Looking to whisk your partner away for a special weekend? There are many great romantic European cities, but would recommend an alternative destination: the amazing ski resort of Chamonix in the pretty Haute-Savoie region of south-east France.
Ski breaks can actually be incredibly romantic – you will be surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, you can enjoy magical experiences together, indulge in fine food and wine, get pampered in a spa and unwind in a cosy chalet … perfect!
Chamonix offers all of this and a lot more, so read on if you are looking to spoil that special someone!
The Views
The Chamonix region is situated at the base of the imposing Mont Blanc – the highest summit in the entire Alps. Not only does this allow for superb skiing, but you are also treated to sublime views of the area. The greatest way to enjoy these vistas with your partner is by flying through the mountains. There are a few different options:
- Helicopter Tour – Enjoy panoramic views of the area and experience the thrill of riding in a helicopter in an alpine setting.
- Tandem Paragliding – Certainly a shared activity you will never forget! Soar through the crisp air with birds-eye views on this once in a lifetime experience.
- Hot Air Balloon – Sip on champagne as you rise up into the clouds above the Chamonix mountains while you enjoy a fun and unique hot air balloon experience.
These are a few ways to enjoy the splendid panoramas, but you can of course simply indulge in a glass or two of red from your cosy chalet balcony overlooking Mont Blanc.
The Food
I believe that fine food is an essential ingredient for any romantic trip. Chamonix has dozens of great restaurants to choose from for a special meal, but there is one which is a cut above the rest.
Les Vieilles Luges is a wonderful and enchanting eatery that is the perfect setting for a romantic meal. It is a pretty 250-year-old farmhouse with low wood beams and a roaring fire; this creates a great atmosphere with epic natural surroundings (which can be enjoyed from a beautiful flower garden), not to mention the mouth-watering food, with a range of superb classic French dishes on offer.
A part of Les Vielles Luges’ unique charm is that it is a tiny farmhouse seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It can be reached by skis or a 20-minute (romantic) hike from the Maison Neuve chairlift, so stepping foot inside, smelling the food and feeling the warmth from the roaring fire will immediately make you feel cosy and settled. Top tip – warm up with a glass of delicious mulled wine, which is heated over the fire.
Here are a few other fine establishments to check out during your stay:
- L’Impossible
- La Telecabine
- La Cabane
- Albert Premier (two Michelin stars)
- Bighorn Bistro
Want to know more about Chamonix’s superb dining scene? Check out this article.
The Experiences
Chamonix offers a host of special experiences for the two of you to share. My personal favourite is dog sledding. There is no feeling quite like being whisked through the snow under the stars at night by a team of beautiful dogs; you get the chance to interact with the animals, which makes this is a wonderful experience for dog lovers.
Ice skating is always a romantic experience. This is particularly true in Chamonix, where you are surrounded by truly astonishing natural beauty. Hiking/snowshoeing is also a popular activity as it is extremely rewarding with such lovely views.
Chamonix is also well-known for its health and wellness centres, so be sure to indulge in a spa day on your vacation. There are a few excellent spas to choose from, all of which have superb facilities. L’Heliopic Spa is a personal favourite as you can pamper yourself with an incredible ice grotto, sauna, and couple’s treatment room with a range of rejuvenating treatments. You will feel completely revitalised after a fulfilling spa day.
In addition to all these great experiences, you could simply enjoy a stroll around the streets and pop in and out of the many bars, cafes and shops to soak up the atmosphere.
How to Get to Chamonix
You will want to arrive quickly at Chamonix to begin your special weekend. The nearest airport to the region is Geneva (GVA), with direct flights from London Gatwick (LGW) taking approximately 90 minutes with budget airlines such as easyJet (from just £28).
The onwards journey can often cause stress as you try to figure out public transportation, so the best solution is to book a shared or private transfer from Shuttle Direct. The friendly and expert local drivers will provide stress-free and comfortable transportation to the resort, so that you could be enjoying a romantic meal or shredding the slopes in just over an hour. They can also transport your ski equipment for no additional charge.
Where to Stay:
Hôtel L’Heliopic Sweet and Spa – A seriously indulgent hotel, here you can relax and unwind with their amazing spa which boasts an ice cave, Turkish steam bath, swimming pool, tepidarium, sauna and more. The rooms are spacious and provide mountain views with a private balcony, ensuite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. A great restaurant and stylish bar ensure that you can enjoy fine food and drink without having to leave the hotel.
La Féline Blanche – Centrally located in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains, La Féline Blanche offers magnificent mountain views from spacious rooms with modern décor and wood panelling. Taking in the views with a glass of wine after a day on the slopes is a great way to unwind. You can begin each day with a hearty continental breakfast which is served in a bright and attractive lounge.
Les Roches Hotel & Spa – Book this hotel if you are fervent foodies, as it has a wonderful traditional French restaurant on site which serves up tasty food with a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The hotel also has superb views, comfortable rooms with modern facilities and a heated outdoor pool and terrace. A range of activities are sure to keep you entertained, but it is also well-situated in the heart of an area opposite Mont Blanc.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is Europe’s most trusted transfer provider thanks to an extensive range of transfers across the continent. They have developed a reputation for an excellent, reliable and affordable service between airports, hotels, train stations, cruise terminals and other areas of interest, regardless of your group size or budget.
Contact their expert team today and let them handle the logistics of your travel arrangements.
