ARC 1950 SUMMER IN THE FRENCH ALPS

ARC 1950 SUMMER IN THE FRENCH ALPS

by | Jun 6, 2023 | News, Press realeases

Image above c Anday Parant

Arc 1950, heading for its 20th birthday, is set in the foothills of some of Europe’s best terrain for hiking, biking, and high alpine lakes. Its car-free village centre offers charming pedestrian piazzas and brightly coloured Savoie facades, perfect for a family summer holiday in the Alps.

Arc 1950 opens for summer adventures on 8th  July 2023.

Framing Mont Blanc, all accommodation lies moments from all the action, making Arc 1950 the ideal destination for young families this summer. A parade of entertainment lines the streets, from ping-pong tables, slack lines, trampolines, sandpits, bouncy castles to an adventure playground and tennis courts. White water rafting, canyoning, high ropes courses, zip wires and Via Ferrata all await excited little legs in search of big adventures.

FREE FAMILY FUNDAYS

Throughout the summer, Family Fun Wednesdays will provide a day of festivities each week dedicated to family entertainment. Art & graffiti workshops, mountain & biking festivals, themed pirate & voyager days will set Arc 1950 alive. The programme will run as follows:

12 July – Arc 150 Summer Camp including art workshops, acrobranch, treasure hunt & a campfire.

19 July – Mountain Festival celebrating the heritage of the mountains.

26 July – Wild West – explore America’s great west with the Artuman tribe.

2 August – Take a day trip with the Voyagers through Egypt, an archipelago and the railway.

9 August – Freestyle 1950 – explore urban art, graffiti workshops and mountain biking street shows.

16 August – Mountain Festival Take 2

23 August – Explore the world of pirates with the Artuman tribe.

30 August – A day of crazy challenges with a mechanical sweeper, interactive speed arena and Ninja champion wall.

Meanwhile, Festive Thursdays promise to light up village life in the square with weekly concerts and shows, set against the backdrop of Mont Blanc.

Les Arcs Music Festival also returns for a stream of entertainment from 16 – 28 July.

MOUNTAIN YETI

Let the professionals take care of the mini adventurers with a NEW outdoor sports camp. Yeti Camp introduces 3 – 12-year-olds to archery, mountain survival skills, hiking, zip wiring, mountain biking, golf and scooting. Over 12’s will also be entertained by Teenage Sports Outdoor Weeks sampling rafting, climbing, Electric and Downhill Mountain Biking.

BOOK IT

Book a stay of five nights or more in Arc 1950 and receive one free Outdoor Pass per person, giving access to a choice of three activities from the following: Step, Fitness or Zumba class, Nordic walking, hiking or mountain biking and archery, golf archery or archery tag.

www.arc1950.com

ENDS

Full Summer Press Kit:

https://www.calameo.com/read/0071633381fa24b5b6aeb

Image link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0qe2tebwtsw6c8q2k4g1u/h?dl=0&rlkey=r658dba2gkwp9u2oj077gx4zk

Image above c Anday Parant

Summer News from the Belleville Valley 2023

Summer News from the Belleville Valley 2023

by | Jun 5, 2023 | Existing Clients, News, Press, Press realeases

From the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville to the high ridges of Val Thorens and to the crystal-clear waters of Les Menuires, never has there been a better time to discover the flower laden mountain pastures and snow-capped peaks of the Vallée des Belleville, in the French Alps. 

ALPINE SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS 2023 – see full press kit for more details.

 NEW SOAP BOX CHALLENGE – ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO! 

Amateur racers go head-to-head  – handmade, motor-less vehicles, judged for their aesthetic, speed and handling, careering down mountain roads and paths – a feast for the eyes awaits! With three soap box races to enjoy this summer, soak up the atmosphere at these three locations:  

02 July – Saint Martin de Belleville

14 July – Les Menuires

13 August – Val Thorens 

Entry: €20 for one race or €50 for all three

MAGICAL “LE NANT BRUN” REFUGE OPENS ITS DOORS

Located in the heart of the charming Nant Brun Valley, lies a namesake refuge hideaway at 1,500m. Closed for four years, two friends have renovated this labour of love into an unmistakable bolthole. Stay the night or drop by to wine and dine, during a day of trail hiking or biking. Prices from xx

NEW HIGALIK 4* HOTEL OPENS IN LES MENUIRES – PERFECT FOR GOURMETS 

The new state of the art Hotel Higalik “ice house” in Les Menuires wows guests with a vast spa complex, set against commanding views over the breath-taking peaks. Le Telemark restaurant serves selected cheese specialities and a refined brasserie menu. Arranged over 10 floors, this Alpine jewel blends modernity and traditional wooden design harmoniously into the landscape and opens for it’s first summer in Les Menuires.

Double rooms from €100 per night: www.higalik-hotel.com/en  

NEW “HAMEAU DE KASHMIR” RESIDENCE, VAL THORENS – PERFECT FOR FAMILIES 

This summer sees the opening of the luxurious Hameau de Kamir Residence on 8th July. Inspired by the colours of the Kashmir region, this family focussed apartment hotel of unsurpassed luxury invites guests to relax and unwind in the pool, sauna and spa, with unparalleled views of the surrounding spectacular mountain range of Val Thorens. 

Namaste! Hameau de Kashmir are hosting “Altitude Yoga” sessions on the terrace each Tuesday morning or Thursday afternoon for 15 euros per session. 

www.le-hameau-du-kashmir.com 

NEW UNIQUE BRAVA VELA MICROBREWERY AT 1,400M

Bellville’s first microbrewery tempts visitors from across the globe in Le Chatelard. Housed within a former goat farm, owners *Julien and Sophie proudly showcase their collection, from “La Masse” (brown beer), “La Belleville” (a golden, light blonde version) to Le Thorens (pale ale with citrus notes). The niche “Brava Vela” brewery began life with Julien creating ales using his mother’s old cooking pot. With 97% of all ingredients being locally sourced, this microbrewery is making a name for itself on the world brewer’s map. 

www.bravavela.fr  Images

NEW CRAFT BEER FEST, ST MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE  15-16 July

Sample the delights of Brava Vela* and a host of other local producers at the Craft Beer Festival in St. Martin de Belleville from 15 – 16 July, with workshops, demonstrations, tastings and a competition to discover the finest craft beer. 

RAILS, SKILLS AND BIKING TRICKS FOR HIGH KICKS 

Tots, tweens and teens will thrive this summer in the natural bike park at La Croisette, modelled on terrain found in the mountains. This mini bike park consists of 4 trail levels (green, blue, red and black). Dedicated to beginners, the park features moguls, arches and small jumps to build confidence and speed with ease. 

Meanwhile, a new skate park has opened in Preyerand. Free and open to all, this high alpine delight at 1,800m features steps, rails, slides and pyramids for high kicks. 

SAVE THE DATE:

18-20 August: MOUNTAIN BIKE FRENCH CUP

Les Menuires plays host to the Mountain Bike French Cup this summer from 18 – 20 August. The best French cross-country and downhill riders meet to battle it out across technical and dramatic terrain. 

9-10th September FRENCH RIVER TROUT FISHING CHAMPS

Les Menuires and the Belleville Valley are set to host the French River Trout Fishing Championships from 9 – 10 September. Fishing enthusiasts from across France work in pairs to battle it out for the highest catch of the day.  All fish are released at the end of the competition and hooks are barbless. 

3* MICHELIN-STARRED DINNER CONCERT AT LA BOUITTE

Take a seat for the evening of a lifetime on 27 July, where guests are indulged with a 3* Michelin starred tasting and wine pairing menu, to the unsurpassed musical charm of world-renowned Cellist Ophelie Gaillard. 

Tickets from: €390, email: info@la-bouitte.com 

PROFILE OF AN ENTHUSIAST: 

HIVE OF ACTIVITY – KELLY DUQUEINE 

Having spent 12 years working as a beekeeper for an industrial conglomerate, Kelly returned to the traditional side of the profession in France. Operating closely with the Conservancy, working to safeguard the European dark bee, Kelly is aiming to re-establish the bee’s genetics and ensure its safeguarding in the Belleville Valley. 

Every Friday, Kelly offers tours and discovery workshops to raise public awareness for this fragile species.

*HOMEBREW – JULIEN & SOPHIE 

Julien, a former restaurateur and Sophie, a former scientist, joined forces to embark on a brewing love story. Julien has been brewing his own ales for 10 years in his cellar with his mother’s old cooking pot. Turning this project into reality, following training courses to hone their skills, the goal is to combine art and science to create high quality, memorable brews. 

The launch of Brava Vela is the culmination of beers brewed with love at 1,400m. 

HIGH ALTITUDE ICE CREAM– MARTIAL VUILLEMIN 

Chef Martial Vuillemin creates homemade, local and ethical ice creams and sorbets, with full control over all aspects of traceability. The cows graze on luscious pasture at 2,000m and the milk is churned into sumptuous scoops without any use of pesticides, colouring or artificial flavouring. Martial’s latest mission is to develop savoury sorbet recipes using herbs from the doorstep. 

Full press info can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jtW_hQzfU8HBPwHHu86uidNPzzZRnmuY/view 

Images: 

https://mediabase.lesmenuires.com/en/

https://mediabase.st-martin-belleville.com/ 

– ENDS – 

 

For further information please contact: Vanessa Fisher, 07957 618 525 vanessa@vanessafisher.com  

Erna Low Property: Crème de la crème of French Ski Property

Erna Low Property: Crème de la crème of French Ski Property

by | Dec 3, 2020 | Existing Clients, Press realeases

Erna Low Property: Crème de la crème of French Ski Property

Erna Low Property reports business is strong, with exciting new developments and partnerships, despite the challenges of 2020. Virtual viewings, ‘workcations’, the sole UK Agency on Pierre & Vacances resale apartments and an ever-growing demand for a bolthole in the Alps is ensuring a healthy UK market for property sales in France. 

Three Top Properties Complete and for sale from Erna Low Property

Residence Estellan in Les Carroz

Taking up a perfect position at the foot of the Grand Massif slopes, just 150m from the Kedeuze gondola, Residence L’Estellan is a NEW boutique collection of just 15 large classic freehold apartments. From 2 – 4 bedroom apartments, with south facing balconies. From 474,500 euros
https://ernalowproperty.com/property/les-carroz-residence-lestellan-3-bed-2/

Le Diamant des Cimes in La Rosiere
Completing this year, Le Diamant des Cimes in La Rosiere with skiing over to La Thuile in Italy, is built in a traditional Savoyard style – using locally sourced stone, wrought wooden structure and balconies. Incredible views of the Tarentaise Valley. From 510,000 euros 2-4 bedroom classic freehold apartments.
https://ernalowproperty.com/property/le-diamant-des-cimes-2-bed/

Le Ruitor – Sainte Foy de Tarentaise
The ideal bolthole apartment, in a 4* residence, pool & spa facilities, offers owners an authentic alpine lifestyle, with access to some of the Alps most famous resorts. With over 45km of skiing from your doorstep, you’ll also be able to enjoy Tignes (Espace Killy) just a 10 minute drive from Les Brevieres ski lifts and 425km of connected piste. Prefer to ski the Paradiski, just a 15 minute drive away you’ll have access to Arcs 1950 & the worlds most popular ski domain of the Paradiski – 425km.
https://ernalowproperty.com/property/sainte-foy-le-ruitor-3-bed-3/

Francois Marchand, Managing Director of Erna Low Property comments, “With continued demand for properties in the Alps, we are proud to have made it through these difficult last few months. Arc 1950 also continues to be a popular destination and we have many ongoing re-sales of apartments here, with increased values as their supply is limited. French mortgage rates remain low and whilst we have seen some delays caused by the part-closure of our French bank and notaire partners, rather than buyers cancelling their purchases, most have been happy to accept a small delay and continue with their purchase. Buyers who have cash are obviously in a great place to make a secure investment in a property purchase in the French Alps.”
Andrew Scatchard, Sales Manager: “With an ever-challenging situation in the global economy, the resilience of Erna Low Property’s new and existing enquiries has been an encouraging light at the end of the tunnel. Plenty of buyers are either moving ahead as planned or getting their ducks in a row for February inspection trips. With our new Pierre & Vacances resale partnership, many clients are reassured by the guaranteed returns, and super prime locations. With interest rates at an all time low (some clients achieving 1.2% fixed for 20 years) now really is a superb time to invest in your dream mountain home.”

NEW P&V Resales –
Erna Low Property are now the exclusive partner for Pierre & Vacances [P&V] apartment resales in the UK .

Alain Denninger, Senior Sales at Erna Low Property adds:
“We are able to secure resales of apartments that come on to the property market, for UK buyers, so they can have an apartment ‘ready to go’ – this is really suiting the demands of many of today’s clients.”

“Workations” has been one of the key buzzwords of 2020 with people adapting to working from home. These P&V resales enable buyers to purchase a property and have the keys in time for this winter season – 2021. Cash buyers can complete within four to five months.

Ready to purchase P&V properties include the Les Crets in Meribel Mottaret [from 349,000 euros], the Amara in Avoriaz [460,000 euros/2 bedroom] and Le Belmont – Arcs 1800 (155,000 for a 1 bed)

Virtual Viewings
Lockdown has not prevented sales of properties in the French Alps. Erna Low Property has used technology for buyers to be able to view remotely either an off plan development, where there usually may not be that much to actually see, or to have a ‘real-time’ view of a development which is complete and ready for purchase. These virtual viewings will continue beyond lockdown.

Trend for Larger Apartments
Erna Low property has seen demand for the combination of small apartments off-plan to be re-designed in to bigger four- bedroom apartments.
As Erna Low Property take on many small developments off plan, they are best placed to give buyers the opportunity to make their dream bolthole in the Alps. Buyers are choosing to have a bigger residence where they can host their family and friends and still have space to work. Two examples are the Cottage Alpin development in Les Gets and the Estellan development in Les Carroz.

 

www.ernalowproperty.com
0207 590 1624

ENDS
Please contact Vanessa Fisher PR for any information on available properties for sale and/or images: vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525

Erna Low Property was established to offer customers the opportunity to purchase properties in some of the world’s most beautiful and desirable locations. Whether looking for snow or sun, Erna Low Property helps buyers to choose the perfect property for holidays, retirement or investment.

Erna Low Property has its dedicated Estate Agencies in London and in Arc 1950 to sell properties all over the Alps and the South of France and Portugal to property investors. Erna Low Property now holds a sizeable portfolio of properties from the French Alps, across Europe and beyond.

 

New for Summer 2020 – Trail Weekend, Yoga & Well-being break and Music Festival from 5* Armancette Hotel & Spa Resort – Saint Nicolas de Véroce- France

New for Summer 2020 – Trail Weekend, Yoga & Well-being break and Music Festival from 5* Armancette Hotel & Spa Resort – Saint Nicolas de Véroce- France

by | Apr 21, 2020 | Existing Clients, Press, Press realeases

Despite the current closure due to Covid19, L’Armancette 5* Hotel, Chalets and Spa remains focussed on a summer 2020 re-opening and with this in mind they have created three ‘themed’ breaks, two with mountain experts: a New Trail weekend, a Yoga & wellbeing break and a stay to co-incide with the 11th annual Music Festival Musique & Patrimoine.

Named after a local glacier,5* L’Armancette has just 17 intimate, ensuite rooms all individually designed and guests have stunning views out to Mont Blanc, the Dôme de Miage and the Aiguille de Bionnassay mountains.

L’Armancette also includes the gourmet restaurant ‘La Table d’Armante’ with its menu designed by Michelin star chef Antoine Westermann. The hotel sits on the site of the former village bakery and honours this tradition with its own onsite bakery serving bread and pastries to locals each day. In addition, the hotel has a tea room, private wine bar, a full spa with gym and large inside/outside swimming pool.

New for Summer:
Trail Weekend – 5 – 7 June 2020
For runners and mountains lovers; three days dedicated to running in the mountains whilst staying in luxury of the 5-star hotel L’Armancette.
Enjoy 3 days with trail runner François D’Haene (multiple winner of the UTMB – Ultra Trail Mont Blanc race in Chamonix) to include:

• 5 trail running sessions
• Stretching and in-house massage
• Full board in gastronomic restaurant La Table d’Armante
• Tips and advice from François D’Haene
From 1750 euros pp for 2 nights in a double room (2 pax), and from 2 100€ for a single room for 2 nights

Yoga & Mountains 5 -10 July 2020
A stay dedicated to wellbeing: enjoy yoga and the surrounding mountains with Marie Claude Hubert – local Yoga teacher and mountain guide. Combine revitalizing yoga in a peaceful environment with a full program* within the peaceful village setting of Saint Nicolas de Veroce:
• Daily Yoga & meditation sessions
• Mountain walks combined with yoga
• Stand-up paddle yoga on Lake Passy
• Spa in L’Armancette
• Local highlights : Saint Nicolas de Véroce village visit, Saint-Gervais Thermal spa, Tramway du Mont Blanc trip, mountain lunch next to a glacier
From 2015 euros pp in a double room (2 pax) and from 2 970€ in a single room, 5 nights half board including all the above (thermal spa entry/full board/all yoga sessions)

Music Festival 3 – 8 August 2020
For 11 years, This music festival has taken place in Saint-Nicolas, organised by French Pianist Nicole Simon Laroche.
• Daily concerts in a different locations each day including a jazz concert mid-week in La Table d’Armante at L’Armancette restaurant with a special dinner
• A concert in the stunning Saint-Nicolas’ Church.
• Full pass for the music festival
From 1 425€ pp in a double room (2 pax) and from 2 475 euros pp in a single room, 5 nights B&B plus jazz night at La Table d’Armante and a pass for the festival

https://www.musique-patrimoine-mtblanc.com/

www.armancette.com

Full *yoga itinerary available if required

Images available of Francois d’Haene and Marie Claude Hubert

Whilst the hotel remains closed due to Covid19, the following virtual tours are available to see inside the hotel:

– Reception and Bakery

https://www.tartinvillephoto.com/visite-virtuelle/armancette-hotel-chalet-spa-la-reception-et-la-table-darmante/

 

– Swimming Pool and Spa

https://www.tartinvillephoto.com/visite-virtuelle/piscine-spa-salle-de-sport/

 – le 2ème étage

https://www.tartinvillephoto.com/visite-virtuelle/armancette-hotel-chalet-spa-au-2eme-etage-nos-chambres-familiales-et-duplex/

 – le 1er étage

https://www.tartinvillephoto.com/visite-virtuelle/premier-etage/

 – le parking

https://www.tartinvillephoto.com/visite-virtuelle/parking-armancette/

SEPTEMBER ABOVE SAINT GERVAIS – L’Armancette Hotel

SEPTEMBER ABOVE SAINT GERVAIS – L’Armancette Hotel

by | Oct 10, 2019 | Existing Clients, Press, Press realeases

On a whistle stop trip out to the Alps in September, I was excited to stay in the new 5-star L’Armancette Hotel in Saint Nicolas de Veroce, a beautiful, tiny village above Saint Gervais.

There was little sign of the approaching Autumn, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine but a fresh dusting of snow the previous weekend provided glistening white peaks of the Domes de Miage and Mont Blanc mountains, a sign of winter to come.

The hotel, which re-opens for skiers on 4 December sits right alongside an old two-man chair in the centre of Saint Nicolas, almost a national treasure for the village showing no sign of being updated, as it sits on private land.

In contrast, a little lower down the village, the two-man chair, Chattrix is being replaced with a fast detachable 6- seater chairlift in time for the opening of the season. Local skier, Betony Garner, who often comes over to this area for skiing when the weather’s not so good in her home town, neighbouring Chamonix, said “This chairlift will offer much faster access back into the ski area which links with Megeve. It was always a very slow spot to get out of. This development will be great news for local skiers and for the holiday guests in Saint Gervais and Megeve.”

Director of L’Armancette, Anne-Cecile Quey adds, “with our new hotel and this chair lift, Saint Nicolas is waking up to the 21st Century but the village will remain a special place to come to as the village is mostly stand-alone chalets and locally owned houses so it will never be too busy. We welcome locals to our in-house bakery, which we have maintained on the site of the former village bakery. For skiers, we will run a shuttle from the hotel to the new fast access chair to enable our guests to easily connect via this new chairlift”.

The 6 man chair will become the fastest access point to the Mont-Joly ski area, which is the highest point of the ski resort at 2353 m, offering 1000m descent from Epaule to Chattrix.

Skiing down the Chattrix blue run, skiers will ski right past three new chalets at Plateau de la Croix, above Saint Nicolas where the ski school meeting point is for guests in the village.

These chalets, also part of the new Armancette group, offer ski-in/out access, with the largest chalets – Aster and Carline sleeping up to 14 guests and the smaller chalet, Silene just 8 guests. I hiked up to see the chalets, a 45 minute steep climb up from Saint Nicolas and loved the autumn garden planting with its fruit trees and bushes. Fingers crossed they survive the snowy winter.

From the hotel at 1150m, the views across the valley with Les Contamines in the distance are stunning and the Domes de Miage peak the highlight, but from these higher chalets there is a direct view to Mont Blanc.