Holidays in the Abondance Valley – Enjoy the atmosphere in summer and winter

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The Abondance Valley in the French Alps is a place of nature, atmosphere and conviviality. In the middle of the Portes du Soleil, between Châtel, La Chapelle d'Abondance and Abondance, lies a beautiful area full of authentic villages, beautiful sights and fun activities for both young and old. Whether you're looking for peace, luxury, or adventure, it's all here. Surrounded by mountains, forests and fresh mountain air, you will experience your ideal holiday in the French Alps. Our two wellness resorts are located in this valley: FranceComfort AlpChalets Portes du Soleil in Abondance and FranceComfort AlpResort Portes du Soleil in La Chapelle d'Abondance. From the luxury apartments and penthouses, you can enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and of the valley. The location is perfect: close to walking trails, ski lifts, restaurants and the lively village centre.

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Holidays in the French Alps: For families with children

There is plenty of entertainment in the villages, such as playgrounds, climbing forests, toboggan runs, pony riding, Rock climbing, swimming and other summer activities. The Multi Pass is valid in the Abondance Valley. This pass allows you to use chairlifts, swimming pools and cable cars throughout the Portes du Soleil region for free or at a discounted price. The Multi Pass easily saves you almost a hundred euros per person per week. Even during the winter, this is an area with many facilities. There are ski schools with English-speaking instructors, snow parks and you can do activities such as snow driving, snow hiking with a guide, snow MTB or night skiing. Many restaurants also cater to children, offering special children's menus.  For a family-friendly holiday in France, the Portes du Soleil is highly recommended.

💡 Tip: Take the chairlift to the top of La Chapelle for a family hike with panoramic views and enjoy an ice cream at the restaurant on top of the mountain.

For seniors and couples

Whether you are travelling with your partner or with friends, you can plan your day however you like. After a delicious breakfast in your apartment with a view of the mountains, you will spend the entire day exploring the Portes du Soleil. Take a chairlift up the mountains and hike through unspoilt nature. On another day, you can visit tourist villages or take a boat trip on Lake Geneva. During the winter, you can go skiing on some of the most beautiful slopes. At the end of the day, after a delicious dinner you can return to your chalet in the Abondance Valley and relax in the park's wellness centre.

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The 5 best things to do in the Abondance Valley

There are many places of interest in the valley of Abondance, we have selected some of them for you.

  1. Abondance Abbey – cultural heritage with a museum about monastic life.
  2. La Chapelle d'Abondance – charming village with authentic chalets and good restaurants.
  3. Lac des Plagnes – mountain lake with hiking trails and picnic areas.
  4. Col de Bassachaux – impressive view over the mountains of the Portes du Soleil.
  5. Fromagerie d'Abondance – cheese farm where you can taste local specialties.

💡 Tip: Many villages offer free guided tours during the summer months, ask at the reception about the possibilities.

Summer in the Abondance Valley

Fresh mountain air and lively villages
During the summer, the Abondance valley transforms into a green paradise. Hiking trails wind along mountain streams and blooming alpine meadows, while cyclists and mountain bikers brave the challenging mountain trails. Along the way you can relax on a lively terrace. The Multi Pass Portes du Soleil gives access to chairlifts, swimming pools and numerous activities in the surrounding villages, ideal for families.

The 5 best summer activities

  1. Hiking to the Lac des Plagnes
    A beautiful mountain lake near Abondance, surrounded by forests and hiking trails. Perfect for a family picnic.
    💡 Tip: In the morning you must buy a baguette and some cheese from a local market and enjoy a quiet lunch in nature.
  2. Mountain biking in Portes du Soleil
    With hundreds of kilometres of routes, this is an ideal area for sporty holidaymakers. There are also easier paths for children.
    💡 Tip: Rent e-mountain bikes from a local rental company; this way you can easily reach the most beautiful viewpoints.
  3. Visit Abondance Abbey
    This medieval abbey tells the story of the region and the famous Abondance cheese.
    💡 Tip: Combine your visit with a tasting session at the nearby cheese dairy, a great way to experience the culture of the region.
  4. Swimming and relaxing by the river Dranse
    On hot days, you can go swimming in the river or go for a refreshing dip in a mountain lake.
    💡 Tip: there are several safe places where children can play in the clear mountain water in La Chapelle d'Abondance.
  5. Local markets and atmospheric terraces
    The villages are bustling with liveliness. Taste regional products, soak up the sun, and experience authentic French village life.
    💡 Tip: we highly recommend the weekly market in Abondance (on Wednesday mornings)  for fresh local products.

Winter in Portes du Soleil

Snow, atmosphere and conviviality
During the winter, the Abondance valley transforms into an enchanting white world. The Portes du Soleil ski resorts offer more than 600 kilometres of slopes, connected by modern ski lifts. From La Chapelle d'Abondance and Abondance you can step directly into the snow. Whether you like skiing, snowboarding or winter hiking, everyone will enjoy themselves here. Don’t forget your winter tyres and snow chains.

The 5 best winter activities

  1. Skiing in La Chapelle d'Abondance
    A quiet and family-friendly ski area with wide slopes and excellent snow conditions for your winter sports holiday in France.
    💡 Tip: Avoid rush hours at the ski lifts by leaving early in the morning or by starting later during the day.
  2. Cross-country skiing through the valley
    The cross-country ski trails wind along frozen streams and forests, ideal for those who love silence and nature.
    💡 Tip: The route between La Chapelle and Châtel is suitable for both beginners and those who are more advanced.
  3. Winter hiking with panoramic views
    Enjoy the view of the snow-capped peaks and take a break at a cosy mountain hut.
    💡 Tip: Don't forget to order hot chocolate at "Le Clos Savoyard", an atmospheric and typically Savoyard restaurant.
  4. Go tobogganing with your children
    Guaranteed fun for the whole family with safe toboggan runs in the village.
    💡 Tip: The evening toboggan run at Châtel is illuminated, creating an extra special atmosphere.
  5. Après-ski and local gastronomy
    After a day in the snow, the cosy terraces and atmospheric restaurants of La Chapelle d'Abondance beckon.
    💡 Tip: Book in advance at popular restaurants, especially during peak season.
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Hospitality and conviviality – 5 good restaurants

  1. Les Cornettes (La Chapelle d'Abondance) – classic Savoyard cuisine in a warm atmosphere.
  2. Le Vieux Chalet (Abondance) – known for raclette and fondue, perfect after a day in the snow.
  3. La Taverne d'Abondance – cozy restaurant with regional dishes and local wines.
  4. Chez les Filles (Châtel) – modern and family-friendly, with a terrace in the sun.
  5. Le Fer Rouge (Châtel) – craft beer, delicious pizzas and lively après-ski.

💡 Tip: Ask for the "menu du jour" – often a surprisingly inexpensive choice with fresh local products.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about the Abondance Valley

1. Where is the Abondance Valley?
In the east of France, in Haute-Savoie, near the Swiss border and Lake Geneva.

2. Is the region suitable for families with children?
Yes, there is a lot to do for children such as: ski schools, playgrounds, hiking trails and a summer entertainment programme.

3. What is the Multi Pass Portes du Soleil?
A low-cost pass that gives you unlimited use of chairlifts, swimming pools and attractions in summer.

4. Are there any good restaurants in the Abondance valley?
Yes, from traditional mountain restaurants to modern bistros serving regional dishes. Families with children are also very welcome here.

5. Where can I stay in luxury chalets or apartments?
At FranceComfort in AlpChalets Portes du Soleil and AlpResort Portes du Soleil. Our luxury accommodations in the Alps have a swimming pool, wellness and mountain views.

Luxury and comfort at FranceComfort AlpChalets

After an active day, you can relax in your holiday home in the Portes du Soleil. The luxury apartments in the French Alps have a modern décor, wellness facilities and mountain views. There is an indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna, perfect for those seeking atmosphere, luxury and relaxation. Various holiday accommodations have a private sauna or private jacuzzi.  Whether you come in summer or winter, at FranceComfort you will experience a holiday full of comfort and conviviality in the beautiful surroundings of the French Alps.

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