The Abondance Valley and Portes du Soleil: nature, adventure and luxury in the heart of the mountains
The French Alps are among the most beautiful holiday destinations in France. The Rhône-Alpes region is home to impressive mountain landscapes, charming villages and sporty activities. The Abondance Valley in the vast Portes du Soleil ski area is a place where peace, nature and luxury meet. Whether you enjoy hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter or simply relaxing with views of the Alps, here you can enjoy a top-class holiday.
View our beautiful parks in the Rhône – Alpes
When driving through many places in the Rhône - Alps region, you will need a French environmental sticker "Crit'Air" for your vehicle. Make sure you have one before you go on holiday. Having a toll badge is also recommended as it ensures a pleasant journey to your chalet apartment in the Portes du Soleil in the South of France.
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Rhône-Alpes: a popular holiday region in France
The Rhône-Alpes in southeastern France is a popular region for both summer holidays and winter sports. The area stretches from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc, and offers a huge variety of nature, culture and activities. The Abondance Valley is located in the north of Haute-Savoie and, together with surrounding valleys, forms the famous ski area Portes du Soleil— one of the largest ski areas in the world, with twelve villages connected by lifts and slopes. Here you will not only be challenged with the day ski tours in the Portes du Soleil which you can easily make from your holiday home in the French Alps, but also experience peace, authenticity and hospitality.
A summer and winter full of fun
The French Alps offer fun and relaxation in every season.
In summer, you can go hiking, cycling, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding. There are well-maintained routes and beautiful viewpoints. Visit the cozy mountain villages and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on the inviting terraces
In winter, the region turns into a snow paradise with 650km of slopes and many cable cars that take you up to the top of the slopes, cozy mountain restaurants and atmospheric après-ski. All forms of winter sports are possible, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and sledding. In this area there are 12 villages that are connected by slopes and cable cars, e.g. Avoriaz, Les Gets, Morzine and Châtel.
🔗 Also read: Why Portes du Soleil is the ultimate winter sports destination
The villages in the Abondance Valley – such as Abondance, La Chapelle d'Abondance and Châtel – exude a charming mountain atmosphere. From children's entertainment and family walks to sports activities for adults, there is always something going on.
Sights and villages full of charm
The Abondance Valley is rich in authentic villages and charming mountain atmosphere where time seems to have stood still. From children's entertainment and family walks to sports activities for adults, there is always something going on. There are also many sights in the area.
- Abondance is the heart of the valley, famous for its abbey and its cheese.
- La Chapelle d'Abondance is located between mountains and meadows, with a cosy village centre and direct access to hiking trails and skiing slopes.
- Châtel is a somewhat larger town and forms the lively link with the rest of the Portes du Soleil area, with shops, terraces and activities for the whole family.
Visit cultural hotspots in the Rhône-Alpes such as castles and palaces, for example Castle of Ripaille near Thonon-les-Bains, medieval towns such as Yvoire, and caves and monasteries that showcase mountain life through the centuries.
Lakes, swimming and water sports
Water sports are popular in the summer. The lakes and other facilities attract thousands of visitors every year.
- Lake Geneva has beaches, boat trips and water sports.
- Lake Annecy is a paradise for swimmers and sailors, with clear waters and an impressive mountain view.
- The river Dranse, a tributary of the Rhône, flows through the Abondance valley. This river is famous for rafting – an exciting activity suitable for beginners and experts alike. There are several starting points from where you can take a trip through unspoiled nature with experienced guides.
In addition, you can also go canoeing, supping and fishing in the area. On hot days, the mountain lakes and natural pools are wonderful places to cool off.
Nature and mountain landscape
The nature in the Rhône-Alpes is overwhelming. The mighty Mont Blanc dominates the landscape, but the surroundings of the Abondance Valley also have a lot to offer: gentle mountain slopes, green forests, crystal-clear streams and extensive alpine meadows. The valley is a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. The colours and scents change in every season: from spring flowers to autumn colours and snowy peaks. Also visit the Geopark Chablais.
Outdoor activities: hiking, biking and fantasticable
The Alps are a hiker's dream. In the Abondance Valley countless trails have been set out along forests, mountain meadows and mountain peaks. You can go on short family hikes or take challenging mountain routes to viewpoints above the valley. Cyclists and mountain bikers will find varied routes here, ranging from quiet roads to challenging mountain passes. The famous Col de Bassachaux and Col de Joux Plane are classics for sporty cyclists. For those who like to feel a bit of adrenaline, Châtel offers the spectacular Fantasticable: a zipline that flies over the valley at more than 100 km/h — an unforgettable experience in the middle of the Alps.
Wintersport and après-ski in Portes du Soleil
During the winter, the French Alps are popular with skiers. Portes du Soleil ski resort is one of the largest in the world, with more than 600 kilometres of slopes connecting France and Switzerland. The variety is enormous: wide blue slopes for beginners, challenging black runs for advanced skiers and snow parks for snowboarders. The modern chair lifts take you up quickly, and everywhere you look you will see cosy mountain huts and restaurants. After an active day, wellness & après-ski awaits you at your ski resort or you can enjoy one of the following in one of the many villages: sauna and jacuzzi, hot chocolate, music and a relaxed atmosphere. There is also plenty to do for non-skiers, such as winter hiking, tobogganing or ice driving. A winter sports holiday to the Portes du Soleil is appealing for the entire family.
Regional dishes and local products
A holiday in the Alps is not complete without tasting the local cuisine. In the mountain restaurants and village markets you can taste dishes that fit perfectly with the mountain life of the French Alps:
- Tartiflette with Reblochon cheese
- Raclette with potatoes and cold cuts
- Croziflette, made with small pasta balls
- And of course the famous Abondance cheese, a protected AOP cheese from this valley.
Local markets are the heart of village life. Here you can buy fresh produce, honey, herbs, wine and artisanal sausages. Many farms are open to visitors and allow you to take a look at how the cheeses are still made in the traditional way.
🔗 Also read: Culinary delights in the Portes du Soleil
Culture, events and markets
Villages in the Rhône-Alpes host events throughout the year: music festivals, mountain festivals and the Fête des Fromages – a tribute to the local cheese. Markets bring life to the village squares: colourful stalls, the smell of fresh bread and fruit, and artisanal products from local farmers. In cities such as Thonon-les-Bains, Annecy and Chamonix you will find plenty of culture such as; museums, historic buildings and pleasant promenades along the water.
Luxury FranceComfort accommodations in the Abondance Valley
For those looking for a comfortable and luxurious apartment in the French Alps, there are two beautiful FranceComfort holiday parks in the Abondance Valley, in the Portes du Soleil. The small-scale complexes each have about 25 apartments and Dutch-speaking managers. The resorts have an indoor garage, locked bicycle storage and ski depots with shoe heating. Both resorts have an excellent location, high-quality facilities and offer the warm service that FranceComfort is known for.
FranceComfort AlpChalets Portes du Soleil
This luxury resort is located on a mountainside in Abondance, with panoramic views over the valley. The spacious apartments and penthouses of AlpChalets are modernly furnished and equipped with every comfort. Guests can relax in the wellness area with fitness, sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pool, or enjoy the sunset behind the mountains from the terrace. Some accommodations have a private sauna or private jacuzzi.
FranceComfort AlpResort Portes du Soleil
On the outskirts of the charming village of La Chapelle d'Abondance, near the ski lift, lies this modern resort. The park has several saunas, a tennis court, fitness facilities, table tennis tables and table football tables. AlpResort's stylish apartments and penthouses are perfect for families and couples who want to combine luxury with ease and have direct access to hiking trails, ski slopes and stay near to the village.
Tourist activities and places of interest
- touristic villages
- castles and fortresses
- tourist train
- cable car
- Yvoire, Thonon-les-bains
- shopping in Geneva
- vineyards
- festivals
- events
- markets
- village festivals
- skiing
- snowboarding
- cross-country skiing
- snow hiking
- horse-drawn sleigh
- joëring
- sledging
- walking
- cycling
- mountain biking
- quad biking
- horseriding
- recreational lakes
- swimming
- canoeing
- diving
- boat trips
- golfing
- tree climbing course
- toboggan runs
- amusement parks
- caves
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about holidays in the French Alps
Would you like to know more about a holiday in the Abondance Valley in the Portes du Soleil with FranceComfort? Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the region, the holiday parks and the possibilities in summer and winter.
1. Where is the Abondance Valley?
The Abondance Valley is located in the north of the French Alps, in Haute-Savoie, near the Swiss border. The valley is part of the world-famous Portes du Soleil, a vast area that connects twelve villages in France and Switzerland.
2. What can you do during the summer in the French Alps?
During the summer, the region is a paradise for lovers of nature and sports. You can go hiking, cycling, mountain biking, swimming in mountain lakes, rafting on the river Dranse, paragliding and explore tourist villages and local markets.
3. Is the region suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Abondance Valley is extremely child-friendly. There are family walks, playgrounds, kids' activities and safe swimming spots. The apartments of FranceComfort are also spacious and ideal for families.
4. When is the best time to visit the Abondance Valley?
In summer (June – September) it is ideal for hiking, cycling and water sports. In winter (December – April) it is perfect for skiing, snowboarding and winter hiking in the Portes du Soleil ski area.
5. How far are the FranceComfort parks from the ski lifts?
AlpChalets Portes du Soleil is a 2-minute drive from the ski lifts. AlpResort Portes du Soleil is 150 metres from the ski lift. Within a few minutes you are on the slopes or on a hiking trail towards the mountains.
6. What is the free FranceComfort Multi Pass?
During the summer, FranceComfort guests receive a free Multi Pass Portes du Soleil. With this card you have free or discounted access to more than 60 activities and facilities in the region, including: chairlifts, swimming pools, playgrounds, museums, attractions and local bus connections between the villages. The Multi Pass saves a lot of money for families and active holidaymakers.
