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10 Ten Events to Look out for This Summer in Morzine

Our pick of the best things to see & do this summer

featured in News & reviews Author Alice Gregr, Morzine Reporter Updated

Whether you're here to cycle or just to enjoy some of the incredible scenery and landscapes of the Portes du Soleil, there are events throughout the summer to make your stay in this magical place even more special. From music to sport, bikes to cars, Lady Gaga to Toto, there's something for everyone, and 2015 promises to be pretty amazing!

I've had a little look through the calendars, websites and social media buzz to get you excited if you're planning to head over here this year!!

All across France, the summer solstice on the 21st June, is marked with free concerts, gigs and events. In Morzine, the Fete De La Musique sees professional and amateur artists come together to fill the area with music. It started in 1982 and whether your thing is pop, rock or classical, you're bound to find something to enjoy. Licensing laws are often waived as well, which means partying can carry on well into the early hours.

The start of the summer season is traditionally marked by the Pass'Portes du Soleil weekend starting on the 26th June. Thousands of mountain bikers pile into the resorts to make the most of three days of riding across the region. It's possible to access 9 different resorts by 15 lifts to complete a 80km circuit. If you need your fix before then, the Les Gets bike park opens its doors on the 30th May.

If Jazz is more your thing, across the border in Switzerland, some of the biggest artists in the world are preparing to jet in for the 49th annual Montreux Jazz Festival. I was gobsmacked when I was told, Lady Gaga, Emeli Sande, John Legend and Sinead O'connor were just some of the headliners of this year's event. Montreux is about 80km from Morzine, so easily reachable and the festival runs for 2 weeks from the 3rd of July. That's plenty of time to squeeze a trip in. Concerts and gigs take place in all sorts of places from boats to trains and on heritage sites.

Now, in a region famous for its cycling, it would be wrong not to mention the arrival of the most famous road bike race in the world, the Tour De France! This year, we won't play host to the riders in Morzine, but if you're desperate to see them you can travel a bit to find them. The race this year is passing through some of the most picturesque parts of the Alps, going through Digne Les Bains on the 22nd July, Saint Jean de Maurienne on the 23rd and climbing the huge Alpe d'Huez on the 25th. If seeing it pass through Yorkshire wasn't enough last year, why not tie in a trip across the Alps with your visit to the Portes Du Soleil!?

One of the busiest weekends in the Morzine Calendar is the Harley Davidson weekend, or Harley Days. Running from the 11th-14th July the village is filled with thousands of bikers for the totally free event. Last time it was on 5,000 bikes arrived in resort which also meant a great deal of leather! It's an event that's popular with both bikers, locals and tourists because of the big concert thrown in the centre of town. In the past Status Quo performed - this year it's the one and only American rock legends, Toto. If this isn't enough for the bikers and rock lovers, the Burn Mountain Rock Festival is taking place over the hill in Chatel on the 19th July. Another chance to pop on your leather and rock out.

On the 13th July, down the road in Les Gets, the focus returns to the other type of bike. The Alpine battle is a mountain bike endurance event. Teams of two riders compete together to complete the course in the fastest time. It's popular with some of the most famous riders in the world who often pop by to offer their expertise!

All over France, on the 14th July, the skies are filled with fireworks to mark Bastille day. On the 14th July 1789, the Bastille prison was stormed, marking the start of the French Revolution. Parties, events and firework displays take place across the Portes du Soleil, including in the spectacular surroundings of the lake at Montriond.

Now, if you prefer to use your feet rather than rely on two wheels, the weekend of the Trail des Hauts Fortes might be more your cup of tea. I'm planning to give it a go this year, so will report back. On the 16th August, trail runners are given the chance to run through some of the most spectacular and scenic parts of the Portes Du Soleil. There are two distances to choose from, 23km or 42km. Both races start from the tourist office in Avoriaz finishing in the centre of Morzine. The longer distance takes you over 3 cols, across the Vallee de la Manche and down across the Nyon Footbridge. The runs aren't easy and safety equipment is essential, but if you have the fitness and the drive, both are amazing ways to see beauty of the region.

Then perhaps one of the most popular and craziest events in the calendar. The Mont Blanc Rally, taking us towards the end of the summer. On the 3rd of September Morzine will be filled with rally cars and some of the best rally championship drivers in the world. They flood in to compete in a 600km race around the Portes du Soleil. It brings people in from far and wide both to race but also just to have a look at the cars that fill the streets of our usually tranquil resort! It's mad but not to be missed!

Now, I've only picked ten events to get the summer buzz underway- there are loads more to choose from! Whether sport is your thing, whether you're looking for a party or some music or whether you're after a relaxing time, we've got it all!

Let's just hope the rain stays away this year...