Take a Tignes holiday this summer. The alpine resort of Tignes is 2100 metres above sea level, and there is so much to see and do. Here is Whiterides' guide to your summer holiday in Tignes.
When to go to Tignes for a holiday?
Tignes summer season runs from the end of June to the beginning of September.
Compared to the winter, Tignes is more relaxed during the summer time. That said peak weeks like UK and French holidays do get pretty busy.
Check out the Tignes Summer time table here
The weather in Tignes in the summer time is very good reaching highs of 30 degrees or more, so make sure you pack your sun cream!
In August expect a few down pours and storms during the evenings but this normally clears pretty quickly and it's bright and sunny the next day, sometimes within an hour. We love the rain as it keeps the area green and lush.
Keep an eye on Tignes weather on Meteo, France.
Things to do in Tignes during the summer
The Alps really come alive in the summer, especially Tignes. You’ll find there is a huge variety of activities to keep you and your family occupied during your Tignes Holiday.
Tignes caters for everyone - whether you’re looking to do some extreme outdoor sports or treat the family to an activity holiday with a difference.
Mountain Biking in Tignes
Tignes has a vast network of MTB trails ranging from beginner to expert. The MTB trails in Tignes are mostly man made with plenty of berms, jumps and drops.
There are some more natural trails which run down towards Val d’isere, if you prefer this style of riding.
Lift passes start at 10€ for a day ticket, so mountain biking in Tignes is actually very affordable.
If you need to practice and hon your bike skills beforehand, there is a skills area where you will also find an airbag to practice those big jumps.
Find all the information you need on Mountain Biking in Tignes here.
Useful Links for your Tignes MTB holiday
Startline MTB
Guiding, bike rental, bike sales and repairs - www.startlinemtb.com
Alpine Elements
Holidays and guiding - www.alpineelements.co.uk
Mountain Story
Bike rental - mountainstory.fr
Holiday at Tignes Lake
Tignes Lake Activities
The resort of Tignes has a beautiful lake situated in the centre.
The area that surrounds the lake is called “Tignes Le Lac”. Tignes offer lots of water sports activities on the lake from, Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), boating, kayaking, Pedal ‘au’s, Canoes and even a water jump.
The water jump can be performed on a variety of transportation - skis, a snowboard or a bike!
Click here for more information on Tignes in the summer
Lake Front Activities
Most activities in Tignes are concentrated around the lake where you will find tennis courts, trampolines, air bags, archery, slake lines and more.
In the 'Tignes Espace Centre' set just back from the lake is a huge indoor climbing wall, squash and badminton courts.
Click for information on Tignes Espace Centre
Walking and hiking in Tignes in the summer
Tignes is great for walking and hiking. There are a huge number of trails leading out from Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret, where you will instantly find your self in peaceful surrounds just minutes from the main towns of Tignes.
A hike over to Val d’isere rewards you with stunning views of the whole valley and Lac de Chervil below.
The famous GR5 is a hiking trial that starts in the north of Holland, and ends in the south of France taking up the best mountain walks on the way. GR stands for "Grande Randonnée", basically meaning big hike or long trail.
Part of the GR5 goes through Tignes so if your up for something a bit more challenging the part of the trail that starts in Tignes could be for you.www.moveyouralps.com/gr5-alpes.
Swimming in Tignes
The Lagon swimming pool, spa and fitness centre is also situated just on the lake front, and we love it here. The swimming pool area consists of 3 pools;
- a laned pool for serious swimmers,
- a play pool with slides, rapids,
- and a shallow kids pool with floats and toys.
So really good for families of any age.
Gym
Keep in shape on your Tignes holiday at Tigne's well-equipped gym. It's in the Lagon Centre and you will find exercise bikes, weight machines, rowing machines and more.
Wellness
Treat your self to a well earned relaxation session in the Lagon Wellness Spa. Jacuzzies, a steam room, a sauna and treatments are available.
Find more information on Tignes' Lagon Centre here.
Golfing in Tignes
Tignes boasts the highest golf course in Europe! With 18 holes, a 5 kilo metre long fairway and stunning views this is a must for any golfer.
Find more about golfing in Tignes here
Summer skiing and snowboarding on Tignes Glacier
Yes that’s right you can ski and snowboard from June to August on the Tignes glacier!
The Glacier boasts 20km of ski runs and a snow park. A cable car, called the Grande Motte takes you up to a breath taking 3456 meters above sea level. There is a stunning view across the whole of the Alps.
Lifts are open from 07:15 to 13:00 every day during the summer.
Find more about skiing in Tignes in summer here.
My Tignes Open
An easy and simple way to enjoy all the great activities Tignes has to offer! Most activities are FREE when you have booked accommodation partnered with Tignes resort.
Make sure to ask at your accommodation for your card. There are two free activities for each day you stay.
If not offered with your accommodation the 'My Tignes Open' card can be purchased for 10€ per day, 27€ for 3 days or 38€ 6 days
There are reduced rates for 5-13-year olds.
Find all everything you need to know about the Tignes Open Card here.
Where to stay in Tignes in summer
Tignes is split into 5 different areas:
Tignes 1550 Les Brevieres
Les Brevieres is a beautiful traditional alpine village. It sits at the lowest part of Tignes at 1550 meters above sea level, beneath the very impressive Tignes Barrage (the Tignes dam).
Tignes 1800 / Les Boisses
Is situated just the other side of the Tignes Barrage, over looking the Lac Du Chevril. This is a small hamlet of residences, hotels and apartments.
Tignes le Lac
Tignes le Lac is based at 2100 metres above sea level. This is really the main tourist area in Tignes around the lake. Here you will find a hive of sports facilities, lifts, hotel, bars and restaurants.
Tignes le Lavachet
Tignes le Lavachat is in walking distance of Tignes le Lac. There are also lots of hotels, apartments and bars here, close to the action.
Tignes Val Claret
Val Claret is based further on passed the lake. A town in its own right, with bars and restaurants, and lift access for bikes. The funicular train takes you up to the glacier for skiing.
Each area of Tignes has something different to offer, and all are easily accessible via the handy bus service that runs between them all.
If you are looking to be based right amontignesgst the action we recommend you stay in Tignes le Lac. There is access to all the facilities that Tignes has to offer.
Tignes summer accommodation
Tignes has a great selection of accommodation to offer from hotels to residences, apartments and even campsites.
We ‘ve put together a list of accommodation we recommend in each area.
Tignes 1550 Les Brevieres
Tignes 1800 / Les Boisses
Tignes le Lac
Tignes Le Lavachet
Tignes Val Claret
TUI/ Crystal Ski- offer a great selection of accommodation and holidays in all the Tignes area's
How to get to Tignes for a summer holiday
Flights to Tignes
The quickest and easiest way to arrive for your Tignes holiday is to fly. Once you've arrived at the airport either hire a car or take a *Whiterides*airport transfer.
In the summer Geneva is the best airport to fly to because there is the largest choice of flights from the UK, with pretty cheap carriers such as EasyJet.
Check out our blog post on Tignes airports >>
Tignes by airport transfer
Once you have arrived at the airport Whiterides can collect and transfer you directly to your accommodation in Tignes.
The transfer time from Geneva is around 3 hours and Whiterides offers discounted transfer prices though out the summer months. Just fill in our quote form and we will get back to you.
Tignes by train
You can take the Eurostar direct from London to Chambery. Then from Chambery the local train comes to Bourg Saint Maurice, which is the end of the line.
Then take a short 40 minute transfer with Whiterides up to the resort of Tignes.
Find more info on the Eurostar to Tignes here.
Driving to Tignes
If you want the flexibility of driving from the UK you can expect around a 15 hour journey, including the channel crossing, depending on where in the UK you are starting from.
French motorways (called “Peage”) are paid toll roads and the journey from Calais to Tignes will cost around €75 one way.
Michelin provide a great route planner on their website which provides the best route and estimated cost of the journey -www.viamichelin.com.
From all at Whiterides- we hope you have a great Tignes Holiday this summer!