Tag: Mont Blanc

Insiders View on Courchevel

By Veronique Beulz

Nestled between sky and mountain, Courchevel is a fairy village where luxury and tradition merge. Three Valleys – the largest ski area in the world, offering more than 600 km of ski slopes. An exceptional destination where diversity, enjoyment of skiing and emotion will delight skiers of all levels. The glitziest of the French Alpine, Michelin-starred restaurants and a buzzing nightlife, Courchevel today is a cosmopolitan destination attracting a jet-set crowd.

What makes Courchevel a good travel destination?

Courchevel is a ski destination for everybody, whether it’s a skiing expert or a beginners, shopping lovers, nightlife, and gastronomy

Tell us something that every traveler should know when travelling to Courchevel?

You will see the biggest ski area in the world, the biggest concentration of luxury accommodation, shops and gastronomic restaurants in France.

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Courchevel?

One must visit place is La Saulire, the highest point of Courchevel.

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

Most of the locals live in Courchevel all the year, 2000 habitants most of them have two jobs, for example ski instructor during the winter and some other job during summer time.

Where should one go to get the best of the Nightlife in Courchevel?

La Mangeoire and l’Aventure, restaurant and after midnight client dance on the tables. During the lunch Nammos, Cap Horn, Folie Douce and Chalet de Pierre to dance on the snow.

What are things which one must buy when in Courchevel?

Genepi (strong liquor) off course cheese like Le Beaufort or Reblochon.

Which are the most romantic places to visit in Courchevel?

Lunch in mountain restaurants with the view of Mont Blanc around the fireplace.

What are the local festivals which one must visit when in Courchevel?

Christmas and New Year for the lights in the village and February for the fireworks festival

 The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about Courchevel?

Nice local restaurant in the old village of Le Praz: Restaurant Le Bistrot du Praz very nice food and nice village.

According to you what is the best thing about Courchevel?

The ski area is just amazing with a lot of fun and activities for everybody.

 

 

By Veronique Beulz, 37yrs
Director of Sales Les Neiges

 

Check out our latest package on Courchevel

Insiders view on Chamonix

The Wanderers in conversation with Chloe Ancrenaz

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place.

In one sentence, Chamonix is a Quintessentially French destination with a truly European character.

Chamonix Mont Blanc is a charming alpine town and the third most visited natural site in the world. Located at the foothills of the majestic Mont Blanc range and the crossroads of three countries – France, Switzerland and Italy, this alpine town is a true piece of paradise. It is an ideal destination for holiday makers, business visitors, sports adventurers or peaceful lovers during all the four seasons. You are bound to be engulfed by the scenic and pristine beauty that surrounds you and a heaven-on-Earth feeling takes you over; in two words – Simply magical!

Little known facts that everyone should know about when travelling to Chamonix.

Chamonix is the 3rd most visited natural site in the world and the Mondial capital of Alpinism or first winter Olympic games. Also of note is that the first ascent of Mont Blanc summit occurred in 1786!

What is a must buy?

1)      Resin snow ball in form of pyramide

2)     Pen holder

3)     A cristal de Quartz or Améthyste

4)     A sonnette (cow Bell) or a handmade in local wood knife – a grolle

One take-away

A wooden tray – Charlie Adam A very nice Photo from the Mario Colonel Photographer and artist
Some cheese (Raclette or rebloch on) or goat cheese with “piment d espelette” (Espelette Chili)

One thing to definitely pack

Do not forget good closed shoes and warm / windproof clothes as well as the camera when you are packing for your trip to Chamonix.

What is your advice to first time travellers?

A good camera to take back memories!

Activities anyone travelling to Chamonix should not miss.

 1] Tandem Paragliding

2] A walk on the Mer de Glace with a mountain guide(for sport enthusiasts)

3] A skiing experience

4] A walk at night with light & snowshoes and ending with a drink by the fire

5] A helicopter ride over the Mont Blanc Range with Pascal – CMBH

Where should one get their picture clicked..

In front of the Mont Blanc summit on Aiguille du midi terrasse

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo of Chamonix?

The best places to get a panoramic photo of Chamonix are Merlet animals park and Balme summit up to ‘le Tour’ village.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise

Les Gaillands Lake with the reflection of the Mont Blanc in the lake – a very peaceful place!

Best romantic place to take you special someone to..

La Floria (45 min walk from centre) or a night at The Lake Blanc Hut, in the mountains, Flegere side.

Best place to have street food?

Some of the best places to savour street food in Chamonix are Linguini pasta bar, chez Francesca or Cabolée at foot of brevent lift.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend..

1] Crozets au beaufort with a glass of Savoyard wine such as Mondeuse
2] Croute au fromage with a green salad and a glass of Savoyard wine
3] A raclette with potatoes as and a glass of Genepi to finish.

The best pub in Chamonix

‘Rue des Moulins’ on pedestrian street

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see

Cosmo Jazz at the end of July and Guide Festival between 13 and 15 August are two festivals travellers should not miss.

Things guide books won’t tell anyone about Chamonix?

There are more than 45 outdoor activities like rock climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, river sports, water sports, golf, ski, scenic flights, snowboarding, rafting, tennis etc. For a traveller, Chamonix offers a plethora of activities for all ages and all levels and can be mentored under the expert guidance of alpine professionals.

Is there any particular month you wouldn’t recommend travel to Chamonix and what would that reason be?

November, because it is the only time when the weather is not very clear and locals are away on holiday.

Chloe Ancrenaz lives the charmed life in Chamonix with her husband who is a mountain guide, and their children. She works in the Promotion and Marketing Dept of the OFFICE de TOURISME de CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC in France. We met her this summer in Chamonix as she proudly showed us the famous sights in and around Chamonix. She shares her thoughts as a resident of one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and on what makes Chamonix tick.