France - St Martin de Belleville

18/03/2015


Took the bus for a trip to Val Thorens and Les Menuires today(both resorts in the three valleys).
Pretty scenic drive.




X Country Skiing on the way to Val Thorens
 

Unfortunately Val Thorens, which was once a small mountain village, has suffered from a lack of architectural guidelines in its early development - leading to a lot of concrete.
On the positive side, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, boosting good snow conditions,  it is the most visited international ski resort in France.

The concept of the funitel was developed in Val Thorens. It is a cable car that hangs from twin cables, its key feature is its wind resistance. There are 4 funitels in Val Thorens.






Val Thorens

I was even more underwhelmed by Les Menuires - probably because I didn't ski - architecturally horrible(widely held opinion). But a good spot to meet Chris and the boys for lunch in the sun. Both of these resorts are great for skiing but I think we were fortunate to be staying in St Martin de Belleville - despite being in the Three Valleys it has managed to keep its traditional French character - lots of beautiful historic alpine chalets with a lovely church tower in its centre.

Les Menuires

Boys playing on the 'melting' castle at Les Menuires.

19/03/2015
Walked up to see the 'Notre Dame' today. Couldn't bring myself to walk on the snowy steep pedestrian path so I took the road - possibly not a great idea - a little bit 'hairy' at times (pretty blind, fast and skinny road).

Notre Dame

Looking down on St Martin de Belleville

Joss and Gaston invited us for an early evening chat and drink. Great experience for Chris and I to socialise with a local French couple (Joss was very patient with me and luckily had a little English language up her sleeve). We were the second New Zealanders to stay in their apartment. Chris was amazing at keeping the conversation afloat - not surprisingly.

Lachlan washing ski socks.

20/03/2015
Last day of skiing for the boys, another beautiful day.
The Navette failed to arrive this morning, so we made a mad dash up the hill in the car to get Lachlan to his ski lesson on time - just made it.
I picked up Lachey,  he  had just 'discovered' an English speaking boy on the final day of his lessons - they were busy having a snowball fight when I arrived.
Chris, Ollie and Jarvis then meet us for a lunch in St Martin.


Ollie and Jarvis on Mt Valon.

Can't quite believe that you can get such a good meal in such a perfect spot. Funny to find that a glass of wine is half the price of a cup of coffee. Happily enjoyed the complimentary 'Genepi' (regional digestive liqueur) - yum.


Last lunch at St Martin de Belleville

Chris took Lachey off on a final one-on-one ski, these have been great for Lachlan.


21/03/2015
Left  Martin de Belleville this morning. The first rain for the last two weeks had arrived. I can't believe how fortunate we have been with the weather. Blue sky days for all but two out of the fourteen days in the mountains.
Overall Chris declares that this has been the best skiing he has ever experienced.
Said our goodbyes to Joss and Gaston, we have had a lovely stay in their house.

 



St Martin de Belleville