In Courchevel, these two sublime mountain refuges are well worth a visit... And just as well, they're about to reopen!

It's a call to calm, clear skies and wide horizons. With the return of fine weather, the Vallée des Avals, Courchevel's wild jewel nestling at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, is once again awakening to the rhythm of hikers' footsteps.

Up there, two mountain refuges are reopening their doors for the summer season, offering a timeless interlude to share with family and friends.

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A night under the stars or a simple break in the fresh air: here, authenticity is experienced at every moment.

Merlet Lakes Refuge

At an altitude of 2,417 metres, the smallest refuge in the Vanoise National Park welcomes visitors from 14 June to 15 September, and at weekends until mid-October. Sleeping 14, this intimate guesthouse is run with passion by Solenne and Charles, who will be happy to guide you to the most beautiful walks in the area or the best spots for spotting golden eagles and curious marmots. Their cuisine is simple and local, with a must-try: blueberry crêpes, to be enjoyed facing the peaks.

Summer events add to the experience: yoga every Saturday in July and August at 5pm (as well as a special weekend on 30 and 31 August), an evening of yoga, watercolours and good food on 16 August, and outdoor watercolour workshops on 19-21 July and 15-17 August. Open to young and old alike, these creative activities are free of charge.

Grand Plan refuge

At an altitude of 2,300 metres, on the edge of the park, the Grand Plan refuge extends the escape from 13 June to 20 September. It's a cocoon of wood and stone, with dormitories, small rooms, a library, board games and a carefully prepared restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is warm and at times... exotic.

Every Friday evening, a Nepalese evening takes guests to the foothills of the Himalayas, with a dinner inspired by the guardians' long journeys. On Sunday 27 July, a flute quartet will provide a musical accompaniment to the aperitif. Astronomical observation evenings are also planned (dates to be confirmed), so you can dream even further, with your head in the stars.