Winter is approaching and the desire to hurtle down the snowy slopes is stronger than ever. Fresh air, snow fields, hot chocolate by the fireplace… so many riches that Savoie and its mountains offer us during the winter period. We have travelled through this region to bring you the most beautiful addresses, as well as the best hotels with spa where to stay!
Les Arcs in Bourg-Saint-Maurice: for fun vacations
With its 425 kilometers of slopes, Les Arcs is the winter ski resort par excellence. This destination, with its 5 sites, allows everyone to enjoy the joys of the mountains, while respecting the health recommendations thanks to a welcome protocol that will reassure all holidaymakers on the ski area.
In the heart of the Tarentaise, facing the Mont-Blanc, this Savoyard resort is composed of 5 villages located at different altitudes.
In Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a few kilometers away from Italy, you will be able to visit the various markets that honor local craftsmanship around local products and access in a few minutes to the ski area thanks to the funicular.
For architecture enthusiasts, Arc 1600 will seduce you with its collective leisure habitat that respects individuality and the mountain environment. Labeled “20th century heritage” in 2006 by the Ministry of Culture, this resort is popular with families.
Those who dream of active and festive vacations will choose Arc 1800, composed of four villages where all the shops, activities and services are concentrated. These villages are pedestrian, on the edge of the forest and at the foot of the slopes.
If you prefer calm and Savoyard architecture, Arc 1950, with its exceptional view of Mont Blanc, is the village for you. Renowned for its art of living nature, you will find it difficult to leave this haven of peace.
Finally, for high mountain lovers, with direct access to the slopes and the Aiguille Rouge Massif, Arc 2000, ideally located in the center of Paradiski, is the favorite playground for skiers of all levels. From the top of the Aiguille Rouge, you can admire the fantastic panorama of the Alpine massifs and the Italian Alps. Not forgetting the mythical Mont Blanc touched by the clouds.
Stay in a hotel with spa in Les Arcs
To prolong this experience rich in sensations, head for the Mercure les Arcs 1800! Indeed, in a modern and friendly environment, you will quickly realize that everything has been thought of to maximize your comfort. From the spacious rooms with a view of the mountain, to the restaurant serving Savoyard specialties. Finally, you will appreciate the sumptuous spa and the incredible moment of relaxation in which it will inevitably immerse you. You won’t see time pass!
Meribel : for family vacations
Family destination par excellence, Méribel offers many activities for winter. On the program: skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, eagle show, Inuit fishing, treasure hunting, biathlon initiations, ice sculpture shows … a great way to make your children’s eyes shine and create memorable memories.
As for the adults, don’t worry, you can relax in many ways. One of them is yoga. Indeed, sessions are offered every week at Les Allues, in a room with a magnificent view of nature. In addition to this, the sublime setting of Méribel allows for a real well-being break on its own. But above all: it is an ideal destination to walk between two hamlets, to observe the idyllic daily life of chamois, ibexes and marmots, or to enjoy the benefits of the pure mountain air.
Moreover, Méribel is close to sumptuous natural parks. Thus, between the high valleys of the Maurienne and Tarentaise rivers, the Vanoise National Park reveals its complex geological structure. In the same way, it is the opportunity to discover, thanks to its ski area, a territory of exceptional and fragile beauty, highlighted by the size of its glaciers.
Note that this destination will make you discover many more treasures, including those of the heritage. In this sense, we advise you to go to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Neiges de Mussillon, a very pretty Protestant chapel located in the Vallée des Allues . Finally, the village of Raffort will plunge you into the history of the Savoyard valleys through the mill and the sawmill to deliver you the secret of the work of water by men over time. This village, like the one of Les Allues, Chandon or Plantin, is a small jewel of traditional mountain architecture, which you will cross before arriving in the more recent “districts” of Méribel Vallée.also think of discovering the museum of Les Allues and its unique pieces around the history and traditions of Méribel. A real enchantment for young and old!
Stay in a hotel with spa in Méribel
It is quite naturally that we advise you the superb hotel with spa the Kaïla. Indeed, this 5-star hotel enjoys a privileged location since it offers direct access to the slopes of the 3 Valleys. In addition, every space, every detail is a testament to the art of hospitality that matches the excellence of the services on offer. Among these pleasant discoveries, the starred restaurant “l’Ekrin” and its culinary creations lovingly concocted by chef Laurent Azoulay. A beautiful experience to live… and to relive!
Courchevel: for letting go in winter
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation in the great outdoors, you’ll love Courchevel. Indeed, this destination abounds with beautiful addresses for well-being and benefits from a vast ski area. To be enjoyed with family, friends or just the two of you… If you want to discover the architectural heritage of Courchevel, we advise you to explore the two districts of Saint-Bon, with its baroque church, its old bread oven or the Place du Mollard and its breathtaking panorama on the Bozel valley and the Vanoise massif.
In Courchevel, there is no lack of opportunities to discover new passions. And this, whether they are in the heart of the mountain, aerial or mechanical. To name a few: mountaineering, airboarding, parets, climbing, paragliding, helicopter or snowmobiling.
Finally, Courchevel is home to the largest high-altitude water park in Europe: Aquamotion. The latter invites you to relax after a good day’s skiing, with family or friends, while experiencing intense emotions. Between the numerous slides and fun activities (such as the indoor surfing wave, the jumping and diving pool, the wild river, etc.), you will be spoilt for choice. Also, Aquamotion offers a spa and balneo area as well as access to many treatments for total relaxation. Finally, sportsmen and women will have the pleasure to try their hand at aquasport or fitness. A beautiful interlude of fun and relaxation!
Staying in a hotel with spa in Courchevel
Because we are reaching the very end of this article and we like to please you, we deliver two addresses instead of one!
For an escape as luxurious as it is authentic, we recommend the Chabichou. Located in the heart of the village, this 5-star hotel combines Savoyard charm and modernity. In addition, its 1100 m² spa is equipped with the latest amenities. As a bonus, it offers its eponymous restaurant with a double Michelin star by the talented chefs Michel Rochedy & Stéphane Buron.
As for our second favourite address, it allows you to access Aquamotion in slippers and bathrobe from your room. This is one of the many privileges offered by the Écrin Blanc. In addition to its direct access to the park, this hotel offers total immersion in a resolutely Savoyard atmosphere. As a bonus: it has 4 gastronomic universes, enough to delight all taste buds! And direct access to the slopes!
