After having invested in some of the finest brigades in Paris and London, Amandine Chaignot returned to inaugurate her own restaurant, and quickly established herself as one of the most gifted Parisian chefs of her generation.
Six months after the opening of Pouliche , she stood out again for her generous initiative: transforming her restaurant into a farmers' market for the duration of confinement. Another way of paying homage to the land, which she visits every vacation, and always in the Alps. Objective ? Hike in the countryside, observe the flora. Every day.
From the Aiguilles Rouges to Serre-Chevallier
1. Two shelters, one hotel
The Refuge de la Pierre Aberard , in Vallorcine. Leaning against the rock which protects it from avalanches in winter, this typical refuge is one of the most welcoming in the valley and, above all, supplied twice a week with excellent local products thanks to Oscar and Désiré, the house's two donkeys.
No shower, we wash in the stream after having breakfast among the ibexes who also love the place. For lunch, platters of charcuterie and Savoyard cheeses.
€39 per night with half-board (dinner), €14 per bed only.
74660 Vallorcine. Such. : 04 50 54 62 08
The Refuge des Fonts , in Sixt Fer à Cheval. In the mountain pastures, about an hour and a half walk from the village of Sixt Fer à Cheval, this typical chalet opened in 1926, offers a 360° panorama of the Cirque des Fonts. A grandiose landscape, unique flora, which seem to be reserved for a few dozen chalets which form this timeless hamlet.
The fourth generation welcomes epicurean walkers here: the cuisine is simple and excellent. Everyone comes with their own tent. Reading and games corner for all...
€20 for dinner, €9 for breakfast and €10 for a picnic basket.
Salvagny 74740 Six-Fer à Cheval. Such. : 04 50 34 12 41.
Le Monêtier , in Serre-Chevalier. A confidential hotel which has brought the old village school back to life, at the foot of the most sporty slope of the resort, in a minimalist spirit with wood, raw concrete and beautiful fabrics. And a huge terrace.
Inside, industrial loft atmosphere, sofas and central table d'hôte.
A specialty: braised meats, washed down with local wines. A must for your stay: half-days at the Grands Bains du Monêtier, combining thermal tradition with Irish treatments.
From €150 for a double room including breakfast.
376 route de Grenoble 05220 Le Monêtier-les-Bains. Such. : 04 92 55 40 70
Hiking passion
1. For everyone.
The tour of the Aiguilles Rouges . One of the most beautiful hikes to learn about this type of break. Between 1000 and 3000 meters above sea level, therefore ideal for observing fauna and flora. In total, four days facing the greatest peaks in Europe including Mont-Blanc, with the option of attempting the ascent of Mont Bluet. Less touristy than the Mont-Blanc tour.
2. For the experienced
The Great Crossing of the Alps . Just like cycling enthusiasts, hikers have their own itinerary, galloping from the glaciers of Mont-Blanc to the Côte d'Azur, via the Mercantour. A GR5 in around forty stages over 600 kilometers and the result is exceptional panoramas. Alternating radical landscapes with green mountain pastures, emerald lakes and perched villages. Allow 45 days.
The great restaurants of the Alps
1. Jean Sulpice at L’Auberge du Père Bise , Talloires.
He largely participated in raising the gastronomy of the peaks to the highest level with a first restaurant in Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe. He came back down to the shores of Lake Annecy, in the idyllic setting of Talloires and has since awakened a local institution.
With vegetable dishes, lake fish and unexpected alpine inspirations, those of a chef-gatherer.
More accessible, Le Bistrot 1903 , with a menu starting at €43.
303 Route du Port, 74290 Talloires-Montmin. Such. : 04 50 60 72 01
2. Emmanuel Renaut at Flocons de Sel , Megève.
This three-star chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) has become a destination in its own right in the Megève landscape. He also loves wild plants, edible flowers and all the alpine treasures that contribute to his subtle, fragrant, “interactive” cuisine but definitely rooted in the mountains.
More accessible, the Flocons Village bistro with a menu starting at €34.
1775 Route du Leutaz, 74120 Megève. Such. : 04 50 21 49 99
3. Clément Bouvier at Ursus , Tignes.
An experience in itself since this young chef who looks like an Alpine lumberjack has recreated an authentic forest in the room. Controlled lighting requires, you have the impression of dining in the woods by the light of the moon.
The wow effect is also in the plates with real taste “landscapes”. The star was not long in coming to reward this chef who is passionate about his land.
Menu from €98.
Rue du Val Claret 73320 Tignes. Such. : 04 79 01 11 43
4. René & Maxime Meilleur in La Bouitte , Saint-Martin de Belleville.
The story is beautiful and the transmission is there. A stopover for skiers from the three Valleys at the time of René - the father - solo behind the stove, La Bouitte has become a three-star restaurant signed by the Best “father and son”, with a reputation beyond the borders and a charming hamlet with cozy rooms housed in traditional buildings, spa and wild strawberry milk baths…. And certainly the most beautiful cheese platter in all the Alps. The “Best”, QED. More accessible, the Simple et Meilleur bistro menu.
Hamlet of Saint-Marcel, 73440 Saint-Martin de Belleville. Such. : 04 79 08 96 77
