Opal Coast France: Mini-Road Trip Along the Beautiful Coast
February 11, 2026
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Beautiful nature and ultimate tranquility is the first thing you perceive when surrounded by the mountain ranges of the French Alps. Having been to the Alps several times during the winter months, it was now the first time to be in the French Alps during the summer period. And I can't help but be positively surprised. Vallée des Belleville is a beautiful destination in France to go to. You can go hiking and be active, but the area is also perfect for discovering charming mountain villages and unwinding. Curious about our tips for a summer trip to the French Alps? These are them!
Vallée des Belleville, a beautiful summer destination in the French Alps
Vallée des Belleville, located in the department of Savoie, is the only location in the French Alps where we have been during the summer in France. And having seen this destination, we can only dream of seeing more of the French Alps. The valley is part of the famous Les Trois Vallées who you may know from the popular ski resorts of Les Menuires and Val Thorens. But charming mountain villages such as Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Deux Nants are also worth visiting. Here you will be introduced to traditional Savoyard architecture and local culture and gastronomy. For example, raclette or fondue is also hearty fun to do in the summer. Try it out in the sun on the terrace, overlooking, of course, the imposing mountain peaks of Vallée des Belleville!
How to get to Vallée des Belleville?
If you’re planning a summer trip to the French Alps, Vallée des Belleville is best reached either by car, train or plane, depending on where you’re coming from. Driving gives you full freedom to explore the valley and surrounding mountains. If you need a car upon arrival, you can easily rent a car at Chambéry Airport to start your adventure.
Traveling by train is a comfortable, fast, and sustainable option, when you're traveling through Europe. From major European cities like Amsterdam, you can take the Eurostar to Paris. From there, catch a TGV to Chambéry, and then a connecting train to Moûtiers in the heart of the French Alps. The total travel time is around 8–9 hours, and it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the journey stress-free. Booking in advance often gives you the best prices. Paris.
Flying is also an easy option if you’re coming from farther away in Europe or internationally. The closest airport is Chambéry Airport, about 105 km (1 hour 20 mins) from Vallée des Belleville. Other convenient options include Geneva, Grenoble, and Lyon, all within 2–3 hours’ drive from the valley.
The best things to do during the summer in the French Alps
Undoubtedly, the true icon of the French Alps is Mont Blanc, towering at 4,810 meters and the highest peak in Western Europe. The French Alps draw travelers all year round, known especially for their world-class winter sports destinations such as Chamonix, Courchevel, and Les Trois Vallées, including Vallée des Belleville. But the Alps are not just for winter! Summer reveals a completely different side: breathtaking landscapes, lush green valleys, and pristine mountain air. Hikers and nature lovers will feel right at home, while food and wine enthusiasts (“burgundy-minded” travelers) can also enjoy the region’s renowned gastronomy in charming mountain villages. Simply put, the French Alps are a must-visit destination, no matter the season.
1. Hiking to Le Lac Blanc in Val Thorens
You probably know Val Thorens as a top winter sports destination, but have you ever considered visiting in the summer? The world’s largest ski resort transforms completely once the snow melts. Instead of slopes, you’ll find lush green mountains dotted with vibrant wildflowers in full bloom. With average summer temperatures around 20°C, it’s the perfect time for anyone looking to be active amidst the stunning alpine scenery.
From Val Thorens you can take several hikes through the mountains. The route we followed is the hike to Le Lac Blanc, at an altitude of 2,749 meters. Le Lac Blanc is an insanely beautiful blue lake at the foot of the glacier. The trail totals about 6 kilometers, starting and ending in the village itself. The climb up is tough because you climb from 2,350 meters to almost 3,000 meters. So you rise well above the tree line and even see the landscape change from grasslands to rocks and boulders. Bring plenty of drinking water and be sure to stop now and then, if only to take in the amazing views of the French Alps. On the way back you will pass a smaller lake, Lac des Grenouilles, here you will find two picnic tables. A nice place to stop for a while.
For more hiking trails in Val Thorens, it’s best to check out the local tourist office website. You’ll also find information about which lifts are open during the summer months.
2. Visit the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
It’s remarkable that such a charming village as Saint-Martin-de-Belleville isn’t overrun with tourists in the summer, though that’s part of its appeal. This village is truly the heart of the Vallée des Belleville, offering a range of excellent accommodations for both summer and winter stays. The town center is dotted with cozy restaurants and a handful of local shops, while its prime location makes it the perfect base for exploring the French Alps. From here, you’re close to everything and can even embark on scenic walks directly from the village.
Dining out at restaurant La Voûte
Speaking of cozy restaurants in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville… the hotspot La Voûte is a must-visit. Its popularity speaks for itself. On a weekday evening, you’ll find locals enjoying a meal and a drink alongside visitors. The menu is packed with delicious regional and local specialties, but you’ll also find international options. During our visit, we tried the tuna sashimi, burrata salad, and grilled salmon. Not traditional Savoyard fare, but absolutely delicious.
3. Have lunch at Refuge le Nant Brun in the mountain village of Deux Nants
One of the great advantages of visiting the French Alps in summer is that remote mountain villages like Deux Nants become easily accessible. The winding road leading to this village is actually closed in winter due to avalanche risk. Nestled in a quiet valley about a 30-minute drive from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Deux Nants is delightfully secluded. The village itself is tiny, consisting of just a few streets, but its charm lies in the uniform style of the houses, which together create a picturesque scene. Most of the homes are French vacation properties, filled with life during the summer months.
In the village, you’ll find the charming inn Refuge le Nant Brun. Opened in 2023 by two friends, this cozy retreat offers the chance to stay right in the heart of the Vallée des Belleville in a peaceful, secluded setting. If you’re not staying overnight, you can still enjoy a delicious lunch here, featuring local Beaufort cheese and homemade sausage, a true taste of the Alps.
4. Take a look at a Beaufort cheese maker deep in the mountains of Vallée des Belleville
As Dutchies, we’re known for our love of cheese, and of course, Dutch cheese is amazing, but French cheese can be just as blissful. In the Vallée des Belleville, you’ll discover no fewer than 15 remote cheese farms tucked high in the mountains. Here, cows graze and are milked daily, and during the summer months, the farmers work hard to craft the famous Beaufort cheese. A true treat for any cheese lover, no matter where you’re from!
One of these cheese farms is located near the village of Deux Nants and is definitely worth a visit. You can join a guided tour from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, where you’ll learn all about life as a mountain cheese farmer. And naturally, the tour wouldn’t be complete without a tasting of the Beaufort cheese made right on the farm.
This is the Beaufort cheese farm tour. Please note that many tours are in French.
5. Visit the local farm Chez Pépé Nicolas
One of the most well-known restaurants in the region is Chez Pépé Nicolas in Les Menuires. The restaurant boasts a fantastic location and a truly authentic alpine atmosphere. Housed in a traditional farmhouse, this charm extends both inside and out, with details of farm life visible everywhere, even reflected in the dishes served. On the menu, you’ll find classic Savoyard specialties such as fondue and raclette, alongside tasty options like trout, chicken, or even a hearty hamburger.
Before sitting down on the terrace, you can take a stroll around the farm and meet the animals: chickens, cows, goats, rabbits, and more. Chez Pépé Nicolas is renowned for its use of fresh, local ingredients, many of which are grown on-site. For instance, the cows’ milk is used to make their own ice cream. And here’s a fun sustainability fact: all leftover food scraps are fed to the animals, so nothing goes to waste!
What is the best place to stay in Vallée des Belleville?
There is no shortage of great accommodations in Vallée des Belleville. In the charming village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, you’ll find the incredibly well-located four-star Lodji Hotel & Spa. This village is the perfect base for exploring the valley and the surrounding resorts. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with stunning mountain views and a relaxed atmosphere. After a day of adventure, you can unwind in the hotel’s spa. On the terrace, you’ll find two hot tubs, and inside there’s a sauna, steam room, and swimming pool. Fancy a bite or a drink? The terrace at the back of the hotel is the place to be, and you can even dine with a view of the mountains.
Another special accommodation worth mentioning is the five-star La Bouitte Hotel. The chateau exudes incredible charm with its stylish and cozy decor. There are only 15 rooms, a spa where you can relax, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Looking for something truly unique? This is the place you want to be!
On vacation to the French Alps
We hope this article has inspired you to plan a summer getaway to the French Alps. As you’ve seen, the mountains are perfect for both adventure and relaxation. Hike along scenic trails, reach breathtaking peaks you’ll remember for years, and indulge in the delicious local cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants in the Savoy region.
Because Vallée des Belleville is so easily accessible, both by car and by train, you can go in any direction. You might even consider planning a nice road trip through France in the summer. You can combine your road trip to the French Alps with the rugged and imposing Opal Coast, or just with a visit to the fairytale village of Gerberoy. And how about a sunny stop at the Côte d'Azur in Cannes?
A tailor-made trip to France
Would you prefer to have everything arranged from start to finish? We’re happy to create a fully organized, tailor-made trip just for you, designed to match your exact preferences. Whether you want an independent adventure with a personal travel plan or a fully arranged journey, there are endless ways to explore France. Combine the culinary delights of the French Alps with the dramatic cliffs of the Opal Coast, and finish your trip relaxing by the sea. This is your chance to design the perfect round trip at your own pace, with the freedom to savor every moment of this unforgettable destination.
Skiing in Les 3 Vallées
As we wrote earlier in this article, you probably know Les 3 Vallées primarily as a winter sports destination. And logically, Les 3 Vallées is the largest interconnected ski area in Europe. With 600 kilometers of slopes and 5 nice ski villages you can have a great time here in winter. Got curious? These are our tips for a winter sports vacation in Les 3 Vallées.
One of the ski villages in Les 3 Vallées is Les Menuires, it is located very centrally in the area and offers access to all the valleys. The village is therefore often tipped as the ultimate place to stay for a week of winter sports. But Les Menuires is not only suitable for that, you can also do some very cool winter activities. How about tobogganing down the mountain or a biathlon clinic? These are the best winter activities in Les Menuires.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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