Here, at the Mercure in Courchevel, we love the mountains. We're located in the heart of the Three Valleys, at the foot of the ski trails, across from a lake. In summer, the ski trails and slopes turn into pastureland and we've got cows grazing all around the hotel.
"Our love of the mountains is a passion we like to share with our guests. We want to give them a taste of traditional mountain life. Our hotel is thoroughly Savoyard in decor, with lots of wood and typical furnishings. Our restaurant, "La Laiterie," features a cow theme - there are so many of them in these parts! This, of course, means cheese and dishes like tartiflette, fondue and raclette, which we serve both in winter and in the summer.
It's not really a revelation, but in the mountains, summer and winter are two completely different seasons. The landscape and scenery both change radically and sometimes visitors who come back in the summer don't recognize a grassy pasture as the snow-covered place they saw just a few months earlier.
In winter people come to ski and they spend all their time on the slopes. Summer is when you can really get to know the mountains. That's why we offer a number of discovery programs, open to all. You can go off for a day of walking or a long hike lasting several days. For the latter, we make the arrangements for overnighting at mountain refuges. The accommodations are fairly Spartan, but totally authentic.
Every hike is led by an expert who maps the circuit best suited for the group. You walk, of course, but you can also observe the marmots, take note of the trees and flowers, and pick wild strawberries. For kids as well as adults, it's fresh air and fun discoveries guaranteed! Hiking circuits also go by alpine cheesemaking places and farms where you can sample the local specialties.
Often, you stop for a picnic amid breathtaking scenery - an incredible mountain vista or by a lake. And it's there, away from crowds of people, in a calm, peaceful setting, where you fully appreciate what the mountains have to offer!"
