Summer activities
The mountains are not just for skiing! There are many activities that you can do in and around Combloux throughout spring, summer and autumn. They range from walking, mountain biking, golf and tennis, to swimming and rafting. There is a beautiful ecological lake in the centre of Combloux where you can swim and sunbathe, which has stunning views across the valley and of Mont Blanc. There's also a fitness area with sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, massage and a range of beauty treatments. Other summer activities include horse riding, fishing, summer
tobogganing, hot air ballooning, canyoning and rock climbing.
Archery (tir à l'arc) - at Plan Perret, Combloux. Lessons are available.
Bowling - there is a ten-pin bowling alley beside the Casino supermarket at
Demi-Quartier, 2km from Combloux.
Climbing (l'éscalade) - Chamonix is the centre for ice and rock climbing. The Megève sports centre has a practice wall and there is a practice face in the park at Le Fayet. Guides are available for mountaineering including rock climbing and ice climbing. Aerial parks provide for the other popular type of climbing circuits in the trees using swing bridges and ropes.
Fishing (la pêche) - available in the nearby rivers and lakes. Permits can be arranged by the Tourist Office.
Flying - pleasure flights around the mountains are on offer from the airfields at Cote 2000 and Sallanches.
Golf - play on a Robert Trent-Jones designed course at Megève or Chamonix with spectacular views. Also try the course at Giex
(north of Ugine).
Horse riding/pony trekking - There are several 'équitation' centres at Combloux and in neighbouring villages. For reservations phone 04.50.93.00.54 or 04.50.93.32.89.
Hot air balloons - For an amazing flight, Ballons du Mont Blanc provide morning sightseeing trips (244€ for 1 hour aloft).
Ice skating and curling - there are rinks (patinoire) at Megève and St Gervais.
Markets - Wednesdays in Combloux and Saturdays in Sallanches. They have an interesting selection of local produce such as mountain honey, hams and cheese.
Mountain biking (VTT) - bikes can be hired from Marin Sports or other sports shops. Tourist Offices issue maps and there are coloured route markers on trees. Bikes can be taken up in some telecabines.
Night Clubs, discos and jazz clubs - can be found in Sallanches, Megève and Chamonix. They tend to be relatively expensive in France.
Paragliding (parapente) - Fascinating just to watch them taking off at Plaine Joux. You can take lessons and jump with an instructor at Plaine Joux or at Rochebrune in
Megève or in Chamonix.
Shopping - browse the lovely local markets or the shops in Sallanches or the expensive chic boutiques in Megève and Chamonix.
Sunset on Mont Blanc - watch the magnificent view from Le Cuchet as the whole mountain turns orangey-red ... and then discover the star-studded skies without light pollution!
Sleigh rides (les traineaux) - operate from outside the Combloux Tourist Office for a lazy way to see the area.
Squash - there are courts at Megève, Sallanches and Chamonix.
Swimming (baignade)- at the sports centre in Megève. Also, swim at the ecological lake in Combloux with stunning views across the valley. In the valley, the Lac du Passy and Lacs des Illettes have safe swimming, beaches, and parkland for sunbathing.
Summer tobogganing (luge d'été) - the summer sledge run is in Megève under the Jaillet lift, and there is one in Chamonix. Take the chairlift up and just slide down!
Tennis - from April to November. Courts are available in Combloux at Plan Perret and at Le Cuchet. Lessons are available - enquire at the Tourist Office.
Telecabines and chairlifts - operate in the summer giving access to high mountain peaks and wonderful views, especially interesting for downhill walkers and cyclists. The Chable and Perthuis chairlifts at Combloux operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between July 13th and August 25th. These form part of the "green diamond" organised in conjunction with neighbouring communes. The
telecabines at Les Contamines, the Tramway du Mont Blanc, and the cable cars at Chamonix also provide access for sightseeing and for mountain walking and biking.
Village events - all the local villages arrange fetes, festivals, music and dance, circuses, craft
fairs, etc. Details are available from the Tourist Office.
Walking - there are dozens of well marked trails (sentiers balisés). You can purchase excellent maps from the Tourist Offices.
White water rafting – in the deceptively calm-looking River Arve in the valley below Combloux.
Windsurfing - at Lacs des Illettes. Equipment hire is possible, check with the Tourist Office.
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