AUTUMN IN VAL GARDENA: FOOD FESTIVALS, BURNING DOLOMITES & EVENTS

AUTUMN IN VAL GARDENA: FOOD FESTIVALS, BURNING DOLOMITES & EVENTS

by | Sep 19, 2023 | Existing Clients, Press, Press realeases

Val Gardena lies in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, where dramatic scenery and limestone peaks provide the backdrop for an unforgettable Autumn holiday, set within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The three villages of Ortisei (1,236m), S. Cristina (1,428m) and Selva (1,563m) provide the most unique setting for an Autumn escape. Val Gardena is the cradle of South Tyrolean art, specifically wood carving. This art form remains a key earner for the valley to this day, second only second to tourism.

In September and October, the imposing mountains shine with shades of red and orange, “enrosadira” creating an enchanting panorama. This is the beginning of the autumn season in the Dolomites, offering breathtaking views. The hay harvest has come to an end and the cows, sheep and goats return from the mountain pastures.

 24th September – 15th October Culinarium Urtijei

Urtijei, the local name for Ortisei is one of the main villages of Val Gardena and is also known for its great culinary diversity. Michelin-starred restaurants with an international flair, local restaurants serving delicious South Tyrolean dishes, Italian pizzerias and Ladin farm cuisines: there’s something for everyone thanks to the outstanding meals from three different culinary traditions.

Culinarium Urtijei runs over three weeks celebrating all that is ‘food’ from the Michelin star ‘Anna Stuben’ to family run ‘Pizzeria Lamm’ there is a dining experience to suit, with 10 restaurants all focussed on offering the finest regional produce and delicious meals to celebrate these festival weeks.

https://www.valgardena.it/en/sommerurlaub-dolomiten/events-highlights-groeden/culinarium-urtijei-val-gardena/#c7890

 Market of leaves – Monday 9th October

A sensational market Every year, the leaf market “Segra Sacun” is the largest and most traditional market in Val Gardena and for generations the autumn valley highlight. The market is filled with numerous stands offering culinary delights and handcrafted products.  The pear is the typical autumnal fruit which will catch your eye as you walk around – decorated with colourful ribbons, tradition demands young men give the young woman who has caught their eye a pear as a sign of their interest! Wood-carved pears are tokens to take home!

https://www.valgardena.it/en/detail/base/events/traditional-market-segra-sacun/2B028839716F4B549C01A07702CC8F25/

 Burning Dolomites From mid-September on, there is a very special phenomenon in Val Gardena: Burning Dolomites, “enrosadira” an incredible natural spectacle at sunset! The colours of the larch trees become more and more intense and the sun sets the peaks of the Dolomites on fire.

Guided Walks for sunrise and sunset to see this incredible phenomena are available during the Autumn months: https://www.valgardena-active.com/en/summer

The Mills in Bulla – stepping back in time – in the past, the „Bergweiler Pufels“ were Val Gardena’s granaries. Between three and seven farms were built to manage the municipal mills – the “Pufeler Schlucht” and just one remains restored, offering an insight in to the milling of corn in the past. A 2km walk through the gorge and along the Bulla stream is available as well as weekly guided tours of the partially preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

https://www.valgardena.it/en/addresses/detail/base/poi/st-ulrich-ortisei-val-gardena/mills-in-pufels-bulla/BC8F0B865AFB41CF9DDD305B912D4FF7/

www.valgardena.it 

ENDS

For further information on Val Gardena, press trips or images please contact: Vanessa Fisher vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525

Summer News 2022 from the Belleville Valley

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Existing Clients, News, Press realeases


Located between 1,200 and 3,200 meters above sea level, the Vallée des Belleville with its flower filled meadows rises up to snow-capped peaks, from the authentic village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville to the lakes of Les Menuires, the green meadows give way to the blue colours of the glaciers and the peaks of Val Thorens.

Discover these three unique and contrasting areas via the free shuttle buses and lifts accessible to all, making trips between each resort extremely easy. Explore the valley by its many trail paths or by a mountain bike – find the secret valleys of Deux Nants and Les Encombres or discover the Belleville traditions.

Full Press Kit in an easy to read format:

https://en.calameo.com/read/0057989615fa0dffe12a1?page=1

New La Masse lift

The new Pointe de la Masse cable car is 3,318m long and covers a height gain of 1,050m at a speed of 7m/s or more than 25km/h. It is one of the longest in the Vallée des Belleville, but also one of the fastest in France and only the second one of its kind in the country. Hikers can go up to the top in less than 8 minutes and enjoy incredible views and hikes. Open from 9th July 2022

New eMTB bike track – ‘Via 3 Vallees’

This new cycling track is 34 km long and is asphalted from Courchevel to Val Thorens, passing by Méribel and Les Menuires. It’s both accessible to families on electric bikes and other riders on normal mountain bikes. It is dedicated to cyclists and stays away from hiking paths. One section is still to be completed, this new track opens for summer 2022 for bikers to experience the ‘Via 3 Vallees’. The whole valley offers 260km of bike tracks, with a new training area at La Croisette, ‘The Ludizone’ in Les Menuires.

Explore Vallee des Encombres

Relatively unknown, the Vallée des Encombres is accessible by mountain bike or on foot solo or with a guide.  When leaving Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, head towards the Châtelard hamlet, with its tiny, winding alleys and renovated chalets. Stop at the Gittamelon refuge in the hamlet at 1700m, this family chalet turned refuge is one of the last private refuges in the Alps.  A typical mountain hut, it sleeps 18 and belonged to the grand-parents of Marc Jay, the current guardian who has run it along with his wife Anne-Sophie since 1993.  The last ascent leads to the summit of the Col des Encombres at 2,325m with 360° views of the Ecrins massif and the high summits of the Vanoise National Park.

Tarentaise Baroque Music Festival at La Bouitte in Saint Martin de Belleville

La Bouitte – a 3 Michelin star Belleville restaurant, hosts the 31st edition of the Tarentaise Baroque Music Festival. The Vallée des Belleville is a hotspot for alpine baroque architecture – with 36 chapels and churches -enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner accompanied by music performed by soprano, Maria Cristina Kiehr, and harpsichordist Jean-Marc Aymes from Concerto Soave.  Chefs René and Maxime Meilleur have a great rapport with the musicians who will taste each dish a few minutes before the guests, and then play music which takes into account the emotions that the food evokes. It is a true musical, culinary and wine focused experience.

Glacier hike and the Three Lakes circuit

From the top of the new La Masse lift, after a fast eight minute ascent to 2,804m enjoy a 3hr 30 descent, via the Three Lakes Circuit taking in the Longet Lake, Black Lake and Crintalia Lake. From the heart of the Vallée des Belleville, you are surrounded by majestic alpine peaks that are reflected in roughly 15 mountain lakes spread out in this exceptional area.  Enjoy breathtaking scenery in the Lou Valley. Or take a guided day walk above Val Thorens to the Chavière glacier.

Kilbert Silvestre and the Black Honey Bee

Born in the Vallée des Belleville, Kilbert is a mountain guide and ski patrol member in winter and has been a beekeeper in La Biellaz since 2006. His grandparents already had beehives in Saint Marcel when he was just a boy, so the interest came naturally. He has been fighting to protect the black bee in Savoie. It is now threatened by hybridisation waves, a phenomenon that makes bees more fragile and less resistant. He also owns a hundred production beehives in the Vallée des Belleville and participates in a project to breed queens which allows him to give local beekeepers in the valley an isolated strain of black bees.  The beehives are kept with respect to the bee’s life, so the honey is harvested with care and sold in shops of the actual producers and in local Vallée des Belleville markets. You can visit his “honey house” in la Biellaz with the Bureau des Guides.

Key Diary Dates:

  • Every Monday: Solar workshops at the top of the Cime du Caron at 3200m
  • 1-3 July 2022: Ultra Cycling Tour de la Vanoise – Team or solo long distance cycling event
  • 16 July 2022: Craft Beer Festival, Saint Martin de Belleville
  • 28 July 2022: Dinner & Concert at La Bouitte, Saint Martin de Belleville
  • 30 July & 20 August The Tougnete Climb – depart Croisette @1800m to bike to 2304m
  • 5-7 August 2022: Val Tho Summit Games: Trail Running for all ages, Val Thorens

-ENDS-

For further information, press visits and images:

Vanessa Fisher PR – vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525

Link to online press kit and full pdf attached: https://en.calameo.com/read/0057989615fa0dffe12a1?page=1

Early Summer in Dolomites Val Gardena

Early Summer in Dolomites Val Gardena

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Existing Clients, Press, Press realeases

Early Summer in Dolomites Val Gardena

 by Bike & on Foot

Sellaronda Bike Day – Saslong Half Marathon

Sellaronda HERO & The Family Bike Day

Four fantastic bike and run events kick off Summer 2022 in Val Gardena – with its three main villages – Ortisei (1,236 m), Santa Cristina (1,428 m) and Selva di Val Gardena (1,563 m) in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 600km of bike trails.

11th June 2022: Sellaronda Bike Day & the Dolomites Saslong Half Marathon

The Sellaronda Bike day is a celebration of everything cycling as the roads on the Sellaronda will be closed to cars, allowing cyclists to take over.

The whole event boasts 53 km, while a 1,600 m elevation gain awaits those willing to complete the whole distance. Cyclists of all ages and levels will have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful, free to attend, cycling tour featuring unique views on traffic-free roads, as the Sellaronda and its passes around the Sella Group will be closed to cars. The second date of the summer Sellaronda Bike day is 17th September 2022.

On foot, the Saslong Half Marathon takes place on the same day. For experienced runners this route, stretches from its start point at Monte Pana, extending between 1624 and 2363 m, with 900 m elevation. After reaching the Comici Hut the athletes will run across the City of Rocks to Passo Sella boasting a breathtaking view across the Marmolada. The asphalt-free trail winds its way across an environmentally protected area.

18th June: HERO Südtirol Dolomites

The HERO Südtirol Dolomites in Selva Val Gardena represents one of the hardest mountain bike events for amateurs and professional cyclists. The competition is spectacular and a great opportunity for international professional athletes and ambitious amateur cyclists to come together, allowing them to pursue the same dream: race and conquer one of the two demanding distances. All participants can choose between two distances stretching around the Passo Sella and Sassolungo:

  • The classic distance comprises 60 km and 3,200 m elevation gain.
  • The marathon distance boasts 86 km and a total of 4,500 m elevation gain.

Selva Val Gardena represents both the start and the end of the HERO Dolomites. Both the classic and marathon edition will take participants around the Passo Sella at the feet of the legendary skiing carousel, the Sellaronda. The day before the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, children can take part in the “HERO Kids” – starts in Selva Val Gardena and is a great event for younger cycling fans that will put their skills to the test in a friendly ‘competition’ where all that matters is having fun on two wheels.

25th June: NEW Val Gardena Family Bike Day

Part of the “Respect the Dolomites” projects, the first edition of the Val Gardena Family Bike Day will be held on Saturday, 25th June 2022. A day dedicated to cycling, explore Val Gardena in a green and sustainable way on two wheels. The route starts from Ortisei and takes you to Plan, in Selva Val Gardena, cutting across picturesque S. Cristina. The itinerary features different check points and sightseeing highlights, as well as spots where you can refill your water bottle and tank up on energy with a quick snack. Collect stamps at the checkpoints and sightseeing spots – only three required – to receive a small treat at the end of the itinerary.

www.valgardena.it

ENDS

For further information or images please contact: Vanessa Fisher vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525

VoulezVous Stay in Tignes, At Easter?

VoulezVous Stay in Tignes, At Easter?

by | Mar 22, 2022 | Existing Clients, Press realeases

VoulezVous Stay in Tignes, At Easter?
Offers from the resort’s newest hotel & most striking chalets

VoulezVous, Tignes’ newest hotel, has some great offers in place for Easter holidays, with complimentary upgrades thrown in, subject to availability. For example, stay for a week (9-16 April) and pay for just six nights, with rates starting from Euros 391 (approx. £322) per night for two people sharing a double room on a half-board basis. Alternatively, families can book a Junior Suite that sleeps two adults and two kids comfortably paying Euros 571 (approx. £478) per night on a half-board basis.

VoulezVous – Spa swimming pool & Privilege guest room

VoulezVous, which opened in December 2021, is a totally new build property in a great location in Tignes Le Lac, being just 50 metres from the slopes and 200 metres from the lift. In stark contrast to much of the traditional accommodation in the resort, VoulezVous has funky contemporary interiors and styles itself as an entertainment hotel.

There is live music in the Icebreaker bar every Thursday to Saturday, the Il Savoia restaurant combines the best of French and Italian cuisines, and there are two private rooms that can be hired by families or groups for film nights or karaoke sessions. VoulezVous has its own Ski Salon where it’s possible to rent and buy equipment, as well as pick up lift passes, and there is a 600 square metre modern spa, complete with indoor pool and water jets, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as a Technogym-equipped workout room, for post ski relaxation.

For those who prefer to stay in their own private accommodation when they ski, there is Carte Blanche, a range of exquisite chalets with striking, imaginative interiors that provide amazing levels of comfort, as well as a full concierge service. The chalets can be rented on a catered (B&B or half-board) or self-catered basis.

Carte Blanche : Chalet Rock ‘n’ Love & Chalet Husky

This Easter, Carte Blanche is offering a 25% discount on various chalets at the Black Diamond Residence, as long as the Excellence package is purchased. Excellence includes a VIP welcome, signature breakfast, afternoon tea “après-ski”, a daily selection of wines, evening meal, the assistance of the guest experience team, daily housekeeping services and a “Clarins” beauty package. Rates start at Euros 1500 (rather than Euros 2000) per night, with the chalets sleeping between 8 (Banksy Chalet) and 19 (Raven Chalet) guests.

Visit the relevant websites for more details:

https://www.voulezvous-hotel.com
https://carte-blanche.com

 Ends

 

Notes for Editors

VoulezVous and Carte Blanche are two of the core brands belonging to Les Etincelles, a new – and fast expanding – collection of properties, all based in snow-sure locations in the French Alps, that includes hotels, chalets and residences; many are ski in-out and all are within 200 metres of the slopes.

The company currently has properties in Tignes and La Plagne, but Les Etincelles is aiming to have accommodation in another six high-altitude French resorts (namely La Rosière, Les Arcs, Les 2 Alpes, Alpe d’Huez, Val d’Isère and Val Thorens) within the next five years.

Tignes is in the Savoie department of the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Known as a snow-sure ski resort, it has the highest skiable area in Europe, as well as the longest ski season. Along with neighbouring Val d’Isère, it forms the “Espace Killy” ski area; together they create a single skiable area of over 300 kilometres of piste.

There are good transport links to Tignes, via Chambéry, Lyon and Geneva.

***

For images, press information and to discuss press visits, please contact:

Sue Heady at Heady Communications at sue@headycommunications.com or
Vanessa Fisher PR at vanessa@vanessafisher.com

Property of the Week: Villa Mas Peyloubet

Property of the Week: Villa Mas Peyloubet

by | Nov 5, 2018 | Existing Clients, Links, Press realeases

Mas Peyloubet is an incredibly special, large property for sale in the Grasse region of France, with the Main House, which dates back to the eighteenth century, offering spectacular panoramic sea views.

The Main House has five ensuite bedrooms, a large and wonderful kitchen, sitting room, TV room and in addition, the Olive Grove Apartment having a further two bedrooms and a bathroom.

The extensive garden within 1.4 hectares of grounds, consists of a large salt water pool, outdoor summer kitchen, terrain de boules, table tennis and a flat lawn where you can play a friendly game of croquet and enjoy the sun.

Erna Low Property is selling this property for €4.8m – either as a successful guest house business or a private residence.

James Ross, Sales Director at Erna Low Property comments, “Mas Peyloubet has it in abundance, when pondering what the ultimate south of France hideaway would consist of. Not only are the views to the Mediterranean and over to Grasse spectacular, but the house with its warm living areas and ‘jump into bed and sleep forever’ bedrooms, is a haven from the outside world. The olive grove and salt water swimming pool are the icing on the cake on what can only be described as paradise on earth. We are excited to have this property for sale, it really is a dream property to own.”

Mas Peyloubet is perfectly located to take advantage of the best of the South of France:
Nice International Airport and Cannes are 30 minutes away and the closest village is Valbonne, 10 minutes away and Grasse or Mougin are both just 15 minutes away.

Further details:

Both the living room and dining room open onto the outside sitting area, shaded under arches from the hot sun with Indonesian and Moroccan furniture. The area looks out onto a lawn; steps lead off the lawn up to the swimming pool, situated on a higher level. To the left of the entrance hall is a television room and study.

The grounds are set on 1.4 hectares with sea views and are made up of terraces with old dry stone walls, lavender, roses and over 250 ancient olive trees that are harvested at the end of the year and pressed at a local mill into the most wonderful virgin cold pressed olive oil – there are also fig and orange trees where the current owner makes their own jam, chutney and marmalade.

The Belleview Apartment:
A separate outhouse for a caretaker, or additional rooms consisting of living room, kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom with its own driveway and parking. It is possible to create a gym or an office in this very usable space.

https://www.ernalowproperty.com/south-of-france/property/9199039-villa-peyloubet-cote-d-azur

0207 590 1624

ENDS

For Further information or images please contact 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.

With over 80 years’ experience, Erna Low Property has a strong knowledge of the French property market at large, with a particular expertise in the French Alps. Erna Low Property specialises in leaseback properties, as well as classic freehold and bare ownership purchases.

Erna Low Property now holds a sizeable portfolio of properties from the French Alps, across Europe and beyond. With their background as a specialist, niche tour operator, Erna Low has been hugely successful in introducing many clients to both property sales and holiday rentals.