Though the French resort of Megeve provides great skiing during the season, it also offers animal-loving families plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with creatures great and small all year round.
In fact, Megeve is a great family holiday destination full stop! However, bonding with mother nature’s creatures is the name of the game today.
Year Round
Whenever you visit Megeve you can be sure of a warm welcome from the Horse Riding Centre. Offering a range of rides on horses, ponies and donkeys – all supervised by a state registered instructor – this charming Alpine farm is a great place to start your family fun.
Depending on the age and skill of the riders, you could take part in picnic rides, mini, overnight-treks, day excursions and more.
The centre is open from 9 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturday.
In the Winter
If you are visiting the resort in the winter, why not arrange for your children to see and interact with some of the region’s more fascinating inhabitants.
Dog Sledding
There are lots of people offering rides in dog sleighs. These are exhilarating and slightly addictive – don’t say I didn’t warn you! Here are some options available in Megeve along with the various prices. It is worth comparing providers before you book, so you get the right experience for your family.
Evolution 2 Megeve: 45 minutes of thrilling ride-time starts at 85€. They are open from the beginning of December to mid-March, weather permitting. You will also be able to learn about handling and harnessing the dogs.
Mont du Villard Nord: Mont du Villard Nord offers everyone from the age of eight the opportunity to learn how to drive a sleigh. With the musher’s expert help you will soon be driving your own pack! Prices start at 100€ for a child and 150€ for an adult. You can also simply sit back and enjoy the ride, gliding along pulled by a team of Malamuts. Prices start from 50€ for a child and 85€ for an adult. Open from December 20th to March 20th.
Reindeer Farm
Spend some time with the majestic reindeer in Megeve’s Reindeer Farm. Pop in for a quick visit for just 10€ per child or linger longer with the Snack Package. For 27€ per adult and 19€ per child, you can spend two hours exploring the farm and then relax in their charming yurt with a homemade snack.
Top Tip: Booking is required to visit the Reindeer Farm. Did you know that you could rent the yurt for a private party for a birthday or special occasion?
In the Summer
The sun is out and the snow has melted, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see and do in Megeve.
Dog Hiking
A really fun activity for animal-lovers, take some of Mont du Villard’s beautiful dogs out for a hike in the mountains. The dogs are available for a two-hour walk in the morning or afternoon and the route can be adapted to different ability levels. Each dog walker wears a belt which is attached to the dog via a shock absorbent tether. This is a great way to get your kids away from their screens and out into nature.
Prices start from 20€ per child and 30€ per adult. The dogs are available from the 13th May to the 4th November.
Horse and Pony Riding Course
With skiing off the table, the summer is a perfect time to focus on other skills. Why not book the kids into a five-day riding course at the Horse Riding Centre? Lessons for Juniors (7-17-year olds) run from 2 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday and are 225€ for five days.
Where to Stay
Au Vieux Moulin – The recently refurbished Au Vieux Moulin is in a great central location and offers spacious rooms, most with a balcony, equipped with televisions and free Wi-Fi-access. In summer, the hotel’s heated outdoor pool is open, and its own restaurant is open year-round – ideal if you don’t want to drag the family out to eat each night.
Appartement Dallas – This beautiful, mountain-style apartment boasts five bedrooms, a kitchen – with hob and oven – and a large open plan living area. There is also a children’s playground, perfect for burning off extra energy before dinner. This is a really convenient apartment for families as it has a dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer to make your life a little easier.
How to Get There
Fly into Geneva Airport from the UK – a short hop of about an hour and a half. From Geneva, you’ll need to take an airport transfer to Megeve. This journey is just over an hour by road. I recommend Shuttle Direct transfers as they are great value for money and really reliable. Their drivers are friendly and will drop you off at your doorstep.
Top Tip: Shuttle Direct can often accommodate extra luggage if you book ahead.
Overview
- UK to GVA Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- GVA to Megeve Distance: 88.9 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct we ensure a brilliant service whether you prefer an affordable, shared shuttle or a private transfer. Our professional drivers will deliver you to your destination with a smile. We carefully select local transport companies to make sure we provide the best experience for you as you start your trip.
