Ryanair launches a brand-new route to Grenoble, at the foot of the French Alps, with seasonal flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 July to 27 October, one-way from €12. 

Once the snow is gone, many European ski resorts become suddenly affordable. VIP Chalets offer a minimum three-night stay in Alpe d’Huez, about an hour from Grenoble, from £40pp per night self-catering (half board available). Home to one of the Alps’ most scenic ranges, the resort is set on a high plateau, and summer brings hikers and mountain bikers to the region, not to mention riders in the Tour de France. Stay in Chalet La Ferme built around a cobbled courtyard, with more alpine style than you can throw a ski at, with stone walls, vaulted ceilings, hot tubs, saunas and views of the snow-free piste. Mod cons include Bose music systems and use of the chalet iPad.