In our latest mountain holidays article Floriane Henriquet headed high into the mountains to breathe the fresh air… and much more.
The Val d’Arly in summer
A territory that is alive all year round, the Val d’Arly is made up of several village resorts steeped in authenticity. Discover an intact and authentic heritage, admire the calm of the great outdoors, breathe the fresh air, take a look at the chamois, taste the flavours of the land…
This summer, with family or friends, come and discover the simple joy of a holiday in Val d’Arly. It is a wonderful land of discovery, where mountain culture is omnipresent. Enjoy a walk through these charming alpine villages, representative of the soul of Val d’Arly, where nature and man harmoniously coexist and discover its rich heritage.
In the heart of Savoie Mont-Blanc, between the Aravis, Beaufortain and Mont-Blanc massif, nestled in the heart of the Alps, the four preserved village resorts of Val d’Arly welcome you for rich moments and unforgettable times with their inhabitants. At the crossroads of Val d’Arly, former medieval town Flumet has the real heart of a lively and thrilling village, where the mountain people and visitors mingle with pleasure. With its neighbour, the village of St Nicolas la Chapel, they will delight culture lovers: baroque churches, local specialities and breathtaking panoramas, all under the protective eye of the majestic Mont-Blanc. www.flumet-montblanc.com
Giettaz
At La Giettaz, a typical village nestled in the heart of the Aravis, time stands still to offer visitors an exceptional view of the Beaufortain massif, Aravis and Mont-Blanc. A truly secret setting, the starting point of a multitude of walks between pastures, streams and wooden chalets warmed by the sun. The village of La Giettaz is a place apart where the soul of the mountain is combined with sweetness.
www.la-giettaz.com
Bellecombe
Notre Dame de Bellecombe invites you to relax. Stroll through this charming village of yesteryear in the rich heritage of Val d’Arly. Far from the tumult of cities, immerse yourself in the summer holidays of your childhood: walks in the forest, or a nap in the pastures. This summer, Notre Dame de Bellecombe invites you to dream. The locals welcome you with open arms and are delighted to share their culture with you.
www.notredamedebellecombe.com
Cresvoland
In the Crest-Voland/Cohennoz authentic mountain villages, the atmosphere is soft and warm, a real invitation to happiness in the heart of the Savoy.
www.crestvoland-cohennoz.com
Local know-how. Discover the generosity and sincerity of the inhabitants and share their life: learn about preserved nature through fields and forests, in protected and little-known areas and let yourself be guided by the richness of preserved traditions and feel Savoy in its purest form. Discover many local producers of cheeses and cold meats. Find furnished accommodation, hotels, guest rooms, tourist residences, shelters, campsites and chalets for groups on the website.
www.valdarly-montblanc.com
The Route des Grandes Alpes is the most beautiful of mountain roads for motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists. From Thonon-les-Bains to Menton, there are 684 kilometres of mountain roads, punctuated by 16 passes that are among the highest in the French Alps, which invite you to travel through the territories of exceptional natural and cultural heritage. Crossing the Val d’Arly offers views of Mont Blanc, gorges, villages and forests. The Col des Saisies allows you to enter Beaufortain, where the Mont Blanc stands out around a bend in the road. Between ski resorts and traditional villages, this offers a summary of what the Route des Grandes Alpes is.
www.route-grandes-alpes.com
The mountain road that winds from Col des Aravis to Ugine is the starting point for various hikes and mountain biking trails. Come and discover superb panoramas with Mont-Blanc as a backdrop and let yourself be seduced by these mountain pastures. Old Annecy is rich in monuments that you will discover while strolling in the old town. Lake Annecy offers beaches, swimming, boats and pedal boats.
We have concocted a typical weekend for you that we tested for you:
Friday: By plane, it is possible to arrive from Lyon or Geneva airport, then use a shuttle for an hour’s drive to Val d’Arly. In the afternoon, go for a hike to La Giettaz in the middle of the mountains with a view of Mont-Blanc, from the Chalet du Curé, to the chèvrerie of Floriane, the young cheesemaker. Have an aperitif and eat at Plan Rebord at an altitude of 1,564m – the view is splendid and the restaurants adorable.
www.restaurant-terres-rouges.fr/plan-rebord
Caprice des Neiges
Stay at the Hotel Caprice des neiges, sleep facing the slopes, enjoy its delicious breakfast and its swimming pool with a breathtaking view of the mountains. This charming, typical Savoyard hotel is very friendly, the staff are attentive and very pleasant. If you are passing through the region, do not hesitate to try their restaurant too.
Saturday and Sunday – The Tour du Val d’Arly by VTTAE. An opportunity to explore the most beautiful landscapes of the territory, with Mont-Blanc as a backdrop. For a weekend, the Together Magazine team enjoyed this colourful trip, and we strongly recommend that you do so! Go on a VTTAE, electric bicycles, with a guide who will allow you to enjoy an experience that is rich in emotions. You will discover the heritage we told you about by crossing the most beautiful panoramas of the region, with gourmet breaks with tasting of local products and a festive and friendly base village-camp. Push your limits with the intermediate level of a gourmet walk, or relax with your family with a discovery walk. We suggest that you start on Saturday, with the intermediate ride and take advantage of Sunday morning to do the electric mountain bike discovery ride.
VTTAE | Le Val d’Arly Mont-Blanc – 4 family ski resorts | Savoie – Alps holidays
(valdarly-montblanc.com
Dinner at the Ferme Victorine, an excellent restaurant according to Gault et Millau. Chef Denis Vinet knows how to offer everyone a moment of happiness with his dishes that simmer with finesse and lightness. An atypical, unmissable restaurant, open throughout the year.
a-ferme-de-victorine.com
