If you want the flexibility of self-catering accommodation with the option to have someone else do the cooking now and again, in the heart of the mountains, don’t look any further. Aravis apartment is part of an old farmhouse, Ferme du Grand Essert, in the pretty village of Entremont.
Meet the owners over welcome drinks in the conservatory, and if you don’t fancy cooking, Carole, a keen cook, is happy to serve up delicious dinners in the cellar dining room. In this cosy property, with its large, tree-screened garden, you’ll feel like you’re miles from anywhere, but in fact it’s just a short walk into the village of Entremont, where you’ll find a bakery and restaurant.
The village is situated between the ski stations of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, so you’re close to all the mountain action, but with a sauna, jacuzzi and summer swimming pool on your doorstep, you might find it difficult to tear yourself away! Larger parties (up to 15) can rent Aravis with the next door Bourne apartment, which sleeps eight.
This Aravis apartment offers traditional Savoyard style with a luxurious finish.
Sleeping seven in four en suite bedrooms (all with televisions), the accommodation is set over two floors, so might not be ideal for those with very young children. The living room, with its dining area and kitchen is set under the eaves on the top floor, offering stunning mountain views from the balcony.
As befits an ancient farmhouse, the decor is very natural, with plenty of wood and quality soft furnishings. The shared sauna is on the first floor, and the jacuzzi out of doors on the ground floor, and in the winter, the wood burner in the communal conservatory keeps this space cosy every evening - it’s a great place to relax over a drink.
In the summer, the heated pool is available for shared use in the large sunny garden - sunbeds, barbecue, chairs and tables are provided. The pool is not fenced in, but has an electrically powered safety cover for when the pool isn't being used.
ABOUT THE AREA ...
Situated between the two ski stations of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, you can discover somewhere new every day. The areas are linked by a single ski pass, covering more than 220km of pistes and 95 lifts.
Cross-country skiers have a choice of trails on the Glieres plateau, scene of the Resistance campaign in World War II.
There is plenty to do for non-skiers too - try horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice-skating, paragliding or hot air ballooning or just relax in the heated indoor/outdoor pools at La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, as the snow-covered mountains tower above you.
Then it’s back to your apartment for a delicious dinner and a drink around the fire. Life doesn’t get much better ...
If you visit in the summer, you might not want to leave the large sunny garden, swimming pool and stunning mountain views, but with a fabulous mountain playground on all sides, it would be a shame not to explore it.
There are plenty of hiking and mountain bike trails, and if you prefer, the ski lifts will whisk you up to higher ground so that you don’t have to put in the hard work! Pack a picnic of some local bread and cheese, or eat al fresco at the mountain restaurants, which offer good food and spectacular views.
The medieval lakeside town of Annecy is just 30 minutes away by car and is a must for a day out, whatever the season, with its unique mix of restaurants, shops and museums. In the summer it’s a great place for golf and watersports, or hire a boat and explore some of the quiet lakeside beaches
Thrill seekers can try paragliding, canyoning, climbing, via ferrata or white-water rafting, and at the end of the day you can reflect on the days fun over a cold beer or an ice cream in the sunny garden at Ferme le Grand Essert.
PLEASE NOTE :
Ferme du Grand Essert is divided into two semi detached apartments Essert Aravis and Essert Bourne (split vertically) on the first and second floors of this converted farmhouse. There are communal spaces on the ground floor and there is shared use of the swimming pool (May-October only), jacuzzi and sauna. There are sloping ceilings in the kitchen, dining area and living room of the apartment.
Free shuttle service to and from the airport , train station, and to the pistes.
If both apartments are rented by a same group, you will benefit from a 10% discount on the second rental.
