In winter, Megève is a ski legend. In summer, it reverts to what Baroness Noémie de Rothschild first loved here: a Savoyard village at 1,100 metres, set between flower-strewn alpine pastures and forests, facing Mont-Blanc. The gentle season has its own rituals: a round on France’s oldest mountain golf course, lunch in the alpage at Mont d’Arbois, an ascent to Lac de Javen when light rakes across the Aravis. It may well be the resort’s best-kept secret: Megève is as elegant in July as in February, with half the crowds.
Megève in summer: practical information
- Altitude: village at 1,100m, alpine pastures and lifts up to over 1,800m.
- Summer lifts: Mont d’Arbois cable car from June to early September, Rochebrune from July to early September (2027 timetable and hours to follow).
- Highlights: Megève International Jumping, the summer’s premier equestrian event (2027 edition to be confirmed).
- Access: Geneva airport approximately 1 hour 15 minutes away, Sallanches-Combloux-Megève station 12km away then shuttle or taxi.
The alpine pastures: Mont d’Arbois and Rochebrune
The Mont d’Arbois cable car and Rochebrune cable car change the mountain’s scale. At Mont d’Arbois, you ascend for high-altitude terraces facing the Mont-Blanc massif, balcony paths towards Idéal, and the alpage tables that make the plateau’s reputation; the history of this slope, shaped by the Rothschild family, is told in our Mont d’Arbois notebook. On the Mont d’Arbois side too, a pleasant walk leads to Lac de Javen, a lake nestled before the Aravis, Aiguilles de Varan and Aiguilles Croches, half an hour from the hamlet of Tour. Opposite, Rochebrune opens onto more intimate alpine pastures.
The AEC tip. Ascend to Lac de Javen late in the day, when the slopes turn golden: it’s the finest moment, and the return path is leisurely before dinner. The Meg’bus (free) shortens the approach if the children’s legs tire.
The Rothschild golf course, doyen of mountain greens
On the flank of Mont d’Arbois, Mont d’Arbois golf course unfolds its 18 holes at 1,320 metres altitude, between conifers and birches. It is France’s oldest mountain golf course, commissioned 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 ascent. Mountain bikes and e-bikes likewise have their terrain: rolling alpage tracks between farms and forests, marked trails through the Évasion Mont-Blanc domain, rentals in the village.
What to do in Megève this summer
Our selection of experiences worth the journey, from greens to alpine pastures.
EssentialThe balconies of Mont d’Arbois
Alpine pasture trails and terraces facing the Mont-Blanc massif.
Quiet spot
SignatureMont d’Arbois golf course
France’s oldest mountain golf course, designed for the Rothschilds.
ThrillsMountain biking and e-bikes
Rolling alpage trails through farms, forests and panoramic views.
FamilyLe Palais outdoor swimming pool
An Olympic-sized pool in the open air, facing the slopes.
Event
Art of living
PanoramaRochebrune and its alpine pastures
The historic slope, its intimate trails and farms.
With families
Megève in summer works wonderfully for children: the Le Palais outdoor pool, the walk to Lac de Javen and the alpage cycle paths. The village’s pedestrian centre, its ice cream parlours and carriage rides round off days that end early and well.
The summer highlights
The Megève International Jumping, whose 2027 edition remains to be confirmed, is the season’s premier equestrian event: a week of national then international CSI competitions, an exhibitors’ village and an atmosphere of alpine garden-party that draws all of Megève. Book accommodation for that week well in advance. The rest of the season keeps to the rhythm of markets, summer concerts and alpage festivals announced by Megève tourism office.
When to come, how to get there
The Mont d’Arbois cable car opens first, in June, Rochebrune follows in July, and both run until early September (2027 timetable to follow): July, August concentrate the activity, late June and early September offer the pastures to yourself. Megève is one of the Alps’ most accessible resorts.
| From | Distance | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva airport | ~90km | ~1h 15min |
| Sallanches-Combloux-Megève station | ~12km | ~20min then shuttle or taxi |
| Annecy | ~60km | ~1h |
| Lyon | ~185km | ~2h |
Where to stay
Winter’s landmark locations hold good for summer: the village centre to do everything on foot, Mont d’Arbois for the peace of the alpine pastures and golf at sunrise, Rochebrune to sleep on the nature side five minutes from the centre. A Megève summer is best savoured from a chalet, terrace open to the green slopes: our selection of chalets and apartments in Megève has been thoughtfully curated 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 operate in summer at Megève?
The Mont d’Arbois cable car from June to early September and the Rochebrune cable car from July to early September (2027 timetable and hours to follow), with day and season passes for foot and mountain-bike access.
Is Mont d’Arbois golf course open to visitors?
Yes, the 18-hole course welcomes outside players in season, green fees and practice range included. 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: half an hour’s walk from the hamlet of Tour, which the Meg’bus brings closer to the centre, and one of Megève’s finest viewpoints over the Aravis and Aiguilles Croches.
When is the Megève Jumping in 2027?
The 2027 edition remains to be confirmed: dates will be published by the organisers. The week draws international riders and visitors: book accommodation well in advance.
Is Megève in summer with children a good idea?
Excellent: Le Palais outdoor pool, Lac de Javen, alpage bike trails and a car-free village centre. Distances are short and everything is achievable without a car.
Summer or winter: which season to choose in Megève?
Both complement each other: winter for skiing and the village’s festive magic, summer for the alpine pastures, golf and more confidential elegance. The regulars do both.
And when the snow returns, the village lights its garlands and straps on the skis again: 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.
