Maison Caramel - French Alps, France

About this Chic Retreat

Maison Caramel is a spacious boutique b & b and ski chalet in a pretty alpine village in the Savoie region of the northern French Alps. On the edge of the stunning Vanoise National Park and close to the ski lifts in Paradiski, it's perfect for an active weekend away in the mountains - whether walking, cycling or skiing. The beautifully restored former farmhouse has a simple French country feel. Old wood, antique furniture and contemporary pieces mixed with vintage finds give the house lots of character and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the sitting room and cosy library. There's also an honesty bar, sauna and sunny terraced garden with great mountain and village views. The friendly owners, Alvaro & Samantha, and their lovely dog Ned will make you feel at home and have a great knowledge of the area and Samantha provides the delicious meals and breakfast.

For a bit more independence, why not try the luxurious self-catered Chalet Caramelli which sits at the top of this Chic Retreat and has its own garden and entrance. With 4 bedrooms and stylish decor, the chalet is perfect for families and groups of friends who want their own private alpine retreat. Maison Caramel can be rented exclusively sleeping up to 13 people, and along with Chalet Caramelli, the entire property can accommodate up to 27 guests.

Accommodation

There are 5 en-suite bedrooms at Maison Caramel, each with a relaxed alpine style and an emphasis on comfort. Bed down in luxurious feather duvets and pillows and enjoy the sun on your private balcony or terrace. The muted colours, old furniture, thick stone walls and wooden floors give the rooms a wonderfully rustic feel. Beds are either twins or queen-size doubles, and most rooms have space for a cot or extra single. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with bath or shower, heated towel rails, organic bath products, WIFI, ipod docking station, TV & DVD player, hair dyers, bath robes, slippers, towels and tea & coffee making facilities.

Chalet Caramelli has an open-plan living area with beamed ceilings and French doors opening onto the garden and wooded hillside, 4 bedrooms in a contemporary alpine style with ensuite bathrooms, and balconies with fabulous mountain views. It can be rented as a self-catered chalet for groups, or as a luxurious suite for a couple when using just one bedroom. Pets are welcome to stay in this chalet.

Activities

Maison Caramel is the perfect place for those who want a relaxed mountain break with easy access to outdoor activities. Surrounded by mountains, forests and alpine meadows in the quaint village of Landry and less than 10 minutes from the lifts in Paradiski (one of the largest ski areas in Europe), the location is perfect for skiing, hiking and mountain biking. You can also visit the beautiful Vanoise National Park home to a variety of animals from marmots and ibex to Italian wolves. Lazier days can be spent relaxing in the sunny garden, enjoying a sauna and massage in the farmhouse, or visiting the Savoie's historic old towns and cities, castles and towers.

There are some great walks direct from the farmhouse and you can also try cycling or roller blading along the 25 km riverside cycle path, or white-water rafting from the centre in the village. More experienced cyclists will relish some of the nearby climbs used in the Tour de France. There's also a great golf course in Arc 1800 and tennis courts in the village.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast available until 10 am, served out on one of the garden terraces or in the dining room. Enjoy fresh bread and patisseries, yoghurt, muesli, fruit and a daily special from scotch pancakes with wild blueberries & crème fraiche, to French toast. Samantha will prepare a delicious picnic with home baked goodies for those out for the day, and when you return, you can enjoy an afternoon tea by the fireside or out in the garden. Samantha is great at baking so you can expect some delicious cakes & biscuits alongside gourmet sandwiches and for those special celebrations, some delicious organic Spanish cava. On most evenings, you can also enjoy a 3-course dinner featuring seasonal organic ingredients and local specialities, from home-grown butternut squash soup to tartiflette with organic bacon & farmhouse reblouchon cheese. Excellent local and Spanish wines (your host is from Madrid) are available from the honesty bar.

Rates

Rates at Maison Caramel are per room per night including breakfast. Dinner is charged at EUR 25 per person plus wine & hot drinks - served 6 days a week. Half-board rates of EUR 80 per person can be booked for those staying 2 nights or more. The price is regardless of the room and includes accommodation, breakfast & 3-course evening meal with wine each night. For guests staying 7 nights, the special half-board price is EUR 495 per person with dinner 6 times a week. Both Maison Caramel and Chalet Caramelli can be rented for exclusive use for a minimum of 3 nights. The rates for exclusive use of Caramelli (self catered) are per week. They can also be rented together for exclusive use either catered or self-catered (sleeping up to 25 people in 9 ensuite rooms).

Rates (EUR)

Room

Jan 2012

Feb 2012

Mar 2012

Apr 2012

May 2012

Jun 2012

Jul 2012

Aug 2012

Sep 2012

Oct 2012

Nov 2012

Dec 2012

Jan 2013

Feb 2013

Mar 2013

Apr 2013

May 2013

Jun 2013

Jul 2013

Aug 2013

Sep 2013

Oct 2013

Nov 2013

Dec 2013

Room:

Piano double room

Jan:

Feb:

Mar:

Apr:

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Room:

River double room

Jan:

Feb:

Mar:

Apr:

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Room:

Wood double/triple room

Jan:

Feb:

Mar:

Apr:

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Room:

Village double/triple room

Jan:

Feb:

Mar:

Apr:

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Room:

Mountain double/triple room

Jan:

130

Feb:

130

Mar:

130

Apr:

130

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Room:

Chalet Caramelli (exclusive use)

Jan:

1500

Feb:

2995

Mar:

2225

Apr:

1495

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* Rates in EUR

Cancellation policy

A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm the booking. For stays of 3 nights or less, the balance is payable in cash on departure. Longer stays are payable in advance.