Enjoy a holiday with altitude in France this summer, with VIP Chalets
Whilst the snow is gone from all but the highest peaks, the exciting activities and stunning natural beauty of the French Alps remain. Surprisingly temperate, a summer trip to the Alps can be tailored to any holiday. Thrill seekers have the extensive mountain bike courses and paragliding centres, fitness enthusiasts can test themselves on stages of the Tour de France, nature lovers will find the unique climate plays host to a variety of native and migratory birds and families can keep little ones entertained with the sheer variety of activities on offer. And for those looking to simply relax, what better scenery than the tranquil halcyon of the French Alps?
In keeping with the variety of activities on offer, VIP Chalets has luxury accommodation that can suit any trip. From 15-person chalets for big groups to smaller, more intimate options, accommodation can be booked on self-catered, B&B or half-board basis. See more on You Tube here
Get active in the mountains of Morzine
A world-renowned ski resort during the winter, Morzine’s appeal lasts year-round with a host of exciting alpine activities available through the summer. Cycling enthusiasts are met with 380 km of VTT biking routes across the Portes du Soleil. The town itself is considered a ‘basecamp’ for road cycling with those making the challenging climbs rewarded with (literally) breath-taking views. The 10 all-weather tennis courts mean some friendly competition can accompany a high-altitude work out whilst the outdoor Olympic-size pool, luge-run and adventure park mean the options are as extensive as they are exciting. Alternatively, take in the mountain scenery on a hike through the trees. Guests looking for a more tranquil excursion can take a short drive to the 18-hole golf course in Les Gets, located 1,500 metres above sea level. The high altitude makes exercise even more challenging, ensuring guests notice their progress when they return home.
Those in search of an immersion in the stunning natural surroundings have a host of options at their disposal. Paragliding in Morzine offers a new perspective on the mountain landscape, accompanied by the thrill of soaring high in the Alpine air. Getting to grips with the mountain face, adventurers can go canyoning and via ferrata (climbing using fixed ropes) in nearby Nyon and Avoriaz. Frozen in the winter, Morzine boasts a variety of water-based activities for all ages. Families can enjoy the shallow, man-made children’s pool at Lake Montriond as well as archery and pony rides around the lake in high season. For a more adrenaline-inducing excursion, Frogs Rafting offer trips across the Portes du Soleil with a choice of gentle floats through the valley to hair-raising white-water descents. Lake Geneva is a 30-mintue drive away where canoeing, stand up paddle boarding and swimming are all available.
Furthering the appeal of a stay in Morzine, VIP Chalets is offering guests a free Multi Pass for the duration of their stay. The pass covers guests for unlimited use of 21 chairlifts and cable cars and the inter-resort bus service. It also gives access to the swimming pool and swimming lake, the ice-rink, mini-golf and tennis courts. For an insight into the region’s heritage unlimited access to fabulous heritage sites throughout the Portes du Soleil. In addition, a large number of restaurants, bars and shops will offer discount up to 20% on presentation of the pass.
On the grounds where the old Morzine cinema used to reside, Chalet Colibri cuts a modern yet familiar, Alpine-chalet silhouette into the town centre. The chalet is comprised two sections; Colibri Penthouse and Colibri Uno. Returning to the chalet after a day enjoying Morzine’s extensive array of sports and activities, both Colibri Uno and Colibri Penthouse allow guests to relax and recuperate in their luxurious open-plan living areas with classic alpine furnishings, Italian walk-in showers and flat screen TVs.
A self-catered seven-night stay in the Colibri Penthouse, in June 2019 costs from £55 pp per night, based on two people sharing a room. Price includes accommodation, daily cleaning on six days of the communal areas and bedrooms and a welcome hamper with essential basics such as cleaning products, tea, coffee, milk, toilet rolls and tea towels. Half board available which includes breakfast and a three-course evening meal with wine, is available for a supplement cost. Prices do not include flights or transfers but these can be arranged for an extra cost.
Explore Alpe d’Huez with the whole family
Whilst famed for its ’21 bends’, the route taken by Tour de France competitors through the years, a summer trip to Alpe d’Huez offers more than just challenging road cycling. A decidedly more serene ascent of the mountain can be taken via a hike through the rich green treeline. Alpe d’Huez is renowned for its Nordic skiing circuits in the winter and it boasts similarly extensive options for hiking in the summer. A 30-minute walk through the mountains finds guests at the tranquil waters of some of the local lakes; one dedicated to fishing which is stocked weekly and one dedicated to swimming. Continuing the immersive, natural experience Alpe d’Huez is home to the highest equestrian centre in Europe; boasting a training ring and jumping paddock, the centre offers lessons to all levels as well as full and half-day treks.
The abundance of calming, Alpine activities is evident, however there remains a great deal on offer for the adventurous. Mountain biking is prevalent throughout Alpe d’Huez; the resort being famous for the ‘Megavalanche‘ a 30km downhill race with additional terrain available in the neighbouring Les Deux Alpes. The extensive lift system furthers guests access to the excitement, with paintballing, white-water rafting and high-ropes courses in the nearby villages of Vaujany, Mont Frais, and Oz en Oisans.
Experienced climbers can take on the eight sportif routes available above the Lac Besson area, presenting an exciting challenge for those wanting to sample some of the famous ascents of the Alps. For guests keen to try their hand at rock climbing, the ‘via ferreta’ fixed ropes system makes the thrill of clambering over jagged limestone accessible to everyone.
The variety of activities on offer in Alpe d’Huez makes it a fantastic option for a family getaway. Chalet Le Chateau furthers the appeal to large groups and families, sleeping up to 15 guests. Surrounded by mountains on both sides, access to the Alpine playground that is Alpe d’Huez could hardly be more convenient. Returning to the chalet, guests can relax in the sauna and hot tub, recline on the luxurious sofas or sunbathe on the balconies in front of the dramatic mountain scenery.
A stay at Chalet Le Chateau, in June 2019 costs from £65 pp per night, based on two people sharing a room on a half board basis. Half board includes breakfast and three course evening meal with wine (half litre pp). Prices do not include flights or transfers but these can be arranged for an extra cost.
And for a secluded retreat…
At 1,530 metres above sea level, Altitude Lodge is VIP Chalets only summer property in Les Gets. The Lodge provides a hub for relaxation offering a bar, lounge terrace, two small private lounges with flat screen entertainment, and private hot tubs. The al fresco dining area serves as host to breakfast each morning where guests can enjoy a croissant over views of some of the Portes du Soleil’s most captivating landscape. Stepping out from the Lodge and into the natural surroundings, guests find an 18-hole golf course just 400 metres away, with rolling fairways and views of Mont Blanc, it is considered by many as one of the most scenic courses in the world. Going a little further afield, the lift system provides access to hundreds of kilometres of high mountain trails suitable for both hiking and bike rides. Those willing to venture a little further still can make the 30-minute drive to Lake Geneva with Annecy and Chamonix a little over an hour away.
A stay at the Altitude Lodge, in June 2019 costs from £65 pp per night, based on two people sharing a room on half board basis. Half board includes breakfast and three course evening meal with wine (half litre pp). Prices do not include flights or transfers but these can be arranged for an extra cost.
For more information about VIP Chalets please visit vip-chalets.com or call 0208 875 1957
