Author: Romain Boisaubert

France's mountains abound with culinary treasures that warm the soul as much as the body. Each region has its own unique speciality, rich in flavour and history. Tartiflette, fondue, crozets or raclette: discover these emblematic dishes and their origins. ALSO READ: Where to eat in our ski resorts? Guide to the best restaurants Tartiflette: a modern Savoyard icon Tartiflette originated in the French Alps and has become one of the must-try dishes in the mountains. This gratin of potatoes, bacon, onions and melted Reblochon cheese is actually a relatively recent creation. In contrast to...

Savoyard fondue is a traditional dish prepared with cheese, white wine and garlic. This recipe is ideal for a convivial evening with friends or family. But before you try it, remember to choose your cheeses carefully. Ingredients ALSO READ: What's the recipe for baked Mont d'Or? To enjoy your fondue, you can serve it with steamed potatoes, vegetables, gherkins or cold meats.

How about discovering the snow-covered jewels of Germany? Between the majestic Bavarian Alps, the enchanting panoramas of the Black Forest and the charming villages, each resort offers a unique experience. READ ALSO: Top 5 best ski resorts in Austria READ ALSO: Top 5 best ski resorts in Italy READ ALSO: Top 5 best ski resorts in Switzerland Whether you're an experienced skier, a lover of picturesque landscapes or looking for a family getaway, these five must-visit destinations promise a memorable winter holiday. Garmisch-Partenkirchen Located in the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen...

In France, many ski resorts offer a pleasant playground for your four-legged friends. But not all resorts welcome your furry friends. Before booking your holiday accommodation, make sure you read the words "pets allowed". ALSO READ: 5 unusual addresses for an unforgettable night in the mountains In the meantime, here are 5 ski resorts that are ideal for dogs. Les 2 Alpes (Alpes du Nord) Les 2 Alpes is renowned for being a dog-friendly ski resort. Many of its accommodation facilities are dog-friendly....

Le Petit Montagnard has selected some not-to-be-missed addresses for you if you want to spend a dream night in the mountains. Over The Moon at La Plagne Dreaming of an unusual and romantic night on the slopes, in a snow groomer? Now you can! In a cocooning space, let yourself be whisked away to a top-of-the-range room to sleep on the summits of the Plagne resort. Your chauffeur will be waiting to take you from Plagne Bellecôte from 8.30pm to your final destination at an altitude of 2400 metres. A dream night with minibar, home cinema TV,...

Imagine the tranquillity of the mountains plunged into night, the silence disturbed only by the glide of skis on freshly packed snow, and the starry sky as your only witness. Night skiing, an activity that is growing in popularity, offers a unique and magical adventure. Among the leading resorts for night skiing, Serre Chevalier stands out for its exceptional offer. Once a week, the Vauban piste, lit up by modern floodlights, becomes the playground for night skiers. With a vertical drop of 600 metres, this run is perfect for both experienced and novice skiers.

Escaping to higher altitudes is not only a pleasure for the eyes, it's also a breath of fresh air for the body and mind. The breathtaking mountain scenery and pure air offer much more than just a change of scenery. A number of scientific studies have demonstrated the many health benefits of spending time at altitude, particularly in terms of breathing, stress management and improving physical endurance. High altitudes are characterised by low levels of atmospheric pollution, so you can enjoy pure, revitalising air. This environment is particularly beneficial for people with mild or moderate respiratory problems...

The idea of camping in the middle of winter, surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered landscapes, may seem daunting, but with the right techniques and a little preparation, winter bivouacking becomes an unforgettable experience. Whether you're exploring remote peaks or enjoying a wilderness adventure, here are the keys to camping comfortably and safely in the snow. ALSO READ: Our selection of trekking and bivouac tents for under €200 1. Choose the right location The choice of location is crucial for a successful winter bivouac. Look for an area sheltered from the wind,...

Once again this year, Courchevel has no shortage of innovations to delight its visitors. Here's a closer look at three new features that will enhance the resort and promise an unforgettable experience for skiers of all abilities. ALSO READ: Courchevel: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities... Winter 2025 guide 1. Making your nest: the Nid des Avals hut A new facility has opened at Courchevel Moriond with the Nid des Avals, the third in the series after those at La Saulire and La Loze. This small chalet, designed like a teepee, is equipped with deckchairs to offer...

Saturday 7 December marks the kick-off to the winter season with "La Première Montée des Arcs", a unique event that brings together mountain and board lovers. Since 2019, this initiative has been inviting ski touring enthusiasts to explore the snowy landscapes in a friendly atmosphere. The event will start at 10am at the Pré Saint Esprit ski lift (Arc 2000). Participants will have the chance to discover the beauty of Les Arcs while testing their skills on a 5-kilometre course with 700 metres of ascent. "La Première Montée...

The Grand Tourmalet ski area, which brings together the villages of Barèges and La Mongie, has added a major new facility this season: the Les Quatre Termes chairlift. Due to be inaugurated in December, it promises to transform the experience of skiers and hikers in both winter and summer. After decades of loyal service, the old Les Quatre Termes two-seater chairlift, which dates back to the 1980s, was replaced over the summer. Faster, safer and more modern, the new chairlift is a real revolution for the area. It is now capable of transporting 1...

Val Thorens has retained its prestigious status as "World's Best Ski Resort" for 2024 at the famous "World Ski Awards." READ ALSO: Find out all the latest news from Val Thorens in our section devoted to the 3 Valleys resort This award, which is based on votes from Internet users around the world assessing the quality of the tourist welcome, is further proof of the international appeal of the Savoyard resort. Situated in the 3 Valleys ski area, Val Thorens, nicknamed "Val Tho", is preparing to welcome its first skiers this summer.

The prestigious resort of Courchevel is preparing for a 2024-2025 season full of new features that will delight lovers of luxury, gastronomy and unique experiences. With new restaurants, talented chefs and exclusive collaborations, here are the highlights of your stay. ALSO READ: Courchevel: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities... The Winter 2025 Guide The Hotel Annapurna, Rewarded Luxury Maison Pinturault is striking hard this year with the award of the Michelin Clef to the Hotel Annapurna. This prestigious accolade recognises the commitment of Sandra Pinturault, general manager and owner, and the efforts of the teams who combine tradition and modernity...

In November, Bourg-Saint-Maurice comes alive with culture and entertainment, offering an eclectic programme that will appeal to fans of cinema, circus and music. LIRE AUSSI : Les Arcs: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities... The winter 2025 guide Here are the not-to-be-missed events to make the most of this artistic and festive month. Les Arcs Film Festival - Presentation evening On Friday 8 November at 8.30pm, the Cœur d'Or cinema will host the presentation evening for the 16th edition of the Arcs Film Festival. This special evening, hosted by the festival's founding team, will...

With the ski season just getting underway in many French resorts, Le Petit Montagnard has taken a look at other European countries (Austria, Switzerland, Italy...) where it's also possible to stay and spend a pleasant holiday in the snow. The first issue in this series: Austria. Considered to be the destination of choice for winter sports fans, this country with its many mountain peaks attracts thousands of ski and snowboard enthusiasts every year. With its sublime landscapes, incredible snow cover, quality of welcome and attractive prices, Austria has many exceptional resorts. The...

Raclette is a traditional dish, generally eaten in winter in the mountains, but also at home. Originating in Switzerland, this recipe involves melting raclette cheese over a variety of accompaniments. ALSO READ: Which cheeses should you choose for a fondue? Here's a list of typical ingredients for an unforgettable raclette evening. Raclette cheese This is the main ingredient. Choose quality raclette cheese, usually sold in blocks, and allow around 200 to 250 grams per person. Potatoes Potatoes are usually cooked and served as a side dish. You can steam them, bake them,...

La Plagne is once again set to vibrate to the rhythm of the Grande Boucle. The 112th edition of the Tour de France, unveiled by A.S.O., marks the return of this Savoyard resort as a stage town after a 23-year absence. LIRE AUSSI : La Plagne: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities... The winter 2025 guide It's a date already engraved in people's memories: on Friday 25 July 2025, an intense stage will take the riders from the town of Albertville to Plagne Villages, culminating at an altitude of 2,052 metres. This 130-kilometre 100% Savoie stage, with its demanding programme of 4 stages,...

With winter just around the corner, Les 2 Alpes is transforming itself into a key training centre for mountain professionals. The period leading up to the resort's official opening, scheduled for 30 November, is crucial for training those involved in safety and slope management. Perched at an altitude of 3,600 metres, the resort benefits from an early snowfall, making it a prime location for training piste rescue workers, fire-fighters and avalanche dog handlers. The Les 2 Alpes ski area, open until 4 May, offers ideal conditions for getting back into the swing of things...

Two ski resorts in the Alps, in Isère and Savoie, are shutting down for good even before the start of the 2024-2025 season. The closures are attributed to a lack of natural snow and precarious finances. In Isère, the Alpe du Grand Serre resort, located at an altitude of 1,370 metres in the commune of La Morte, had to close its doors after more than 80 years in existence. This ski area, which opened in 1938, included three chairlifts, several drag lifts and 50 kilometres of pistes, culminating at 2,200 metres. SEE ALSO: AT...

October promises to be particularly lively in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, with a series of friendly, cultural and festive events. If you're looking for local discoveries, exciting shows or activities for all the family, here are the highlights you won't want to miss this month. 1. La Friche en Folie - Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October Come and discover the creative atmosphere of the Quartier des Alpins with the second edition of La Friche en Folie. This festival showcases local talent through a varied artistic programme. Artists in residence, local performers and craftspeople from the Jetzyplu recycling centre will be coming together to offer you...