Alpine adventures in Châtel: hikes and activities for everyone
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationHaute-Savoie / French Alps
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AgeFrom 3 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions70.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Alps for a stay combining adventure, nature, and conviviality in Châtel . In an authentic setting, enjoy a varied program to discover the mountains at your own pace, with family or friends.
Accompanied by experienced guides , discover alpine trails on hikes adapted to different levels and enjoy family outings to explore the landscapes of the Abondance Valley. For thrill-seekers, try via ferrata , treetop adventure courses , mountain biking (rentals available) , or whitewater rafting . Via ferrata and rafting are offered with an additional charge of €25 per adult .
Children and teenagers are not forgotten! Our children's and teens' clubs offer them age-appropriate activities to have fun, discover the mountains and share wonderful moments with other young holidaymakers.
Another advantage: the Multipass is offered during your stay! Enjoy many activities in Châtel for free, including the swimming pool, ski lifts and cinema , to alternate between hiking, leisure and relaxation.
After your days in the great outdoors, return to the warm comfort of the Le Gîte Holiday Village and enjoy full board with carefully prepared meals.
The program of activities may vary from week to week depending on the conditions and possibilities at the time.
An ideal stay to get active, explore, push your limits and share unforgettable experiences in the heart of the mountains
Bed linen and towels provided.
The highlights
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All-inclusive stay: accommodation, full board and activities included
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Various activities: treetop adventure courses, mountain biking, hiking, rafting or via ferrata
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Friendly atmosphere: warm welcome and family atmosphere
Photos
Yann - verified review - august 2026
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
The expert's opinion
Our hikes are accessible to anyone who enjoys walking and enjoying the mountains in a friendly atmosphere.
The level is generally considered intermediate , with outings adapted to the physical condition of the group.
👣 Our guide always adjusts the pace, elevation changes and routes so that everyone can fully enjoy the scenery and the experience, in a spirit of discovery and pleasure.
⛰️ Some days may offer a little more elevation gain or walking time, but regular breaks are planned and the main objective remains to share beautiful moments in the mountains.
😊 Whether you are an occasional hiker or a seasoned trail user, you will be kindly accompanied to enjoy a pleasant stay in the heart of the Alps.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 467 m
- Average daily descent: 300 m
MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Dirt road
Rafting
- Average duration/day: 3h
Treetop adventure course
- Average duration/day: 3h
Management
English
French
We use qualified mountain guides for hikes in the mid-mountain range.
Program
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Warm welcome and facilities
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You settle into your holiday village and explore the surrounding area. At 6 p.m. , a welcome drink is offered to help you get to know each other and start your stay in a friendly atmosphere.
Day 1 -
Mountain exploration and hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Immerse yourself in a day of family adventure with a beautiful mountain hike . Enjoy breathtaking scenery while discovering the joys of outdoor sports. Young and old alike will find their own pace, between accessible trails and stunning panoramas. An ideal way to experience the mountains in a new light.
Day 2 -
Adventure on two wheels
- Activity MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Embark on a mountain bike ride through mountain trails, between forests and spectacular panoramas. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, the route adapts to your pace for a fun and active experience in the heart of nature. A great opportunity to share an energetic moment with the family.
Day 3 -
Rafting (ages 9+) or via ferrata (ages 12+ and over 1.45m) + €25/Ad
- Activity Rafting
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Get ready for an unforgettable water adventure with a rafting trip . With your family, you'll tackle the rapids in a fun and safe environment. Thrills and laughter guaranteed, whether you're a beginner or already experienced. It's the perfect experience to share a memorable moment on the river.
Day 4 -
Mountain hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Relive a day of family adventure with a beautiful mountain hike . Enjoy breathtaking scenery while discovering the joys of outdoor sports. Young and old alike can find their own pace, between accessible trails and stunning panoramas. An ideal way to experience the mountains in a new light.
Day 5 -
A night at the Refuge des Tindérêts: experience the mountains in a different way
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Embark on an authentic adventure in the heart of the Abondance Valley and discover the charm of a night in a mountain refuge.
After a pleasant hike through alpine pastures and high-altitude forests, reach the Refuge des Tindérêts, nestled in a protected environment at the foot of Mont de Grange. Here, time seems to stand still, giving way to what truly matters: nature, sharing, and conviviality.
The highlight of this getaway? A true mountain evening centered around a Savoyard fondue prepared together. Each participant brings their own cheese, and in a warm and convivial atmosphere, we make our fondue before enjoying it with a view of the mountain peaks. A unique moment of sharing, perfect for conversation, laughter, and discovering Alpine traditions.
As night falls on the mountains, enjoy the exceptional tranquility of the refuge and the beauty of the starry sky, far from any light pollution. You will spend the night in a dormitory, experiencing the authentic atmosphere of alpine mountain huts.
Upon waking, after a good breakfast, the mountain unfolds before you in a new light before you begin the return journey.
A simple, warm and unforgettable experience to experience the mountains from the inside and share a special moment in the heart of the Alps.
Day 6 -
Adrenaline and agility at height
- Activity Treetop adventure course
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Experience a day full of thrills with a family treetop adventure course. Move from tree to tree on suspension bridges, zip lines, and fun challenges suitable for all ages. It's the perfect opportunity to test your balance, take on new challenges, and share a unique experience in the heart of nature.
Day 7 -
End of stay and departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
You must vacate your room before 10am . Enjoy your last moments here before hitting the road again, your head full of memories.
Day 8
Accommodation
Discover your accommodation, comprised of 23 rooms fully renovated since 2018, each with a private bathroom and toilet, nestled at an altitude of 1200 meters between Lake Geneva and the majestic Mont Blanc , in the heart of the most Swiss of French villages. Located in the charming resort of Châtel , the establishment invites you to enjoy a unique experience combining relaxation and activity. The team is delighted to welcome couples , families , and groups in a friendly and decidedly sporty atmosphere. Take advantage of an exceptional setting to explore the region's treasures, from breathtaking Alpine panoramas to unforgettable moments shared with loved ones. Whether you are a nature lover, a mountain enthusiast, or simply seeking serenity, this accommodation is the ideal starting point for memorable adventures. Treat yourself to a stay that combines comfort, authenticity, and a change of scenery in an exceptional environment.
Access
Here is a link for the bus line between Thonon and Châtel: https://www.evad.fr/line/ligne-12/
Some activities are not offered on-site. Carpooling or a car may be necessary.
Go to the starting point
From Paris:
- Take a TGV from Gare de Lyon in Paris to Thonon-les-Bains (approximately 5 hours)
From Lyon:
- Take a train from Lyon to Thonon-les-Bains (approximately 4 hours), then bus line 12 to Châtel (approximately 1 hour)
From Bordeaux:
- Take a TGV from Bordeaux to Paris (approximately 2 hours), then another TGV from Paris to Thonon-les-Bains (approximately 5 hours)
From Paris:
- The journey is approximately 610 km, or about 6 hours by car, taking the A6 motorway towards Lyon, then the A40 towards Geneva, and finally the D902 towards Châtel.
From Lyon:
- The journey is approximately 216 km, or about 2 hours and 30 minutes by taking the A42 motorway towards Geneva, then the A40 and the D902 towards Châtel.
From Bordeaux:
- The journey is approximately 800 km, or about 8 hours by car, taking the A89 motorway towards Lyon, then the A40 towards Geneva, and finally the D902 towards Châtel.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double room
- Full board stay
- Supervision during sports activities and hikes
- A multi-pass (which allows you to enjoy unlimited activities during your stay in Châtel and in all the resorts of the Portes du Soleil)
- Rafting and via ferrata for children
The price does not include
- Rafting and via ferrata for adults (€25)
- Mountain bike rentals
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- The single room (mandatory for all solo bookings)
- Thai massage available on site: https://suneethaimassage.simplybook.it/v2/
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
🎒 In the backpack
- Sufficient water 💧
- Snack or picnic 🍫
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat 🧴🕶️
- Small first aid kit (bandages, disinfectant)
- Trail map or GPS hiking app 📍
🌦️ Good to know
Mountain weather can change very quickly, even in the middle of the day. It is therefore important to always be well-prepared, even for a short hike.
Clothing to bring
🥾 🎒 Recommended equipment for hiking
When hiking independently in the Châtel area and the Abondance Valley, good equipment is essential to fully enjoy the mountains safely and comfortably. 😊
👟 Shoes and clothing
- Hiking shoes with good grip (non-slip soles)
- Clothing suitable for the mountains (breathable and comfortable)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, even in summer
- A warm layer (fleece or sweater) is essential, as temperatures can change rapidly.
