Discovering a Charming Village

We arrived in Pralognan-la-Vanoise from Méribel in the afternoon; it was snowing heavily—a true “whiteout” day. The small village, situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters, nestled among the mountains of the Vanoise massif. It’s like something out of a postcard, with wooden chalets dotting the area just outside the village center. Since the morning had been quite physically demanding, I decided to stay at my hotel, Les Airelles (the view from my room, : photo 3 in the “Day 3” photo montage). The very next day, however, I met up with my wonderful ESF ski instructor for a morning on the slopes: an absolute delight (see photo below)! I even ended up skiing a section of a red run without realizing it! After a long break from skiing, I always prefer to take a lesson, and the ESF instructors are excellent. The panorama from the top of the slopes is simply stunning (see photo above).

This afternoon, we’re having an introductory session on shooting sport and cross-country skiing, led by another instructor from the ESF! It’s a fantastic sporting activity, located just a stone’s throw from the village center. I’m increasingly appreciating the charm of small ski resorts: they often feel more authentic, and they’re also more convenient, as the various activities are closer together. I really enjoy the shooting sport, lying down on the snow (well, technically not directly on the snow; there’s a sort of yoga mat). As for cross-country skiing, it’s always a pleasure! Once we finish our session, we head off for a drink while waiting for our dog-sledding excursion. I’m fascinated by the different breeds of polar dogs, and especially by the bond between the musher and their dogs.

On this second evening, I decide not to go out for dinner; I am completely exhausted. The next morning, the weather is perfect: a blue sky and radiant sunshine. We visit some local artisans and stop by the Chèvrerie de Chavière, a farm that produces a wide range of goat cheeses, a real treat for me (see the photo collage for Day 3: 1 and 2). It might be the first time I’ve ever seen so many goats up close! I loved everything about it: the visit, the warm welcome from Audrey, and the cheese I tasted! Afterward, we have lunch on a sunny terrace at Pépé Gust Bistro (photo montage for Day 3: 3). I’m just starting to get into the rhythm of this little haven of peace… but it’s already time to leave! Such a shame!

1. Day 2 : Ski, Sport Shooting & Sled Dogs

2. Day 3 : The Farm Visit

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

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Pralognan-la-Vanoise

Related articles : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Many thanks to the Tourism Board of Pralognan-la-Vanoise for this beautiful invitation. As always, theses are my opinions. This article was written without AI.

A la découverte d’un charmant village

Nous arrivons de Méribel à Pralognan-la-Vanoise, dans l’après-midi : il neige beaucoup, c’est un jour blanc. Le petit village à 1400 mètres, est encaissé entre les montagnes, dans le massif de la Vanoise. Paysage de carte postale : en s’éloignant du centre, des chalets en bois. Comme le matin a été assez physique, je décide de rester dans mon hôtel, les Airelles (vue de ma chambre : photo 3 du photomontage Jour 3). Mais dès le lendemain, je rejoins ma sympathique monitrice de ski ESF, pour une matinée de ski : un pur régal (photo ci-dessous)! J’ai même fais un morceau de piste rouge sans le savoir! Après un long moment sans skier, je préfère toujours prendre une leçon et les moniteurs de l’ESF sont, en général, tops. Le panorama en haut des pistes, est juste superbe (photo ci-dessus).

Cet après-midi, nous avons une initiation au tir et ski de fond, avec un autre moniteur de l’ESF! Très chouette activité sportive à deux pas du centre du village! J’apprécie de plus en plus le charme des petites stations de ski : parfois plus authentique, mais aussi plus pratiques, car moins de distances entre les différentes activités. J’aime beaucoup le tir, allongée sur la neige (techniquement pas directement sur la neige, il y a une sorte de tapis de yoga). Quant au ski de fond, c’est toujours un plaisir! Lorsque nous finissons notre session, nous partons prendre un verre, en attendant notre promenade avec chiens de traineau. Les différentes races de chiens polaires me fascinent et surtout le lien entre le musher et ses chiens.

Ce second soir, je n’irai pas dîner dehors, je suis exténuée. Le matin suivant, la météo est au rendez-vous : ciel bleu et soleil radieux. Nous visitons des artisans locaux et nous nous rendons à la Chèvrerie de Chavière, une ferme qui produit une large gamme de fromages de chèvre (ma gourmandise, voir photomontage Jour 3: 1 et 2 ). C’est peut-être la première fois que je vois autant de chèvres d’aussi près! Tant la visite, l’accueil d’Audrey que le fromage que j’ai goûté, tout m’a plu! Puis nous déjeunons en terrasse au soleil, chez Pépé Gust Bistro (photomontage Jour 3: 3). Je commence à prendre le rythme de ce petit havre de paix… mais c’est déjà l’heure de partir! Quel dommage!

1. Jour 2 : ski, tir & chiens de traineau

2. Jour 3 : visite de la ferme

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

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Pralognan-la-Vanoise

Autres articles : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Un grand merci à l’Office du tourisme de Pralognan-la-Vanoise pour cette superbe invitation. Comme toujours ce sont mes opinions. Et cet article est écrit à l’ancienne (sans IA).

Coming Back To Meribel!

I like discovering new places, and when I really enjoy one, I’m delighted to return, just like with Meribel! So, to combine discovery with a return to a resort I love, and to make the most of the time-consuming, tiring round trip from Belgium, I sometimes visit two or even more resorts during a single ski trip. Here is the first stop: Meribel.

Let’s talk about the journey: we took the train, with a connection in Lyon, where we managed to get a whirlwind tour of the magnificent historic center in just two hours under an azure blue sky. The trains were heavily delayed, and on the way back, we had to switch stations in Paris and take the RER. In short, I highly recommend flying to Lyon or Geneva.

We arrived early in the evening at the elegant Hotel Le Kaila in Méribel (photo-montage below); what a delight to discover our spacious suite, where a delicious cake prepared by the pastry chef was waiting for us. The aroma was heavenly! With a nice bathroom, cozy bathrobes, impeccable bedding, and a small wooden terrace, it was pure bliss. And let’s not forget the breakfast, served in the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Ekrin and featuring top-quality products. I rank it among the top three breakfasts we’ve ever enjoyed at our favorite spots!

The next morning, we had a private yoga session near the Méribel altiport, in the woods, an area crisscrossed by Nordic ski trails (see the “Day 2” photo-montage). We began with a walk, focusing on our breathing. Moving from one exercise to the next, we gradually transitioned into yoga poses with increasing ease and agility. It was an innovative and effective approach that allowed for deep relaxation, all while connecting with the energy of the magnificent conifers. We had lunch at Le Clos Bernard restaurant, right in the heart of nature ; a delightful experience! Afterward, we headed up to the peaks for a coffee; the view was stunning. We wrapped up the afternoon at the 500-square-meter Nuxe spa and wellness center at Le Kaila (see the “The Hotel” photo-montage), which features an aquatic area I found very hard to tear myself away from.

The third and final day in Méribel: no skiing. Unfortunately, it’s a “whiteout” day with poor visibility. Instead, it turns into a morning of intense snowshoeing! I say “intense” because we spent the whole morning climbing, covering a significant elevation gain. The distance wasn’t huge, but the ascent was challenging. It was snowing heavily. It was a fantastic experience with a passionate guide who had endless stories to share about the surrounding nature. In the early afternoon, we set off for the next stop on our short ski trip: Pralognan-la-Vanoise—the small resort we’d been wanting to explore. Goodbye, Méribel; I hope that next time, I’ll be able to ski the area’s beautiful slopes again.

1. The Hotel

Day 2 : Yoga, Lunch & Coffee

Day 3 : Whiteout Day & Snowshoeing

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

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Meribel, Le Kaila Hotel & Spa

Related articles : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Many thanks to the Tourism Board of Méribel et à l’hôtel Le Kaila fir this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions. This article was written without AI.