The Experience
at Clarian Chalets
Located on the quiet mountain slopes overlooking the village of Châtel in the northern French Alps, La Grange au Merle is an idyllic traditional Savoyard farmhouse. The alpine charm of our catered chalet is beautifully combined with stylish interiors to create a luxurious living space in which to relax after an exhilarating day on the slopes.
The Clarian Chalets Experience
Located on the quiet mountain slopes overlooking the village of Châtel in the northern French Alps, La Grange au Merle is an idyllic traditional Savoyard farmhouse. The alpine charm of our catered chalet is beautifully combined with stylish interiors to create a luxurious living space in which to relax after an exhilarating day on the slopes.
A beautifully easy start to the day
The heart of the chalet lies on the first floor opening onto a south facing balcony where you can breath the fresh air admire the mountain view. The arrival of a hearty breakfast will lure you away, so instead contemplate the coming day's activities in the warmth behind the expansive windows.
With your body fuelled it is time to get ready and ease on your warm boots, dried on the overnight warmers in the entrance hall boot room. Your driver will then whisk you to the slopes in time for ski school, the first run of the day or simply to the coffee bar! The nearest lifts are only two or three minutes away.
Great ideas for your day on the piste
There are innumerable restaurants and cafes to be found sprinkled over the pistes. Our dedicated and informed Chalet Manager can make recommendations and bookings ensuring your lunchtimes are spent in prime locations.
The Portes du Soleil ski area offers an immense playground where you can pass your day leisurely admiring the views or charging down the black runs and mogul fields of this unique region. We have lots of suggestions for skiing itineraries for all abilities - long/short day, for lunch or hard skiing, interesting places to visit, alternative routes. Here is one exciting and challenging itinerary linking several of the black runs and touring the Portes du Soleil.
Ski Lessons, Childcare and Nannies
Our childcare options are tailored to your family’s needs. Children's ski lessons begin from the age of three and are run by a number of ski schools with teaching in English. Experienced and professional nannies can be on hand to collect children from ski school, provide lunch and care for them in the chalet where we have a large garden for building snowmen or igloos and having snow ball fights. There is also an charming alpine outdoor playhouse, a well stocked TV/games room and art activities to keep them busy. Dependant on the child's age, nannies can also take them on trips within Châtel including sledging, walks, ice skating or for a warming hot chocolate in the local cafes. Alternatively, there is a crèche within the village and ‘les marmottes’, a fun-filled camp organised by ESF combining ski lessons, lunch and afternoon activities.
Return and relax
Returning to La Grange au Merle after a day in the mountains couldn't be easier. You are met by your chauffeur and transported back to the chalet in the comfort of a private minibus. Entering the chalet, home baked goodies and steaming cups of tea, coffee or vin chaud are waiting for you in front of a warming fire. Snuggle into the sofas and watch the sun fade as your body is nourished and muscles unwind. Nestling under the eves, the outdoor hot tub is an ideal place to soothe those aches and pains. If reclining in the bubbly warmth of the hot tub is not enough, sore limbs can be loosened in the pine clad sauna. Alternatively why not indulge in a massage before preparing for dinner?
Gourmet food & wine cellar collection
With a fire crackling in the grate, pre-dinner drinks and canapés are served at the cocktail bar. Whether you choose to play at the card table, retreat to the sofas or prop up the bar, it is the perfect opportunity to exchange tales of the day's adventures.
While you re-live the thrills and exploits of the pistes your Chef is busy preparing a mouthwatering feast in the state-of-the art kitchen. A measure of any catered chalet is the quality of the meals that are provided. At La Grange au Merle a four course dinner is presented at the dining table which is fit for kings, with an emphasis on quality seasonal food. The meal is accompanied by over 20 specially selected complimentary wines over which you can linger and make plans for the following day. We also offer Champagnes from our private wine cellar (the ‘carnotzet’) at competitive prices.
Sumptuous bedrooms
Suitably restored in mind and body it is time to bundle yourself under the inviting bed covers. Each tastefully decorated bedroom is finished in old wood, soft colours and cosy fabrics and has its own well appointed en-suite, provisioned with fluffy towels, bathrobes and luxurious bath products. If you have chosen to have access onto a balcony or terrace, open the doors for a look at the starts and enjoy the fresh evening air.
Single beds and cots can be added for younger family members.
It's a chalet for children too
At La Grange au Merle the children are never forgotten. As you introduce your children to the pleasures of skiing we aim to provide as happy and fun an experience for your youngsters as for their parents. As they explore the chalet they will discover a few surprises just for them - notably the Kids' Snug in the Mezzanine and the alpine playhouse in the garden.
If your little ones are tired out after their busy day an early nourishing meal can be provided. They can be safely tucked up in bed while you relax within the chalet. Babysitters can also be organised should you wish to wander along the easy flat roads into town to explore Châtel's night life.
Fabulous holidays
Our dedicated team of Chef, Chalet Manager and Chauffeur will strive to ensure you have a truly fabulous holiday. They will be on hand to answer all of your queries, provide recommendations on skiing, eating out and activities and events in the area. And at night the chalet will be your own to enjoy.
Check out our availability or contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to welcoming you!