Summer in Chatel France is equally as fun as it is during the winter season. With ziplining across the Alps, zooming down the mountain on the toboggan to mountain bike riding between France and Switzerland. Not to mention all that yummy French food, cheese and wine that is available.
Your options are just endless especially in regards to outdoor activities, making it hard to decide on 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 Portes du Soleil’s.
Chatel France was my last stop on my press trip across Portes du Soleil’s, during the summer period. I have been to Chatel on numerous occasions before during the winter season. With it becoming one of my favourite places to ski. So going in Summer really excited me, as I was keen to experience what there was to do and see in Chatel.
Summer in Chatel France
Pretty and relatively unspoiled, the Chatel Village definitely has a very French feel and look about it, especially with the chalet style hotels dotted around the resort. If forms, part of the Portes Du Soleil area, interlinking 12 resorts across France and Switzerland.
Even though it is famous for being part of the 650kms of ski runs in the Portes du Soleil border cross region. Chatel France is also a great place to visit during the summer season, especially with access to the Mulit- 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.
Top Things to Do in Chatel
Just like the other resorts in the Portes du Soleil, th e 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 Summer but they are roughly open at similar times.
Lifts open during the summer Chatel
Whether you are hiking, bike riding or enjoying one of the many other activities, the cable cars can be used by everyone around Chatel in summer and in the Portes du Soleil
- Super Chatel Cable Car
- Pierre Longue Chairlift
- Morclan Chairlift
- Rochassons Chairlift
The Multi Pass for Les Portes du Soleil
I used a Multi Pass across the Portes Du Soleil during my summer trip to try out the activities on offer. It is a card that you can use for various activities with unlimited access to more than 60 activities in the 12 resorts across France and Switzerland. Not to mention discounts as well on other services and businesses.
There are different types of Multi Pass and they are super flexible, you can get them for a day, a week or even weekends. It really depends on your needs and budget.
- The Multi Pass Séjour (visitor) for those who are staying at a Multi Pass hotel
- A daily Multi Pass, for the occasional walker or hiker
- Season Multi Pass for those who live near the Portes du Soleil
Read More – Other Resorts included in the Multi Pass – Summer Guide to Morzine France
The Multi Pass is ideal for those who want to make the most of the mountains without spending too much money and is great for families. Some of the activities include access to outdoor swimming pools, cable cars for walking and hiking. As well as tennis courts and mini golf.
The best place to get a Multi Pass is at the ski lift ticket offices.
Tip
- Check to see if you are staying in a ‘Multi Pass’ accommodation and you can get a pass for as little as 2€ (or 2.5 CHF) a day.
- The Multi Pass is FREE for children under the age of 5 years old, with proof of age.
What is included in your Multi Pass in Chatel Summer
- 22 lifts for pedestrians
- Pool Center “Forme D’O”
- Outdoor Skating Rink
- Tennis Courts
- Village Road Train
- Loy Mini Golf
Activities that you will get a discount with a Multi Pass in Chátel
- Fantasticable (Zipline)
- Stand up paddle
- Chátel Adventure (Tree Climbing Tracks)
- Refuge Lapisa (Cheese making demonstration)
- Parc de Loisirs de Loy (Pitch and Putt)
- La Vieille Douane (Visitors centre on smugglers)
- Summer Bobsled Run
- Cinema Morclan 2000
- Pedal Horses (Lac de Vonnes)
- Spa wellness entrance
- Facials Forme d’O
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 super easy to get to by bus. Forme d’O the aquatic centre indoor and outdoor pool is included in Multipass and there is a 50% discount on the Oceane entrance and 15 % on face care.
As well as the swimming pools the centre offers saunas, steam baths and a variety of treatments from facials, body treatments. In the pool, water activities are organised that you can like swimming classes, baby swimmer, aqua fitness, and aqua biking.
Please note that a Digital Covid certificate is mandatory.
Aquatic centre summer information
- Address: l’Etringa, 188 Chem. de l’Etringa, 74390 Châtel
- Opening hours: Daily from 12 noon – 8 pm
- Children under 3 yrs old are free
- Under 16yrs olds are not allowed in the sauna and hammans due to French regulations.
Fantasticable (Zip lining across the Alps)
When I was first asked if I wanted to try the Fantasticable (zip line), during the winter season I thought that sounds amazing. It was not until I arrived on my skis and looked down the zipline with the clouds coming in that I got too scared and did not do it.
When I returned during the summer, I was asked again but this time I had my husband with me, so I sent him instead!
Strapped into a harness in a laying position you fly like a bird with speeds of between 8o to 100km along two separate lines up at 240m above the hamlet of Paine-Dranse Portes Du Soleil.
Don’t worry if you miss it in summer because it is also open during the winter season, however only one line is open and not both. If you are wondering how can you do this with skis and snowboard they will follow you on the line in a transportation carrier.
Additional Information for Ziplining
- 10% Discount with your Multi Pass
- Prices – Solo Flight from €36 – Duet Flight €72
- Only the first cable is opened during the winter period and your skis and board will be attached to you.
- Weight Restrictions – Due to safety – The minimum weight is 35kg, maximum weight is 150kg.
Top Tip for Ziplining
- 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.
Taking off on the Fantasticable ( Ziplining Chatel)
Hiking for afternoon tea at Alpage de Barbossine
During the summer Chatel France has nearly 90klms of marked walking trails and over 850kms in the Portes du Soleil area, linking both the French and Swiss resorts. Chatel is a very popular place for hikers, especially with the variety of routes and difficulties in the summer months. 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 mountains 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. Then afterwards have a traditional delicatessen, cheese and jam with the French Alps as your backdrop.
Additional Information for hiking in summer Chatel
- Open – Everyday from early July to late August
- Duration – 3-4hrs depending on walking abilities
- Price – Adult: 19 €, Child: 2.50 to 10 €
- Discount with your Multi Pass
Tip
- Make sure that you wear hiking shoes or good walking shoes, as you will be walking on uneven ground and through fields.
- Take a bottle of water, as there is nowhere to get any until you reach the farm.
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 Bobluge? 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 of 7 m/s. On your way up will pass through the woods and take in the panoramic view before you set off.
Fantastic fun for the young and old. The best bit is the more runs you do, the less it is going to cost per ride down, so the only thing you going to have to worry about is holding on tight as zooming around those bends.
Read More – Sunrise hike and Breakfast on an Alpine Farm Morgins Switzerland
Prices
- 1 run – 4,30 € 3 runs – (+1 free) : 12,90 €
- 5 runs – (+2 free) : 21,50 € 10 runs – (+4 free) : 42,60 €
Additional Information
- Open – Everyday from late June to early September
- Times – from 10 to 12.30am (time reserved for groups) and from 1.30 to 6.30pm
- Children under 1 m 25 (4 ft 1) must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under 80cm/2.63 ft are not allowed.
- Discount with your Multi Pass
Devalkart and Rollerbe
If you are wanting more adventurous rides down the mountain after Bobluge, then how about either the Devalkart (Go-Karts) or the Rollerbe? Either is great options for having fun on the mountain and are situated right next to the Bobluge, making it a perfect adventure combination.
Devalkart (Go-Karts)
You are pulled up the hill via the ski tow pole while you are seated in your kart. Once at the top, then it is a fun ride (race) back down the hill before you do it all again. The best bit is that you can do whatever speed you like but don’t worry because they don’t go super fast.
Rollerbe (Scooter)
Prices for both Devalkart and Rollerbe
- 1 run : 2,30 € 3 runs (+1 free) : 6,60 €
- 5 runs (+2 free) : 10,90 € 10 runs (+4 free) : 21,30 €
Additional Information
- Opened – Everyday from early July to late August
- Times – 10am-12.30am / 1.30pm-6.30pm
- Activity open to children aged 10 and over
Accommodation open during the summer in Chatel
Chatel France has a variety of accommodations spread out in the village from a hostel to luxury chalets. Most of the main hotels are centrally located but don’t be discouraged to stay further out especially up the mountain in chalets and apartments.
There is a regular bus service that covers the whole of Chatel Village that is FREE and they depart near the Super Chatel Gondola. I want to stretch your legs it should only take you about a 15-25min walk to get to most accommodation spots.
Le Tremplin Hotel
I stayed at the lovely Le Tremplin Hotel, located on the main road and a 5 – 10 minutes walk from the bars and restaurants in town. It was a cosy hotel with a nice restaurant and bar/lounge area that was a great spot, especially in the morning when having a complimentary breakfast.
My room was a good size with a comfortable double bed and all your mod cons like tv etc. As well as a lovely little balcony with two outdoor chairs that were great to relax on in the afternoon and take in the views over Chatel village
The service at the hotel was lovely as well and they were very helpful and chatty.
Tip
- 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
During winter I stayed at the cosy Logis Hôtel les Triolets which was located in between the Super-Chatel gondola and Petit Chatel lift and only a 10minute walk up the hill from the centre of town. If you didn’t want to walk from the village, then there is an FREE local bus that stops outside the hotel.
It was a really lovely family run hotel with an indoor pool and views across the village from the front of the hotel. I had a comfy room with a small balcony that overlooked chalets on the mountain behind the hotel. It was a half board hotel and the views from the restaurant overlooking the village were beautiful.
Summer Restaurants in Chatel
It is not a trip to Chatel France without sampling some of the local fresh food, like the formage abondance. I was on half board, so I only ate out a couple of times but, as I have said, I have been to Chatel a few times during winter before. Below is a recommendation for Dinner, if you are looking for local produce.
Restaurant le Vieux Four
If you love traditional French food and cheese specialities like Raclette and Tartiflette, then le Vieux Four is definitely for you. Located in the centre of town and only a 2 minute walk away from the Super Chatel gondola is le Vieux Four. It’s a cosy, rustic family run restaurant with an interesting interior to match. This place was definitely a gem, with its great food and a really lovely service.
Tip
- Try the Fromage abundance cheese melted for the main meal. It is cheese heaven.
Getting to Chatel during the summer
Airport
The closest international airport is Geneva which is roughly an hour and a half away from Chatel France. Making it super easy to get to and great if you want to go for a weekend trip.
Due to this, there are numerous ways of getting to Chatél France, buses, private transfer, shared transfer and via hire a car all vary in price depending on what you can afford.
Get a discount on your parking next time you take your next trip.
Transfer in the summer
I have been to Chatel a few times over the years via a transfer through the tourism office and by hiring a car with friends. There are not as many transfer companies in the summer as during the winter season, however, there are still good ones available.
As I was with the tourism during this trip, I was picked up and I did not use one of the transfer companies. However, previously I have used the following company Alpybus which were fine.
Car Hire
You can also hire a car on either the French or Swiss Side at Geneva airport. Just remember that there are tolls and that the road can get a little windy going up the mountain.
Top Tips for visiting in summer Chatel France
- We all need WIFI and if you can’t find any, you can go to the tourism office and use the wireless access for FREE.
- If you want to always stay connect so you can show everyone how much fun you are having, rent a pocket wifi.
- Chatel is right on the French-Swiss border, you can get the chairlift to Morgins Switzerland if you have the time
- Try the Standup paddle, kayak or trampo-élastique at nautic place
- Check out the Aquatic centre and cool down in the pools with the kids.
Booking links, resources for Chatél France during summer
- Accommodation and hotels available here, in Chatel during summer
- Link to the tourist site for additional information for Chatel France in summer.
- Book a car and compare prices for Geneva International Airport to Chatel France
- Regatta has a great range of clothing and gear at a reasonable price for your summer activities.
- Get a quote for insurance for your summer activities.
Other Resorts in the Portes du Soleil Summer
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 with friends or with family.
- Morgins Switzerland – A Summer activities Guide
- Lets Gets 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
Thank you for reading this article ‘Summer Guide Top Things to Do Chatel France’, I hope it helped you to decide where to go for your next action-packed Summer Holiday. Chatel France is definitely a great all year round resort in the Portes Du Soleil
Have you been in summer to Chatel France or the Region Dents Du Midi? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Remember that you need to get some good Hiking Boots
If you want to take a break from your Adventures or are staying in Geneva for the day before or after your trip. Then there is plenty to do.
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by Chatel Tourism and Portes Du Soleil during the summer. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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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.