Winter in France has appeal by the bucketload, from snow-capped mountains excellent for skiers to festive wintry markets, and large dose of sunshine.
Haute-Savoie – snowy sojourns
Landscapes that seem like they’re straight from fairy-tale Narnia. And the twinkling lights of enchanting mountain villages in a sea of snow. Horse and carriage rides snuggled underneath a blanket. Strong and rustic alpine delights like tartiflette and raclette, fondue and reblochon pie. We’re speaking Haute-Savoie in winter.
With trains taking from simply 3 hours 40 minutes from Paris to Annecy, a mountain break is difficult to withstand.
The town of Annecy, nicknamed the Venice of the Alps for its fairly canals, watery arteries that criss-cross the town, is beautiful yr spherical. With winding cobbled streets lined with historical buildings, nestled on the sting of the translucent turquoise lake Annecy, it is a city to fall head over heels for. And in winter, with a median of 32 days of snowfall, then Annecy actually takes on a magical glow. Fabulous eating places, museums, an excellent farmers market thrice per week, plus a beautiful Christmas market. Winter walks are plentiful across the lake, together with the to not be missed Chateau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
Plus there are very good ski resorts shut by. They’re straightforward to achieve by bus yr spherical with snow-covered roads cleared rapidly. Annecy Mountains actually is an out and out winter vacation spot extraordinaire…
Mountain excessive
Near the stunning metropolis of Annecy there are a number of ski resorts of the Aravis Massif and many beautiful alpine villages. You’ll be able to ski the entire of the Aravis ski space on one ski go – 220km of excellent pistes linked by pistes and ski buses. La Clusaz is a conventional ski city with nice eating places and bars, quirky retailers and gorgeous surroundings. Le Grand Bornand, one other gorgeous alpine city is shut by and the smaller Manigod is inside straightforward distance by free shuttle bus. In the meantime the stunning market city of Thones has a superb Saturday morning market and wonderful gourmand meals retailers.
For those who love snowboarding you’ll discover all the pieces you can probably need right here. A variety of pistes that cater to skiers of all ranges and snow sports activities galore. There are pleasant cities and fabulous après ski. And even if you happen to’re not a skier there are many actions from snowshoeing to canine sledging and even go-karting on ice.
Annecy Mountains resorts
In La Clusaz: This vigorous ski resort buzzes with bonhomie all through the winter with reveals, live shows and occasions together with Savoyard folks dancing, which all are welcome to hitch in with, on the principle piazza. Probably the most lovely walks within the space is across the glacial lake on the Plateau des Confins. It’s 1450m excessive, alongside the Nordic snowboarding pistes. And who can resist floating within the village’s heated outside pool because the snow falls round you…
In Le Grand Bornand: That is correct ‘Heidi’ nation. Alpine chalets galore, mountain views that make your soul soar, in addition to museums and very good eating places. Don’t miss the Restaurant les Rhodos, a comfortable mountain bistro on the Aravis Go.
In Manigod: Off the pistes, go to the Paccard cheese cellars and style native favourites together with Manigodine, Reblochon and Chevrotin. Don’t miss The Storage Idea Café, ‘Lo Garajo’, which has a deck overlooking the mountains. Bask in a gastronomic expertise on the Chalet-Lodge La Croix-Fry. Their Reblochon pie is mouth-wateringly good. And check out Paret’s sledge! The emblematic experience is a one-shoe’d wood sledge with a vertical deal with. You’ll be able to borrow one without cost from Manigod vacationer workplace.
In Thones: When it’s a full moon get pleasure from a ski tour journey in a fairy-tale like panorama. Each Thursday, on the finish of the day, simply as most ski areas shut for the night, Glières Plateau comes awake as skiers don headlamps for a magical guided tour.
Helpful websites: annecymountains.com; manigod.com; www.thonescoeurdesvallees.com
The place to remain
The place you keep is a part of the journey relating to Haute-Sauvoie. Beautiful chalets, roasty toasty wooden fires, sitting in a scorching tub because the snowflakes fall throughout you and views that make your soul soar. OVO Community’s unique, hand-picked vacation properties within the Alps are nothing in need of irresistible….
Chalet Riparian is simply 200m from the centre of La Clusaz however feels prefer it’s in the course of nowhere. Ski-ski out, cosy hearth, beautiful décor, strolling distance to the ice rink, retailers, bars and eating places and baby pleasant. There’seven a sauna and a scorching tub on the terrace from the place you’ll be able to watch the skiers whizz by way of the bushes.
Chalet Manoe in Manigod with a scorching tub and ‘bubble’ sauna, open hearth and balcony with breath-taking views is just a little little bit of heaven. Fabulous décor, electrical boot heaters and 0 air pollution for excellent star gazing – this cosy retreat is great.
Chalet Alti in Le Grand Bornand sleeps 14 and is totally enchanting with its conventional really feel while benefiting from inexperienced know-how with photo voltaic panels and geothermal heating. The ski bus cease is simply 200m away although skilled skiers can ski proper right down to the Rosay gondola within the centre of city. A beautiful kitchen, magnificent views, and a big jacuzzi. Winter has by no means been extra enjoyable.
Discover extra good lodging within the Alps at ovonetwork.com
