Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less)
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car not necessary Lift access to property Nearest amenities: 0 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Not suitable for children under 5 No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
This quality studio apartment is situated in the centre of Les Contamines; a traditional, unspoilt winter and summer resort nestled below the Mont Blanc Massif, described as a 'hidden gem' by Daily Mail Ski. The Daily Telegraph recommends Les Contamines as an ' unspoilt, lesser-known destination with exceptional skiing'.
It is finished to a very high standard, thoughtfully furnished to create a 'home from home' feeling. It is warm and cosy with underfloor heating, comfortable sofa, UK satellite TV and well equipped with everything you need for a relaxing holiday. Internet access is available across the street. Perfectly located in the village centre, this apartment is the ideal choice for those who want to be near the slopes but who don’t want to walk far to any of the shops, supermarkets or restaurants. For those who do not wish to drive to the cable car, a shuttle bus stops right outside the apartment.
The apartment building
Studio La Berangere
Welcoming interior
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/20933
The Rhone / French Alps / Haute-Savoie region
This area of France boast Europe's highest mountain - Mont Blanc. Les Contamines Montjoie snuggles in the foothills of this majestic mountain with a truly Alpine feel - glaciers, mountain pastures, rivers, and waterfalls.
For the people of the Haute Savoie their rural way of life has changed beyond all recognition since the major development of the ski industry in the 1960s. But while tourism these days may take precedence over agriculture, the steady pace of life in the mountains is still governed by the slow passage of the seasons and therefore remains delightfully unchanged.
The area is a nature lovers paradise, far removed from the purpose built resorts. It is a real french village, where old chalets mix with sympathetic newer buildings. The mountains are literally on your doorstep, providing an area for you to explore and enjoy. It is a place where, for a week or a fortnight, you can switch off from the pressures of modern urban living and truly unwind against the magical backdrop of a snow-covered landscape. The stress of work is left behind and your primary worries soon centre on where to make the next turn - and which restaurant to book for lunch.
Les Contamines-Montjoie area
Les Contamines Montjoie is a traditional and very pretty Savoyard village which is a popular ski resort full of charm and friendliness. Located in a forest in the heart of the Mont Blanc mountain range and surrounded by some of the most sumptuous landscapes in the area. It is a lively, bustling little village in the winter with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants and a very relaxed apres ski atmosphere. There are 2 supermarkets, butchers, 2 bakeries, ATM machine, post office and bank, all within a few steps of the apartment. For those preferring a more relaxed grocery shop; there is a weekly market on a tuesday in the village square, selling all the usual local specialities - including delicious local reblechon cheese.
The Ski-ing: The telecabines are easily accessible either on foot (within 15 minutes), via the local bus which stops just outside the apartment door, or via your car. As well as the downhill skiing and snowboarding there is a good cross-country ski area. During the winter months there is an ice rink in the centre of the village, as well as opportunities for sledging on the nursery slopes.
Les Contamines is a beautiful village with quiet slopes on the shoulder of Mont Blanc. Sandwiched between the famous resorts of Megeve and Chamonix, it is a pretty quintessentially French resort often overlooked - hence no overcrowded skiing. Its snowfall record is the envy of many big name resorts, and virtually all of the skiing is above 1900m. There is 125 km of snow-sure pistes as well as some excellent off piste skiing; time it right and you'll be getting fresh tracks all day.
There is skiing for all levels along with a snow park (championship level) and a half-pipe for snow boarders. There are also 2 nursery slopes in the village (one of which along with the half pipe are flood lit on certain nights of the week). The local ski pass is linked to the town of Hauteluce and there is also a 'Evasion Mont Blanc' pass which covers Les Contamines and another 420km of skiing in St. Gervais, Megeve and Combloux.
Further afield within a 30 minute drive are the resorts of Chamonix and Argentiere. If you hire a car - there is the opportunity for day trips to Les Gets (for the Portes du Soleil) and Samoens which links to Flaine. You can be in Courmayeur, Italy in about an hour, to see Mont Blanc from the Italian side, should you wish to ski two countries during your stay!
Summer activities: In summer the village attracts walkers, climbers, cyclists and those who enjoy the outdoor life. It comes alive throughout July and August, when the weather is at it's best. The telecabine opens for walkers and cyclists, opening up a huge area. It has hundreds of kilometers of marked paths in the valleys and foothills giving endless opportunities for exploring the high mountains For those who prefer to relax in the mountains, the views of the Mont Blanc Massif are imperious, particularly when you are enjoying them in relative solitude far from the madding crowds at one of the areas great mountain restaurants.
For mountain bikers, the resort offers an excellent range of bike facilities and trails which are suited to all level of riders. Bike hire is available in the village, with the ski lifts open to mountain bikers as well as walkers. Road Biking is one of the major French National Sports for a good reason. With the open space, the amazing scenery, the fantastic choice of mountain passes and the respect from car drivers, it makes cycling a real pleasure.
From our apartment you have a great choice of mountain pass routes varying in degree from a semi hard workout to something off the scale! There are a great choice of routes to suit all levels from complete beginners to the very advanced. You can follow scenic road routes; many used in the Tour de France, which often passes through the region.
On a more relaxing note, there is a large scenic swimming lake, and another Lac d'etape (at altitude), for a refreshing swim in alpine waters. Locally a golf driving range, 8 championship tennis courts, rock climbing school, mountaineering, parapenting, whitewater rafting and canyoning are available for those who like to keep busy.
A number of alpine towns and villages are an easy drive or bus ride away. Chamonix and Megeve offer a great day out. In addition Lake Annecy offers every sort of water based activity in one of Europe's most beautiful settings; often described the Venice of the region, it is beautiful on a sunny day and the local market is well worth a visit. Even Courmayeur in Italy is an easy day trip, through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Les Contamines is proud of its baroque churches and traditional architecture. A 30 minute stroll from the village will take you to Notre Dame de la Gorge, a baroque church rebuilt in 1699. Which sits at the end of the Montjoie Gorge. There is also an 18th Century Baroque church in the centre of the village, a few steps away from our apartment.
Eating Out: There is a good range of restaurants in Les Contamines, offering fine modern French cuisine, traditional Savoyard cooking and good pizza. However further choice is available in nearby St Gervais.
Nightlife: As this is a small friendly resort, beyond the immediate apres ski, nightlife is low key and centres around a number of atmospheric bars. There is a small cinema which shows English language films as well as French during high season.
How to get there
AIR: We are only 60 minutes from Geneva Airport/Cointrin which is the main most convenient access point. Alternatively 2 hours from Grenoble and Chambery Airports. Flights can be booked all year round and cheap fares can be found, particularly if booked well in advance:
CAR HIRE: http://www.auto-europe.co.uk/ http://www.europcar.com
FERRY/ROAD: Les Contamines is approx. 850 km from Calais (8 -9 hour drive approx) www.poferries.com / www.seafrance.com / www.eurotunnel.com / www.brittanyferries.com Les Contamines is easily accessed by road, being just off the A40 motorway between Geneva and Chamonix.
LOCAL BUS: http://www.lescontamines.com/uk/horaire.html#genevelefayet
TRANSFER FROM GENEVA AIRPORT VIA PRIVATE TAXI: http://www.easyjet.com/EN/Planning/Travel/ats.html#geneva http://www.geneva-airport-transfers.com/ http://www.alpescape.com/geneva-airport-transfers.shtml
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
GENEVA: 85 km
Railway:
LE FAYET: 20 km
Ferry:
CALAIS
Activities near Les Contamines-Montjoie
Sports: Ski resort location Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Cycling holidays
Sofabeds (1), Dining seating for 3, Lounge seating for 3, Sleeps maximum of 2
Other:
Please check with the owner regarding linen and towels.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace
Access:
Lift access to property, Parking space
Further details indoors: The apartment is situated on the first floor of the Residence Berangere and is serviced by a lift. The interior of this high quality apartment which was completed in 2006, is well-equipped, attractive and cosy.
Living area: The well-planned lounge has comfortable seating and dining areas and a fitted kitchenette area. It is decorated and furnished to a high standard and is equipped with a TV, with UK satellite TV, DVD player and a CD player. Patio doors lead to the terrace, which is ideal for summer (or winter!) BBQs. From there you will enjoy the wonderful views across the Domes de Miage.
Sleeping: The sofa bed is very comfortable, easily converts to a standard double bed. There are quality pillows and duvet, which store underneath during the day.
Kitchenette: The well-equipped kitchen has a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, small oven, a two ring halogen hob, kettle, toaster, and a full range of kitchenware, to create a quick snack or gourmet meal.
Shower room: The shower room has a shower, wc and washbasin and a storage cupboard.
Ski locker: A secure ski locker is located in the basement.
Laundry: Access to washer and dryer downstairs.
Heating: Underfloor, with additional heat from radiators. A large hot water tank provides plenty of hot water.
Further details outdoors: It is a great location right in the centre of the village, with boulangerie and supermarket just next door,
Free parking is available opposite the building.
The local ski bus stops right outside the apartment.
Shops, bars and restaurants are all within a few steps.
Further details
No smoking inside the apartment.
Sorry pets are not accepted.
Conditions
Short ski breaks/ summer weekends of 4 nights or more welcome.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
7th Sep- 11 Dec 2008
7 Sep 08
12 Dec 08
200£200
0-
0-
4 Nights
Pre -Christmas ski
12 Dec 08
21 Dec 08
250£250
5050
5050
4 Nights
Christmas 20- 27 Dec 2008
21 Dec 08
28 Dec 08
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
New Year 28 Dec - 3 Jan
28 Dec 08
4 Jan 09
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
Off peak ski
4 Jan 09
2 Feb 09
260£260
5050
6060
4 Nights
High season
2 Feb 09
1 Mar 09
320£320
6060
6060
4 Nights
Mid Season
1 Mar 09
5 Apr 09
300£300
6060
6060
4 Nights
Easter
5 Apr 09
19 Apr 09
320£320
6060
6060
4 Nights
Spring
19 Apr 09
5 Jul 09
200£200
5050
5050
4 Nights
Summer
5 Jul 09
6 Sep 09
270£270
5050
5050
4 Nights
91
The owner's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Fresh bed linen and towels provided at an additional cost of £40 per week; includes bed linen, towels and teatowel, please enquire when booking. Cost also includes basic items e.g. Tea, coffee, sugar, toilet roll, dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid, etc. so no need for unnecessary shopping.
The rental price assumes that the apartment will be left clean and tidy, as you would expect to find it, with no damage. If additional end of stay cleaning or repairs are required - additional charges will apply and be deducted from the security deposit.
We ask for a 50% deposit to secure the booking. The balance must be paid at least 8 weeks before the rental period. There is an additional payment of £150 cheque for security/cleaning deposit to cover any damage or breakages.
This is due at the time of final payment and will be returned to you within 10 days after your holiday; once the apartment is left clean, in the condition it was found, and the keys have been returned. Payment is by cheque or bank transfer.
Guestbook
A really comfy, stylish apartment in a really good position, perfect for a couple - J.B. (UK) December 2006 Thank you we had a great weekend, the conditions were perfect and your apartment was absolutely lovely... E.G.W. (UK) January 2007 Thank you for the excellent stay in your apartment. It is a really nice place and being right in the centre of the village is an advantage. I would stay here again and recommend it to friends. Thanks again. T.V.d.V. (NL)February 2007 The apartment was really lovely and absolutely perfect for the two of us. It is beautifully finished and decorated and we really appreciated the little extra things such as UK TV channels. The location was perfect, thank you for all your help. We will certainly be back in touch if we are able to return to Les Contamines and will have no hesitation in recommending the apartment to others. EM (UK) March 2007. The village had everything that one would need or want but yet small enough to enjoy some peace and quiet,we certainly took advantage of all the good hiking trails in the area. AM (Belgium) July 2007 We really enjoyed our week at Les Contamines. This apartment is perfect for couples who love their walking! With routes up both sides of the valley and round in to the next, there was plenty to keep us occupied. We particularly recommend the swimming lake which is a short walk along the Tour de Mont Blanc path. The apartment's mini kitchen came fully equipped and was perfect for self catering. We couldn't have asked for a better location - right in the centre, opposite the village square. K (UK) July 2007 The apartment was absolutely beautiful and was so comfortable and had everything we needed plus it was a major bonus having the terrace in the good weather. The area itself was everything we remembered it to be and we had some lovely days out both sight seeing and walking and climbing. We would have no hesitation in recommending both the apartment and the village to friends and may even return in the winter months for our skiing holiday! It was exactly what we had wanted from our honeymoon so thank you again for a wonderful time. R & M (UK) August 2008
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/20933
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