Vaujany might be a skier’s paradise, but it’s an adventure lover’s dream destination in the summer. With over 300 days of sunshine year-round, Vaujany is the perfect summer holiday destination if you’re looking for a little fresh mountain air.
From cycling to hiking to water sports, Vaujany has something for everyone. Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, Vaujany will keep you busy from dawn to dusk. With 160 man lifts, chalets and hotels, and world-class restaurants, it’s time to book your summer holiday to this little slice of heaven.
1. Live Your Tour de France Dreams on Two Wheels
France’s most famous cycling race, the Tour de France, comes through Alpe d’Huez regularly. Alpe d’Huez is known for its 21-hairpin turns up the mountainside. There are plenty of nearby cycling shops, like Ride 4 Life and Cycle and Sports, to rent a bicycle from and attempt your own version of the famous race.
If you like the challenge of Alpe d’Huez, then you’ll also love the other local TDF specials such as the other popular challenging climbs in the area, Col Du Glandon, Croix de Fer, and Galibier.
If you’re looking for something a bit quieter and off-the-beaten path, trails like the Balcons de Auris and the col du Ornon that will have anybody dreaming of more cycling.
2. Hit the World’s Longest Downhill Track
Over 250 kilometers of marked trails in the Oisans link Alpe d’Huez with surrounding villages, including Vaujany. The resort offers 14 downhill tracks for all levels from beginners to professional riders.
It is even home to the world’s longest downhill track, the Mega avalanche, that starts on the Pic Blanc glacier and finishes 30 km away in the lush green valley below.
Vaujany has a unique rental partnership with German bike company Rose Bikes where you can rent high-quality bikes from near the Tourist Office at Ride4Life Sports shop.
3. Hike Amongst the Alpine Beauty of Oisans
World-class hiking and mountain walking can be found in the largest national park in France, the Ecrins National Park.
With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Ecrins National Park is the perfect destination for your next hiking adventure. Unlike Chamonix and Annecy, Ecrins National Park is not well known, so you'll experience a peaceful hike with very few other people.
Alpine hostels and hotels are abundant and available for multi-day hikes as there is over 800 km of trails to choose from in the Oisans. If you’re not interested in a multi-day hike, the hike to Le Lac de Lauvitel is about an hour and a half climb through the wooded hillside. At the top, you'll be met by the beauty of the blue water of the lake and the surrounding mountains. It is one of our favorite summer activities.
If you want to stay close to Vaujany, Col du Sabot is a great trail to get the best views of Mont Blanc. There are some great local walks near town so don’t be afraid to ask the locals for their favourite walking trails.
4. Splish, Splash, and Get Wet in Vaujany
Vaujany may be an alpine town, but it is no stranger to a wide variety of water sports.
From white water rafting to kayaking to fishing, you can spend your entire holiday just in the local waters around Vaujany.
Fishing is very popular in the area with lots of great spots around Allemont, Alpette, and Alpe d’Huez. Whether you like line fishing, hook, fly, or spinning, you can catch your dinner here.
If you’re looking to get the adrenaline pumping on your summer holiday, don’t miss your chance to go white water rafting in the French Alps. The best spot, “Veneon Eaux Vives,” sits between Venosc and St. Christophe. You can choose from short 30-minute "dips" to get your feet wet or a full day adrenaline-pumping excursions that will keep you coming back for more.
In between fishing and white water rafting you can spend a relaxing afternoon kayaking around the Lake Verney Reservoir. Surrounded by the mountains, Lake Verney is a tranquil spot with tons of picnic spots to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.
5. Fly with the Birds While Paragliding
Have you ever dreamed of flying amongst the snow-covered peaks of the French Alps?
Now you can with Alpe Vol Libre. During the summer months, you can tandem paraglide through the Oisans and view the legendary 21-hairpin turns from high above at over 2,000 meters.
You will take a running start from Le Signal at an altitude of 2,108 meters and land an hour later in the Vallee de Bourg d’Oisans at 700 meters. During the flight, you’ll catch a glimpse of the incredible summits of Rissiou, Taillefer, Grand Renaud and Rochail. If you’re lucky, you might see the glaciers of Muzelle, Deux Alpes, and Meije.
6. Scale the Breathtaking Mountain Tops
The Oisans offer incredible mountains for mountaineering with the infrastructure to boot. Depending on your experience and interests, many challenging climbs can be climbed within a day year-round.
L’Etendard at 3,464 meters is the most popular peak in the Oisans, but others include Rissiou (2,622 m) and the many peaks of the Belledonne range (2,926 m). Two of the easiest climbs (if you are a mountaineer) that can be done in a day from a mountain hut are Le Rateau Ouest, pic coolidge and the Gioberney.
Mountaineering is a notoriously dangerous sport so for your safety, we recommend booking a licensed mountain guide through Bureau des Guides.
If you want to test yourself without the dangers of mountaineering, try theVia Ferrata climbing options in Vaujany.
7. Hit the Slopes for Summer Skiing
Theski season at Vaujany goes strong into the summer months so don’t think twice about packing your skis for your summer holidays. From July 6th, for 20 Euros you can ski on the Pic Blanc Glacier.
Other skiable glaciers include Les Deux Alpes and La Grave. Open year-round, these glaciers can be enjoyed throughout the height of the summer. Deux Alpes even grooms the trails for your enjoyment and is one of the top european spots for park skiing with an impressive number of jumps and rails. It’s time to work on your tan while hitting the slopes.
8. Take a Walk on the Glacier Side
If you've already put your skis away for the year, you can still experience the snow with a glacier walk. Just hire a guide and cross the snowy glaciers with crampons. Popular glaciers and our favourites include Glacier de la Pilatte, the Barbarate, the Tabuchet and the glacier de St Sorlin.
Glacier walking is an amazing experience, but it does demand alertness, knowledge, and specialized equipment. Hire a licensed guide who will teach you how to rope together, wear crampons so you can experience the natural wonder of France’s glaciers.
9. Play at One of the Many Adventure Parks
Adventure Parks, like GoApe in the UK, are becoming increasingly popular in Vaujany. The nearest Adventure Park is only a 15-minute drive from Vaujany at neighbouring Oz en Oisans. Fly high on the zip line, take a swing on the Tarzan swings or brave your fears on the bungee jump. A larger and more established Adventure Park lies in Venosc, a 40-minute drive away.
Not ready for the bungee jump but still want something active? Head to the activity centre at Le Collet where you can spend the afternoon playing tennis, archery, mountain biking, skateboarding, horseback riding, and more. The activity centre is perfect for kids and families can happily spend days on end here.
Book Your Summer Holiday Today
Vaujany might be a winter wonderland, but it is just as amazing during the summer. With over 300 days of sunshine, perfect for a tan, you can cool off in the mountain lakes or at one of the many leisure centres nearby. If the weather does take a rare turn then prepare yourselves for an epic show – the lightning storms are insane!
The fun doesn’t have to end after the ski season in Vaujany. There is a wide range of summer alpine activities that will keep you busy from dawn to dusk.
Not sure where to start? Contact us today, and we'll help you plan your summer holiday to Vaujany.
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