Category: Passy & Environs

Agendas & Events, Annecy & environs, Annemasse & environs, Aosta, Aosta Valley, Chamonix Events, Cluses & environs, Combloux Events, Combloux Ice-Skating, Cordon Events, Courmayeur, Forte di Bard, Fribourg, Geneva, Geneva Events, Italy, Lac Léman, Les Contamines Events, Les Houches Events, Megève Events, Megève Ice-Skating, Montreux, Passy Events, Praz-sur-Arly Events, Salève & environs, Sallanches Events, Sallanches Ice-Skating, Servoz Events, Shopping & Crafts, St Gervais Events, Switzerland, Theatre, Dance & Music, Vallorcine Events, Vallorcine Ice-Skating, Workshops & Stages

CHRISTMASTIME au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

At🎄Christmastime🎄, we are spoiled au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond) with🎄Villages & Marchés de Noël🎄and ⛸ seasonal outdoor ice-skating rinks⛸ too . . .  For information about 🎄CHRISTMAS MARKETS🎄, see separate post: For information about ⛸SEASONAL ICE-SKATING RINKS⛸, see separate post; In this post, you will find information about: 🎄the lighting of town and village CHRISTMAS TREES in early December; 🎆 dazzling light shows & installations; 🎅 visits from Santa; 🎄🎅 BIG Christmas events for families … Continue reading CHRISTMASTIME au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

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Agendas & Events, Annecy & environs, Annemasse & environs, Aosta, Chamonix Events, Combloux Events, Forte di Bard, Further France, Geneva Events, Italy, Lac Léman, Les Contamines Events, Megève Events, Montreux, Morges, Passy Events, Sallanches Events, Samoëns, Servoz Events, Shopping & Crafts, St Gervais Events, Vallorcine Events, Weekend Escapes, Workshops & Stages

CHRISTMAS MARKETS au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

It’s official . . . the🎄CHRISTMAS SEASON🎄is truly kicking off this week . . . Not too far from 🏔️ le Pays du Mont-Blanc, Villages de Noël & Marchés de Noël are beginning to appear in the centre of bigger towns and villages (Annecy, Lyon, Montreux, Lausanne, Château de Coppet, Aosta . . .), bringing warming winter magic: mulled wine and pretzels, beautiful illuminations, sometimes a chance to do … Continue reading CHRISTMAS MARKETS au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

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Babies & Toddlers, Hiking & Strolling, Lakes & Swimming, Passy, Passy & Environs, Plaine-Joux, Plateau d'Assy, Snowy Days

Le Lac Vert (Plaine-Joux)

WOW – this 🍁🍂autumn🍂🍁 has been so mild and sunny . . . and the sunny days look set to continue for a while . . . those desperate to see ❄️snow❄️ falling and covering our slopes must be getting impatient . . . but here at MBFF, though our boys are looking forward to winter sports and snow, we are equally happy to continue to enjoy the … Continue reading Le Lac Vert (Plaine-Joux)

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Annecy & environs, Combloux Swimming, Geneva, Lac de Passy, Lac Léman, Lacs des Ilettes, Lakes & Swimming, Les Contamines Sport & Adventure, Plan d'Eau Biotope, Weekend Escapes

Lakes & Watersports au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

Au Pays du Mont-Blanc we are lucky to have several swimming lakes with stunning mountain views . . . while the perfect spot for strolling and biking in autumn and winter, come the balmy days of spring and summer, the water warms and the lakes start to get busy with bathers and watersport enthusiasts (at Lac de Passy and Lacs des Ilettes: windsurfing, paddle boarding, SUP yoga, … Continue reading Lakes & Watersports au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

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Annecy & environs, Babies & Toddlers, Biking, Scooting & Skating, Chamonix, Chamonix Valley, Cinemas, Combloux, Cordon, Further France, Hiking & Strolling, Lac Léman, Lakes & Swimming, Le Fayet, Les Contamines & Environs, Les Houches, Megève, Megève & Environs, Museums & Exhibitions, Parent Pampering, Parks, Woods & Gardens, Passy & Environs, Plaine-Joux, Plateau d'Assy, Playgrounds & Softplay, Praz-sur-Arly, Rainy Days, Sallanches, Sallanches & Environs, Servoz, Sledging & Ice-Skating, St Gervais, St Gervais & Environs, Switzerland, Vallorcine, Weekend Escapes

SUMMER ACTIVITIES for families au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

I thought it might be useful to have at hand on one general list some of the activities available for families & children au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond) this summertime . . . so, if you reside au Pays du Mont-Blanc, or if you are visiting the Pays du Mont-Blanc this July & August, here are perhaps some fresh ideas for summer activities for families, come rain or shine . … Continue reading SUMMER ACTIVITIES for families au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

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Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, Chamonix Hikes & Strolls, Chamonix Valley, Combloux, Combloux Hikes & Strolls, Cordon, Cordon Hikes & Strolls, Hiking & Strolling, Lacs des Ilettes, Les Contamines, Les Contamines & Environs, Les Houches, Les Houches Hikes & Strolls, Montenvers Train, Passy, Passy & Environs, Passy Hikes & Strolls, Praz-sur-Arly, Praz-sur-Arly Hikes & Strolls, Sallanches, Sallanches & Environs, Sallanches Hikes & Strolls, Servoz, St Gervais, St Gervais & Environs, Vallorcine

MBFF’s recommended family hikes au Pays du Mont-Blanc

With a now seven year old and a four year old in tow, the MBFF family is beginning to find its hiking mojo (we hope).  The snow levels at altitude are still quite impressive this spring/summer season 2018 au Pays du Mont-Blanc, and our local refuges have had their work cut out to open in time to accommodate hikers, but we hope to get out in … Continue reading MBFF’s recommended family hikes au Pays du Mont-Blanc

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Babies & Toddlers, Le Jardin des Cimes, Parks, Woods & Gardens, Passy & Environs, Plateau d'Assy, Workshops & Stages, Yoga & Spas

Le Jardin des Cimes (Plateau d’Assy)

Le Jardin des Cimes is a truly magical garden at altitude, with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif. Le Jardin des Cimes (“Garden of the Summits”) has revitalised the area of Plateau d’Assy; not only are the garden and café a delight for locals and tourists alike, but jobs have been created and there are plenty of activities and workshops on offer for families and schools, as well … Continue reading Le Jardin des Cimes (Plateau d’Assy)

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Agendas & Events, Annecy & environs, Aosta Valley, Aosta Valley Castles, Arboretum de Ripaille, Arboretum National du Vallon de l’Aubonne, Aubonne, Chamonix, Chamonix Hikes & Strolls, Chamonix Parks & Gardens, Chamonix Valley, CJBG - Geneva's Botanical Gardens, Evian, Geneva, Hiking & Strolling, Italy, Jaÿsinia Jardin Alpin in Samoëns, Lago Maggiore, Le Jardin des 5 Sens, Le Jardin des Cimes, Les Houches, Les Houches Hikes & Strolls, Les Jardins de l'Eau du Pré Curieux, Les Jardins Secrets Vaulx, Morges, Parc La Grange, Parks, Woods & Gardens, Passy, Passy & Environs, Plateau d'Assy, Saillon, Salève & environs, Sallanches, Sallanches & Environs, Sallanches Hikes & Strolls, Samoëns, Switzerland, Thonon-les-Bains, Weekend Escapes, Yvoire

Springtime Blossoms & Flowers au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

With the plentiful snowfall of this winter season au Pays du Mont-Blanc, it is hard to imagine that we have now officially entered a new season . . .🌷🌹🌺🌱SPRING🌹🌺🌷🌱 !!! When crocuses first timidly reach out to the sun from their bed of grass, when the first almond and cherry blossoms appear in their splendid hues of pink, when magnolia trees blossom in splendid glory, when spring flower … Continue reading Springtime Blossoms & Flowers au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

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3D Nordic - Husky Dog Sledding & Canirando, Agendas & Events, Babies & Toddlers, Biking, Scooting & Skating, Hiking & Strolling, Lac de Passy, Lac des Chavants, Lakes & Swimming, Le Jardin des Cimes, Le Paradis des Praz, Museums & Exhibitions, Parks, Woods & Gardens, Playgrounds & Softplay, Rainy Days, Sallanches Softplay, Theatre, Dance & Music

BABY & TODDLER activities au Pays du Mont-Blanc

When I had my first baby seven years ago, I had just moved to a new town in the Pays du Mont-Blanc, away from a network of friends . . . I rather short-sightedly thought that this would be the opportunity to make new discoveries, and to have new adventures.  In effect, it was . . . but at times I was also incredibly lonely, … Continue reading BABY & TODDLER activities au Pays du Mont-Blanc

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Babies & Toddlers, Passy, Passy & Environs, Plaine-Joux, Plaine-Joux Skiing, Plaine-Joux Snow Shoeing, Plaine-Joux Sport & Adventure, Skiing, Workshops & Stages

Plaine-Joux Skiing (Passy)

*NB Plaine-Joux ski station is now shut for the 2017/2018 ski season* While the children are young and learning how to ski, or if you have beginner skiers in your group, then Plaine-Joux in Passy is the ideal ski station au Pays du Mont-Blanc for multiple reasons: it’s a small, family-oriented ski resort; there are 12km of wide, gentle, sunny pistes (green, blue and red) with stunning … Continue reading Plaine-Joux Skiing (Passy)

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Argentière Sledging, Babies & Toddlers, Chamonix Sledging, Combloux Sledging, Cordon Sledging, Crest-Voland, Hiking & Strolling, Les Contamines Sledging, Les Houches Sledging, Megève Sledging, Plaine-Joux Sledging, Praz-sur-Arly Sledging, Saint Nicolas de Véroce Sledging, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains sledging, Servoz Sledging, Sledging & Ice-Skating, Snowy Days, Vallorcine Sledging

Pistes de Luge au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

❄️ DECEMBER snowfall au Pays du Mont-Blanc ❄ . . . often we have a snow flurry in October or November, but the snow of autumn 2018 is teasing us! When the first snow arrives, the delight and excitement is catching: walks knee-deep (or shoulder-deep for the little ones!) in the snow, snowball fights, ⛄️ making a snowman (or perhaps a snowcat or other snow animal) . . … Continue reading Pistes de Luge au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

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Gypaètes Barbus © Antoine Rezer Photography
Agendas & Events, Passy, Passy & Environs, Passy Events, Workshops & Stages

Bon Anniversaire, Gypaète Barbu! (© Antoine Rezer Photography)

The gypaète barbu is celebrating two big birthdays this year: 30 years since its successful re-introduction into France (1987), and 20 years since the first gypaète was born in the Alps (1997). And so, to celebrate within the domain of the convention Rencontres Internationales du Gypaète Barbu (10th to 12th November), Asters, Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels has put together a fantastic programme for the whole family this … Continue reading Bon Anniversaire, Gypaète Barbu! (© Antoine Rezer Photography)

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Babies & Toddlers, Biking, Scooting & Skating, Chamonix Hikes & Strolls, Combloux, Combloux Hikes & Strolls, Hiking & Strolling, Lac de Passy, Lac des Chavants, Lacs des Ilettes, Lakes & Swimming, Parcours d'Orientation Lac des Chavants, Passy, Passy Hikes & Strolls, Plaine-Joux, Sallanches, Sallanches Hikes & Strolls

Family strolls with small children: lakes in autumn au Pays du Mont-Blanc

YAfter a visit to Japan during the magical time of «autumn leaves», I never thought that autumn would inspire me in the same way again . . . But then I returned home to the Pays du Mont-Blanc, and was charmed all over again by the palette of red, ochre, gold and orange covering the trees, crunching under my feet and reflected in the lakes of … Continue reading Family strolls with small children: lakes in autumn au Pays du Mont-Blanc

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Agendas & Events, Babies & Toddlers, Chamonix, Chamonix Events, Chamonix Valley, Les Houches, Les Houches Events, Passy, Passy & Environs, Passy Events, Rainy Days, Sallanches & Environs, Sallanches Events, Salle Léon Curral, Servoz, Servoz Events, St Gervais & Environs, St Gervais Events, Theatre, Dance & Music, Vallorcine, Vallorcine Events, Workshops & Stages

Festival «Les Petits Asticots» (Pays du Mont-Blanc)

The 18th edition of Les Petits Asticots – the annual children’s festival au Pays du Mont-Blanc, taking place during the Toussaint school holidays – will be yet again offering families six inspirational days of theatre, music, dance, circus and workshops from 20th to 26th October! The MBFF team absolutely LOVE Les Petits Asticots – not only are the shows of high quality, the festival is local and its timing during the … Continue reading Festival «Les Petits Asticots» (Pays du Mont-Blanc)

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Agendas & Events, Geneva Museums, Le Chalet des Créateurs, Le Jardin des Cimes, Les Houches Cinébus, MAH - Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, MEG - Musée d'Ethnographie de Genève, Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, Museums & Exhibitions, Rainy Days, Workshops & Stages

Les mercredis – workshops, sport & creative activities for children au Pays du Mont-Blanc

📆 WEDNESDAYS are once again – au Pays du Mont-Blanc – a day free from scholastic duties (for young children, at least!). A day to perhaps explore a new sport or leisure activity, to relax at home or to head to garderie. To join local sports clubs, or to sign up for activities at the MJC Chamonix, FJEP Passy, MJC Saint-Gervais or Le Palais in Megève, you will largely need to sign … Continue reading Les mercredis – workshops, sport & creative activities for children au Pays du Mont-Blanc

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Chamonix Hikes & Strolls, Combloux Hikes & Strolls, Cordon Hikes & Strolls, Hiking & Strolling, Le Fayet Hikes & Strolls, Le Jardin des Cimes, Le Parc Thermal, Les Gorges de la Diosaz, Parc de Merlet Animal Park, Parks, Woods & Gardens, Passy Hikes & Strolls, Praz-sur-Arly Hikes & Strolls, Sallanches Hikes & Strolls

FAMILY HIKES – tips for hiking with small children

*2018 update – this appears to be a very popular post on the MBFF website, so I have updated it with a few new suggestions for family walks!* Family hiking with small children is not a simple task! Well, perhaps it is for some families . . . perhaps your children were born hikers!  But for many of us, getting our children to LOVE hiking in … Continue reading FAMILY HIKES – tips for hiking with small children

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Babies & Toddlers, Chamonix Playgrounds, Chamonix Softplay, Further France, Lac de Passy, Les Contamines Playgrounds, Passy, Playgrounds & Softplay, Rainy Days, Sallanches Playgrounds, Sallanches Softplay, Sallanches Softplay, Vallorcine Playgrounds, Vitam (Neydens)

SOFTPLAY, INDOOR PLAY & BOUNCY CASTLES au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

Au Pays du Mont-Blanc, we are lucky to have a softplay option in the industrial zone of Sallanches for those RAINY DAYS all year round . . . and in the summer months, plenty of bouncy castles spring up in lovely locations too . . . and further afield in the Arve Valley and beyond, there are some larger softplay and indoor play areas . . . … Continue reading SOFTPLAY, INDOOR PLAY & BOUNCY CASTLES au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)

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Biking, Scooting & Skating, Hiking & Strolling, Lac de Passy, Lakes & Swimming, Passy, Passy & Environs, Passy Hikes & Strolls

Lac de Passy

Lac de Passy, officially referred to these days as a Base de Loisirs (due to the numerous leisure activities on offer), is the largest lake in the Pays du Mont-Blanc.  Ideal for a swim and a splash during the summer months, it is also frequented by cyclists, joggers, buggy-walkers, fishing enthusiasts, windsurfers, paddle-boarders and dog-walkers (NB dogs are not permitted at the beach/criques ends of the lake during … Continue reading Lac de Passy

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Agendas & Events, Le Jardin des Cimes, Parks, Woods & Gardens, Passy & Environs, Plateau d'Assy, Workshops & Stages

«Le petit atelier’jardin du mercredi» at the Jardin des Cimes (Plateau d’Assy)

Over the summer months, the wonderful Jardin des Cimes offers weekly workshops for children every Wednesday afternoon, from 14h30 to 16h30 (from June until early September). These are themed workshops pertaining to nature and gardens, with a different theme for each week.  You need to reserve a place for the workshop, at 8,50€ per child, with a reduced entry price to the gardens for the accompanying adult … Continue reading «Le petit atelier’jardin du mercredi» at the Jardin des Cimes (Plateau d’Assy)

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Babies & Toddlers, Chamonix Playgroups, Passy Playgroups, Rainy Days, Sallanches Playgroups

BABY & TODDLER PLAYGROUPS au Pays du Mont-Blanc

What you’ll find in this post, is a list of baby & toddler playgroups au Pays du Mont-Blanc that you can just pop along to for FREE! For a much more detailed list of Baby & Toddler Activities au Pays du Mont-Blanc, see separate post. Colour code for listings: Chamonix Valley (Chamonix, Argentière, Les Houches, Servoz & Vallorcine) Passy & environs Sallanches, Combloux, Cordon & Domancy St Gervais, Le … Continue reading BABY & TODDLER PLAYGROUPS au Pays du Mont-Blanc

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Chamonix Cinema Vox, Cinéma la Caméra, Cinemas, Les Houches Cinébus, Megève Cinema, Rainy Days, Sallanches Cinema

Cinemas au Pays du Mont-Blanc

Au Pays du Mont-Blanc, there is one large cinema complex in Sallanches – the Ciné Mont-Blanc, and then a scattering of smaller screens, which have lots of personality!  During the summer months, many of the communes screen FREE outdoor films, so be sure to look at Tourist Office agendas for this lovely initiative. Chamonix Chamonix’s Cinéma VOX is a bit of an institution. There are VO … Continue reading Cinemas au Pays du Mont-Blanc

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Babies & Toddlers, Lac de Passy, Passy, Passy & Environs, Passy Playgrounds, Plateau d'Assy Playground, Playgrounds & Softplay

Passy Playgrounds

Jardin des Cimes in Plateau d’Assy This is not a conventional playground – and neither is it free (as you have to pay an entrance fee to enter the gardens) . . . but I’ve included it in this Passy Playgrounds post, as you can’t find many playgrounds with such an incredible view of the Mont-Blanc massif . . . These wooden structures at Le … Continue reading Passy Playgrounds

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