Month: June 2017

St. Tropez is home to numerous beautiful villas, any of which can provide the ultimate getaway. Here are five of the most amazing St. Tropez villas.

Cote Mer

Villa Cote Mer is located in La Croix Valmer on the Cote d’Azur. It’s a four-bedroom villa that’s just minutes away from the outstanding restaurants of Girago, and it also offers direct access to La Plage du Vergeron, which is one of the area’s most beautiful beaches.

Cote Mer is part of a gated community and the ideal base from which to experience your Cote d’Azur vacation. You could very well spend all your time at the villa, exploring the grounds and gardens, lounging on the beach or at poolside, basking in the olive orchard or inhaling the lovely scent of the lavender hedge. It’s worth venturing farther afield, though, to experience all that St. Tropez has to offer.

The interior of the villa features terrazzo floors and high ceilings, and the main living spaces all open onto the terrace. The overall feeling is one of tranquility, and yet there are architectural features that will quite simply take your breath away. The bedrooms are opulent, and at the end of the day, you’ll love retiring to your king suite to get a good night’s sleep.

La Vagabonde

Villa La Vagabonde is a two-story, three-bedroom retreat that offers everything you want in a luxury resort. It’s nestled in a splendid Mediterranean garden with plenty of sunny and shady areas for lounging. There is a private pool in the middle of the garden where you can enjoy a cocktail, read a book, soak up the sun or splash in the water.

Villa La Vagabonde is a destination in and of itself, but it’s also just minutes away from the restaurants and shops of St. Tropez. You can spend your entire getaway at the villa, or venture into town to experience fine dining and investigate the many boutiques that line the streets.

The interior of the villa also features many spots to relax and enjoy your vacation. The salon has a massive fireplace and overstuffed furniture that is perfect for long conversations or even a nap in the middle of the day. If you love to cook, then you’ll appreciate the well-appointed gourmet kitchen.

With the welcoming atmosphere, opulent surroundings and vibrant gardens, Villa La Vagabonde is one of the very best places to spend your vacation.

Cheri

Villa Cheri is an absolute paradise. When you visit St. Tropez, you’ll probably want to go to the beaches, dine, shop and people-watch, but you’ll also want a bit of downtime, and there are few places better for that than Villa Cheri.

At Villa Cheri, you can relax amidst the olive trees, kick back in the gazebo, or enjoy a meal on the veranda – and that’s just what’s on offer outdoors. Inside the villa, you’ll find a bright living area in shades of white, with an array of potted plants to provide color.

There is a main house as well as two studio suites. All have garden access. If you’re looking for comfort and privacy, Villa Cheri fits the bill.

Pearl

Villa Pearl is located in a vineyard with a huge garden. It’s estate-like and totally private, but just five minutes by car away from the town of St. Tropez.

Villa Pearl is framed in natural growth and offers a huge swimming pool with an open and covered terrace that’s perfect for dining al fresco. The main villa is accessible from all areas of the terrace, and the interior is well-appointed and classically designed. You’ll be able to relax in any number of opulent living areas, and your every need will be attended to by a full staff, including a chef.

Ama Pampelone

Villa Ama Pampelone features outstanding views of Pampelone Bay and is a destination worthy of even the most discerning traveler. The contemporary design of this villa emphasizes the scenery and lets in the sunlight, both of which are best appreciated from the pool area. The pool is sunken down under the main terrace and features sundecks, banquettes and a lounge.

Inside the villa, you’ll find high ceilings and a calming pastel décor. Most of the six bedrooms open onto the gardens. Villa Ama Pampelone also features a private helipad.

The Les Trois Vallees area of France is packed with plenty of activities, but most vacationers think of it as a winter season destination. After all, with some of the finest skiing in the world, it makes sense to think of it as a seasonal spot. Yet, there are is almost the same number of activities and events to enjoy in the area year round, and especially in Méribel.

Let’s consider some of the wonderful things to see and do during a summer holiday in the French Alps destination of Méribel.

Things to Do in the Summer

Cycling is a major three-season activity in Méribel. Riding a bike in the Alps can mean road trips as well as mountain biking, and it is typically a bit more demanding than average cycling. There are actually segments of the world-famous Tour de France that run through the mountains, but you can also find gentler rides that last several hours, take you through gorgeous Alpine scenery and give you just the right level of workout. Of course, there is also the popular bike park in Méribel itself, and it features a range of trails that include trips down some of the pistes.

Fishing is another hot activity in Méribel. Fishing throughout the Alps is a very popular activity, and especially in Tueda Lake. With an enormous number of rainbow trout, even beginners often get lucky. Be aware that you will need a proper permit and that Tueda Lake is divided in half between no-kill fly fishing areas and traditional fishing spots.

Hiking and walking are also wildly popular in Méribel, particularly because there are many ways to do glacier walking here. The Trois Vallees area has many different glaciers, and they can be a bit tricky, so you may want to book with one of the local guides who can be sure you enjoy an unforgettable, save and scenic experience. For the more adventurous, mountaineering treks with local guides are also a wonderful option during the summer season.

Golfing is another popular activity in Méribel due to the fact that it has an 18-hole course at the bottom of Dent de Burgin. With a putting green, practice range, and buggy hire, it is a gorgeous spot to play through.

Horseback riding is a very common activity during the non-skiing season in Méribel and with many trails, it is perfect even for beginners. The Bois d’Arbin riding center offers beginner sessions and even group lessons.

Nature parks and reserves are nearby, but the closes are the lovely Nature Reserve of Plan de Tueda. Established only in 1990 it includes Tueda Lake, the Gebroulaz glacier, the Doron stream, and the refuge Le Sauté. It also has a botanical trail and is home to one of the threatened bird species of Frane, the black grouse.

Hot air balloons and scenic flights are amazing during the summer months. There is the Aero Club in Méribel that allows travelers to enjoy tourist flights and even take control of the plane for an initial flying lesson. There are several helicopter tour firms offering good weather flights over the area, and hot air balloon rides are one of the most frequently requested summer activities.

The Adventure Park is a fantastic summer destination for families as it offers you the ideal setting to enjoy nature. Your admission includes gear and initial training to take you through an array of outdoor courses and tracks that feature ropes, tunnels, trees, swings and more!

As you can see, the summers in Méribel are busy and full of outdoor adventures. There are also the many great shops, restaurants, and spa treatments that winter vacationers look forward to as well!

If you have ever seen Courchevel in the snow, it may make you a bit sad to think of it without its lovely frosting of snowy white, yet it is actually a very popular summer destination too. This is because of its glorious weather, stunning scenery and long list of summer activities to enjoy. Whether you stay in a chalet or another area, you are sure to savor the many wonderful options afforded to you during a warm weather visit to Courchevel.

Le Praz

Tucked into the foot of the ski jump at Courchevel is the enormous Sports Centre. It is a remarkably modern and up to date space that includes a massive gym, a state of the art fitness center, indoor volleyball and basketball courts, indoor football, badminton and even ping pong areas, and more.

Summer guests, though, will love to visit the lake in Le Praz as well as enjoying the mountain walking trails, the kayaking and fishing on the lake, the beach volleyball, the pony rides, kite workshops, and even the bouncy castle that remains in place all summer!

Water Sports

The area is ideal for water sports with canoeing and kayaking at the top of the list. Descents are one of the most popular ways of using such boats, but you should hire a guide to ensure the safest experience. These typically include groups of four to five boats, and can be great for families.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

The Tour de France sees some of its most challenging climbs in the Courchevel area, but there are also some easier trails as well. Again, a guide can often make the difference between three to four grueling hours and an unforgettably nice ride through mountain scenery. There are many mountain biking trails suitable to all levels, and Courchevel is often cited as a “mecca” for mountain biking fans.

Fishing

A fly fishing enthusiast’s dream destination, Courchevel has seven designated sites for anglers. There are six lakes and a river. You will have to get a license and declare your catches, limiting yourself to three fish in all of the lakes. Note that Merlet Superieur is a no kill area.

Golfing

The Courchevel area is home to a nine-hole course at the Les Verdons area. You can play seven days per week to enjoy the non-stop scenery, and you can even hire someone to give you lessons!

Flying

Whether it is for sightseeing or experiencing your first flying lessons, Courchevel is a fantastic choice. Hot air balloon rides are popular throughout the Trois Vallees area, but especially here. The region is also home to Aero Club Courchevel, and they offer scenic flights through the mountains, even giving you control during your first flying lesson.

Nature Reserves and Parks

Courchevel is surrounded by beauty, and it is home to Vanoise National Park. The first of its kind in France, it covers a vast stretch and includes mountain ranges, lakes and more. Nearby is La Rosiere Natural Site with a lake and camping, and here you can enjoy guided walks offering a bit of insight into the flora and fauna of the entire area.

Swimming

Lakes and streams are in abundance, but you can also enjoy a dip at the Aquamation Centre located in Courchevel Moriond. This is new and considered to be one of the most exciting destinations in the area.

While you can also do climbing, tennis, squash, shopping, and dining as part of your summer activities in Courchevel, the activities above are some that allow you to really enjoy the setting. Without its covering of snow, the area is still stunningly beautiful, and if you really miss the icy snows, go ahead and book a guide to take you walking on one of the nearby glaciers!

You think of Val D’Isere and imagine snow covered Alps, great pistes, amazing apres-ski spots, and the very best skiing and snowboarding options, but this locale is also home to a long list of non-skiing and summertime activities.

Things to Do in the Summer

Some of the best include:

Parc des Sports is in the heart of Val D’Isere and provides a staggering number of activities that include a playground for kids of many ages, the Aquasportif Center with many pool areas, an acrobatics school, tennis courts, and a wildly popular adventure course.  There is also a wellness and relaxation area, a full gym with fitness coaches, a climbing wall, a spa with massage and beauty options, squash courts, and an innovative golf and driving simulator.

Biking and cycling are popular activities in the region, and though there is a formal bike park in the resort area, the region is also home to Col de L’Iseran. This is the highest paved road in Europe and part of the famous Tour de France. Separating the Tarentais and Maurienne Valleys, it is not for the faint of heart, and could also be a nice drive rather than a cycling adventure. Mountain biking is one of the biggest activities here as well, and there are many paths in the mountains to explore.

Glacier skiing is also an option for those who never get enough of the Alps, and travelers to Val D’Isere can also easily reach the Pissaillas glacier from here. Even more exciting is the fact that the lifts are free during summer months.

Nature reserves and parks are found here as well, and the Vanoise National Park is the very heart of this region. Only 50 years old, it is actually the country’s first national park and includes a huge range of terrain and natural areas. You can find marmots, chamois, more than 100 kinds of birds, lakes, flowers and other gorgeous sights here. It is also a hiking and mountain biker’s treasure.

Lac de L’Ouillette is in the heart of one of Val D’Isere’s three slopes, the massif de Solaise. Easy to reach by walking, via a lift, or by car, it is a popular destination for swimmers, picnickers and even photographers.

Mountain climbing is another popular summertime options, and the Via Ferrata is the spot for beginners. It allows you to climb, by rope, up the mountain. You follow marked trails and discover ladders, bridges and steps along with ropes, and you can even hire a guide to ensure the easiest and safest route.

Special summertime events include an annual electric and hybrid vehicle show that is open to the public and features hundreds of vehicles created by roughly 90 different makers. The summer months also find a “Vanoise”, or trail running race, that takes place mid-summer. This generally features several courses for different skill levels. There is also the La Foire Avaline each year, and it is often noted as a highlight of the summer as it emphasizes regional arts and crafts, local produce and foods of the Savoie and Italian Piedmont areas, and more.

Shopping is also a wonderful experience during the summer months too, and many of the unique shops remain open throughout the year. You can find everything from local cheese and pastry shops to different sports equipment vendors.

Scenic driving is a wonderful thing to enjoy during the quieter summer season. Whether you opt to hire someone to do the driving and allow you all of the sightseeing, or you take to the back roads and explore this gorgeous region, it is an experience tough to beat!

Don’t think of lovely Val D’Isere strictly as a winter destination. It offers a bounty of summer fun and pleasure and many amazing accommodations, restaurants, and experiences await.