Author: Romain Boisaubert

Winter is the perfect time to get away from it all and enjoy unique experiences in the heart of the mountains. If you're looking for accommodation that's out of the ordinary, here's our selection of the most unusual chalets to book this winter. Combining luxury, rustic charm and exceptional surroundings, these places promise unforgettable memories. ALSO READ: Winter guide to ski resorts The Whitepod - Monthey, Switzerland Why we love it: Perched high up in the mountains, these eco-friendly domes offer breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Each pod has a fireplace and a streamlined decor that blends comfort with the...

As the winter season approaches, many winter sports enthusiasts are looking for affordable ski destinations without sacrificing the quality of the slopes or the beauty of the scenery. Here is a ranking of the three cheapest ski resorts this year according to Holidu, offering excellent value for money and memorable experiences. ALSO READ: Our big guide to winter ski resorts 1. Réallon (France) Located in the French Southern Alps, Réallon stands out for its intimate charm and attractive rates. At an altitude ranging from 1,560 to 2,145 metres, it offers...

Since the first tourists seeking thrills in snowy mountains in the XIXᵉ century, Alpine villages have evolved into modern ski resorts. Between traditions, technological innovations and contemporary challenges, this retrospective explores how these small rural settlements were transformed into popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. At the end of the XIXᵉ century, skiing, which originated in the Nordic countries, reached the French Alps. The first enthusiasts, often mountaineers, saw it as a way of getting around snow-covered mountains. ALSO READ: Once upon a time: Davos (Switzerland), the very first...

Cross-country skiing, the ultimate winter sport, attracts large numbers of enthusiasts every year, seduced by its combination of calm, physical effort and snow-covered landscapes. Few people realise it, but you can enjoy this sport in a number of French resorts with open-access trails. Here's a selection of the best spots for cross-country skiing without spending a penny. ALSO READ: Which ski resort should you choose? Winter guide 2024-2025 1. Barcelonnette (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) In the heart of the Ubaye valley, Barcelonnette is a popular destination for outdoor activities...

France and its mountains are brimming with ski resorts, some of which are among the biggest in the world. 1) 3 Vallées (Savoie) Located in the Northern Alps, the 3 Vallées ski area is quite simply the largest ski area in the world, with over 600 kilometres of pistes served by almost 200 ski lifts. The 3 Vallées brings together a number of world-famous ski resorts, including Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires, all of which are interconnected, offering a wide variety of slopes accessible to all levels. The resort of Val...

Because there's more to Nice than the sea, Le Petit Montagnard presents three winter sports resorts less than 2 hours' drive from the Côte d'Azur city. Isola 2000, for its exceptional snow cover With snow guaranteed every year thanks to its altitude, one of the highest in France, Isola 2000 offers optimal conditions every year. The only drawback is the lack of vertical drop (2000 m - 2603 m), which means that long descents are out of the question. But with its ultra-fast, state-of-the-art lifts, Mathieu Faivre's historic resort...

The Serre Chevalier valley is set to vibrate to the rhythm of the Serre Chevalier Snow Trail on 18 and 19 January. For this 8th edition, a record 600 runners are expected to take to the snowy trails of La Salle-les-Alpes. The Serre Chevalier Snow Trail has a reputation for diversity and accessibility. On Sunday 19 January, all the participants will set off from La Salle-les-Alpes at 9am, before choosing their own adventure: On Saturday 18 January, the event kicks off with a night run of 8km and 300m of ascent. This unusual format, which starts...

Whether you're looking for a second home or a rental investment, investing in new property in the mountains offers many opportunities, both personal and financial. Since 2020, the mountains have been attracting more and more people looking to get away from the cities, particularly thanks to the possibility of teleworking in a natural setting. This trend is growing, and ski resorts are no longer just seasonal tourist destinations, but are becoming popular year-round destinations. New-build property in the mountains, whether in Savoie, Haute-Savoie or...

The Vanoise Express is a ski lift located in the Northern Alps, linking La Plagne and Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry, and has helped create Paradiski, one of the world's largest ski areas. Inaugurated in December 2003, this cable car is remarkable for both its technical features and its role in French and international skiing. The idea behind the Vanoise Express was to create a fast, efficient link between two of France's biggest ski areas, La Plagne and Les Arcs, giving skiers easy access to over 425km of pistes. One of the...

Since 2009, Courchevel and Galeries Bartoux have joined forces to transform the resort into a showcase for monumental art. This season, the tradition continues with the 2024-2025 edition of Art au Sommet, featuring the visionary talent of neo-antique sculptor Léo Caillard. From 6 December 2024 to 21 April 2025, Courchevel will be adorned with the bold creations of Léo Caillard. Inspired by science and philosophy, the artist explores the fragility of Alpine glaciers in a series of monumental sculptures entitled Liquid. LIRE AUSSI : Méribel: programme, artists... Everything you need to know about the Franglish Comedy Festival These works, installed in the...

The winter of 2024-2025 in Dévoluy promises to be a memorable one, marked by new experiences combining tradition, nature and thrills. Here are the season's must-sees for all mountain lovers, discoverers and those seeking authentic pleasures. READ ALSO: Domaine nordique du Dévoluy: why you absolutely must try it out this winter 1. Enchanting horse-drawn carriage ride Imagine yourself comfortably seated in a horse-drawn carriage, pulled by Kelly, a magnificent 12-year-old Friesian mare, as you make your way through the enchanting corners of the resort of La Joue du Loup. This new service offers you a gentle and friendly way...

While property prices in France are generally falling, the price per square metre in high-altitude ski resorts remains stable, according to the latest survey by Meilleurs Agents. This is a very special market, with its own, sometimes surprising, logic. In the mountains, and particularly in well-known resorts, property is doing well, with prices on the rise. According to the latest figures from Meilleurs Agents, the mountain property market has seen an average rise in prices per square metre of 2 %. These figures need to be qualified, however...

Méribel once again welcomes international comedy with the second edition of the Franglish Comedy Festival. For five days, the snowy slopes will give way to bursts of laughter thanks to a programme combining French and English comedic talent. And this year, two music groups will be adding their voices to the festivities. From 27 to 31 January 2025, Méribel becomes the setting for a festival like no other. Inspired by the atmosphere of the New York clubs of the 1950s, the Franglish Comedy Festival promises an immersive and interactive experience. ALSO READ: Sledging, snowshoeing, horse riding... What to do in Méribel in...

Whether you're a fan of big curves or technical descents, choosing the right ski boot is essential for combining comfort and performance. Discover our selection of the five best models of 2024, combining innovation, custom fit and advanced technologies, for days on the slopes that live up to your ambitions. ALSO READ: Top 10 best pairs of skis for the 2024-2025 season K2 Mindbender 110 BOA 2025 Designed for skiers looking for precision and versatility, this boot features the BOA® Fit system for a micro-adjustable fit, ensuring optimum support. The Powerlite Shell...

Snow sports enthusiasts are gearing up for the Snowkite Masters 2025 on the Col du Lautaret, at an altitude of over 2000 metres, from 9 to 12 January. This not-to-be-missed event in the winter calendar will once again bring together the world's best riders. For four days, the Snowkite Masters will offer a programme combining competitions, demonstrations and convivial moments. The best riders will be competing in the FFVL French Freestyle Championships, featuring spectacular tricks and figures. ALSO READ: Serre Chevalier: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities... Winter 2025 guide...

High-altitude cheeses, emblematic products of the French mountain pastures, reflect the richness and diversity of the mountain terroirs. Among them, Beaufort, Abondance and Reblochon stand out for their unique flavours and age-old production methods. Beaufort: the "Prince of Gruyères" Originally from the Beaufortain valley in Savoie, Beaufort is a pressed cooked cheese made exclusively from the raw milk of cows of the Tarine and Abondance breeds. Its production follows a rigorous process: after milking, the milk is heated in copper cauldrons, then renneted to obtain the curd....

Located in the prestigious resort of Gstaad in Switzerland, The Alpina is considered to be one of the most sumptuous mountain hotels in the world.

According to a study carried out by Interhome, mountain views are preferred by holidaymakers looking for accommodation in the snow.

According to a study carried out by Interhome, speeding on the slopes is the behaviour most rejected by winter sports enthusiasts.

Pierrade is a convivial and healthy method of cooking that originated in Switzerland. The meat is cooked on a hot stone placed in the centre of the table. You can use a variety of meats for a pierrade, depending on your personal preferences. But here's a small selection of the most popular meats for a pierrade: Don't forget to cut the meat into small pieces so that it cooks quickly and evenly on the hot stone. Also remember to cover the stone with fleur de sel. READ ALSO: Recipe: How to make a successful home-made tartiflette...