Nature and landscapes
Accommodation: away from it all, close to nature
For one night or more, try sleeping in the great outdoors! Tree houses, mountain refuges, bivouacs in tents – here are our ideas for sleeping far away from it all, but as close to nature as possible!
Fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the first rays of the sun. Let yourself be lulled by the murmurs of nature and awaken to the sounds of wildlife in action. A night in the wilderness is like going back to basics, taking the time to rediscover the outside world and live at nature’s pace. Here are our into-the-wild addresses for a soothing change of scenery.
Accommodation in mountain huts
Department 73
St Martin de Belleville
With just two cosy rooms in the heart of the mountains, the Le Trait d’ Union refuge is a not-to-be-missed getaway to recharge your batteries. Just a 45-minute walk away, it’s a mountain retreat that invites you to unwind.
Department 05
St-Véran
The refuge de la Blanche is located in Saint-Véran, the highest commune in Europe. In the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park and on the edge of Lac de la Blanche, it can be reached in 3 hours’ walk (500m ascent) from Saint-Véran.
Department 73
Val d’Isère
To take your experience to the next level, head for the Fond des Fours Refuge, at an altitude of 2,537m, right in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, on high alpine meadows. A two-hour walk from the Vallée du Manchet will take you to this haven of peace, in harmony with its environment. During your stay, morning chamois, curious marmots, bearded vultures and majestic ibexes will be your neighbours.
Department 73
Valmorel
The Logis des Fées refuge in the Eau Rousse valley is accessible from Valmorel by the Celliers cable car or from the small village of the same name. The ascent on foot from the cable car takes around 2? hours through pine forests and mountain pastures. This valley is devoted to sheep farming and is also a chamois reserve, so it’s easy to spot them early in the morning. The refuge is at an altitude of 1839m.
County 63
Le Mont-Dore
The Chalet du Sancy is a guarded refuge in the heart of the Auvergne mountains. It will appeal to mountain enthusiasts as much as to lovers of nature and tranquillity.
Department 73
Méribel
The Refuge du Saut is surrounded by the legendary peaks of the Vanoise, with a breathtaking view of the Gébroulaz Glacier. Easily accessible, it’s about a 2-hour walk along trails that combine high altitude lakes and dense wildlife.
Department 65
Saint-Lary
The Refuge de Bastan is situated in the heart of the Massif du Néouvielle, at the gateway to the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve. The natural heritage here is particularly rich and offers exceptional scenery. It’s just an hour and a half’s walk from the Col de Portet.
Department 73
Les Menuires
In a small valley free of ski lifts and pistes, the Lac du Lou refuge is situated on the banks of the largest lake in the Belleville valley. It welcomes guests in a friendly, authentic atmosphere, serving simple, hearty, high-quality cuisine. The refuge is an hour’s walk and 250m of ascent from the Chez Pépé Nicolas restaurant, along a wide path, or from the Bruyères lake, along a short path on the mountainside.
Department 06
Auron
The Lac des Vens refuge is one of the most prestigious sites in the Mercantour Park. An environment of natural lakes, waterfalls in an ancient glacial cirque, a rich alpine meadow, a numerous and varied fauna (mouflons, chamois, eagles…) for a harmonious refuge.
Accommodation in the forest
Department 73
Flumet/St-Nicolas la Chapelle
The “Entre Terre et Ciel” cabins are nestled in the trees of a forest out of sight, with a view of Mont Blanc. Three cabins, two of which have indoor spas, and one with a children’s tubular slide, make it possible for adults and families to enjoy their stay together!
Department 88
La Bresse
In the heart of the Vosges mountains, La Clairière aux Cabanes features six cabins perched among the trees. Peace and quiet reign supreme, and nature is ever-present. A comfortable break for young and old alike.
Department 05
Hautes-Alpes
In the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park, the Terre des Baronnies guest houses invite you to sleep in a tent suspended in the middle of nature. Optimum comfort with duvet, picnic basket and breakfast provided, and a choice of 3 atmospheres: on the valley near the guest house, above the river to see the nocturnal animals or on the “lost valley” to enjoy the view!
Department 65
Grand Tourmalet
The Artahé association offers mountain holidays in the company of 4 mules, giving you the chance to experience a completely self-sufficient itinerant holiday. During the day, you can explore the hiking trails of the Pyrenees before setting up camp in the evening, and enjoying a lovely night’s sleep in spacious cotton tents.
Farm accommodation
Department 73
Arêches-Beaufort
Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at Paradis du Cuvy! Live to the rhythm of the high mountain pastures and discover the milking of the cows, a dinner of fresh produce and a traditional evening meal. For the night, curl up in a real four-poster bed outside, to experience a moment of magic just 150 metres from the mountain chalet.
Department 73
Aussois
Along the footpaths or mountain bike trails, the whole family can discover Chantovent, an authentic mountain chalet. Situated at an altitude of 1650m, the terrace offers breathtaking views of the Esseillon forts, the valley and the peaks of the border chain.
Department 73
Aillons-Margeriaz
Chapamama is an old Baujue farmhouse in the middle of nature, a break from modern life. Outside, you can hear the birds singing, the sound of the clarines on the other side of the valley, the bellowing of the stag at the beginning of Autumn, and all the gentle sounds of nature as the seasons change.
Unusual accommodation
County 74
Combloux
Right in the heart of nature, in the middle of the mountain pastures and out of sight, hides a transparent bubble with a refined, uncluttered decor, a cosy nest for an unforgettable night under the stars. The bubble is heated and has all the comforts you need for a good night’s sleep under the open sky, facing Mont Blanc.
Department 65
Grand Tourmalet
Perched at an altitude of 2877m, the Pic du Midi observatory also offers the chance to sleep as close as possible to the stars. There are 15 rooms with views over the Pyrenees, so you can enjoy the Pic in the early morning and evening, far from the hustle and bustle of the day.
