Indian summer in the mountains: extend the pleasure in September!

A return to calm to escape the hustle and bustle of the new school year

It’s no secret that the holidays are over. Classes, work and school for the youngest have resumed, but summer isn’t really over yet! In September, the temperatures are still mild and the mountains are an excellent way to regain some calm after a busy few weeks.

So put on a jacket and head up to the resorts! There are plenty of pleasant walks available at this time of year:

• Lac de Saint-Léger, in Montclar: in the heart of a Natura 2000 area, this peat bog is exceptional in autumn for its colours and the species of birds and plants it shelters. From the resort, it takes around 2 hours (easy level).

• Hike to Lac Vert, Avoriaz:set off on an adventure to Lac Vert, a jewel perched on the Franco-Swiss border. The climb takes around 2h30, but it’s well worth it. This hike is a loop, so you won’t have to take the same route on the way back.

• Etang de Séchemer / Col de la Vierge, at La Bresse (Vosges): an easy 7 / 8 km circuit with 380 m of ascent, where you can take in some enchanting scenery. The beech and fir forests take on flamboyant colours (reds, yellows and oranges).

• Between waterfalls and torrents” walk – Lesponne Valley, Grand Tourmalet: this is an easy walk, ideal for young and old alike, allowing you to take full advantage of the flamboyant colours of the beech forests and the freshness of the mountain torrents. Suitable for children aged 7-8 and over, this 2? to 3-hour walk (approx. 8 km) has a low gradient (+250 m) and no major technical difficulties, provided you are well shod. Ideal time of year: mid-September to early November, to take advantage of the autumn colours and less crowded conditions.

In the resort, there are a few activities that are always accessible!

To keep mountain fans coming in September, many activities are still open, especially at weekends. Here are just a few of them to make the most of the end of summer 2025:

• Schlitte Mountain” rail sledging at La Bresse

Open at weekends in September and October, then every day during the All Saints’ holiday. Information here.

• Leap into space at Monts Jura

A unique experience from the platform of the giant zip line on the Col de la Faucille. After a free fall of just a few metres, you’ll return to terra firma gently, slowed by an ingenious braking system. In September, the activity continues on the weekends of 6 and 7/09 and from 11 to 14/09 before a winter break.

• Hot sulphur water baths at Font-Romeu

The sulphurous hot water baths are a must-do activity all year round, but especially when the temperatures cool down. There are 3 equipped areas open all year round around Font-Romeu: the baths at Dorres, Llo and St-Thomas.

• The Comborcière via ferrata at Saint Sorlin d’Arves

Open from 31/05 to 31/10, the via ferrata at Saint Sorlin d’Arves is set in breathtaking scenery at the foot of the Col de la Croix de Fer.

• Quad biking and Mountain Karting in Les Orres

Quad biking – Nunchi Adventure: from 01/09 to 31/10/2025, open every day. All tours are open by reservation except the 2-hour tours.

Mountain Kart: from 06/09 to 07/09/2025 from 9am to 5pm. From 13/09 to 14/09/2025 from 9am to 5pm.

• Valberg Golf Club

A genuine 9-hole mountain golf course at an altitude of 1700m, just a stone’s throw from the Mercantour National Park. Discover a golf course that is both technical and surprising, with breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

It also has a 20-station driving range and 3 practice greens with free access. Open every day until mid-October.