Hotel Cristallo

Spa’s don’t get much better than the Caldea Spa. It’s one of the largest thermal spas in Southern Europe and just a 30-minute bus ride from Arinsal. Its iconic 80 metre high tower is the highest tower in Andorra. Head inside to marvel at the architecture and of course, enjoy the extensive facilities that were built to make use of the local hot springs. Mineral-rich water flows from the earth at 70ºC or you might want to try the ice pools if it's a warm summer day. The different areas and pools are plentiful with hydro massage jets, whirlpools, waterfalls and treatments available to book.

Possible to reach with pre-booked car hire

The Tibetan Bridge and Roc del Quer viewpoint are two stunning sites in the Canillo valley. You can head to the Col d’Ordino first to the car park near the view point, it's then a short walk down the ridge to take you to the Roc del Quer viewpoint. It juts out of the landscape on an impressive platform, with some sections of the floor made from glass so you get views from all angles. The scenery here is fantastic and you even have a birds eye view of the towns of Soldeu, Canillo and Encamp.
The Tibetan bridge at Canillo is popular attraction in this area. To get to the bridge it's an easy 15 minute walk up from the carpark. Once you reach it you'll see a structure that stretches 603 metres long across the valley at a height of up to 158 metres above the Vall del Riu. Even if you’re not feeling brave enough to cross, the sight of the bridge and the surrounding views are still seriously impressive.

Right on Arinsal’s doorstep is the Comapedrosa Valley National Park that's just beautiful in the summer. It's home to Andorras highest peak, Pic del Comapedrosa, which sits at 2,942 metres. The area is highly protected with a range of wildlife and nature spots including lakes, waterfalls and forests. There are a number of hiking routes to explore in the summer and three mountain refuges within the park, one of which offers light refreshments.

If retail therapy is on your agenda then the lower tax rates here will be very welcome. Andorra la Vella (around 30 minutes by bus from Arinsal) has 'The Shopping Mile', which is partially pedestrianised. It begins in Avinguda Meritxell and passes all the way to Vivand. You'll find plenty of shops to browse with clothing, perfumery, sports equipment as well as electronics available to buy. The area also offers cafés and restaurants, so you can take a well-earned break from carrying the shopping bags.

The hiking paths are really well marked in Arinsal, you’ll find information on the difficulty of trails and accessibility – great for families wanting to carefully plan out their routes. You’re also right on the doorstep of the Comapedrosa National Park where you’ll find forests, lakes and waterfalls – children can keep their eyes peeled for local wildlife such as lizards, deer and marmots (just be sure to keep a safe distance and leave nature undisturbed).

There also family friendly routes, some of which cover easy trails detailing fictional stories with clues and educational information on route.

Not too far from Arinsal you'll find the Pal Arinsal Mountain park (open during selected months and some activities have age restrictions). It offers a number of activities for children including a mini pedal car circuit, electric train, archery, zip lines, rope parks and more.

Arinsal is a great destination for families that love being out and about in nature, with plenty of walking trails to suit different abilities as well as local attractions to explore. The mountain park in La Massana is great fun with a miniature train, zip lines, bungee jumping, tubing and plenty more, it'll keep the kids entertained for hours (open during selected summer months and you may wish to purchase tickets in advance).

One of Chamonix's most famous attractions, the Aiguille du Midi cable car, whisks you up into the mountains to an altitude of 3,842 meters. At the top, you’re in the midst of the Mont Blanc Massif with jaw-dropping views towards surrounding peaks including views of the Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. For an added thrill, step into the glass skybox known as ‘Step into the Void’, which suspends you over a 1,000-meter drop. You’ll also find a small museum detailing the history of climbing in this area. You may want to purchase tickets to the Aiguille du Midi cable car in advance as it's very popular during the summer months.

Chamonix has a great range of events during summer. We've listed a few of our favourites below. Please be aware dates are subject to change and should be checked in advance, tickets might also be required and may need to be booked and paid for in advance:

• Fête de la Musique, Chamonix (usually held around 21st June) - This isn't just an exclusive event to Chamonix but is celebrated in many French towns and villages to mark the summer solstice. Enjoy a variety of music from amateur bands to classical musicians.
• Marathon du Mont-Blanc (usually held around the end of June) - Not for the faint hearted, this challenging race climbs to over 2,000 metres and is great viewing for running fans.
• Climbing world cup (usually held in early July) - Chamonix centre becomes a stage for the climbing world cup where you can watch these impressive athletes take on daring climbing walls.
• Cosmo Jazz Festival (usually held around the 22nd July) - Enjoy fantastic live music and a great atmosphere.
• Fête des Guides (usually held around the 15th August) is a celebration of mountain guides, you'll find plenty of activities in the valley as well as concerts to celebrate the occasion.
• Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (usually held at the end of August) - this ultra marathon follows the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc and is a chance to see some incredible athletes take on this mountain challenge.

No trip to Chamonix is complete without savouring its hearty alpine cuisine. Indulge in regional specialties such as tartiflette, raclette, and fondue. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for watching the world go by or admiring those mountain views.

Chamonix’s charming town centre is perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and exploration. Browse boutiques offering outdoor gear, local crafts, and gourmet products. Be sure to stop by one of the many cafés for a coffee or an ice cream while soaking up the lively atmosphere. 

For those wanting to learn more about Chamonix's rich history then there's the Alpine Museum. Housed in a historic palace, the museum showcases exhibits on the region’s mountaineering heritage, the development of tourism, and the area's unique natural environment.

Take the Montenvers cog railway up to the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier. This little red cog train offers fantastic views towards Chamonix as it climbs into the mountains. While the glacier itself has receded due to climate change, it's still a popular sight to see. You’ll also find a small glaciology museum and ice caves carved into the glacier, you can literally wander inside the glacier with impressive ice sculptures also on display (the museum and ice caves are only open during selected months).

Chamonix Leisure Park - This leisure park is close to Chamonix's town centre is great fun for kids of all ages. You'll find play areas, carousels, water games, mini karting and the alpine coaster, the luge. 

Accro Park of Les Gaillands - This adventure park is just outside of Chamonix in the Gaillands forest. There's playgrounds, high ropes courses, small ziplines as well as picnic areas.

Lac des Gaillands - For a more leisurely outing, head to Lac des Gaillands which is around a 30 minute walk from the centre of Chamonix. This tranquil lake is perfect for a picnic, a gentle stroll, or simply soaking in the stunning mountain views. 

There are plenty of bike paths in the Chamonix valley and there's no better (or easier) way to explore them than on an e-bike. A guide will take you through the bike paths, showing off the landscapes around you. The e-bikes mean you can getting a little extra help on those mountain paths and enjoy the journey, use as much or as little power as you like to help boost you along.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Glide in the air surrounded by the gorgeous mountains and see the Chamonix Valley from above. Seeing Mont Blanc from the Brevent mountain range, these are views you won't forget. You'll be in a tandem flight so your professional paragliding pilot will guide you in the air.

Please note the minimum age is 10 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

A 6 kilometre adventure down the rapids, on the top part of the Arve and its faster currents. The team will make you feel in safe hands as they guide you down the river and be sure to look up and take in those views. Brace yourself for some chilly water though, the water runs right off the glacier here so it's pretty cold but lovely and refreshing on those warm summer days.

Minimum age is 10 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Abseil, jump and swim your way through the water. Enjoy natural rock slides as you plunge into pools of clear water, and have a fun day out exploring the canyons.

Minimum age is 8 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Located between the lake and forest, the Gaillands climbing site is the ideal playground for rock climbing. Supervised by a mountain guide who will take you through the various routes of the climbing wall, everyone can take this activity at their own pace.

Minimum age is 6 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Visit the small city of Annecy, known as the 'Venice of the Alps', its canals, the old town and historical churches. The most famous buildings are the Palais de l’Isle and the Basilique de la Visitation above Old Annecy with a free exhibition of bells (usually from mid-May onwards).

The area was also associated with the French Resistance, the British agent Odette operated locally and the story of the Plateau de Glières, where resistance fighters were based and there was a big battle is told in the Resistance Museum.

The village of Talloires on the Eastern side of the lake was built around an 11th century abbey. The most well known castles in the area were built by the Dukes of Savoy including Annecy, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Montrottier.

There's a flat cycle path around Lake Annecy and this scenic ride follows the outline of the lake with fantastic views across glistening water and towards pretty villages, castles and mountain peaks. The path also goes along to Albertville on an old rail track.