Tour de France (July)
Every summer France is gripped by the biggest and best cycle race in Europe - Le Tour de France. The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the grueling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns and villages along the way. Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey!
Mont Blanc Motor Rally (September)
This race exists as the fifth stage of the French National Rally Championships and draws many of France’s top drivers to the mountain town of
Morzine to compete. The race takes place over two days, during which the drivers will cover over 600km around the
Portes du Soliel and the Massif du Chablais. Along the course the cars come to “Special Stages” where the road is closed and the cars are timed. These stages are shorter and require faster driving and controlled cornering and the road from Morzine to
Avoriaz is one such stage. The event is twinned with a classic car rally as well.
World Climbing Championships (July)
Chamonix hosts the World Climbing Championships during July. The world's finest speed and technical climbers descend on the resort for three days of astonishing climbing action. The finals take place on the 13th July each year and coincide with the spectacular Bastille Day firework display and the Cham' Biere Festival. So once the climbing action is finished, you are guaranteed a great party afterwards!