Hi, looking for some recommendations for a campsite which does mobile homes/self catering accommodation close to a mountain biking area in the Alps, preferably Morzine but can be elsewhere.
Context: We've 2 kids aged 10 and 8. Have always gone by ferry to campsites with self catering accommodation in Ile de Re and other locations in France. We like campsites with other Anglophone families as it allows kids have some autonomy and they can go off and make friends. A pool is a must, slides etc are not. Won't be bringing camping gear but Huttopia style accom is ok.
We fancy trying the Alps but not purely for biking, maybe 1 or 2 days, and then some other activities, lake swimming, hikes etc. Will bring our own bikes. This would be in July/Aug 2027.
Any recommendations?
As you mentioned Huttopia style, the campsite in Bourg St Maurice is a Huttopia one and has units to rent. Always lots of Brits on site. Has a decent swimming pool (no slides - there's also a large municipal pool nearby with all that jazz if you want), 5min walk to supermarkets, town centre walkable. 10mins ride to the funicular that takes you up to Arc 1600 and beyond to the biking trails.
Lake swimming a gentle cycle along surfaced offroad path following the river, to here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/989SC2SrjSGKsmRW9
We've camped there a few times with kids and did a fair bit of non-biking touristy stuff too. The biking's great too though. Mine were 9 and 11 last time we visited - both managed fine on the easier marked bike trails around Vallandry and up and over the Transarc from Arc 1800 (the trails under the Arcabulle lift are easy). Maybe just don't take them down Black 8 back down from Arc 1600...
Don't know about that style of campsite near Morzine specifically. Having stayed at them in other parts of France we've also been to Les Gets three times with young boys - just rented an apartment or chalet there (they are very good value in Summer) and then usually get access to the cheap Multi-pass. Multi-pass is cheap as chips (4 euros a day I think) and gives you access to the pool at Morzine and swimming lake in Les Gets plus other stuff and Lac de Montriond nearby too. Rent somewhere near the pool or lake if that's a deal breaker.
I'd do it again, but they've grown up now! Similar, although not the same, vibe imo.
I'll second the above and add:
- Supermarket opposite the site.
- Bourg is a proper town - walking distance.
- Loads of kids stuff off the funicular at one of the 'Arcs'.
- Pizza on site.
Our neighbours always go to Samoens. There’s a lake with, bar, pump track etc five mins walk from the campsite. Seemed nice when we spent the day with them.
Thanks all. About Samoens, if you wanted easiest green trails for kids, would you ride there or drive to Morzine/Les Gets? Samoens appeals to me to maybe visit Chamonix for a day...though I might baulk at the cost of riding the Aguille du Midi cable car...
Bourg sounds very good too, will look into it.
Morillon and Les Carroz have nice greens. Samoens itself is pretty hardcore riding. Carroz is a bit of a trek to get over to though.
Les Gets is an easy drive from Samoens and the drive to/from Morzine via the col de joux plane is lovely.
