Chocolat Manigod

This means that the chalet has all the advantages of a traditional chalet while also being bright, modern and spacious. The location is superb, situated within walking distance of the village, for morning bread and croissants or an afternoon beer. In winter we spend our holidays skiing.

The views of the Manigod valley are spectacular with uninterrupted views of La Sulens and La Tournette, which seem to change every day.

Although the ski bus stops at the end of the drive we normally just jump into the car for the short drive to the slopes, as the parking is so easy at Col de la Croix Fry. The Manigod ski area is an excellent place for family skiing, with a ski school and slopes for all standards.

We typically drop the children off at the Ecole de Ski and then ski in either the Manigod/Merdassier areas or ski down into La Clusaz from where we can goup to L’Aiguille or over to Col de Balme. After a morning spent skiing we’ll meet up with the children for lunch with friends on the slopes, U Freddy at the Etale lift is a particular favourite but there is a huge choice of high quality mountain eateries.

After lunch we’ll spend another couple of hours skiing together before returning to the chalet for vin chaud on the terrace.

Although Manigod is an excellent location for a skiing holiday, we first discovered the area in the summer, when we were staying in a nearby valley. The amazing range of summer activities were what really sold the area, and Manigod in particular, to us.

We couldn’t believe that one area could offer such a variety of things to do, from tennis and golf to horse riding and mountain biking. Once we saw Lake Annecy we were hooked! In summer, we spend time walking the many mountain trails.

Walking in Croix Fry up to Beauregard offers amazing views of Mont Blanc – indeed any of the mountains near the chalet give views of the great peak. The cycling is varied from mountain to road biking.

We enjoy cycling the iconic Tour de France climbs (Col des Aravis, Col de la Forclaz and the Col de la Colombiere) and are waiting until our children are old enough to start mountain biking with us. Our current favourite summer activity is visiting the “beaches” (grassy areas on the shore for bathing, patrolled by lifeguards and offering pedalos, canoes and motor launches for hire) of Lake Annecy.

We especially like to take a boat out from Talloires into the lake, which allows swimming in a tranquil location with amazing views up into the high Alps. For something less tranquil the children love to take part in the many summer activities that La Clusaz has to offer (ice skating, summer luge and horse riding to name but a few), while we all love climbing in the Aravis Park of Adventures in Thones.

We enjoy buying the local produce.

The farm across the road makes beautiful Reblochon and Tomme cheeses while local goat and ewes’ cheeses are available from other farms on the mountain.

A local market can be found on most days of the week to stock up on meats, cheese and fruits and vegetables. For more sophisticated shopping Annecy is a short drive away.

We love the fact that there are so many high quality places to eat in the area, which range from everyday Savoyard to Michelin starred restaurants. We always take friends to La Ferme on the road into La Clusaz as nothing beats their top quality traditional meals in a fantastic setting.

They certainly serve up food that we would never experience in England! As a treat, we can think of nothing better than to book a table at Yoann Conte, on the shore of Lake Annecy – this matches anything on offer in London or New York and is for us is one of the best restaurants in the world right now. Chalet Chocolat is our home away from home and we have chosen to rent it out as we would like it to be enjoyed when we cannot be there.

We hope that it is as relaxing for you as it for us and that you enjoy everything that the area has to offer.

The previous owners of Chalet Chocolat