Holiday rentals in the Alps, ski resorts

Three iconic places to discover in the Alps

The Alps offer landscapes of remarkable diversity, where the mountains reveal their most spectacular features. From unspoilt parks to iconic peaks and impressive geological formations, these three destinations embody the grandeur of the Alps and are well worth a visit during your stay. Each offers a unique experience, from the untamed heart of nature to the breathtaking views that leave a lasting impression.

1. Vanoise National Park

Established in 1963 as France’s first national park, the Vanoise National Park remains a sanctuary for Alpine life. Its territory covers more than 53,000 hectares in Savoie, providing a refuge for the mountain’s most characteristic species, notably the Alpine ibex with its impressive horns. The park’s trails wind their way between eternal glaciers and crystal-clear high-altitude lakes, where the water reflects the sky with an almost unreal clarity. A day’s hike here takes you through landscapes that time seems to have frozen in place, amongst flower-strewn alpine meadows and rocky ridges overlooking the valley.

2. Mont Blanc

At 4,808 metres, Mont Blanc reigns supreme as the highest peak in Western Europe. Its white silhouette, visible from dozens of kilometres away, marks the French-Italian border and symbolises the majesty of the Alps. From Chamonix, the historic resort nestled at its feet, visitors are treated to views of exceptional beauty: the surrounding peaks, the valleys below, and the glaciers glistening in the sun. Whether you opt for a hike, a helicopter flight or simply admire the view from the valleys, this legendary mountain commands respect by its very presence.

3. Gorges du Verdon

Between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var, the Verdon has carved out Europe’s largest canyon, a masterpiece of nature that is all too often overlooked. Its vertiginous cliffs reach heights of 700 metres, framing a river whose waters are a strikingly intense blue-green. The ridge trails offer breathtaking panoramic views, whilst canoeing allows you to navigate between the majestic cliffs, right at the heart of the canyon. The shifting colours of the rock and water create an almost surreal atmosphere, particularly in the late afternoon.

These three destinations embody the many facets of the Alps: the preservation of wilderness, the conquest of peaks and the raw power of geological forces. A holiday in a holiday let in the region allows you to explore them at your own pace, returning each evening to the comfort of your own accommodation.

The ideal time of year to book a holiday let in the Alps

Each season transforms the face of the Alps. Snow-capped in winter, green and in bloom in spring, a summer hiking destination, a golden forest in autumn: the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for.

Spring gently awakens the mountain range. The snow melts in the valleys whilst the peaks remain white. The slopes are adorned with wildflowers, and the streams sing with meltwater. This is the season for easy low-altitude hikes and family outings. Holiday rentals welcome those escaping the last of the cold from the lowlands and seeking invigorating air without the crowds.

Summer is the peak tourist season. The mountain roads are fully open, the lakes glisten in the sun, and the meadows become playgrounds for walkers and climbers. Children enjoy the natural swimming pools and signposted trails. The nights remain cool, ideal for a good night’s sleep after an active day. Holiday rentals fill up quickly: you’ll need to book well in advance.

Autumn paints the forests yellow and red. Temperatures drop gradually, and the air becomes crystal clear. It’s the season for mushroom picking and contemplative walks. Fewer tourists than in summer, more peace and quiet. The first chills of the evening make you appreciate a cosy fire or a well-regulated radiator. It’s an underrated season for enjoying the scenery without the crowds.

Winter transforms the Alps into a winter sports destination. The ski resorts come to life again, as do the villages at the foot of the mountains where snow falls less regularly. The forests are blanketed in snow, and the landscapes take on a magical quality. Holiday rentals become cosy retreats for family breaks, weekends by the fireside and snowshoe outings.

A holiday let remains the most flexible option: you choose the season that suits you, without having to adapt to the fixed schedules of a hotel or guesthouse. Every month in the Alps is worth a visit.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in the Alps

The Alps offer much more than just comfortable accommodation: they are a natural playground where every season brings different adventures. Hiking, skiing, canyoning – the opportunities to get active and explore the mountain range are endless. Here are three must-do activities to add to your holiday itinerary.

1. Hiking the Tour du Mont-Blanc

The Tour du Mont-Blanc is one of the most famous long-distance treks in the Alps. Whether you tackle the entire multi-day route or just select isolated sections, the trail takes you through larch forests, flower-filled mountain pastures and rocky ridges, with constant views of Europe’s highest peak. Hikers appreciate the variety of landscapes and the reward for every step: alpine huts, small mountain villages and breathtaking panoramic views.

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2. Downhill skiing in the French Alps

The ski areas of the French Alps are amongst the largest in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the slopes offer all levels of difficulty, from wide, gentle runs to challenging couloirs. After a day’s exertion, the high-altitude mountain huts serve raclette or fondue, whilst the resorts offer a lively nightlife. Winter in the mountains thus becomes a blend of thrills and convivial moments.

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3. Canyoning in the Verdon Gorges

The Verdon Gorges captivate visitors with their depth and the purity of their turquoise waters. Canyoning here combines jumping into natural pools, abseiling and walking through the watercourses. Set amongst white limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, this action-packed day out offers spectacular scenery and thrills that only the mountains can provide.

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Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in the Alps

A successful mountain holiday depends as much on the comfort of the accommodation as on the quality of its location. Whether you’re coming to ski in winter or go hiking in summer, essential amenities transform a simple place to stay into a proper base for relaxation. Our data shows that travellers booking in the Alps pay particular attention to certain aspects of comfort.

• Efficient heating: essential at high altitudes, especially during winter breaks, to maintain a comfortable temperature and save energy.
• Fully equipped kitchen: allows you to prepare your own meals and enjoy local specialities without having to rely on restaurants for every meal.
• Cosy living area: a spacious lounge with a sofa becomes the ideal retreat after a day of activities in the mountains.
• Fully fitted bathroom: a shower or bath in good condition, essential for relaxing after a hike or a day’s skiing.
• Access to a terrace or balcony: to enjoy the alpine scenery and get some fresh air, summer or winter.
• On-site washing machine: handy for families and long stays, avoiding the need to transport bulky luggage.
• Reliable internet connection: allows you to stay connected without sacrificing your mountain getaway.
• Private or nearby car park: makes it easier to arrive and get around by car in a region where public car parks are often full.
• Leisure facilities: board games, a library and a smart TV for evenings with family or friends.

A well-equipped holiday let can be tailored to the number of people, the seasons and your family’s budget. It’s the balance between these everyday details and the magic of the mountain setting that makes for a truly satisfying stay.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in the Alps?

Prices for holiday rentals in the Alps vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between 400 and 700 euros per week in the low season, and between 700 and 1,200 euros in the high season. A family property with three to four rooms tends to cost between 800 and 1,500 euros out of season, and between 1,500 and 2,500 euros during the tourist season. Larger properties or high-end rentals can easily exceed 2,500 euros a week, with rates reaching 4,000 euros or more during the winter holidays.

Several factors influence the final price. Location is key: a property near a ski resort or in the centre of a tourist village costs significantly more than a house in a less busy area. The length of stay also has an impact, as most owners offer sliding-scale rates for weekly or monthly bookings. Facilities, heating and the services provided (parking, access to communal facilities) also affect the final cost.

Seasonality remains the main factor driving price variations. Prices rise significantly during the winter school holidays, the summer and long weekends. Outside these peak periods, rates fall by 20 to 40 per cent. To make the most of your budget, browse several listings, check reviews from previous guests and consider booking a few weeks in advance, especially if you’re aiming for the low season when there’s more flexibility.