Two couples, with babies in tow, wing their way to the mountain region of Savoie, in the French Alps. For those of you who think that the Alps are for winter exploits only, think again. The myriad of activities on offer, leave you spoilt for choice. Valued client, Andrew Hall, describes their experience in this truly awe-inspiring mountain region.
Saturday 31st July 2010 – You can self-drive to Les Arcs or you can fly to Geneva and drive from there. With the little ones the prudent decision was to fly and drive. Much excitement from the little ones going on ‘airplane’. The perfect way to kick start your holiday is a stop off in the beautiful town of Annecy.
Sally and Skye at Lake Annecy
The crystal clear waters of the lake are inviting and the relaxed atmosphere in the park at the northern edge help you unwind as you make your final ascent to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and on to Les Arcs. Les Arcs is effectively made up of 4 separate villages, namely Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000, which, demarcates their altitude. Having only visited Arc1950 on one previous occasion last summer, I was flattered by the car-parking steward remembering me, and the fact that I was driving a different car, and last time I had a bike in the roof. Coincidence? I like to think not. Friendly, welcoming staff in the hotel, cots and high chairs had been provided for the little ones, all arranged by Erna Low before we arrived. The apartment afforded us magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil atmosphere in the Village make you feel right at home.
View from Arc 1950
After a hot journey why not pop into Les Belles Pintes for a refreshing pint of Eidelweiss. Make sure you identify the location of the boulangerie/patisserie. Really difficult to leave with your freshly baked baguette without buying additional treats. The croissant abricot and their tarte citron come out as firm favourites. If you stay at the Prince de Cimes, the smell of the bakery comes wafting through the building. Nice! The Spar has pretty much everything you need including fresh milk, vegetables and fruit.
Skye and friend at George's bar
Sunday 1st August – Options are completely open, we decided to relax at the pool, while our friends headed up to Arc 2000 and beyond, for a gentle orientation, past the Chalet de L’Arc and up to the lake, affording you stunning views across the valley to Mont Blanc. The snow capped peaks look all the more majestic in the glorious sunshine. We took the easy option and popped down to the pool and relaxed in the sunshine. There is a fabulous indoor/outdoor pool at the Prince de Cimes, where can swim seamlessly from one to the other. There is also a jacuzzi, sauna and hamman. At night time the temperature drops and the stars shine brightly with the limited light pollution.
Monday 2nd August – Always reassuring when travelling away from home that there is good medical provision. One of the infants was poorly, which necessitated a visit to Arc 1600 cabinet medical. The doctor was brilliant. Good sense of humour, knew just how to handle the little one. He contacted the pharmacy for us so she was expecting us when we arrived. Felt really well cared for. A trip to Bourg-Saint-Maurice followed with a ride on the funiculaire back up to Arc 1600. A really interesting trip to make. Tickets for the lifts can be purchased from the Spirit 1950 office just off the main square. Worthwhile buying a pack of 10 for a discounted price of €49. The afternoon brought with it some rain but still took in a walk up to 2000 and beyond. It is advisable to take waterproofs with you, being in the mountains you have to take account of quite quick changes in the weather. If you need warming up afterwards, just head for the sauna. A relaxed evening followed with drinks at George Brown’s Wine Bar.
Stunning view at Mont Blanc
Tuesday 3rd August – For the intrepid, get yourselves a couple of bikes from Precision Sports shop and head down the mountain. Having done a great deal of road cycling, I was seriously outside of my comfort zone. Knee and shin protection is a must. Try the downhill run (route 5) from Arc 1950 through beautiful forest tracks to the village of Villaroger. Don’t be misguided by the fact that you are going down hill. Once you reach the river east of Bourg-Saint-Maurice there are some testing little undulations to keep the heart rate ticking over at a fair pace. Caught the funiculaire back up to 1600 and got ourselves across to Arc 1800 to catch the Transarc lift over the top to get ourselves back to 1950. It was only going half way due to technical problems, so jumped off at the half way point and sped down the green slope (route 1) back to Arc 1600 for the free shuttle bus back to Arc 1950. Your could always bung your bike on the back of the free shuttle bus and get yourself back home for a lounge around in the pool and jacuzzi. Mid afternoon each of the families set off on different walks. The route down to 1600 and on to 1800 is a beautiful forested walk, and not terribly demanding. The route signs are generous in their time allocation so don’t be put off.
Wednesday 4th August – Decision was made to tackle the Aguille Rouge, which lies at 3226m. You could take the lift to Valet and the Cable Car to the summit from there, but the satisfaction gained from walking up to Valet is certainly worth doing. When you reach the little lake at Plan de L’Homme, it is a great place to stop for a snack. The views are magnificent, the lake crystal clear. It is only another 150m (vertically) before getting to Valet.
Andrew at the Plan de l'Homme
We took the cable car to the summit of Aguille Rouge where we had fantastic 360 degree views of white cloud – fun walking across icy snows, to the summit point. On a clear day you will get superb views across to the Italian Alps and beyond. We took the circular route back via the Transarc lift station and back down to the village. After a big day ou, we headed off to the Savoyard Restaurant to indulge ourselves in CHEESE! It was my first experience of Raclette! A must do, at some stage. I defy anyone to finish everything that is put in front of you! Awesome meal followed by big sleep.
Thursday 5th August – We took a trip down to Arc1800, a very different village, with an incredibly scenic golf course. Weather was a bit drizzly and but gave us the opportunity to browse around the shops in the village. Back up to 1950 and a relaxing afternoon chilling out in the apartment followed by a swim in the in the pool. The creperie is worth a visit with a full range of sweet to savoury fillings. An evening meal at the Brasserie 1950 was enjoyed, lovely quiet restaurant, traditional brasserie faire with an alpine flavour, cured meat platters, beef steaks, delicious salads.
Friday 6th August – A trip round the Village on the Ponies is must for the children. They might not find it quite as exciting as the parents, but a worthwhile venture.
Skye explores the village on horseback!
A brisk walk in the mountain air is always good before lunch, especially if it leads you to Les Chalet de L’Arc. You need a healthy appetite. The portions are not only ample but truly delicious. For the meat eaters, the Le Geant Kebab, with a delicious combination of local sausage, chicken and steak is an absolute treat!
The Kebab Geant!
For the more traditional amongst you the tartiflette is one of their specialities. If the sun is shining make the most of sitting outside and enjoy the surrounding mountains in all their glory, but don’t miss out on having a peak inside to witness the warmth and uniquely rustic charm of the open bread-making kitchen. I definitely want to go back there to experience it as an après ski venue. For a pleasant morning trek, try the Plan de Violettes leaving Arc 2000 on the eastern side. It takes you through wooded areas with superb views over the valley towards La Rossiere and Mont Blanc and off course the villages of 1950 and 2000.
Aerial View of Arc 1950
Drag your way up the Aiguille Rouge red piste (great work out with a baby on your back), before heading right down the blue reservoir piste behind Arc 2000 and finishing at Les Chalet de L’Arc. A lazy afternoon with a swim in the pool and the dreaded feeling that tomorrow you have to leave.
Saturday 7th August – Departure day. You will undoubtedly leave with the feeling that a week isn’t long enough. On this trip, no golf, no kayaking, no white water rafting, no parasending, no tennis, no outdoor chess, not enough walking, biking, or chillaxing by the pool, that is why we will undoubtedly have to do it all again at some stage! Take a look at the Arc 1950 website to get a flavour of all there is on offer.
It is a French website, but for those who like me have very poor knowledge of the language, there are loads of visuals! It was only when a friend pointed out that there is in fact a UK button at the top that you realise how inept you are with IT skills. Erna Low have a real gem in their pocket, with this extraordinary and unique village on their books. There is an abundance of activity for all ages and tastes. The Kariboo Club for the children has not been explored by us yet, but it is worth knowing that Pierre & Vacances who manage the village offer two half days of child care per apartment included in your package. Bonus! www.arc1950.com and book your ski holiday to Arc 1950 with Erna Low www.ernalow.co.uk
