Mountain adventures in Morzine, a French resort with a summer season way of life | Luxurious Way of life Journal

There are two scenes to be offered to you if you arrive in Morzine: one is a steep-sided valley with rock formations that look able to kill, and the opposite is a quaint village painted with conventional Haute-Savoie chalets sporting an abundance of flowers. Contrasting landscapes should not work collectively, however make Morzine look untouchable like a snow globe, but a spot the place the grasslands are evergreen, the skies dazzling, and the meadows by no means lose their grazing cows.

In fact, snow clouds come and make this neighborhood the epicenter for snowboarding within the Portes du Soleil area. However in the summertime, Morzine is the place life slows down. Get up to the sounds of birds chirping; stroll on winding paths the place llamas, goats and chickens line up; and immerse your self in intense nature actions comparable to lakeside walks or swimming in waterfalls.

Sounds good, proper? Nicely, this is tips on how to make your trip within the mountains come true.

The place to remain in Morzine

For our three evening keep we stayed on the dog-friendly Au Coin du Feu, a luxurious chalet owned by Chilly Powder. Surrounded by ski slopes connecting Morzine and Avoriaz; And in case you get up early sufficient, the V-shaped valley that almost all rooms face is full of low clouds, so the majestic cliffs disappear. A dramatic scene to say the least, and the setting for a vacation devoted to leisure. I extremely suggest grabbing a steaming cup of tea whereas watching the dawn.

The 14 en-suite chalets, 11 of that are designed for households, are spacious with quirky themes, luxurious bathrobes, Egyptian cotton linens and entry to a balcony. Feeling a house away from residence, the widespread areas characteristic an open plan structure, together with the eating space. Here’s a four-sided hearth that provides the resort its title, as Au Coin du Feu translated it by the hearth. Adjoining, simply steps from the bar, is seating, ideally suited for pre-dinner drinks.

Overlooking it is a lounge with board video games and a nursery, and past the floor-to-ceiling doorways is a yard with an out of doors jacuzzi, therapeutic massage tent, and gazebo.

Within the night, be ready to devour an incredible three-course menu unfold over two lengthy tables. These strongly encourage you to affiliate with many desirable individuals and create joyful reminiscences. First, I met a number of members of the GB biking workforce who had been within the space for the Tour de France.

How one can get round Morzine

The middle of Morzine could be very compact and simply explored on foot, however if you wish to discover the world’s countryside, take the bus, taxi or electrical bike.

Issues to do in Morzine

First day

Like every French village, Morzine has loads of appeal, with pleasant locals and the scent of freshly baked pastries filling its streets. Adults and kids alike will adore it, as Morzine is sort of a playground devoted to pleasure. No surprise, then, that the city has been labeled ‘Household Plus’ since 2007.

Cease first, take pleasure in pastries, pastries after which extra pastries! There are lots of bakeries and outlets promoting regional meals merchandise, however our favorites had been La Bonbonnire and Le Miladiou. From strawberry tarts to almond tarts, from raspberry meringues to calmly floor almond croissants, La Bonbonnire affords a wide range of delicacies. Then there are the scrumptious snacks like piles of bread and slices of pizza with bacon sauce. Le Miladiou is a delicatessen with a collection of native cheeses, sausages, hams and wine on the cabinets.

Whereas within the metropolis centre, discover the various boutiques and impartial outlets, some outfitted for mountain climbing or mountain biking within the native panorama. Baud Chausseur is a superb clothes retailer with high-end manufacturers like Timberland, whereas Suivre is a retailer for delicate jewelry.

From right here, hike to the Le Pleney Gondola that takes you up the steep slopes to Le Pleney mountain. You’ll be able to entry the gondola with the Portes du Soleil a number of passes that present entry to the chairlifts, actions and swimming swimming pools. Solely 2.50 per day for these staying within the space.

As you descend from the gondola, you will discover a number of eating places and trails that lead on to the mountain, previous a map of the encircling peaks. It will make it easier to navigate the place you might be; and on a transparent day it’s potential to see Mont Blanc from right here. A bit of additional down the street is Le Vaffieu, one other restaurant serving conventional Savoyard delicacies, in a chalet-style constructing.

The second day

Begin the subsequent day by strolling over the Tremendous Morzine bridge, which our taxi driver mentioned was shaky. I felt nothing however managed to get an aerial view of the Parc des Drches (a park with greater than 10 leisure actions and sports activities alternatives, together with a number of outside swimming swimming pools).

On the different finish of the bridge, hop in a taxi and head to Lac de Montriond, previous conventional chalets and an outdated man who is meant to stroll for miles day by day. To say that Lac de Montriond is gorgeous could be an understatement. First, the lake is 1,320 meters lengthy and 235 meters broad, and in the summertime this crystal-clear water is a well-liked spot for kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing and yoga.

Those that are landlocked however lively will strive the 12-hole mini golf course, whereas sunbathers will likely be enchanted by the mountain surroundings. Every gap represents unimaginable geological options or man-made landmarks in and round Morzine. After guiding your aggressive facet, take a mild stroll across the lake, passing many cute puppies.

The third day

The final day in Morzine ought to finish at Pointe de Nyon. Take the Nyon cable automobile to the Nyon plateau, excellent for locating what alpine life actually means. There’s a mini farm consisting of a shepherd’s hut with goats, sheep and geese. On occasion, the shepherd provides a presentation explaining his function and the function of the shepherd canine within the highlands.

From right here, hop on the open chairlift to the Pas de lAigle viewing platform, positioned 2,019 meters above sea stage. It’s 15 meters lengthy and fabricated from glass. Those that don’t love heights shouldn’t look down as a result of they may see an enormous drop! On a transparent day, you will have a frontal view of Mont Blanc, with miles of rugged terrain and pockets of timber hanging dangerously over the mountainside.

Earlier than descending the mountain, cease at Lake Nyon Gurin, a synthetic lake with beautiful blue-turquoise water that feeds the snowballs within the Morzine ski space. Nyon Gurin has conventional chalets and native breeds of cows with bells hanging round their necks to announce their presence. Then there’s Le Refuge Restaurant, ideally positioned for refreshments.

The final cease of the day must be La Cascade de Nyon, positioned on the backside of a valley and 10 meters excessive. There are tranquil plunge swimming pools right here which might be nice after an extended hike, or you may strive the excessive ropes course that runs by the treetops and overlooks the waterfall.

actual field

Chilly Powder affords year-round lively summer season holidays for people, teams and households who need to expertise the gorgeous Portes du Soleil area.

Summer season charges begin at 595 per week for 2 adults sharing a normal bed room, or 1,660 for 2 adults and two youngsters sharing a normal household bed room. Costs are half board with wine included for dinner. Self-catering chalets and winter ski holidays are additionally accessible.

For extra info or to make a reservation, contact Chilly Powder: data@chillypowder.com or 020 7289 6958 or visitchillypowder.com.