The mountains around Champoluc are fantastic in the summertime. Ask any local and they'll tell you that summer is the best season! Champoluc's small French town vibes bring people back year on year. They can't get enough of the local cheese, wine and endless walking opportunities. It's like stepping into a real life re-enactment of Russel Crowe's A Good Year. If you're looking for a slower paced walking holiday, where you can really get to know the local way of life and taste the typical food, then this is the place for you.
Champoluc, a town for locals
Everyday in Champoluc becomes more familiar. You'll leave with the feeling that you've known it all your life. Just walking along the river you'll find endless hidden gems, from the intricate wood carvings that line the riverside path, to public barbeque spots sitting in little wooded coves. There are always youngsters and locals barbequing and having a great time - giving the town its communal feel. All the hotels in this area have a really welcoming and cosy atmosphere, it's like a home away from home.
Wildflower flecked fields
The pretty village of Champoluc is made more so by the Evançon River that runs through it, with its electric-blue glacier melt. During the summer months the wildflowers will be in full bloom, freckling the meadows with delicate pastel colours. At some points it feels like you've stepped into a painting by Monet. It's not all about the views on the ground though, if you look up you'll find yourself surrounded by some very unique mountains, each with wonderful shadowing on them. When the sun hits them in the right place, they'll emanate a glow which brightens up the whole valley.
Earn your lunch on a Val d’Ayas hike
Hike to an alpine hut that just so happens to be home to the highest elevation cheese cellar in Europe - what an accolade! The 9.4km Tchavana walk should take two to three hours and, best-of-all, ends at agriturismo La Tchavana. It not only has one of the best views of the Monte Rosa glacier but a restaurant serving local dishes, and a shop selling cheeses and cured meats to bring home or to eat on your mountain-side picnic. The Monte Rosa massif stretches from Switzerland into Italy and its peaks reach up to 4,600m - that’s the second highest in Europe after only Mont Blanc. This high-altitude terrain means there are incredible hiking trails, as well as mountaineering around the glacier, making Champoluc a great base if you’re looking for a challenge.
The Family Feeling
Champoluc is a deceptively tranquil town, because when you look closely you'll find heaps of activities popping up. The little archery school on the riverside is great fun for an hour or two of entertainment. Alternatively, head into the woods just off the main town and you'll find an adventure ropes course and paint-balling. Every now and then an outdoor games area pops up, free for anyone to come along and enjoy. It's called 'Giochi della Nonna', Granny's Games - this is a throwback to all the wooden board games that were played in the past and a great way to get children off their iPads. Drop the children off and head to the golf course which spans over a lawn near the river - make sure you watch out for flying balls though!
Why book a summer holiday in Champoluc with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Champoluc's best activities at your own pace.
Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Champoluc. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Champoluc include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
