Guestbook
For up to date review from TRIPADVISOR go here http://bit.ly/2d5eSb2
2016 reviews here..
We had an amazing 12 nights at Le Chatox. The accommodation cannot be faulted it was well equipped, comfortable and clean. The location was perfect with easy access to Lake Annecy and Lac du Bourget. Some superb mountain cycle routes which amazing views of Mont Blanc. The Chalet is also perfect for relaxing days with a great balcony and patio area and local walks/cycle rides. With 2 teenage children the table tennis table was a bonus and they even got the chess board out!!! We hired a motor boat and pedalos at Lake Annecy and Chatillon at Lac du Bourget, cycled around Lake Annecy, had some great meals in Annecy in the evenings as well as 4 hours of zip wiring, climbing ladders and walking across platforms across the valley at Allions-Margeriaz 1000!
We would love to visit Le Chatox in the winter and try out some of the local skiing!
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1 reviewOur family are very much francophiles and widely travelled across France over the last 30 years.This location and accommodation are gems to be explored. The chalet is second to none, a superbly equipped, home from home, with all mod cons and a perfect mountain outlook. The owners have taken considerable care to facilitate visitors to advantage. We enjoyed high mountain viewing and walking via ski lifts(Mont Pelat/ Mont Revard), lakeside walks, high quality cycling, swimming, canoeing, returning for self catered evening meals using the excellent kitchen and dining areas. Lakes Annecy and Bourget and local environs within 30/40 minutes cater for all needs and ages. Unreserved highly recommended.
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1 reviewCan’t fault Le Chatox, loads of room in a holiday let that feels so homely. For a family with children (age 13 and 10) it was great….swimming in the lakes, walking cross country for a picnic, sightseeing in historic villages, canal trips and at the end of the day a chalet to come home to and relax. We all loved it!
Contributor
13 reviews
4 hotel reviews
7 helpful votesThis has it all. A fabulous house in a wonderful location. What a hidden beauty. We walked, cycled around Lake Annecy and generally explored.. . oh and spent quite a lot of money in the lovely shops in Annecy! What made it special was returning to Le Chatox at the end of the day to a comfortable and superbly equipped home from home. Opening the red wine and taking in the fabulous wall to wall views from the balcony or lounge.
Wendy and Paul make it extra special and easy, making sure that you have all the information you could possibly need before you go and when you are there.
It is really not surprising that people return again and again and this will be the first of many visits I am sure.
Thank you for a wonderful holiday.
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“February Half Term at Le Chatox” review from Caroline Feb 2015 taken from Owners Direct review:
What an amazing place! The views are absolutely stunning, we woke up each day to the sun shining on the top of the mountains burning away the mist. We were two families of four, there was plenty of space the living area easily accomodated eight of us, we didn’t feel crowded at all, a real home from home with everything you need. The skiing was perfect. We are all intermediate skiers and the lovely long blue runs suited the adults, the children could safely ski the reds and black at Margeriaz. We skied at Aillons the first day but we were all in agreement that Margeriaz was the favourite. We had great plans for a non-skining day at Annecy but the weather was so good we stuck to skiing. The directions were straight forward, we found it easily and Paul was at the end of the phone with plenty of recommendations which was very thoughtful. A great place, we all thoroughly recommend it and would love to visit again, perhaps in the summer as there seems so much to do all year round. Thank you!
Recommended for: Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with teenagers and families with young children
“Lovely winter break”… review from Owners Direct page from Woodward family who stayed December 2014/New Year Jan 2015
Just back from a lovely winter break at Le Chatox. The chalet was well equipped for catering for 8 and we particularly enjoyed the view from the balcony, the excellent coffee machine and the table tennis table. The chalet was clean and warm with underfloor heating and had everything we needed. The area is beautiful, good skiing at various lesser known resorts which were ideal for beginners and intermediates but also provided enough challenge for the more advanced skiers in our party and we found plenty to explore. Paul was very helpful with local information beforehand and there was a very helpful book of local info and walks at the chalet. We loved pottering around Annecy, a trip to the old village of Yvoire on Lake Geneva and a stunningly beautiful walk near La Croix de Nivolet, all recommended by Paul. The supermarket in Le Chatelard was fine for food shopping but there are very few other shops in the town so it feels quite rural and authentically French, great if you want something away from the bustling ski village experience which we find a bit hectic for us, but not so good if you want ski facilities, shops and cafes right on your doorstep. We did not get to sample the local restaurants much due to being on a tight budget, but did enjoy a lovely fondue savoyarde at a restaurant in La Feclaz on the last night. Quite a few restaurants and shops were closed for family holidays over the Christmas/New Year period and also no boats were running on Annecy Lake then, which surprised us a bit as there were plenty of holiday makers in Annecy, but it is perhaps an area known more for summer holidays. The traffic queues around Chambery indicate this town is perhaps more known for skiing and we had to give up on a visit there, due to long traffic delays. However, we had no trouble at all travelling in Les Bauges area around Le Chatox and accessing various smaller ski stations with a Landrover and an Astra (with snow chains in the boot as and when needed). Wished we could have stayed another week and certainly hope to return. Thanks again for a wonderful holiday.
December 2014/New year Jan 2015 – Heather and family.
Her daughter has written a fantastic blog of her holiday and experiences with the snow(it dumped down the day they arrived) on the slopes, Annecy town, Yvoire(near Geneva) and the local snowy walks(the wood behind the Chatox to the next village Le Compote and the local waterfall Cascade du Pisseux). Its a great insight to the varied activities that can be done in the winter! And of course there’s fondue!
http://blog.jennawoodward.com/2015/01/12/winter-in-the-alps-part-one-annecy/
http://blog.jennawoodward.com/2015/01/21/winter-in-the-alps-part-two-skiing/
http://blog.jennawoodward.com/2015/01/28/winter-in-the-alps-part-three-yvoire/
http://blog.jennawoodward.com/2015/02/09/winter-in-the-alps-part-four-walks-fondues/
“snowy christmas” the Cheesman family who stayed Christmas 2013 and reviewed on Owners Direct
Stayed here for a week over Christmas and had the most amazing time. Although on arrival in Le Chatelard the grass was green and the snow was only on the mountain peaks opposite, on Boxing Day we awoke to a winter wonderland. We managed to get out skiing almost every day and the nearby resorts of Margeriaz, Mont Revard and Feclaz proved to be great playgrounds for us to ski in. Fantastic chalet with all the essential creature comforts we could wish for and a cosy wood burner to enhance the ambience. Would heartily recommend to anyone who likes a good value skiing holiday. PS Take snowchains. We hired them with the hirecar and needed them when the snow came.
Recommended for: Adventure seekers and families with teenagers
Patrick and Sally with their son stayed in August 2013…
“Fantastic chalet, great location and amenities”
5 of 5 starsReviewed 3 September 2013 for a stay in August 2013
We had a great two weeks staying at Le Chatox. It has everything you need for a relaxing or more energetic holiday. Ideally situated for Annecy, Aix-les-Bains and Mont Blanc. Would definitely recommend to other people looking to stay in the Alps.
Yvonne Godby, stayed with friends July 2013
Review from Trip Advisor
“Relaxing Mini Break”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 August 2013 for a stay in July 2013
I had been meaning to visit Le Chatox for about 3 years and finally this year I had a little bit of spare money to whisk myself away to the delights that Le chatox has to offer. I flew to Geneva and got picked up from there, it was an easy journey back to the Le Chatox and didn’t take as long as I expected. The chalet has a really homely feel to it, the pictures hanging on the walls and other small interior touches make you feel totally at ease in the property like you would in your own home. The views from the chalet are breath taking and it was an absolute pleasure to wake up to them every morning and watch them disappear at sunset. Whilst I was sunbathing and reading my book on the balcony in the glorious sunshine I kept getting distracted by the views and wildlife surrounding me.
It was easy to indulge, the local shops offer a wide range of fresh produce. I got to visit a really friendly local market where I picked up a rather lovely ‘tarte aux fraises’ mm mmm. Lots of places to visit and keep you or small children busy (local lakes with flumes etc). I particularly liked visiting Annecy and wouldn’t mind making a return visit to take in even more of its romantic charm. Except I know not to order piggy trotters at the pork restaurant next time. My mistake! I think I need to brush up on my french reading skills.
Lovely mini break (5 days) spent with friends taking in the sites, I even managed a 10 mile cycle to sur roche and I’m not an avid cyclist. However If you don’t fancy the hilly climbs you could cheat the hills and hire electric bicycles, you can enjoy the thrilling descents and climb the hills with ease (best of both worlds).
Great Holiday, Thanks Wendy and Paul!
Trip Advisor review from Robin and his team of enthusiatic cyclists who cycled the Etape in July 2013 just before the Tour De France when the tour flew by the Chatox…
“Fantastic stay – everything we hoped for”
5 of 5 starsReviewed 8 August 2013 for a stay in July 2013
A party of fifteen of us visited the Bauges to take part in the Etape du Tour bike ride.
I found Paul Tuohy and le Chatox on the web.
Paul was very responsive when he knew what we were after. We made Le Chatox the party HQ and Paul helped us to find other lodging nearby. Paul is a pleasure to deal with.
Le Chatox sleeps 8 people in comfort and has a simply stunning outlook. And the Bauges area is a complete delight. For cyclists, fantastic cycling country all around and some of the classic climbs within easy reach.
Paul and Wendy, thank you. If we ever come to the Bauges again, we know to look no further.
Lorraine and Steve and family, London, June 2013
Review from Trip Advisor
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/VacationRentalReview-g2275771-d2400835-Le_Chatox_Savoie-Le_Chatelard_Savoie_Rhone_Alpes.html#review_165919592
“Fantastic Holiday”
The owners are amazingly helpful. Our driver broke his arm just before we were due to go on holiday and we had a major change of travelling plans. They put us in touch with local people who gave us lifts from the station, bought and delivered basic groceries for us and prepared a brilliant dinner for our arrival.
Waking up on the first morning to a beautiful mountain view was such a treat. We enjoyed two weeks of mountain/hill walking and exploring the local area. The townspeople are so welcoming and friendly too.
There’s everything you could wish for in the house. Everything is well maintained and clean. The beds are really comfortable and the two really tall guys had no problems with their length- a unique holiday experience for them.
We are planning to go again.
Abby and Grant, Clitheroe,UK, June 2013
Review from Trip Advisor
“Wonderful Holiday”
We’re just back from a week at Le Chatox and we’ve had a wonderful holiday. The chalet was really spacious as it sleeps 8 but there was only 3 of us. It was spotlessly clean and very well equipped, theres not many self catering holidays that have le creuset dishes and a Gaggia coffee machine! The view from the balcony of the surrounding mountains was amazing. We had some lovely walks locally and drove to Annecy one day and hired bikes to go around the lake. A great location for Summer or Winter and would love to go back again. Thanks
D.Williams and family, Isle of Man:
“Home from home in the French Alps”
Reviewed 27 March 2013 for a stay in March 2013
This was our second stay as a family at Le Chatox and our first during the winter. The accommodation was as good as ever with all the facilities you would need for a very comfortable stay. The kids (& big kids) enjoyed the underfloor heating especially! The house remains a very comfortable base for a holiday whatever the season. Beautiful scenery and nature on your doorstep – no lizards or butterfly spotting this time, but the Birds of Prey could be viewed from the living room circulating high in the shadow of Mount Colombier.
We had explored the area during our previous summer trip so were well acquainted with all of the important landmarks and facilities (Supermarket in village, boulangerie,restaurants, scenic routes, Annecy, Aix, Chamonix etc).
Our intention during this trip was to sample the local alpine skiing at Les Aillons & Margeriaz ski resorts. We all thoroughly enjoyed the skiing and although the local schools were closed the slopes were never too crowded which was certainly appreciated by a family of skiing novices! The weather was good and allowed us to make full use of our reasonably priced lift passes. In fact I don’t think we would have found a better value skiing anywhere else in the Alps.
As it was a skiing holiday we kept it local, but we were able to explore and have a meal in Annecy which remains as beautiful as ever.
We wish to thank Paul and Wendy for their hospitality and advice whilst planning the ski holiday. We look forward to counting down the months before our next trip (3rd trip already arranged for Feb 14)!
Lynn S and family, Gloucestershire UK
stayed Feb 2013
comments from Trip Advisor:
My husband and I and our two teenage children stayed at Le Chatox during the February half term. The chalet was perfect for our needs (and we are pretty fussy!) well equipped, warm, comfortable and clean. It had everything you could possibly need and more and great VFM. The two local ski areas were superb – excellent skiing conditions and very, very quiet. Absolutely no queuing for lifts – it was possible to do a whole run without seeing anyone else, except maybe a walker! Another bonus is the cost of ski passes, less than half the price of the big well known resorts. We will definitely consider a return visit. Thanks to our hosts Paul and Wendy for getting it just right.
Pam and Alan, Kent UK:
stayed September 2012
January 8, 2013 at 10:19 pm
This is a beautiful, comfortable and fully equipped chalet with stunning views of the mountains from its main living area and balcony. Two of the bedrooms also have a balcony with the same views. It was beautifully clean and had everything needed for either a summer or winter holiday, and there was excellent information about the surrounding areas – local shopping and restaurants etc.
The whole area is wonderful and nearby Annecy was gorgeous. Our holiday was a really delightful experience and we would certainly like to return soon.
Submitted on 2012/06/19 at 7:27am
Jarman family, UK:
Stayed 2nd to 9th June 2012
Whilst it was pouring with rain in England during the Jubilee week, we had an amazing time – swimming in lake Annecy one day, walking in the skifields of Semnoz the next. Spoilt for choice of things to do – North, South, East or West – the lakes, mountains or rivers – so definitely have to go back for more. Loved the accommodation, the views from the balcony, the little market in the village on Friday morning and the ease of getting to and from Geneva.
Thanks for a very memorable week. Look forward to the next one.
Stayed 7th-13th April 2012
Dear Paul & Wendy
Thank you again for allowing us to experience the wonderful “Le Chatox” and surrounding areas. The place is amazing, you are so lucky to have such a wonderful holiday home. Cannot fault the whole experience, the place is so comfortable and homely with every need catered for down to the smallest detail. The outlook from Le Chatox is spectacular. We all enjoyed sitting in the lounge or on the balcony gazing at the fantastic mountain views with a glass of wine in hand. The weather was mixed, one day we were sunbathing on the decking and the next morning we woke up to a snowscene but finished up barbequing on the balcony again early evening..bizarre!! None of us are skiers but can imagine this place is fantastic if you are. We can however recommend this place for a relaxing but exhilirating holiday break with so many places to visit with easy reach.
A fantastic place, highly recommended.
Thanks again!
Lynn, Darren, Leslie & Rita (South Yorkshire)
Stayed February Half term 2012
Dear Paul and Wendy,
Great holiday, great house and great skiing.
We all had a fantastic time and were very grateful for the heated floors when the thermometer was showing –17 degrees outside, and we really did need our snow chains!
Can’t think of improvements to the place. It has everything you could possibly need for a week of skiing. We were wondering whether the place is available next year!
We have included a couple of pictures for the calender One from the top of La Margariaz and the other from the top if Les Allions.
Many thanks
Hardman Family – Norwich
We were sunbathing with Kir Royals in the heat…
Peter Smith:
December 28, 2011
We stayed at the end of October 2011 at the School half term and had sensational weather. We were sunbathing in T-shirts on the large balcony sipping kir royales in the heat. What a lovely place this is. We cycled to remote alpine villages and did a spot of mountain climbing. To the top of Mt Colombier to be precise, over 2000 metres above sea level. The views are sensational.
Paul and Wendy have the place equipped with all mod cons and tastefully decorated for le grand confort all round.
There is loads to do. Try the views over Lac Bourget from the top of Mt Revard (you can drive to this one) and while you are at it there is an excellent restaurant up there serving Savoyard specialities including authentic cheese fondue, tartiflette etc. If you fancy something at the fine dining level, found a smashing restaurant in Aix Les Bains where you can get really pampered. Alternatively there are rustic cafes nearby where you can sample simple food in an almost medieval setting (in a good way).
Le Chatelard has a well stocked Carrefour, so you wont be short of an apero in the evening.
The Smiths highly recommend Le Chatox. I fancy going in the winter to try out this undiscovered skiing at half the price of the big resorts. The French want to keep it to themselves apparently.
Thanks again to Wendy and Paul for a superb stay.
11-17 September 2011
It’s not always easy to find the perfect holiday accommodation but yours pretty much had everything……..
Be assured that we are telling lots of people about your chalet, it’s not always easy to find the perfect holiday accommodation but yours pretty much had everything and we are hard-nosed chalet users! It’s really well placed for easy access to skiing in various resorts (only an hour away to some of the major runs) and you were right about the challenging cycling – perfect for us. We did a 60km and the run to lake Annecy for a swim. Also did the cycle route round Annecy lake one afternoon. Finished up with a swim and a picnic at the grassy beach by the campsite – another great day. Did the walks to the Cascade du Pisseau, Mum especially pleased she was more than able to handle the rocky paths and also through the woods to Compote. We decided to take one day out to cycle up to the start of the climb to Mont Colombier and then walk up. It is very ….very… up but we made it for a late lunch on the summit at 2043m! Perfect weather, no wind, great vis and 24 degrees – incredible 360 views including Mont Blanc and the distant Aiguille du Midi station! Jez had a go at the Chatox time trial- using his touring bike and did a very respectable 12 minutes and a few seconds (it’s in the book). It’s very addictive!! Caroline did it in 17 minutes so not as competitive but she is not a speed racer and had quite a heavy bike so was happy to have finished it – one of the few females to put down a time it seems! The pizzas at the hut by the Carrefour are delicious and VERY BIG! We also were chuffed to find the traditional bread shop with the working oven at one of the little villages on your favorite 16km cycle.
All in all a very active but memorable holiday – made more special by having such a great place to return to each night. Will remember the two thunderstorms, one on the first night and one on the last night (how well timed was that!!) – martinis on the balconies and breakfast on the decking in the morning sun. How lucky you are to have such a fantastic place to escape to. Now that we have been ‘chatoxed’, hopefully will be able to visit again.
Our thanks. Take care
Best wishes – Bev and family.
Third Time Lucky – 3 times..!
My third visit to this wonderful holiday haven in the peace a quite of Les Bauges. Have now done both winter ski and summer biking but this September break with friends was surely the best yet. Taking a boat out on
Lake Annecy and swimming in such warm clear water after a wonderful lunch on board was unforgettable. The biking once again killed me off but the ambience of Le Chatox, the amazing views from the balcony of ‘Booby Mountain’, and the evening G&T’s means Debs is already wanting to return. Huge thanks to Paul and Wend, it just get better and better…. Martin and Debbie Sept 2011
What a stupendous place to chill out !
Just biked until I dropped – not too difficult around here. Had a fabulous week with Julie cycling all over Les Bauges and sipping a few cheeky beers…. Le Chatox has been the perfect chalet in the perfect location. Many thanks to Paul and Wendy -we’re already looking forward to skiing in winter… Alan and Julie June 2011
Just delightful…
Would highly recommend a holiday in this beautifully situated Savoie Chalet. It is fully equipped and very comfortable with everything you could want for a perfect relaxing time. We spent a happy fun week here with two teenage boys. Annecy is a delightful place and swimming in the clean blue lake is great. The holiday highlight was a visit to Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi cable car trip. We have some wonderful Summer Hols 2010 memories. Thank you Paul and Wendy for being such enthusiastic and helpful hosts.
Webbo from Midlands Aug ‘10
Don’t tell too many people about this unspoilt area of the alps! Date of stay: August 13-27th, 2011
We had a wonderful fortnight staying at Le Chatox. The accomodation was as expected, luxurious, fully equipped allowing all of us to a have a very comfortable stay. The location and the views from the house overlooking Mont Colombiere are beautiful. The children enjoyed spotting wildlife (Birds of Prey, Deer) from the balcony. They were also busy spotting the many different species of butterflies and the lizards in the garden. Sitting out in the warmth of the evening sunset listening to cow bells was a real treat!
Although we thoroughly enjoyed the days out at Annecy (beautiful old town and excellent Sunday market), Aix (lake/beach) and Chamonix (Mont Blanc and town), our most enjoyable days were spent within the Massif Des Bauges enjoying the dramatic and beautiful views from various vantage points such as Cret de Chatillon and Mont Revard. There are so many beautiful and unspoilt villages within the local area. Long may the tourists remain the other side of Leschaux nearer Annecy!
During our stay the weather was hot (some days reached 35deg C!) We all enjoyed cooling down, swimming at the nearby lake at Lescheraines. As ever all of the restaurants were good with our favourites being Les Clarines at Le Chatelard, Mont Le Pelat at Aillon-le-Jeune and Auberge du Semonoz at St Jorioz. There are so many good restaurants available in the area.
Familiy acivities included Tree Climbing (above Talloires overlooking Lake Annecy), cycling along Lake Annecy & the luge near Cret Chatillion. Groceries were purchased from the excellent and convenient local Carrefour in the village & Lescheraines provided excellent Bread and Croissants for breakfast.
We wish to thank Paul and Wendy for their hospitality and assistance and look forward to return to Le Chatox in the future.
In the meantime, please don’t tell too many people about this unspoilt area of the alps!
Dyfed, Emma, Nan, Gwen & Tom from the Isle of Man
We were very sad to leave it all behind…. August 2011
We had a fabulous time in Le Chatelard and thoroughly enjoyed the comforts of Le Chatox with the amazing view and we were very sad to leave it all behind! We had predominately good weather and virtually clear skies every night. Your weather station told us that on a few occasions it was 46 on the balcony! I can’t believe how much I managed to cycle and getting to the top of the cret de chatillon was a major acheivement for me. I also cycled from col leshaux down to annecy, round the lake and back up the hill to leshaux-39miles-on the wed before we left.
We had a very warm welcome from Vincent and Cathy and enjoyed another lovely meal. We treated ourselves to a meal in Annecy one evening as I wanted to see it all lit up (very touristy I know!) An expensive meal at the Auberge de Lyonnais, but beautiful food and a lovely setting.
Simon and Sharon
We really do love your place and the area so much and we will be back again soon.
Si is on his way to Dover starting the next installment of his summer cycling jaunts, all boys together from perpignan to callais in 9 days-madness!!!
On his return he will e-mail you some of the rides he did. Since arriving home at 2am sat it has been so hectic-oh for the quieter relaxing pace of Le Chatelard!!!
Simon and Sharon Hall
Great value skiing at local resort – snow superb!
Richard 4th from left on the Boys ski Jolly Jan 2011
January 2010 Just a note to say a huge thank you to Paul for arranging the ‘Ski Jolly’ for the boys earlier in the year. We all had a great time, the skiing was such good value and a great time was had by all!! If you are happy with a short journey from Le Chatox, the choice of the FOUR ski resorts is well worth the effort. All had different things to offer but were equaly as much fun and challenging and provided great skiing for any standard. The only thing wrong with the trip was it only lasted three days. Come on next year – I hope!!!!!
Richard Kinderman, Dartford
Just gorgeous !!
August 2010 What a fantastic region of France, such stunning views and a wonderful area to be as active or as relaxed as you want to be. I would recommend it to anyone and what better place than Le Chatox to have as a base to explore the area. We have stayed in many properties, but this is the best by far. A very comfortable, modern and spacious chalet with magnificent views from the patio and balcony and where you can enjoy relaxed evenings, discussing the activities, excursions and activities of the day and watching the night sky unfold. We loved our two weeks and did not want to come home. We will definitely be back again soon. Sharon and Simon (Mercx from yorkshire!)
Magnificent week in this most unspoilt yet beautiful part of France. Was in two minds about writing a review because I am just a little
Paul and Anne Burton
afraid that people might be tempted by its beauty and tranquillity and come in their droves! This is real alps where little English is spoken but a warm welcome given. Life has a different pace about it and you relax the moment you arrive. We spent a fabulous week walking in stunning scenery and enjoying the excellent facilities that this alpine chalet had to offer, exceptional views and a really high standard of comfort. We could not have asked for more. Last year we skied here and If you are looking for a ski resort ( there are 2 within 10-15 min drive of this property) that has a family feel about it and where the right outfit and designer sunglasses are not essential then you have picked the right place. We have already booked a week this winter and cannot wait to return, however please don’t tell too many people about it because we love it just the way it is.
Burton Family from Bexley, Kent Oct 09
Full on Family Fun !
Cheesman Family: July 8, 2010 at 9:28 pm We spent 10 nights in this brand new, idyllic, spacious chalet, some 20 miles from the shores of Lake Annecy. A short 5 minute walk to the local village of Le Chatelard let us sample typical Savoyard hospitality. The local tourist information bureau here was really helpful and told us where to go for white water rafting, a one and a bit hours’ drive away to the town of of Aime (check out franceraft). Excellent local walks leave from the village and the Chalet.
Cheesman’s cycle Lake Annecy
It is also near enough to cycle to the village of Lescheraines where you can swim in the freshwater lake. We had some super days out on lakeside beaches at Annecy and Aix les Bain. We drove down to Annecy with our bikes, parking just out of town and cycled in, joining the cycleway which goes around the lake. If you’re not up to the hill cycling you will love these paths; also they are safe if you are bringing young children. Whilst there we took in the excitement of the Tour de France which was fantastic; an especially memorable moment was seeing Lance Armstrong making his comeback. The chalet is homely and comfortable and has fabulous views out over the countryside from one of two balconies. Bedrooms are roomy and cosy and sleeping was not a problem, following leisurely barbecues on the balcony with a few local wines!! We had a couple of journeys out to see the nearby ski resorts of Les Aillons (a scrumptiousTartiflette enjoyed there) and Margeriaz. These looked to be ideal for family skiers who don’t like crowds or the hulry burly of the really commercial resorts. Worth a look. Another great day out was to Chamonix which was about an hour and a half away by car. It’s easy to park there and you can enjoy a gondola ride up the mountain to view the glacier (mer de glace) and the ice caves. We walked from the mid station to the ice caves which took about two and a half hours but what stunning views. We recommend you phone ahead and prebook the cable car to avoid the queue. We did loads of cycling, just watch out though, as it is the Alps. Lorraine Cheesman July 09