The Best Mountain Hotels to Stay at in Summer

Exploring the mountains in summer is often a revelation for those who have only experienced them in winter. It’s a whole new perspective on the same peaks: blooming alpine pastures, crisp mountain air, hiking trails opening beneath cable cars, and hotels offering unique experiences you won't find during ski season. Imagine a mountain bike ride followed by a spa treatment, or dining on an outdoor terrace overlooking Mont-Blanc… From Megève to Alpe d'Huez, here are five exceptional addresses to experience the mountains differently, far from the winter crowds.

In Megève, back in 1989, Les Fermes de Marie invented something completely novel: a hotel hamlet crafted from authentic century-old farmhouses. Jean-Louis Sibuet dismantled them piece by piece across surrounding alpine pastures and reassembled them in the heart of the village to form this resort of nine interconnected chalets. Over thirty years later, the concept has been replicated throughout the Alps.

The resort's signature atmosphere is largely thanks to Jocelyne Sibuet, who spent years sourcing vintage furniture, artifacts, textiles, traditional country clocks, and hunting trophies, giving the interiors the feel of a long-inhabited family home. The 70 rooms and suites—ranging from 16 to 90 m²—share a cozy design palette: warm woodwork, soft throws on sofas, sandstone or slate bathtubs, and generous tea and coffee facilities. The suites set in the hamlet’s stone tower, particularly the Rochebrune suite with its curved architecture, are top picks for guests seeking extra character. For families, duplexes and connecting suites up to 90 m² comfortably accommodate five people without feeling cramped.

In summer, the two-hectare private park replaces snow without losing any charm: alpine gardens, a light-filled indoor pool framed by wood and granite, an adult lap pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, cedar Japanese hot-and-cold baths, a hammam, and a sauna. The Pure Altitude Spa, created here alongside the hotel, spans 1,000 m² with 13 treatment rooms and a proprietary skincare line formulated with alpine botanical extracts. Dining options abound: Traditionnel in the main chalet, Carnotzet for fondue and raclette, Vieux Megève for Savoyard specialties by the fireplace, Beef Lodge for meats grilled in an Argentine oven, Relais Mont-Blanc blending Italian, Savoyard, and Swiss flavors, and Relais des Fermes located higher up on the Rochebrune massif. In summer, L'Alpage offers an exclusive table d'hôte experience in a restored high-altitude chalet reserved for Sibuet guests on Wednesday lunches and Friday evenings—a perfect reflection of modern luxury summer mountain stays combining nature, wellness, and fine dining.

The perk: A dedicated kids-friendly positioning that delights families seeking relaxation. Le Hameau des Enfants (The Children's Hamlet) and its dedicated kids' table function as a charming kids' club, offering games, creative workshops, cooking classes, and meals tailored to young rhythms. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy the spa, hike, dine, or simply unwind!

Practical information: Les Fermes de Marie, 163 chemin des Épis, 74120 Megève. 70 rooms and suites, from €370 per night in summer.

The story of Grandes Rousses dates back to the early 20th century, when the current owner’s great-grandfather laid its first stones in Huez. More than a century later, the property has been fully redesigned and modernized while preserving the unique heritage of a four-generation family retreat. Perched at an altitude of 1,830 meters in the historic quarter of Alpe d'Huez, this establishment has evolved into an exceptional five-star hotel that feels more like a grand private mountain lodge than a conventional palace hotel.

Inside, copper, rich red, and chocolate hues dominate—a palette echoing the dolomite rock of the Grandes Rousses massif. The 77 rooms, 18 suites, 2 mini-lofts, 1 loft, and two chalets pair hardwood floors and natural stone with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Most feature south-facing balconies or panoramic views across the Écrins massif and the Romanche valley. Rooms in the historic building facing the valley remain the most sought-after for their views. The dining options mirror this welcoming spirit: La Ferme d'Hubert serves refined seasonal alpine cuisine (with lunchtime access to the outdoor wellness area), L'Espérance offers evening dining inspired by the chef's Italian roots, Les Mas'Hauts serves classic fondues and raclettes in mazot wooden huts, and Aux Grands Rouges offers cheese platters, cocktails, and wines by the glass from 12 PM to 11 PM.

The Spa des Alpes developed a signature concept, Alpinotherapy, utilizing local mountain resources—high altitude, natural light, native plants, and minerals—for its wellness rituals. The indoor circuit features a hydrotherapy pool with jet streams, sauna, hammam, sensory showers, and an ice fountain. Outside, a heated pool, outdoor sauna, and Nordic bath offer sweeping views of the Écrins massif. This area is reserved exclusively for hotel guests and included with every stay.

Practical information: Grandes Rousses Hôtel & Spa, 425 route du Signal, 38750 Alpe d'Huez. 77 rooms and suites, from €147 per night in summer.

Located in Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce—a medieval village perched at 1,160 meters between Saint-Gervais and the slopes of Évasion Mont-Blanc—Armancette delivers across its 19 rooms and suites what larger hotels struggle to achieve: a boutique five-star experience defined by immaculate precision and attention to detail. Behind its traditional facade lies understated modern design featuring oak paneling, marble bathrooms, exposed wooden beams in top-floor rooms, and balconies facing the Dômes de Miage or the village.

The property's stand-out highlight is its gastronomy. La Table d'Armante earned a Michelin star for Chef Thomas Vonderscher, an Alsatian native who developed his craft in Polynesia and previously earned two stars in Toulouse and Saint-Malo. His culinary signature focuses on elevating local alpine ingredients through balanced textures and authentic flavors. Nearby, Mont Joly serves casual alpine cuisine on a terrace facing the Aiguille de Bionnassay. The hotel also revived the village's historic bakery, converting it into a tearoom where fresh sourdough bread and pastries are baked fresh every morning.

The wellness facilities feature an indoor-outdoor pool with a movable floor, two outdoor hot tubs, sauna, hammam, and custom treatments by KOS Paris, all set against the backdrop of the Dômes de Miage. Next door, Chalet Ancolie provides a 550 m² private residence over three levels for larger groups or families, complete with a private cinema, hot tub, sauna, and hammam.

Practical information: Armancette - The Leading Hotels Of The World, 4088 route de Saint-Nicolas, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. 19 rooms and suites, from €350 per night.

In Saint-François-Longchamp, a family-friendly resort in Savoie, Hôtel Casa Moho was completely redesigned in 2024 with a contemporary chalet aesthetic: natural woodwork, earthy materials, soft neutral tones, and 33 rooms spread across three floors. Many rooms feature unobstructed views of the Étendard Glacier or surrounding peaks. Double rooms range from 13 to 20 m², family rooms from 22 to 25 m², and the family suite spans 40 m² with two separate bedrooms and a living area. In winter, the property offers ski-in/ski-out access to the Grand Domaine Valmorel-Saint-François-Longchamp (165 km of pistes). In summer, it serves as an ideal launchpad for hiking, e-mountain biking (with rentals on-site), and motorbike trips over Col de la Madeleine.

After an active day outdoors, guests can relax in the heated indoor pool and hot tub overlooking the glacier. The restaurant, L'Auberge Ensoleillée, serves traditional Savoyard dishes in a panoramic setting, with half-board options available. During the summer months, the resort also features a thermal balneotherapy center, guided walks, and an all-season alpine coaster for children.

Practical information: Casa Moho St François Longchamp, Station Basse 1450, 340 Rue des Clochettes, 73130 St François Longchamp. 33 rooms, from €151 per night.

The history of Les Chalets du Mont d'Arbois is deeply intertwined with Megève itself. In the 1920s, Noémie de Rothschild transformed this alpine plateau into one of France's first luxury ski destinations, commissioning architect Henri-Jacques Le Même to design the initial chalets. A century later, the Edmond de Rothschild family continues this legacy across three historic chalets—Ève, Noémie, and Alice—named in honor of the family's daughters. The property features 40 rooms and suites, with select spaces curated with private antique furniture from the family’s personal collection.

Interiors feature warm tones, natural wood, wool, and tweed fabrics, blending Savoyard tradition with contemporary luxury. Top-tier accommodations include the 140 m² Suite Noémie with a private whirlpool bath. Chalets Alice and Noémie can also be fully privatized for groups of up to 20 and 23 guests, offering full 5-star hotel services, a private chef, dedicated concierge, and private spa access in Chalet Alice. The wood-lined Héritage restaurant, opening onto the garden, serves refined bistronomic Savoyard dishes created by Chef Marc-Henri Mazure.

The 1,000 m² Susanne Kaufmann Spa offers a serene wellness environment. Its indoor-outdoor pool features a movable floor opening to the mountain landscape. Three treatment rooms (including a double suite) offer specialized rituals using alpine botanicals, accompanied by a full sauna suite. In summer, the surrounding gardens host grazing sheep and rabbits, open-air morning yoga sessions facing the peaks, and outdoor movie nights for kids on Friday evenings.

Practical information: Les Chalets du Mont d'Arbois, 447 chemin de la Rocaille, 74120 Megève. 40 rooms and suites, from €348 per night in summer.

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