, provided proof of age is presented. The Multi Pass is ideal for those who want to make the most of the activities in the mountains without spending a lot of money, and is great for families.
The Portes du Soleil Multi Pass can be purchased online before you visit Chatel.
Activities included in your Multi Pass in Chatel Summer for free
- 23 lifts for pedestrians
- Pool Center “Forme D’O”
- Trampoline with elastic bands
- C L’Aventure Châtel
- Village Road Train
- Loy Mini Golf
- The Chamois cinema
⇒ You might be interested in reading: Chatel Ski Resort Winter Guide
Multi Pass Activities that you will get a discount on in Chátel
- Fantasticable (Zipline)
- Stand-up paddle on Lac de Vonnes
- Chátel Adventure (Tree Climbing Tracks)
- Summer Bobsled Run
- Pedal Horses (Lac de Vonnes)
- La Zoétim Kid’ Aventure
- Facials Forme d’O
Overlooking the Village while Hiking – Chatel, France, Portes du Soleil
Top Things to Do in Chatel in Summer
Just like the other resorts in the Portes du Soleil, the Summer season in Chatel, France, starts in early June and closes late September. There are different start and ending dates for the various activities during the Summer, but they are roughly open at similar times. If you are there in August, make sure to add the Belle Dimanche market to your list, held once a year.
⇒ Take a look at these special offers on Alpinetrek.co.uk clothing for your summer holiday.
Indulge in French cheese.
A trip to Châtel, France, isn’t complete without sampling some local cheese, particularly Abondance cheese. This semi-hard, fragrant, raw-milk cheese is produced in the Haute-Savoie region of France. One of the best places to experience local cheeses in Châtel is Le Vieux Four.
Le Vieux Four serves traditional French contemporary cuisine, along with speciality cheeses like Raclette and Tartiflette. Conveniently located in the town centre, it is just a 2-minute walk from the Super Châtel gondola. The restaurant is a cosy, rustic, family-run establishment set in a former farmhouse dating back to 1852.
Aquatic centre Forme d’O
One of the things to do in Chatel during the summer season is head to Forme d’O, the aquatic centre. You can enjoy being by the indoor or outdoor swimming pools while taking in the mountain views. Forme d’O is located in the village of Chatel and is easily accessible by bus. In addition to the swimming pools, the centre offers saunas, steam baths, and a variety of treatments, including facials and body treatments.
At the Forme d’O Aquatic Centre, a variety of water activities are available, including swimming classes, aqua fitness, and aqua biking. The centre operates daily from 11 AM to 7 PM. An adult must accompany children under the age of 10. To use the Wellness Centre, you must be at least 16 years old. The indoor and outdoor pools at Forme d’O are included in the Portes du Soleil Multipass.
- Address: l’Etringa, 188 Chem. de l’Etringa, 74390 Châtel
Treetop Adventures at Châtel Aventures
If you’re looking for fun activities to enjoy with your family, consider visiting Châtel Adventures Park, located near the Super-Châtel gondola. Châtel Aventures is a treetop park where both kids and adults can test their balance and courage. The park features rope bridges, zip lines, and seven adventure circuits, including a P’tit Kid Parc explicitly designed for younger children.
The park is open from From Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 12pm / 2pm to 6pm and Sunday: 9am to 12pm. Please note that closed-toe shoes are required for participation. Additionally, a 10% discount is available with a valid Multi Pass card per person.
Fantasticable (Zip lining across the Alps)
The Zipline, also known as the Fantasticable, is an exciting summer adventure activity in Châtel. Strapped into a harness and lying down, you can soar like a bird at speeds between 80 and 100 km/h along two separate lines, 240 meters above the hamlet of Paine-Dranse in the Portes du Soleil region.
If you don’t have a car, a shuttle from Pré-la-Joux runs every 1/2 hour from 9:30 am to Plaine-Dranse. Access to the Fantasticable by the Rochassons chairlift. Due to safety, the minimum weight is 35kg, and the maximum weight is 150kg. Prices are for Solo Flights or duets. Additionally, a 10% discount is available with activities Multi Pass card.
The Fantasticable is also open during the winter season; however, only one line is open, not both.
Hiking the Alpine Trails in Chatel
During the summer, Châtel, France, offers nearly 90 km of marked walking trails and over 850 km in the Portes du Soleil area, connecting both the French and Swiss resorts. Châtel is a very popular destination for hikers, particularly because of its variety of routes and levels of difficulty, making it an excellent choice during the summer months.
For those who prefer walking or trail running to MTB, there are scenic routes, such as the Rivari Trail, which features interactive learning stops for children, and the Water Trail, which follows streams and waterfalls. These make walks more engaging. For breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, don’t miss the Morclan Panoramic Trail.
Remember that you need to get some good hiking Boots before your next adventure.
Hiking for afternoon tea at Alpage de Barbossine Farm
If you love hiking and French food, then you are going to enjoy this hike to Barbossine Farm. You will meet a mountain guide and the rest of your group at the Tenne, before departing for your hike. From there, your guide will lead you along paths up the mountain and stop at various points to take in the scenic views over the hills and of Chatel Village.
Before arriving at Barbossine high pasture to meet Corinne and Emmanuel David and learn about the famous formage d’Abondance and life on a high pasture farm. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional delicatessen, complete with cheese and jam, set against the backdrop of the French Alps. The duration is 3-4 hours, depending on walking abilities, and it is held every Tuesday from early July to late August.
Ensure you wear hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes, as you will be walking on uneven ground and through fields and take a bottle of water, as there is no water available until you reach the farm.
Barbossine Farm Hiking Chatel, France, Portes du Soleil
Go Mountain Biking in the Châtel Bike Park
Châtel is a haven for mountain biking fans. The Bike Park at Pré-la-Joux boasts over 20 downhill trails, catering to riders of all skill levels, from beginner-friendly greens to challenging black runs. With ski lifts adapted for bikes, riders can easily access scenic trails, pump tracks, slopestyle jumps, and wooden features.
The varied terrain makes it perfect for both families and seasoned riders seeking a challenge. You can rent high-quality mountain biking equipment in Châtel village. Additionally, a Portes du Soleil Multi-Pass grants access to bike lifts across the region. Here is additional information on MTB and Chatel Bike Park, including details about the trails and tracks.
Bobluge (Also known as the Bob Sledge)
Who does not love taking a ride on a toboggan, or as it is known in Chatel, France, as the Bobsled? Ride a toboggan down the 650 metre run and enjoy yourself as you corkscrew all the way down to the bottom of the run with speeds up to 7 m/s. On your way up, you will pass through the woods and take in the panoramic view before you set off. It is a Fantastic summer activity for the whole family.
An adult must accompany children under 1m 25 (4 ft 1). Children under 80cm (2.63 ft) are not allowed. The Bobsled of Pré la Joux is open every day from late June to early September, with operating hours from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (reserved for groups) and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Prices are for one run, three runs, five runs, or ten runs and a 10% discount is given with a Multi Pass. Make sure to wear sunglasses on the bobsled as you are riding, as the wind gets in your eyes.
Bobsled of Pré la Joux – Chatel Summer Activities
Spend time in the Plaine Dranse area.
Spend a day in the Plaine Dranse area, where you can enjoy a meal or participate in various summer activities. You can hike or mountain bike along the scenic trails, try climbing at the Plaine-Dranse climbing site, or visit the charming chapel built on a rock in Plaine Dranse.
To enhance your experience, savour French cuisine or indulge in Abondance cheese at a local restaurant like Chez BaBeth. Plaine Dranse is located 5 km from the summit of the Col de Bassachaux. During the summer, you can access the area by car, on foot, or by using the Pierre Longue chairlift, which is available for pedestrians and mountain bikers.
Stand up paddle on Lake Vonne.
Looking for water activities this summer? I recommend stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Vonne. Only stand-up paddleboards rented on site are allowed on the lake. The cost is 14€ (1 hour), and wearing a lifejacket is mandatory. Lake Vaujany is located just outside the village, near the Swiss border and the Portes du Soleil chairlift.
It is easily reachable on foot, by car (with on-site parking), and by shuttle bus during the summer. The Dranse River and the Lac de Montriod nearby are also excellent options for water activities such as kayaking. Please remember to bring your own towel and apply sunscreen.
People enjoying summer in Chatel, France
Summer Accommodation in Chatel
Chatel France offers a variety of accommodations scattered throughout the village, available during the summer months. Most of the main hotels are centrally located, but don’t be discouraged from staying further out, especially in chalets and apartments up the mountain. There is a regular bus service that covers the village of Chatel, and it is free of charge, making it easy to get to and from your accommodation.
Here is a great selection of accommodations available in Châtel during the summer.
Le Tremplin Hotel
Le Tremplin Hotel is situated on the main road and is a 5-10 minute walk from the bars and restaurants in town. It is a cosy hotel with a lovely restaurant and bar/lounge area. My room was a good size, with a comfortable double bed and ample space for my bags. There was also a small balcony with two outdoor chairs that were great for relaxing in the afternoon and taking in the views over Chatel.
If you stay here during winter, the ski bus stops right outside, making it handy if you don’t want to carry your ski equipment far.
Logis Hotel Les Triolets
Logis Hôtel les Triolets is conveniently located between the Super-Châtel gondola and the Petit Châtel lift, just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. The free local bus stops right outside the hotel. The hotel is family-run, featuring an indoor pool and offering views across the village from its front. I had a comfy room with a small balcony that overlooked chalets on the mountain behind. It was a half-board hotel and the food provided was delicious.
The morning view from Le Tremplin Hotel Chatel during summer
Getting to Chatel during the summer
Geneva Airport
The closest international airport is Geneva, located approximately 1.5 hours away from Chatel, France. Making it extremely easy to access and ideal for a weekend trip. Direct flights from London to Geneva take just under 2 hours, and the leading airlines are Swiss, BA and Easyjet. If booked at the right time, you can get flights as low as £50 return. Trip.com compares prices across various airlines.
With a Priority Pass, you can access lounges at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Geneva airports.
Transfer in the summer
Getting a transfer from Geneva Airport is the most popular option for reaching Châtel in the summer. Transfer companies accommodate visitors who want to bring their bikes. I recommend companies like Alps2Alps and Châtel Transfers, which operate during the summer season.
Car Hire
You can hire a car from either the French or Swiss side of Geneva Airport, so make sure to review your booking details carefully. It can be confusing if your reservation is on one side while you’re on the other. We suggest using a comparison website, such as Travelsupermarket, to compare car rental rates.
Geneva to Chátel, Driving
The drive from Geneva to Chatel takes approximately 1.5 hours and covers a distance of around 82 kilometres. It mainly follows highways with trolls until you reach the mountain, then continues along a winding road. The route is well signposted.
On the Chatel chairlifts during summer
Summer Resort in the Portes du Soleil
If you are interested in discovering more of the Portes Du Soleil in Summer, you can check out my following articles. All are great options for a ski weekend trip, whether with friends or family.
- Morgins, Switzerland – A Summer Activities Guide
- Let’s Get France –What to do in the Summer
- Champéry, Switzerland – A Summer Guide on the best things to do
- Morzine, France –Top things to do during Summer
Have you been to Chatel, France, or the Region Dents Du Midi? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: Although I was a guest of the Chatel Tourist Office, all views expressed are my own and based on my experience.
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Booking links, resources for Chatél France in summer
- Accommodation and hotels are available here, in Chatel, during the summer
- Book a car and compare prices for Geneva International Airport to Chatel, France.
- Alpinetrek.co.uk offers a wide range of clothing and gear at affordable prices for your summer activities.
- Get a quote for insurance for your summer activities.
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Another pretty place in France I would like to check out for mountain hiking and amazing mountain photography (and fine beers I hope). 😀 I have to admit, I never heard of Chatel so gonna look at that as I am due another trip to the French Alps soon.
Danik it is a beautiful little village with so much to do.
I did not realise that there are so many things to do there!! I’d love to have a go at the zip lining. And so nice that it’s not just a ski resort town. Really cool!
My husband said the Zipline was great and he will definitely do it again.
How beautiful and green is this village. To be honest I’ve never really thought about going to a ski resort in summer as l didn’t think there was much to do. Definitely consider it now. BTW love that cow picture.
It is such a beautiful place and you must add it to your next summer trip.
Chatel looks amazing. I’ve been to France, but never visited the mountains there – I really want to after reading this. You provided a lot of detailed information making it easy to plan a trip – thank you!
You definitely have to add Chatel to your list, it is an amazing place to see.
We will be in France this October. It is 6.5 hours by car. No, I cannot make it. And I wonder how it is during offseason, neither winter nor spring. The views are so lovely.
You can always add it to your list for next time. It is a beautiful place to head to anytime of year
Chatel looks amazing in summer with those lush green mountains and pristine lakes. Thanks for sharing all details about Multi-pass and hotel stays. I am adding Chatel to my wishlist now.
Chatel is also beautiful in winter too all covered in the pretty white stuff. Hopefully you can get there one day
I’m supposed to move to France next year or the year after that. I’m definitely adding this on my list of things to see there!
Oh how lucky are you moving back to France. You definitely have to add this place to your list of French places to explore
Chatel looks so colourful and enchanting in summer. The activities seem so varied and thrilling. Ziplining over the beautiful vistas of the Alps must indeed be an awesome experience. Would love to try the Devalkars and Rollerbe, the activities look really exciting.
For a little village there is definitely loads to do… It was even fun watching people do the zipline as well. You must add this place to your list.
Wow so much to do here! I would love to try the Fantasticable even though it’s quite pricey! Great to see how the summer is so different to the winter
My husband informed me that the Fantastical was definitely worth it and everyone should try it once.
You had me at melted cheese! WOW, what a beautiful part of the world. I think I’d head straight to the cable car. The views are unreal.
There is some amazing restaurants, food, wine and cheese in the area. My problem was trying to stop eating so much.
Looks like a lot of fun! I definitely need to tour here someday!
This is such a beautiful part of the world to explore
This looks like a fun resort. I woul love the ziplining and the wonerful photo ops.
The ziplining was definitely scary but my husband loved it so much
OMG those ziplines scare the beejeezus out of me! One of these days I’m going to have to face that fear! Beautiful place I’m going to have to put on my France bucket list.
Definitely, a great place to push your fears for sure. I was so surprised how much there is to do in the summer
This place looks like it was plucked out of a fairy tale! So gorgeous and so many awesome outdoor adventures- our boys would LOVE it here!
It is such a beautiful resort in both Summer and winter. I loved being up in the mountains wandering and taking in the views.
I absolutely loved the inquisitive cow spotted on the hike. That would definitely be a highlight for me, along with the lake. As for the ziplining, it sounds like a full-on adrenaline moment, but possibly one I couldn’t encourage my husband to experience on my behalf. You share so many great choices of places to visit in what might not be the traditional season. But there’s still clearly so much to enjoy there. In fact, I think my lungs are breathing deeply of that fine mountain air already!
This sounds like a great place to visit in the summer. I love how they can use certain ski runs during the summer for other fun things. I wouldn’t be up for the zip line but some of the others you tried would be right up my street!
Such a beautiful place ! The multi pass seems like a great budget saver thanks for sharing
Chetal looks pretty amazing place and multi card is really recommended for those who are visiting there.
Chatel looks incredibly beautiful village. Full of nature and scenic beauty. I loved the way you spent wonderful time here with adventurous sports.
This looks awesome!! I’m going to Switzerland in June, and I feel like this has a similar vibe. Got to love those alps. I want to do that ziplining!
What a beautiful place with sheer presence of nature! This is the France, the iconic beauty I have learnt about from literature while growing up and I want to experience when I visit!
We’re heading here as a family in July this year. Your article is what persuaded my husband to visit here! We’re all adrenalin junkies and can’t wait to try out the zip line along with everything else. Looks like such a pretty place and can’t wait to go now.
Hello Marie, I am so glad that you’re excited about your trip to Chatel and my article helped you. It is such a great place for outdoors people, so much to do. Double-check about the passes when you there that you can get a discount.