Lakes And Mountains holidays

When the temperature's rising, the mountains offer refuge: pleasantly fresh air, sweeping views and crystal-clear lakes for all the refreshment you could wish for. A pleasure formerly reserved for royalty - now everyone can enjoy a respite from the summer heat.

Relax and unwind with quality time amongst glorious mountain vistas and unspoiled natural beauty. A refreshing dip in a lake is a perfect end to a breathtaking hike or a bike trip. In summer, the countless lakes and mountains of Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy and France make ideal terrain to let off steam with sports and active adventures of all kinds.

There's so much to discover - every valley has a different character. Conquer the dramatic, romantic peaks around Grindelwald, Kitzbühel and Merano, or make a splash in the region's jewel-like lakes in idyllic settings. Refreshingly different, unbelievably invigorating. Look no further for a holiday home nestled amongst mountains or perched on a shady shore.

For: Nature-lovers, hikers, day-trippers, Heidi, climbers and active sports fans.

Where: In Switzerland - in the Valais and the Engadine, the Bernese Oberland and Ticino, in Austria - in Salzburg's Salzkammergut and in Carinthia; in French Savoy, in Italy's South Tyrol in the Dolomites, in Piedmont, around Lago Maggiore, Lago di Garda and Lago di Como; and on Hungary's Lake Balaton.

What's on offer: Traditional holiday homes, modern chalets and cosy apartments in the mountains, houses right on the lake and charming holiday apartments with stunning views.

For fans of: Hiking and mountain biking; ham and cheese; alpine huts and caves: mountain goats, marmots and swans; edelweiss and gentian; tarns and pedalos; glaciers and ice-cream sundaes; a nice breath of fresh air.