WINTER 2021/22 THE GUIDE


Les Burons du Mont-Dore These fi ve high-end stone dwellings were inspired by the Auvergne’s traditional pastoral buildings. If you’re looking for a tranquil break amidst unspoilt nature, these cottages in the heart of the Sancy massif, on a meadow of 3.6ha at the edge of the forest, are perfect. Settle back and enjoy the breathtaking 360° view of the Sancy massif and the Dordogne valley. Each lodging can accommodate up to six people – perfect for that long-awaited family reunion. www.buronsmontdore.com


Chalet des Joux It doesn’t get cosier than eco-cottage Le Relais de Charlemagne in Fontanettes


traditions and events celebrate the beloved truffl e so there’s always plenty to do and see. And don’t miss the Museum of Truffl e and Wine in Richerenches, where you can discover the secrets of the truffl e as well as the wines of the local terroir. www.grignanvalreas-tourism.co.uk


WHERE TO STAY As the mountain resorts welcome back guests this season, an array of brand new and lovingly refurbished accommodation is on offer, from traditional wood and stone hideaways nestling in the valleys to state-of-the-art modern boltholes amidst the peaks. Fancy somewhere unusual? Spend a night in a tent at children’s fun area Lil’Stash on the slopes in Avoriaz (www. avoriaz.com/en). Or how about overnighting in an igloo in Arêches-Beaufort (en.areches- beaufort.com)? Your own personal snow globe is awaiting you at 2,000m in the heart of the ski area, where you can spend the evening around the campfi re tucking into traditional Savoyard nosh before you snuggle into your cozy duvet. But if that doesn’t fl oat your boat, here are


some other wonderful new addresses for you to check into en vacances this winter…


Le Relais de Charlemagne Mountain guide Christian Finas bought the abandoned hamlet of Fontanettes, at an altitude of 1,525m not far from Val Cenis, two years ago and has spent that time lovingly transforming it into an eco-lodge, using local building materials – the dry stone walls are lined in sheep’s wool from the village. Touches such as fi ltered spring water, a wood stove and local bio-sourced materials are all part of how he believes mountain tourism will look by 2030. Access is on foot (15 minutes on snowshoes) to protect the chamois, ibex and deer that live nearby. www.savoie-mont-blanc.com


Les Equipages Adam’s In the Jura, Les Equipages Adam’s have a trapper-style cabin for rent just a stone’s throw from their team of sled dogs, where you can learn to drive the pack. New this year is an isolated cabin on the edge of the forest in the heart of the Combe des Cives. lesequipagesadams.com


Renovated in its entirety,the Chalet des Joux in La Clusaz is located in the middle of the slopes, overlooking the Aravis chain and the village of La Clusaz. Two very modern and simple apartments welcome holidaymakers to a comfortable atmosphere and the famous cuisine of host Romand, who runs the eponymous restaurant on the ground fl oor. chaletdesjoux.com


Ultima Courchevel Belvédère The word chalet conjures up simple, rustic accommodation but Ultima Collection’s new 13-chalet resort in Courchevel is the ultimate in slopeside luxury. Ski in and out of your private chalet on the edge of La Rosière


Forest, dine at the mountain- facing restaurant and sip something special at the cocktail bar. Need an extra hand? Butlers, chauffeurs and personal chefs are available on request. Still feeling the stresses and strains of modern life? Head to one of the two state-of-the-art spas, have a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, and soak away your cares in the sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi. Each chalet has four or fi ve bedrooms and sleeps eight to ten adults, so why not bring your friends? www.ultimacollection.com


PopAlp Hotel


The new 3-star PopAlp hotel in Alpe d’Huez adds a dash of colour to the winter landscape, courtesy of its balconies which are adorned with scores of colourful skis. Once inside, you will be in a universe of Pop Art where each of the 28 rooms is unique, wittily combining modern and vintage styles. www.popalp-huez.com


Hotel Marielle In the heart of Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe, the 4-star Hotel Marielle (named after ski champion Marielle Goitschel) is a new address which welcomes holidaymakers looking for a change of scenery and relaxation in a chic and refi ned sporty setting. Totally


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The sun sets over the cable car station at Alpe d’Huez Oct/Nov 2021 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 141


IMAGE © LE RELAIS DE CHARLEMAGNE | CHRISTIAN FINAS | FACEBOOK


IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK


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