Valmorel was built in 1976 after the mistakes of earlier French ski resort developments had been learned. It is the first ski centre you reach on entering the famous Tarentaise Valley and, provided you arrive on a good day, you should be inspired by a sense of calm, natural beauty on arrival. The resort opens out onto scenic pine forests, mountain pastures and the backdrop of the high Alps, the marketing slogan `Valmorel La Belle` seems perfect.
The architectural style is unique in France, inspired by ancient construction techniques in the Morel valley. There are no slopeside rectangular concrete apartment blocks, but instead large chalet style buildings, none of them more than three or four storeys high and all following the curves of the land beneath. Only wood, stone and paving stones are used and there are no visible electrical wires or cables either. Valmorel is divided in to various `hameaux` (hamlets) - clusters of buildings on different levels. These are connected by footpaths, sometimes covered, and adorned with charming little squares and internal courtyards. Valmorel centres on The Bourg (`the small market town`). Almost all of the shops and services are located here in a pedestrianised area. The facades in pastel tones are decorated with trompe l`oeil frescos. The archways, porches and overhangs are reminiscent of the time when architecture was sophisticated. Apres Ski Friendly and fun-loving resort with lots of atmosphere. • Petit Savoyard restaurant with a warm ambience, La Cordée with its French atmosphere, Hotel du Bourg bar for a cosy drink around an open fire, Le Clover discotheque and karaoke bar, Café de La Gare with occasional dancing on the tables and Jimbo Lolos, the place to shoot tequila. Eating Out A good range of tempting restaurants and cafés • Set 3-course menu for around €20 • Fondues from €25 including wine and dessert • Lunchtime plat du jour around €10 • La Cordée or Pierce Neige for French cuisine, Pizzaria du Bourg for mouth-watering pizzas cooked in a wood burning oven, Le Petit Savoyard for fondues and other traditional Savoyard specialities, Jimbo Lolos for a mexican flavour. Activities Parapenting • Airboarding • Torchlight descent • Ice-climbing • Tobogganing • Fitness centre with sauna, steam room and massage • Marked walking trails • Cinema Other Amenities • Cinema with occasional English films • Beautiful walks down the valley through old Savoyard villages to Les Avanchers • Small open market once a week • Occasional pageant evenings and music recitals • Music festivals • Children's festivals • Baroque Art tours |
|
calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras
