You know I talk of a wandering heart often. Because that is what my heart does: It wanders away from me and I find myself breathless trying to catch up to it. When I finally do catch it I look about to find this wandering heart of mine has taken me somewhere magical. Juste comme ça…
Snow and mountains for me are like the sea and sand – ever changing, ever inspiring and ever pure. I was born by the sea on that big island down under, but I adore the wintry mountain life just as much. And I have been dreaming to have my feet in the snow again for some time, 15 years to be precise. And it has not been that easy to realise that dream. Life happens. And my little dreams remain floating in the clouds. But not last weekend. My dream came true…
I love the feeling of the snow in my bare fingers. How it melts to my touch. And how it changes but remains constant. And that I can eat it. Can I? I did actually, because I was a little parched at the time. So are you wondering where my heart wandered this weekend? Take my hand and I will take you with me…
La Clusaz is a fabulous skiing village 30k’s away from the too-popular Chamonix in the French Alps. I’m a bit of a quiet type who likes to search out for hidden places, and this is one of them, tucked away from the hussle and bussle of Alpine ski resort life, but touched just enough with all the good stuff…
Before I take you to the village itself, let me give you a sneak at the incredible accomodation. Now I’m not a fancy girl, but I do like clean, simple, sophisticated spaces. And this is exactly what I found at chez Brigitte’s, a gorgeous, perfectly decorated and designed bed and breakfast called La Ferme Du Var…
(this is the view from the room’s balcony)
It’s as if Brigitte knew all about our wandering hearts book, as she had little subtle hearts for me to find everywhere, just take a look at the entrance into the cabin…
And then her linen – so soft, so subtle, so French so Swiss…
After skiing during the day (okay, ploughing, I’m not as robust and brave as I was in my youth), I came back to this cabin, soaked in the beautiful bath and read on the balcony catching the last rays of sun for the day. Pure bliss.
Then I may have snacked on one or two of these…
…which were beckoning me from the village chocolatier. While we are in the village, let me show you just how quaint it is. Marked by the Franche-Comté (remember I took you to Le Val D’Amour at Christmas time? This is in the same area of France but higher in the mountains) church bell tower.
With little houses and restaurants like these above and below.
And where to dine in this beautiful fairytale village? Head straight to l’Arbe in the centre of town. But first take an aperitif at their sister bar across the road, La Bachal – the service is impeccable. And for an intimate and insanely delicious dinner higher up in the mountains head to Le Chalet Du Lac where I will happily join you in a discussion about this place being one of best kept French cuisine experiences IN THE WORLD.
Thanks for joining me on my little secret snowy retreat.
I’ve been there! Haute Savoie’s mountains are magnificent, and the wonderful old chalets! and the food! That’s definitely the real experience. Did you get to eat Fondue? I’m so homesick now…
February 22nd, 2008 | #
What a lovely trip! We finally got snow in Philadelphia today–and I did the same thing. Scooped it up into my hands… Glad you had a great time.
February 22nd, 2008 | #
oh i’m so glad you liked it too corine! it is seriously now one of my favourite places in the world. how beautiful is it! I am still dreaming about the mountains and the food. yep we had fondue on the first night at l’arbé’s. I really recommend Brigitte’s place if you ever want to go back there for a weekend.
Marissa, you have made me miss Philly now! I used to live in a little town called West Chester, do you know it? I love that place. Oh I love Philly.
February 22nd, 2008 | #
WOW. that is really beautiful. i am so glad you had such a wonderful retreat. thank you so much for this post. xo
February 23rd, 2008 | #
How fun for you, Pia! Your photos are lovely; I almost felt like I was in that wintry wonderland with you.
You should come see us in Utah. The snow doesn’t stop falling! At least not this year.
February 23rd, 2008 | #
oh so beautiful! i love the snow covered forests they are magical!
February 23rd, 2008 | #
Pia lovely to half meet you under your beanie!
I was en France last weekend too but I dont recognise that hat !
February 23rd, 2008 | #
Like my mum, my mum’s sister married a Frenchman, and has been living in Saint-Gervais (nor far from Chamonix) ever since, so I have visited the area many many times but I never realized how beautiful it was until I saw your spectacular pictures!
Also, I love yout little hat…..
February 24th, 2008 | #
What a nice account of your trip to La Clusaz. I could feel the snow, the warm winter sky, the tasty tartelettes, and more.
Thank you, Pia!
February 24th, 2008 | #
Perfectly charming. Love your little travelogues. Between your fantastic photos and all the little details, I feel like I was there with you!
February 24th, 2008 | #
I’ve just caught up with your ‘Sorry Day’ post. I really enjoyed it, thanks 🙂
February 24th, 2008 | #
divine! i just spent the weekend in Steamboat -on the Colorado/Wyoming Border! Tons of snow too!
love it!
February 25th, 2008 | #
Your blog is beautiful! I’ve linked to my blogroll… hope you don’t mind 🙂
February 26th, 2008 | #
i love this its so cool i’ve never seen any thig like it i wish i was there NOW,
January 21st, 2009 | #
Just back from a week at brigitte’s! This was our fourth visit ans still love it!
February 18th, 2014 | #