October 30, 2026
A summer’s day in the mountains
Summer in Megève is made for spending the day outdoors, from breakfast on the terrace to a swim with Mont Blanc in view. Beyond the village, lakes and rivers offer plenty of reasons to linger: a quiet morning fishing, a game on the grass between swims, or a long lunch with your feet in the cool water of the Arly. There’s time for a woodland walk before heading back to the village for dinner, and mountain evenings cool enough to enjoy a last glass by the fire. From where to find the morning’s pastries to which tables to book, here’s how to make the most of a summer’s day in and around Megève.
Morning rituals
There’s little reason to rush out on a summer morning in Megève. The air is still cool, and breakfast on the terrace is best enjoyed once the sun has cleared the ridge. An early stroll into the village for pastries from Écir, the mountain pâtisserie and coffee shop, is about as much planning as it needs. Afterwards, linger over another coffee or settle into a game of chess before heading out.
If lunch is coming with you, stop at L’Épicerie des Fermes de Marie for Beaufort, then add fresh bread, grapes and a bottle of Savoie white. With provisions ready and towels in the car, the rest of the morning belongs to the water.
Follow the water
By late morning, the lakes come into their own. Head down to the valley for a swim beneath Mont Blanc, or higher into the mountains for a quiet walk around the shore. Both are within easy reach of Megève; the choice depends on how you feel like spending the morning.
A morning by the lake
For swimming, make for Lac de Passy, where a sandy beach and broad lawns meet the water, with Mont Blanc rising beyond. Find a shaded spot beneath the trees before heading in, or take out a paddleboard for a different view of the mountains. A badminton set is worth bringing for a game on the grass between swims.
For a quieter morning, Lac de Javen sits above Megève at 1,397 metres, framed by the Aravis, the Aiguilles Croches and Mont Joly. A walk of around half an hour from near the Caboche gondola brings you to the lake, where the path around the shore is a lovely option with the dog.
Javen is also a good place to try fishing. Permits for the private lake and rods are available from Le Javen d’en Haut, the restaurant beside the water. Children can have a go, while fly fishers can bring their own kit. This is a lake for walking and fishing rather than swimming; for another swimming spot to explore during your stay, keep the lake at Praz-sur-Arly in mind.
A RIVER LUNCH AND AFTERNOON WALK
When thoughts turn to lunch, the Arly offers a setting worth leaving the lakeshore for. On a warm day, a small table in the shallows, with feet in the cool water, makes a simple meal feel rather special.
This is where the morning’s provisions come into their own. Bring a folding table and a few stools, leave the wine to chill in the stream and share the bread, cheese and grapes. There’s little to prepare and every reason to take your time.
Choose a day after a dry spell, when the river is low, and find a suitable spot with a gentle current, firm footing and some shade. A picnic on the bank is just as appealing if conditions don’t allow for a table in the water.
After a long lunch, a walk through the woods is a good way to spend the afternoon. The route from Le Creux Saint Jean towards the Cascade de la Belle au Bois leads to a waterfall, with welcome shade along the way.
For a shorter outing closer to the village, head up to Le Refuge du Calvaire and stop for a drink on the terrace. There’s no need to go far to enjoy the mountains here. Save the longer walk towards Le Leutaz for another day, with time to stop for classic Savoie cooking.
A summer to return to
One day might take you from the lakeshore to a village restaurant; another might be spent walking in the high pastures or enjoying lunch with friends at home. That variety is part of what makes summer in Megève so appealing—and having a home here gives you time to enjoy it all. To find out more about our homes in the French Alps and ownership with August, speak to one of our advisors.
Summer in Megève is made for spending the day outdoors, from breakfast on the terrace to a swim with Mont Blanc in view. Beyond the village, lakes and rivers offer plenty of reasons to linger: a quiet morning fishing, a game on the grass between swims, or a long lunch with your feet in the cool water of the Arly. There’s time for a woodland walk before heading back to the village for dinner, and mountain evenings cool enough to enjoy a last glass by the fire. From where to find the morning’s pastries to which tables to book, here’s how to make the most of a summer’s day in and around Megève.
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