10 fab new and unusual places to stay in the French mountains for summer 2015
France's mountain resorts have accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. In summer the choice is even broader, as campsites and mountain refuges are open, whilst prices across the board are substantially lower than in winter. Summer 2015 sees the opening of a host of exciting new addresses to complement the wide and eclectic range of existing accommodation available in the French mountains.
New Youth Hostel- Châtel: 1861 Hostel is ideally located between Châtel village and its world-renowned bike park at Pré de la Joux, this relaxed and well-appointed hostel is sure to be a big hit with MTB riders, walkers and backpackers, as well as skiers and snowboarders on a budget in winter. Opens 21st June 2015. Dorm beds from 15€/person/night, private doubles from €25
New Mountain Refuge- Val Cenis Vanoise: Refuge Lo Tsmao is an entirely self-sustaining eco-refuge and forms an ideal base from which to explore the Haute Maurienne Valley and Vanoise National Park. Keepers Joseph and Lola offer excellent food made from locally sourced ingredients. Opens 11th July 2015. Night-only 13€, Half-board from 32€
New Eco-Chalet- Les Saisies: Eco-chalet Nantailly is an ecologically sustainable chalet in the beautiful and unspoilt Beaufortain region. Sleeping 15, it's available to book as self-catered or self-catered, and offers themed weeks such as Yoga & Hiking. Opens 27th June 2015. From 1500€/week
New Self Catering Apartments- Flaine : *** Odalys Residence Le Panoramic in Flaine Forêt mixes modern minimalist and traditional Savoyard elements, and includes a large pool and spa complex. Opens July 4th 2015. 4-person apartments from 430€/week
Renovated Hotel-Alpe d'Huez : ****Hotel Royal Ours Blanc is a stylish 46-room design hotel in a fun, modern style inspired by bees and bears, by designer Sandrine Alouf. It also features a modern restaurant serving traditional dishes and thermal spa. Opens 27th June 2015. Doubles from 119€
Renovated B&B-Besse Super Besse: Aaisa Chambre d'hôte. This 700 year-old village house has been splendidly refurbished into 5 rooms and suites, and 1 self-contained apartment. An excellent base from which to explore the wild and unspoilt Auvergne. Doubles from 70€ B&B
Glamping In The Pyrenees- Font Romeu: Huttopia is a wilderness-style campsite with accommodation ranging from Canadian tents to log cabins enjoying stunning views over the Catalan Pyrenees. From 16€/night (pitch) and 49€/night (glamping)
Treehouses- The French mountains are home to some fabulous treehouses where you'll feel like you're in Sherwood Forest, in a house designed by J.R. Tolkein, only you'll be in France!
La Clarière aux Cabanes near La Bresse and the Nids des Vosges near Gérardmer are two fantastic treehouse and “hobbit hut” villages for anyone looking to take their Robin Hood act to the dreamy Vosges mountains. All houses & cabins are fully equipped and meticulously crafted. Both open year-round, prices from 149€/night for small (2-person cabins).
In the Southern French Alps, Montgenèvre is the place for treehouses, available year-round from 350€/week or 200€/weekend.
