In summer, life in the mountains moves at a slower pace.

The shutters open to reveal the soft morning light; the valley is still half-asleep, and there’s no rush. No hiking boots are ready by the bed, no plan mapped out for the day. Just the silence of a mountain morning, broken only by the song of a black redstart.

This morning, there’s no list of activities to do. Recharging your batteries isn’t just one of many option in Méribel, it’s a whole way of life.

 

The essential lunchbreak

After a leisurely breakfast and a coffee sipped on a balcony overlooking the peaks, it’s hard to imagine the day could pick up pace. But as Savoyard cuisine has top priority, lunch is taken on a terrace with a view of the mountains, in a quiet little square somewhere in the valley. Here, the fondue takes its time to melt and the tartiflette is shared out gradually; these specialities encourage you to savour every moment of the meal.

From Les Allues to Mottaret, there’s no shortage of restaurant terraces, each with its own view and local produce – all that remains is to discover your new favourite places.

These restaurant terraces have a great deal to offer, but there’s nothing to stop you taking the experience up a notch. Gondola lifts in Méribel Centre or Mottaret whisk you effortlessly up the mountains, and in a matter of minutes the whole family is on the summit, picnic basket in hand. You can spread your tablecloth right on the grass (for purists) or sit at a table (there’s no shame in that); in either case, local cured sausages, Tomme cheese and a loaf of bread are absolute essentials.

The silence is different at altitude, almost tangible, disturbed only by the wind or, if you’re lucky, by the whistle of a curious marmot emerging from his hole. Your gaze drifts onto the endless landscape, and you enjoy the view all the more knowing it has been achieved with no effort.

Méribel’s wellness scene

Saunas, hot tubs and more

The resort’s wellness facilities cater to all tastes, whether you want to get the morning off to a good start or unwind completely in the evening.

Saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, sports or relaxing massages – there are so many ways to switch off. Between sauna sessions, the Parc Olympique swimming pool is nearby for anyone fancying a few lengths. And the icing on the cake is that these wellness facilities aren’t just for residents: most of the valley’s hotel spas also welcome non-guests.

Myriad ways to practise yoga

In Méribel, our wellness practitioners find ways to combine their practice with the natural environment. Some instructors combine yoga with a walk in the forest – incorporating ‘nature bathing’, for example – whilst others combine it with Ayurveda for a more holistic approach to body and mind. There are also those who add Shiatsu to the mix – this Japanese pressure technique is designed to release even the most stubborn tension.
Massages follow this same principle of variety, ranging from Amma and Gokan with oils to deep-tissue massage for athletes, and more; each technique offers its own way of releasing tension in the body.

Zen Altitude: the summer’s wellness retreat

From 21 to 23 July, Zen Altitude offers us a moment beyond time. Yoga is complemented by breathing exercises, relaxing treatments are combined with soothing walks, and creative workshops round off this programme designed to help us reconnect with what really matters. Whether on your own, with family or with friends, this event unites us in our desire to take a breather, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The art of relaxation is not merely an add-on here, but a genuine mind-set that Méribel has been cultivating for years.

All wellness activities Join the Zen Altitude

Adopt the Lac Tuéda pace of life

By the water’s edge, time stands still

There are places that seem designed for a leisurely stroll, and Lac Tuéda is one of them. You can wander around the lake at your leisure, settle down for a nap by the water’s edge, do a spot of trout fishing, and round off your visit with a drink at the Maison de la Réserve. This is a true haven of peace in the heart of an Arolla pine forest, the sort of place you may end up staying longer than you planned.

La Maison de la Réserve visitor centre

On the lakeside, the renowned Maison de la Réserve invites you to take a break of a different kind. As well as a popular cafe, it offers a free permanent exhibition where you can learn about the flora and fauna in the Reserve. A range of activities is on offer to make your visit even more rewarding, notably the birdwatching tour of the Reserve led by Thibaut, an expert guide in his field.
We should warn you: nothing escapes his notice; he may help you spot species you’d only expect to see in a wildlife documentary.

Meet Thibaut

So, while steep mountain climbs are great for those who feel the urge, for the rest of us who enjoy rest and the good life, we prefer to spend our days in a different way. The afternoon ends with the same stillness as the morning began, with the black redstart giving way to the opening notes of an impromptu live performance.

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