5 x pure pleasure in the Abondance valley

by | 30 Jun 2024 | Food & Drinks, Front page, Hotel EM, Photo, Region, Summer

Delicious food, relaxation, nature, culture and adventure, the Abondance valley has it all! In every season, your holiday at Hotel Esprit Montagne is a collection of unforgettable moments. In this blog we list the summer classics for pure relaxation.

 

1. Hike, but mostly, take a break at a ‘refuge’

There’s nothing more fun than putting on your hiking boots and exploring the many mountain trails. You follow your nose to the beat of the clattering cowbells, towards the smell of a fresh myrtle or raspberry tart.
At Hotel Esprit Montagne we organize weekly guided walks (in good weather). Expect surprising stories about mountain fauna & flora, local culture, and you might even spot an ibex!
The range of excursions in the valley is endless, which is why we are happy to help you personally plan your trip. Below you will find some favorite destinations of our guests.

From parking Sevan Devant:

  • Lac D’Arvouin
  • Alpage de Mouet (food possible)
  • Les Aiguillettes (food possible)

From Lac des Plagnes:

From Esprit Montagne:

  • Refuge de Trebentaz (food possible)
  • Restaurant d’Altitude le Crêt Béni

2. Gastronomic heaven at Restaurant Esprit Montagne

Delicious gastronomic enjoyment – an indispensable element of a relaxing holiday. We can say without blushing that you have come to the right place at the restaurant of Hotel Esprit Montagne. During your stay you simply have to book a table in our restaurant. We work with a fixed three-course menu that will absolutely surprise you. All dishes are prepared in-house with the utmost care and based on local products. We are known for our refined flavors and cordial service.

Are you looking for gastronomic indulgence elsewhere? Then we recommend L’Atelier Jacky and Les Gentianettes in La Chapelle d’Abondance, or Fleur de Neige and Le vieux four in Châtel.

3. Go on a goat safari

Entering Les Lindarets is like entering an animal kingdom. The goats that rule the village are real stars. They walk around freely in large numbers, looking for a snack from curious tourists. The goat village is a must see for all families and animal lovers.
Les Lindarets, with its many cozy restaurants, is also an excellent gastronomic destination. Enjoy typical Savoyard cuisine in a setting of alpine meadows and wooden chalets. In short, an excursion that young and old will enjoy.

How to reach?
You drive to Pré la Joux by car or bus. There you take three chairlifts: Pierre Longue, Chaux des Rosées & Chaux Fleuri. The tour is beautiful and from above you can enjoy spectacular jumps of the downhill bikers who fly down the mountain flanks.

What to bring?

  • A few coins, with which you can buy kibble that the goats are happy to grab from your hands.
  • Clothes that can withstand dirt. The goats jump up sometimes and their hooves are not always clean.

4. Lay back and relax

At Hotel Esprit Montagne you can relax wonderfully: in the garden with a drink in the hammock, in the sauna or on the massage table in the good hands of Amy. After a holiday with us, you no longer remember where you work or who your boss was.
Do you prefer baths? Then you can go to Forme D’O in Châtel. There you can relax for hours in the many saunas, hammam, outdoor and indoor pools. And on really hot days, the Dranse, the river that flows through the valley, offers wonderful (and free) refreshment.

  • You can book massages in Esprit Montagne in advance at the reception
  • Forme D’O

5. Collect local and tasty souvenirs

The Savoie is the region par excellence for cheese lovers. In the heart of La Chapelle d’Abondance you will find a traditional cheese factory. You can buy cheese there or take a tour that will teach you everything about the traditional cheese craft. In addition to Abondance cheese, which owes its name to the valley, you will also find fresh butter, Tomme de Savoie, Raclette de Savoie, … and other protected cheeses. This is the pride of Savoie. Are you coming outside opening hours? Just get your fix in the cheese vending machine in front of your door!

Also read our blog about the legends of Abondance and Tomme cheese.

You can also browse through all kinds of local products at the weekly markets in Abondance, La Chapelle D’Abondance or Châtel. Genepi, honey, jam, sausages, … you will definitely return home with a well-filled bag.

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