Morillon and its surroundings
has plenty to do for all the family...
Morillon is a
French ski and summer resort, ideal for familes and groups of
friends.
Located in the French Northern Alps in the Haute Savoie between
Geneva (some 45 minutes drive from the airport), Chamonix Mont Blanc
and les Portes du Soleil ski area, Morillon belongs to the Grand
Massif ski area.
Morillon, Samoëns, Sixt, Les Carroz and Flaine: 5 resorts unite to
make one of the greatest skiing domains in France.
A total of 265 km of slopes culminating at 2500 metres at Flaine
(views of Mont Blanc),
1000 acres of traced slopes and 75 ski lifts.
So don’t hesitate any more, come and ski in the Grand Massif.
Morillon in winter also means all sorts of entertainments: like
torchlight processions, the carnival, clowns and concerts.
In summer, you will enjoy walking or mountain biking in the
surroundings mountains with spectacular waterfalls, glaciers and
exceptional fauna and flora.
Morillon offers a convenient lake with several activities around.
You also have charming pastures accessible by chairlift.
Taxi du Grand
Massif 0033 (0)4 50 34 90 90
See
http://www.ot-morillon.fr/winter-activities/alpine-skiing.php
for more details.
Listed below are just some of
the things you can try.
|
Sports:
Ski resort location
Tennis in town
Water sports
Water park
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins. drive
Fishing |
Great for:
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
A winter sun break
City breaks
Cycling holidays |
Please read on to find out more
about these activities:
WINTER SPORTS
Morillon and the
Grand Massif have ski-ing for everyone whatever level you are.
1 cable car, 4 gondolas, 26 chairlifts and 49
draglifts give you access to a paradise of 134 pistes for all
standards.
The Grand Massif
(1100-2500m) includes 265km of pistes. It links five resorts:
Morillon, Les Carroz, Flaine, Samoens and Sixt. The highest
point is 2500m. There are 80 lifts and 134 pistes.
-
Marked,
patrolled and mechanically groomed: 13 green, 41 blue, 56
red, 15 black.
-
Marked,
patrolled but not mechanically groomed: 10 black
-
Capacity: 73
500 persons per hour.
-
Artificial
snow: 128 snow canons
-
Piste
preparation: 37 machines
The Massif
includes
130km of pistes. It links four resorts: Morillon, Les Carroz,
Samoens and Sixt. The highest point is 2200m. There are 57 lifts
and 103 pistes.
-
Marked,
patrolled and mechanically groomed: 13 green, 32 blue, 37
red, 12 black
-
Marked,
patrolled but not mechanically groomed: 10 black
-
Capacity: 16
200 persons/hour 28 Pistes
SUMMER SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
In summer, there
is so much to do around Morillon such as climbing, golf, hiking,
mountain biking, mountaineering, paragliding, sightseeing,
sports and leisure and water sports. Morillon summer holidays
offer you a whole lot to get involved in. The apartment is well
located for all activities.
The vast and changing landscape of the French Alps provides the
most magnificent panoramic views, clean fresh air, stunning
mountains and crystal clear lakes. All the traditional holiday
activities are on offer from high adrenalin rushes to gentle
strolls. Morillon 1100 (Les Esserts) is the higher village of
the two, situated on the plateau of Les Esserts.
LAC BLEU
RECREATIONAL PARC
The recreational park of the "Lac Bleu" is situated at the very
centre of Morillon and offers a multitude of activities for
every age group. Fishing, swimming, tennis, horse riding,
petanque and so on. Fun for everybody.
Lac Bleu Recreational Parc is located 500 metres from the low
village of Morillon and there is something for everyone.
Situated beside the Giffre River's clear waters (reserved for
swimming and fishing).
Tennis, horse riding, children's play area, picnic areas. and a
bar/ restaurant. Free parking and toilets are at your disposal.
MOUNTAIN
BIKING
Some of the best mountain bike trails in Europe can be found in
the Grand Massif and surrounding areas, for all levels. EasyJet,
for example, now allow you to bring your own bike for a
small surcharge of £10 each way or you can rent a mountain bike
from Morillon or Samoens. There are excursion trails on the
valley floor as well as more difficult ones using the cable car
systems to access them. You can also start many of the rides
directly from the Morillon apartment.
The lifts allow you to take your bikes with you and enjoy some
of the best mountain bike paths in Europe in and around the
Grand Massif, to accommodate all levels.
BALLOONING
All the year round 1/2 h and 1 hour flights
3 training courses to improve or begin hot-air balloon flights
Contact: Jo – Tourist Office:
+33 450 90 00 04
CLIMBING
The valley of Haut-Giffre, offers numerous sites for
climbing where both beginners and experts will have the pleasure
of climbing a variety of different levels to match their skills.
A listing of more than 80 sites is available at the local shops.
You can try
another way of climbing with the "via ferrrata" of Tines. (Via
Ferrata -in English "Iron Way"), is a fixed-protection climbing
path.)
The technical material is supplied by the professionals, with
the exception of climbing shoes which can be rented in sports
shops. You can practise climbing together with a professional on
a training course, for a day or half-day.
Cairn: 04 50 90 02 74: half-day initiation, adult, Kids (6 to 12
years old)
Aereau loisirs: 04 50 34 4 2 72: half-day initiation, adult,
Kids (6 to 12 years old)
Training for experts and juniors: +33 (0)4 50 34 43 12.
GOLF
Golf de Flaine – Les Carroz. (Tel : 00 33 4 50 90
80 74 )
18 holes, length 4063m, par 63
Open 1/7-31/8, weekends only 15/6-30/6 & 1/9-30/9
Green fees (daily) 18 holes 30€, 9 holes 19€
A spectacular mountain course at an altitude of 1900m.
Fantastic views over the Alps.
Samoens.
(Tel: 00 33 4 50 34 40 28)
Driving Range & 9 hole putting green. Length 150m.
Open 1/7-31/8
Driving range over water + 9 hole putting green.
Golf des
Gets. (Tel: 00 33 4 50 75 87 63 )
18 holes, length 5264m, par 70.
Open: 15/6-20/10
Green fees (daily) from 29€ to 38€, weekend passes available
Mountain golf course with a superb panoramic view
Golf d’Avoriaz, Morzine. (Tel: 00 33 4 50 74 17 08)
9 holes, length 2923m, par 36.
Open: 29/6-15/9
Green fees (daily) 21€
Mountain golf links at the entrance to the resort of Avoriaz.
Superb panoramic views.
Chamonix
has an excellent 18 hole course and there are also courses at
Evian and Verbier.
Other Activities.
Adventure
Playground (Chamonix)
Forty minutes drive away in Chamonix, there is a large
adventure playground. This has numerous bungees, small
fairground type facilities, swing parks and most importantly
a luge which is a downhill toboggan, again on a kind of
go-cart. There large adventure playground also includes a
fast descent on a pulley.
Ballooning
Why not try ballooning? Joe Roulet from the tourist
office in Les Carroz, very nearby, offers spectacular
flights in Le Montgolfiere des Carroz. Joe’s Montgolfiere is
the symbol of Les Carroz and is one of the most renowned in
France.
Hiking
The valley is beautiful and the hiking season can start
as early as April in Morillon. You will need lightweight
boots and shorts, waterproofs, sunglasses, plus skin and lip
protection. Always have a drink at hand as well. Walks are
well sign posted. In the valley you can do one day walks
from the cable car stations and further a field two day plus
walks in surrounding French areas, Italy and Switzerland.
Mountaineering
There are lots of mountaineering routes to do in the summer
from valley cragging to the ascent of Mont Blanc. You must
be aware of mountain safety, if tackling anything very
dangerous then hire a guide. Most shops in Chamonix town
centre will have books covering the routes. We also
recommend a visit to the Chamonix tourist office.
Parapenting
Parapenting is a very popular sport in nearby Les Carroz due
to the high mountains and great winds. There are many
takeoff sites in Les Carroz. You can try with Eric Mathurin
of Air Passion or Alain Barnier.
(see
http://www.airpassion.org )
WATER SPORTS
You can do all the white water sports listed below in the
Grand Massif. Early in the summer, in May and June, the
rivers are usually high with snow melt from the mountains.
During July, August and September the water levels are
usually lower and the temperature warmer.
Canyoning
Vertical swimming with exciting water-slides into deep
pools.
Hydro speed
White water swimming is offered by all the rafting
companies and is great fun. Thick, reinforced wetsuits,
crash hats and flippers are provided but you'll still feel
vulnerable.
Kayaking
This is good around Morillon but not well publicised. The
Giffre river is good and grade three, the Dranse above
Thonon offers a range of levels, The Dora Baltea features a
range of difficulties including 15km of grade 6.
Rafting
This is a good white knuckle ride and the Arve (Chamonix)
and the Giffre (at Morillon/Samoens) are popular local
rivers. Further a field are the excellent Dranse (between
Morzine and Lake Leman) and, in Italy, the terrifying Dora
Baltea.
Swimming, Sunbathing, Windsurfing and BBQs
The local lakes are excellent for these with Lake Passy (20
minutes drive) being amongst the best. The outdoors is
generally bug-free so sunbathing can be enjoyed in peace.
Grand Massif /
Morillon area
Morillon is a
very authentic French Alpine village. Even if you do not want to
get carried away with the winter skiing or summer sports there
is so much to do in Morillon and the surrounding areas. Besides
the traditional French restaurants and bars in the village, you
can see and do so much.
Pétanque
There is one Pétanque ground at the Lac Bleu in Morillon village
plus another one at Morillon Les Esserts. Contests are organised
regularly at both places.
Acrobatic Tour in the forest
By the Lac Bleu in Morillon village this is a seven level tour
for the whole family. Different levels allow you to progress
freely from tree to tree in total confidence. Alternatively try
the Tyrolienne game which is 20 meters high with a Tarzan jump.
Helicopter Flight
This takes place every Thursday morning. Registration is at the
tourist office in Morillon village. Either a Grand Massif flight
or over Mont Blanc further information can be found at the
tourist office or +33 (0)4.50.74.22.44
TRIP TO SURROUNDING FRANCE
Annecy - 45 minutes drive
Try a trip to the Annecy and visit one of the most beautiful
lakes of Europe. With its lovely castle, canal walks, shops,
restaurants and historic entertainment, this place is a must and
only about 45 minutes drive away. Try a boat trip and why not
have lunch or even a dinner dance on the luxury boat Le
Libellule whilst enjoying the cruise.
Chamonix - 40 minutes drive
- Aiguille du Midi Cable Car (3842m)
One of the highest cable cars in the world, in two sections, it
will take you on a spectacular aerial voyage, up to Aiguille du
Midi surrounded by world-famous summits, forever linked with
mountaineering firsts - you will be able to contemplate a unique
panoramic view over the Mont Blanc and the Alps. The views are
stunning.
- Brevent (2525m)
The best views of the Mont Blanc massif are from the top of the
Brevent cable car.
- Mont Blanc Tramway
This railway is the highest in France. Throughout the voyage,
peaks and valleys unfold for your delight - the Contamines
valley, Aiguille du Gouter, Aiguilles Rouges, Aiguille du Midi.
- Montenvers Railway
Explore the Mer de Glace in its wintry or summery finery at the
foot of the Drus, la Verte and Les Grandes Jorasses peak. From
the arrival station, you can visit the crystal gallery, the
alpine fauna exhibition and the ice grotto.
- Tour of Historic Chamonix
Chamonix has a rich and diverse architectural heritage. Key
features of this tour, which can be booked at the Tourist
Office, include l'Eglise St Michel, la Marie and the Priory.
Evian les Bains - 50 minutes drive
Where the water comes from, this is another excellent day out.
It has an Olympic size swimming pool, children's and paddling
pools, and one of the longest water slides in Europe. The brave
can also do a high dive into Lake Geneva or learn to water ski.
TRIP TO SWITZERLAND
Geneva
The world famous city with its landmark fountain on the Lake is
only forty minutes drive away. Plenty to see and do, with many
museums, art galleries and fantastic shops and fascinating walks
through the narrow streets of the old part of the city. Ferries
across the lake are very popular.
Martigny
A popular daytrip is a scenic train ride over the border to
Switzerland with the Mont Blanc Express from Chamonix to
Martigny. This is just across the Swiss border past Chamonix is
in the picturesque Rhone valley and has been built around Roman
remains including a well preserved arena. It is well worth a
visit to see the world famous Gianadda Foundation with its
superb exhibitions which have included Van Gogh, Matisse,
Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci. There is a permanent outdoor
sculpture park in the beautiful grounds, with works by Rodin,
Henry Moore and Miro, amongst others. There is also a
magnificent collection of well preserved vintage cars and a
permanent art collection.
TRIP TO ITALY
Mont Blanc Tunnel
Try a trip to the Aoste Valley Courmayeur, through the Mont
Blanc tunnel. There are specific market days where you can pick
up the local specialities at a very reasonable price.