Few are those who don’t fall for the charm of Méribel, in winter or in summer. Between verdant landscapes of forests, lakes and alpages, a wealth of heritage, harmonious chalet architecture respectful of traditions, and a warm, lively atmosphere, the destination is ideal for nature lovers, culture buffs, gourmets and families.
If you don’t know what to do in Méribel in summer, be tempted by:
- Captivating, recharging walks through superb landscapes at the gateway to the Vanoise,
- The diversity of summer mountain sports and relaxation activities,
- And meeting passionate people who will be eager to introduce you to the wealth of Savoie and Tarentaise heritage.
When to visit Méribel in summer? Discover the opening dates of Méribel’s summer season
With altitudes ranging from the village of Les Allues to summits of more than 3,000 m, you can come to Méribel all year round.
The summer season is in full swing in Méribel in July and August:
- From 2 July to 26 August 2022 the Trois Vallées ski lifts are open and accessible to walkers and MTB. They are an excellent way to reach the main summits and discover all the potential the mountain offers.
Pointe de Sel arranges bespoke all-inclusive mountain stays for you in any season.
What to do in Méribel at the cultural level?
You will be charmed by the wealth of Méribel’s cultural heritage.
Discover the rural heritage of Méribel in summer
Méribel opens up access to the Plan de Tuéda nature reserve, which extends across the Trois Vallées area (Les Ménuires, Méribel and Courchevel), in the commune of Les Allues, in Tarentaise, over 1,112 hectares. With the altitude varying from 1,650 m to 3,153 m, it favours the diversity of fauna and flora, with 545 plant species and around 400 animal species present. Mountain guides will be delighted to introduce them to you. The species you most certainly come across on the paths is the marmot, growing ever plumper as summer goes on.
You will also be able to observe the pastures and visit the Beaufort cheese maker, such as the one at the Lac de Tuéda, accompanied by a mountain guide.
The Traye educational farm will delight children, who can discover the work of bees, pedigree sheep, dwarf goats or long-haired donkeys, while the grown-ups can enjoy the superb view from the terrace of the traditional restaurant.
The Chez Pépé Nicolas alpage farm in Val Thorens (near Méribel) has been a true institution for several generations. You can witness the daily life of the alpine farmers, watch the manual milking of goats and the mechanised milking of cows, discover cheese-making.
Don’t miss the Fête à Fanfoué on 7 August 2022 at Méribel les Allues either, to discover the charm of rural tradition.
The baroque trails in Méribel
The baroque trails were created in 1992 for the Albertville Olympic Games. They bring together 80 sites of Savoie Baroque art. Crisscross the various villages and hamlets of Méribel to discover the charming chapels with frescoed walls. By discovering these well-preserved jewels of Savoie heritage, you will discover the harsh life of the mountain folk in the 17th and 18th centuries, who sold their products — including their cheeses — to fund the embellishment of their places of worship.
In the main town of Méribel, in the village of Les Allues, you can find this very special spirit in the Saint-Martin church in Les Allues, rebuilt in 1698. The decor is carved in arolla pine, a wood typical of the resort that has the particular feature of preserving very well.
Just above the church is the Les Allues museum, which tells the history of the valley and the resort, and the traditional bread oven still used for certain events (Fête à Fanfoué — see below, Ski World Cup, etc.). The chance for you to discover a traditional mountain atmosphere near your chalet in Méribel.
Music lovers and the curious can also discover the world of Savoyard baroque in an original way through the sensory tours with the Fondation Facim, which you can find all summer in Champagny-en-Vanoise near Méribel.
Street Art in Moutiers
Immerse yourself in the exotic, colourful world of street art on the Moutiers Street-art trail near Méribel. Around forty monumental murals, stencils, graffiti or collages colour the streets of the former capital of Tarentaise.
Stargazing with Méribel in the sky
From 18 to 28 July 2022. Two weeks with your head in the stars to become a true sky explorer. The resort hosts evenings of stargazing through telescopes, micro rocket making, kite shows, conferences, etc. You can discover an incredible world!
Traditional festivities in Méribel
The French national day on 14 July 2022 will be celebrated with a fireworks display and a ball in the village of Les Allues. A free shuttle will be available.
The traditional Vallée des Allues festival, the Fête à Fanfoué, is held for the 52nd year on 7 August 2022. It’s the unique chance to immerse yourself in the wealth of local culture and heritage, with on the programme: pedal-powered carousel, chainsaw sculptures, bread baking in the village oven, alphorn and hunting horn players, many art and craft exhibitors, sales of local products and also and above all the float parade of the valley’s sports and cultural associations… Finally, a popular ball in Méribel will close the evening.
What to do in Méribel in summer in terms of activities?
No fewer than around thirty mountain, relaxation or sports activities await you in Méribel in summer, for every taste and fitness level. Will you be tempted by white-water activities (rafting, canyoning, etc.), aerial activities (paragliding, climbing, via ferrata, etc.), more or less extreme activities (bike descent in the Méribel Bike Park, downhill mountain biking or electric MTB, deval bike, etc.), or more zen ones (mountain yoga, contemplative or sporty hikes, a walk around Lac de Tuéda, a night at the Saut refuge, mountain golf at the Altiport Golf Course, etc.).
To plan your bookings ahead, avoid the crowds and discover exclusive activities in exceptional conditions, discover the all-inclusive Méribel summer chalet stays with Pointe de Sel and live a turnkey, bespoke experience of distinction.
The top 5 summer sporting events in Méribel?
Catch the highlights of the summer season in Méribel. Will you be participants or spectators at these sporting events, some of them extreme and spectacular and others intensely recharging?
E Bike experience
The MTB event takes place from 9 to 17 July 2022. In teams of 2, you will need to cover the Méribel and Trois Vallées area. Many electric MTB tests are offered. Beware: try it and you’ll adopt it!
Méribel Trail
Push your limits from 13 to 14 August thanks to this trail at the heart of the Vanoise massif and the Trois Vallées area. The Méribel Trail is mountainous, technical, aerial and wild. Several levels are offered for every taste and fitness level:
- The Vertical Kilometre: the flagship event with 1,000 m of vertical drop from Méribel – Mottaret to the summit of the Petite Saulire
- More classic trails of 10 km, 25 km or 50 km on breathtaking courses
- A charity event with a 5 km course that will let young and old, alone, with family or friends, discover the discipline by running or walking
- And because Méribel is very focused on family holidays , more accessible events are offered to children: 2 dedicated races to get started like the grown-ups
- MERIB’KIDS: 500 m of free races for children born between 2013 and 2015
- and a 2 km trail for children born between 2009 and 2012
Zen altitude
From 13 to 28 August 2022, treat yourself to a mountain wellness retreat, with on the programme outdoor yoga sessions, massages, contemplative and energising walks, cooking workshops, etc. There’s no doubt you will come out recharged from this experience.
Méribel Golf Show
From 16 to 20 August 2022, catch at the golf tournament the best professional and amateur golf players on the Méribel green, in a friendly, festive spirit. The event takes place on the Altiport golf course, one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Alps.
The Col de la Loze breakaway
From 20 to 21 August 2022, come and enjoy a weekend dedicated to cycling with the presence of Thomas Voeckler, and the ascent of the legendary Col de la Loze. Thrills guaranteed on this 67 km outing with more than 2,000 m of vertical ascent, which was a major stage of the 2020 Tour de France.
So see you soon for your summer holidays in Méribel!
