New addresses to indulge yourself in the French mountains this winter
Excellent gastronomy and world class spa and well-being facilities are two cornerstones of the French winter-sports holiday experience. Winter 2014-2015 will see a host of new and improved eateries on the mountain and in resorts. Likewise, French resorts continue to invest in industry-leading pool and spa facilities to relax and unwind in after a day on the hill, with six major new developments in the Alps and Pyrenees.
Restaurants
Val Thorens: The splendid Koh-I-Nor brasserie welcomes Michelin-starred chef Eric Samson for winter 2014-2015.
Morzine: La Chamade family-run restaurant is a new dining concept to Morzine with a totally open kitchen making guest feel like they are at a friend's for dinner.
La Clusaz: Les Rhodos restaurant opens this winter at the Col des Aravis (1500m), serving traditional local food with funky modern twists.
Courchevel: Nicolas Sale's Kintessence has been awarded its second Michelin star for 2014.
Saint Martin de Belleville: Le Jardin de Josephine gourmet restaurant opens in December 2014 and will serve seasonal local produce, much of which is grown in the restaurant's garden.
Tignes 1800: The new village in Tignes welcomes two new restaurants for 2014-2015: O 1800 will serve traditional Savoyarde cuisine, Four 7 is an Asian Teppanyaki restaurant.
Saint Gervais: The world-famous Folie Douce chain will open its latest venture for winter 2014-2015 in Saint Gervais, which will feature the equally popular Fruitiere restaurant.
Aquatics/Wellness
Châtel: New 13m€ Forme d'O aquatics and wellness centre: 2 indoor pools, 1 outdoor pool, all with Jacuzzi areas, counter-currents and fountains. Also featuring spa, beauty, multiple saunas and hammams. Opened July 2014.
Les Menuires: Aqualudique & Wellness des Bruyeres opened June 2014. It has a hydrotherapy pool, an area dedicated to children with an ice cave, toboggans, games and entertainment. The centre also includes a spa for adults only, with Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Les Arcs: The 37 million € 3780m² Le Mille 8 leisure centre, opens December 2014. Indoor & Outdoor pool, Massage jets and submerged massage beds with bubbles, Waterfalls & Caves, Kids play area, Wellbeing area- spa, Hammams, Saunas, Fitness area.
Les Saisies will open Le Signal on 13 December. This brand new aqua sport centre includes a hydrotherapy pool, a Jacuzzi, a well-being area and a paddling pool. It also has an indoor climbing wall, volley ball, badminton and basketball, and two squash courts.
Peyragudes: Les Bains de Sommets- new Spa/Wellbeing centre opening December 2014 in the Peyrasourdes sector with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and treatment rooms.
Montgenevre: 3600m² Durancia aquatics centre opening December 2014. Split over 3 floors, featuring hammams, saunas, Thaï-Shiatsu massage and much more.
For more information, visit france-montagnes.com.
