In winter, Megève is a legend of skiing. In summer, it returns to what Baroness Noémie de Rothschild first loved here: a Savoyard village at 1100m, set between flowered alpine pastures and forests, facing Mont-Blanc. The gentle season has its own rituals: a round on France’s oldest mountain golf course, lunch on the alpine meadow at Mont d’Arbois, a climb to Lac de Javen at the hour when light rakes across the Aravis. It is perhaps the best-kept secret of the resort: Megève is as elegant in July as in February, with half the crowds.
Megève in summer: practical information
- Altitude: village at 1100m, alpine pastures and lifts up to over 1800m.
- Summer lifts 2026: Mont d’Arbois cable car from 20 June to 6 September (9.15am, 5.45pm), Rochebrune from 4 July to 6 September (9am, 5.45pm).
- Highlight: 15th Megève International Jumping, 11-19 July 2026.
- Access: Geneva airport approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, Sallanches-Combloux-Megève station 12km away then shuttle or taxi.
Alpine pastures: Mont d’Arbois and Rochebrune
The two historic cable cars run all summer and change the mountain’s scale. At Mont d’Arbois, you ascend for altitude terraces facing the Mont-Blanc massif, the balcony paths towards Idéal or Petit Croisse Baulet, and the alpine tables that make the plateau’s reputation; the history of this slope, shaped by the Rothschild family, is recounted in our Mont d’Arbois notebook. Across the way, Rochebrune opens onto more intimate alpine pastures and the prettiest walk from the village: Lac de Javen (1397m), 45 minutes on foot from the centre, its waters set before the Aravis and Aiguilles Croches.
AEC’s tip. Climb to Lac de Javen late in the day, when the slopes turn golden: it is the finest hour, and the return path unfolds easily before dinner. The Meg’bus (free) shortens the approach if children’s legs tire.
The Rothschild golf course, dean of mountain greens
On the flank of Mont d’Arbois, Mont d’Arbois golf course unfolds its 18 holes at around 1320m altitude, between conifers and birches. It is France’s oldest mountain golf course, desired by the Rothschild family and redesigned in the 1960s by British champion Henry Cotton. Even without a handicap, the practice range facing Mont-Blanc is worth the climb. Mountain bikes and electric bikes have their own playground too: rolling alpine meadow trails between farms and forests, marked itineraries of the Évasion Mont-Blanc domain, rentals in the village.
What to do in Megève this summer
Our selection of experiences worth the journey, from the greens to the alpine meadows.
Must-seeThe balconies of Mont d’Arbois
Alpine paths and terraces facing the Mont-Blanc massif.
Tranquil
SignatureMont d’Arbois golf course
Dean of mountain golf courses, designed for the Rothschilds.
Thrills
FamilyLe Palais outdoor pool
Two open-air pools, swimming and children’s play, facing the slopes.
Event
Art of living
PanoramaRochebrune and its alpine pastures
The historic slope, its intimate paths and farms.
As a family
Megève in summer is very much lived from a child’s perspective: the outdoor pool at Le Palais and its two pools, the reindeer farm on the Côte 2000 road which opens for the season, the easy walks around Lac de Javen and the alpine cycle paths. The pedestrian heart of the village, its ice-cream parlours and horse-drawn carriages round out days that finish early and well.
Summer’s great gatherings
The Megève International Jumping dominates the calendar from 11-19 July 2026 for its 15th edition: a week of national then international CSI competitions, an exhibitors’ village and an alpine garden-party atmosphere that draws all of Megève. Book accommodation for that week well in advance. The rest of the season unfolds to the rhythm of markets, summer concerts and alpine festivities announced by Megève tourist office.
When to come, how to get there
The Mont d’Arbois cable car opens from 20 June, Rochebrune follows on 4 July, and both run until 6 September: July, August concentrate the activity, late June and early September offer the alpine pastures to yourself. Megève is one of the Alps’ most easily accessible resorts.
| From | Distance | Indicative time |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva airport | ~90km | ~1 hour 15 minutes |
| Sallanches-Combloux-Megève station | ~12km | ~20 minutes then shuttle or taxi |
| Annecy | ~60km | ~1 hour |
| Lyon | ~185km | ~2 hours |
Where to stay
The landmarks of winter are worth it for summer: the heart of the village to do everything on foot, Mont d’Arbois for the calm of the alpine meadows and the golf on waking, Rochebrune to stay five minutes from the centre whilst sleeping on the nature side. A Mègevan summer is savoured better from a chalet, terrace open to the green slopes: our selection of chalets and apartments in Megève has been designed with that in mind. And to prepare for the other season, our guide What to do in Megève in winter awaits you.
Frequently asked questions
Which lifts run in summer 2026 in Megève?
The Mont d’Arbois cable car from 20 June to 6 September (9.15am, 5.45pm) and the Rochebrune cable car from 4 July to 6 September (9am, 5.45pm), with day and season passes for walkers and mountain bikers.
Is Mont d’Arbois golf course open to visitors?
Yes, the 18-hole course welcomes outside players in season, including green fees and practice range. It is France’s oldest mountain golf course, redesigned in the 1960s by Henry Cotton for the Rothschild family.
What easy walk can I do from the village?
Lac de Javen: 45 minutes’ walk from the centre (or a shortcut by free Meg’bus), 1397m altitude, and one of Megève’s finest viewpoints over the Aravis and Aiguilles Croches.
When is the Megève Jumping in 2026?
From 11-19 July 2026, for the 15th edition. The week attracts international riders and visitors: book accommodation well in advance.
Is Megève in summer with children a good idea?
Excellent: outdoor pool at Le Palais, reindeer farm, Lac de Javen, alpine bike trails and a pedestrian village centre. Distances are short and everything is done without a car.
Summer or winter, which season to choose in Megève?
Both complement each other: winter for skiing and the village’s magic, summer for the alpine meadows, golf and a more understated elegance. Regulars do both.
And when the snow returns, the village lights its garlands and straps on the skis: the rest is told in our guide What to do in Megève in winter.
Megève right now
The latest images shared by the tourist office.
