Hitting the slopes, French style

travel

Hello, hello dearest friends! I hope the beginning of Spring finds you happy and well. I am excited to share a recap of my December ‘22 ski trip spent in the French Alpes. This was an awesome stay filled with quality family time. It’s always refreshing to take time away to reflect and reconnect with loved ones. Enjoy the read and as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out for travel recommendations and of course, all things real estate related.

We embarked on our journey by taking the TGV train from Paris to the French Alpes via the Grenoble connection. I can’t speak highly enough about our stay at Le Monêtier-les-Bains, which happens to be Serre Chevalier’s (the ski resort’s) highest village standing at 1,500 m (4921 ft)! It even has two hot water springs for guests to soak in. The resort’s slopes span from 1,200 m (3,940 ft) to 2,800 m (9,190 ft) high, with an option for every ability. We spent 8 days hitting the slopes at Serre Chevalier near the Italian border in the Haute-Alpes, Europe’s largest mountain range. It would not be a trip to the Alpes without highlighting some of the wonderful Alpine dining experiences we were lucky enough to enjoy. Le Peyra Juana is the perfect spot for lunch on a sunny day. I recommend their camembert salad which pairs nicely with a glass of chilled rose. Next, La Cabane, my favorite restaurant experience in Serre Chevalier. Another favorite (it can be hard to choose) is Le pi-Mai, a gem nestled high in the mountains. At home, we prepared savory dinners of cheese fondue, raclette, fondue bourguignonne (red meat paired with red wine), and crepes.

Skier in red gear on a snowy slope, with snow-covered Alpine peaks behind them. Wooden Alpine ski lodge with a broad balcony, skiers, and snowy peaks in the background.

Snow-covered ski runs wind through a forested Alpine mountain range beneath a clear blue sky. Raclette grill and charcuterie spread on a Christmas dinner table in a rustic chalet.

The last leg of our trip was spent in Paris for a couple of nights. Here we stopped at the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Located in the 7th Arrondissement, it’s the perfect homage to one of history’s best military commanders and a reminder that the French love Napoleon as much as he loved France. The tomb’s Golden dome is hard to miss against Paris's iconic cityscape skyline. We experienced a uniquely notable dining experience at Le Relais de Venise - L' Entrecôte (located in the 16th Arrondissement). A different yet worthwhile experience based on the concept of stela house. Guests are required to arrive before the doors open at 7P to make the line. Once inside, the waiter only asks how you prefer your steak temperature. You are presented with salad then steak paired with fries. The meal concludes with dessert. There are no menu options, only a main plate that is offered to all guests. The food is delicious and explains why so many people stand in line for this one dish. Truly incredible and inventive!

The illuminated Pantheon in Paris, with its domed façade against a deep blue night sky. Ornate marble hall with a classical statue, gilded details, chandelier, and patterned floor medallion.

Le Relais de Venise restaurant at night, with red awnings, ornate balconies, and a busy street. Sliced steak with green herb sauce and golden French fries on a red-rimmed plate.

We also made a pit stop at the Grévin Museum, Paris’s wax museum located on the right bank of the Seine in the 9th’s Arrondissement’s Grands Boulevard. Being from the US, I had a hard time recognizing many of the wax celebrity and sports figures that are more well-known to Europeans. Nonetheless the kids and I really enjoyed our visit! Inaugurated in 1881, the Grévin now houses more than 500 famous figures from Albert Einstein to Mahatma Gandhi to Michael Jackson and Queen Elizabeth II.

A woman and boy pose with a life-size figure in papal robes, giving thumbs-up. A boy stands beside a lifelike Albert Einstein figure in front of an elaborate mechanical wall.

Our trip’s timing serendipitously coincided with the Jardin des plantes Light festival. ‘Mini Worlds Set for Illumination,’ is an awe-inspiring stroll set at night displaying tiny creatures and shaped light structures. It’s filled with colorful artwork and a whimsical world of over 100 illuminated gigantic bugs, insects, and snails (though these ones are not edible like escargot!).

Illuminated purple daisies with a butterfly and bee in a nighttime display. Illuminated oversized flowers and insect sculptures glow in a grassy field at night.

Concluding the trips are a couple of restaurants I’d highly recommend. One of Paris’s best kept secrets, Le Bélisaire happened to be near where we were staying in the 15th Arrondissement. The 5 course surprise menu was très magnifique, chef’s kiss! Finally, dinner at L’oseille in the 2nd presented a menu of classic cuisine like foie gras, Béarnaise steak and roasted duck in a quaint space. Ideal for well-prepared French fare and an intimate, quiet evening.

Ornate corner building with wrought-iron balconies and red café awnings, illuminated at night. French restaurant chalkboard menu listing set-meal prices and dishes, framed in wood.

Two pale round portions topped with black pearls, greens, diced vegetables, and a golden crisp garnish. Escargots with herb butter served in a metal dish on a Bouillon Julien plate.

I hope you enjoyed the read. I love connecting with others through travel and culture. Whether you need a travel recommendation or need real estate advice, reach out and say hello. I’m happy to help!

Cheers,

Leyla