Savoie / France
If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in the mountains, at any time of year, you’ll find it all at St Pierre d’Entremont. Set in the Chartreuse natural park on the banks of the Guiers river, this beautiful traditional village has plenty to keep you busy, but without the crowds that flock to larger resorts. In the winter there’s skiing and snowboarding at the resort of Le Planolet/St Pierre de Chartreuse (900-1800m), which has 15 lifts and 35km of pistes to suit beginners and more experienced skiers. There’s also a snowpark and ESF ski school. And when the snow melts, there’s still plenty to see and do in the Chartreuse Natural Park. Try via ferrata at Roche Veyrand (5km), visit the spectacular waterfalls at Cirque de Saint Mème (9km), or enjoy the many scenic walks around St Pierre d’Entremont. Cyclists can enjoy mountain biking and touring routes, as well as bike parks and pump tracks. If history is your passion, make sure you visit the ruined Chateau de Montbel and the museum at the Grande Chartreuse monastery, which will give you a taste of life as a Carthusian monk. Foodies can indulge in the wonderful local produce. The village is home to the popular Boucherie Guerre, which sells delicious charcuterie, sausages and meat, and the Fromagerie Arpin where you can try the best local cheeses and dairy produce.
Hiking, mountain biking and skiing are some of the most popular activities in the Entremonts valley, but there’s plenty more going on, whenever you decide to visit. Here are some of our recommendations:
Waterfall walk You can start this 2.6km walk at the spectacular Cirque de Saint-Meme, a natural amphitheatre just 20 minutes by car (9km) from St Pierre d’Entremont. The path winds through forests for 30 minutes, before descending steeply to the Grande Cascade, and then on to the Cascade Isolee. Take care on the paths, which can be wet and slippery.
Enjoy a wellness day With so much to see and do in the mountains sometimes it is hard to slow down and relax. Why not book yourself a spa day, perhaps with a massage or beauty treatment? Oreade Balneo offers a wide range of services, including hot tubs, wellness treatments, massages and dining. You can even rent out the whole site for a chilled day with friends and family.
Go fishing The Guiers river, which runs through St Pierre d’Entremont, offers plenty of opportunity for anglers. You can also fish in the nearby Cozon and Herbetang - two tributaries of the Guiers. The tourist office in the village will be able to advise you on permits and guides.
Via ferrata This Alpine adventure is a great day out for families with older children - it combines hiking and climbing on a trail cut into the rock face. You’ll wear a helmet and be clipped to the trail at all times to ensure your safety, but you’ll still need a head for heights! The course at La Roche Veyrand is open all year round, depending on weather conditions and equipment can be hired in St Pierre d’Entremont.
Snow-shoe walking Discover the winter wildlife of the mountains away from the pistes when you take a hike into the forests. Hire your snowshoes in St Pierre d’Entremont and head out on your own, or join an organised trip.The tourist office can help you with maps and guides.
A day in the life of a monk Although you cannot visit the famous Grande Chartreuse monastery, the unique museum, just 2km away, will give a great insight into what life is like for the monks and help you understand the mysteries of the 900-year-old Carthusian Order. You can also take a walk in the hills around the monastery, where about 30 monks still live and worship.
Art trail to a ruined castle Sitting high about the Gorges du Frou, the atmospheric Chateau de Montbel was built in the 14th century and destroyed in 1633 on the orders of Richelieu. It was bought in 1694 by the Carthusian monks who rebuilt it, but was abandoned after the French Revolution and fell into ruin. Now it is a popular three-hour walk from St Pierre d’Entremont, which takes in the gorge and an ancient sawmill. The walk also takes in seven “randocroquis” stations, which show budding artists how to draw views in the area.
Airboarding - surfing on snow Discover a new way to enjoy the white stuff with a half-day introduction to airboarding. You’ll learn how to steer your inflatable sledge before perfecting your technique on a descent.
Pony trekking Discover the Chartreuse regional park on horseback, organised by La Petite Cavale d’Erika. Open to all ages, the itinerary will be adapted according to the experience of the riders, who will be carefully matched to the right ponies. Riding equipment is provided - you just need to wear closed shoes and bring a change of clothes, sunscreen , a hat and water.
Going underground Discover a fascinating world beneath your feet with this introduction to caving. The Grotte du Curé, in the Guiers Vif gorge, is a great cave for beginners, and qualified instructors will guide you through abseils, jumps, narrow passages and large chambers. A perfect day out for families with children over the age of eight.
When you don’t feel like cooking at the end of an exciting day in the mountains, or if you’ve got something special to celebrate, there are plenty of places to eat out in and around St Pierre d’Entremont. Here are some of our favourites:
La Table du Moulin des Chartreux 1733 (4 rue de Bazinière, 73670 Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, tel: +33 4 79 65 94 77) For fine dining with beautiful views it’s hard to better this riverside restaurant. The a la carte menu is short but well chosen, and reflects the seasonal produce available locally. There is also a three-course “surprise” menu chosen by the chef (€49) and a six-course tasting menu (€59). Children don’t miss out, and can order smaller portions of dishes on the main menu.
Ferme de Brévardière (372, route du Col du Coq, 38380 Saint Pierre de Chartreuse, tel: +33 4 76 88 60 49) Home-cooked dishes using fresh, local produce (some from the garden) makes this a popular restaurant with guests and residents. The menu (€28) is fixed, and includes an aperitif, bread and four courses. At least one of the dishes will feature saffron which they grow themselves. Vegetarian options are available
La Flambée (Le Centre Bourg, 73670 St Pierre d’Entremont, tel: +33 4 79 65 85 01) Enjoy traditional Savoyard dishes such as fondue, tartiflette and raclette and friendly service at this restaurant in the centre of the village. In winter, you’ll appreciate the wood fire and in warmer weather the terrace is the place to be. Round off your meal with a Chartreuse liqueur!
La Pêche a la Truite (Le Pont du Lac, St Pierre d’Entremont, tel: +33 6 56 80 41 03) Catch your own lunch at this charming restaurant with its own well-stocked trout ponds. There’s also a play area to keep young children busy. Your catch will be served up to you with frites and salad, but steak is also on the menu, as are salads and desserts. Seating is outdoors so hours are very much weather dependent - it’s a good idea to check before you go.
Le Chalet du Planolet (518 Chemin du Souillet, Le Planolet, 38380 St Pierre d’Entremont, tel: 04 76 87 02 14) This cosy restaurant at the foot of the slopes in Planolet serves good home-cooked food, all year round. And in the summer, there’s a good programme of live music to add to your experience. The menu features burgers and steaks as well as local dishes and fish, and delicious home-made desserts, all at reasonable prices. It’s a great stop after a day in the mountains, whether you’re skiing or walking.
Le 16 Art (Le Bourg, St Pierre de Chartreuse, tel: +33 4 76 88 65 42) A popular place to stop for lunch - the galettes are very popular, service is quick and the prices are reasonable. It’s a one-man operation - the chef also takes the orders - so it’s no surprise that there are a limited number of tables. The dishes are imaginative, tasty and beautifully presented.
Despite its size, you’ll find everything you need in St Pierre d’Entremont - there’s a Spar minimarket, a pharmacy and a souvenir shop. But there are also some popular specialist shops where you can pick up delicious local produce - try la Boucherie Guerre, which sells delicious charcuterie, sausages and meat, and the Fromagerie Arpin where you can try the best local cheeses and dairy produce. For a wider choice of shops, try Grenoble (35km) and Chambery (31km).