KCR Winter 2025 2026 Mag V3 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 94
Marvellous Méribel, France
Meribel has always been popular with the British since Colonel Peter
Lindsay, a British military o昀케cer and keen skier, sought to establish a
ski resort outside of Austria. In 1938, he discovered the Méribel valley
and began buying land and built chalets in the traditional Savoyard
style. The 昀椀rst hotel, Le Doron, was built in 1939, and Méribel o昀케cially
began as a ski resort.
to stop on the uphills so always be in the right gear.
Unlike in winter, when it buzzes with skiers, summer in the region offers a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Visitors can savour the slower
pace of life, unhurried by ski lift schedules or crowded chalets. It’s the
perfect getaway for families, couples, nature lovers, and adventure
seekers alike.
Méribel has its very own nature reserve at the Lac du Tuéda, just 6km
south of the centre. It covers 1,100 hectare of protected land and home
to no fewer than 400 animal species and 540 plant varieties. At the
beginning is a beautiful turquoise alpine lake surrounded by towering
peaks and aromatic pine forests.
For hikers, there are over 200kms of marked trails and a route for every
ability- from gentle walks through 昀氀ower-昀椀lled meadows to challenging
ascents with panoramic views. The trails wind through the Vanoise National Park, one of France’s oldest and most beautiful protected areas.
I’m setting out on two hour yoga workshop walk with local guide and
teacher, Marcela Bemposta. She explains that I need to take my shoes
o昀昀, as bare foot. I can better experience the moment. It’s slightly slippery but there is something calming about the feel of damp grass on the
soles of my feet.
Méribel’s reputation as an adventure playground doesn’t stop at hiking.
The resort is also a premier destination for mountain biking. With trails
designed for all skill levels and multiple bike parks equipped with lifts,
riders can explore a variety of terrains. Downhill thrill-seekers can
enjoy lift-assisted descents, while cross-country riders can tackle rolling
routes through mountain pastures and shaded woodlands.
I’m staying right in the centre of the village at the 4* Hôtel La Chaudanne. It’s always packed in the winter, but in summer it’s relatively
quiet. As well as Michelin starred dining, they have a lovely spa facility
with a sauna, hammam, indoor swimming pool and 昀椀tness room. Perfect for pampering after a hard day in the mountains.
On my 昀椀rst day I’m going to tackle the Col de la Loze, a highlight of the
2025 Tour de France. It’s the third highest pass in Savoie and the 10km
route starts at around 1400m and ends at 2,304m. It’s tough but I’ve
hired an E-bike in the village to help me get to the top.
The trail starts in the forest and then winds through alpine pastures
with open views of le Mont Blanc, the Méribel valley and la Grande
Casse. It follows the curves of the mountain and some bends are particularly brutal. I know from previous experience that it’s essential not
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
In this case it means the lowest, particularly for tackling the last 23%
gradient before I arrive at the pass. My e昀昀orts are rewarded by a majestic 360° view of the mountains and I also have satisfaction of climbing
one of the most spectacular mountain passes of the Tour De France.
Marcela is an excellent guide and points out the 昀氀ora and fauna as we
take a gentle walk around the lake and into the forest beyond. She also
makes regular stops where she encourages me to pay attention to the
natural surroundings, leading me through simple breathing exercises.
We linger longer and practise various yoga stretches, all standing up. I’d
imagined I might be practising the lotus position sitting on a mat by the
lake, so this is certainly innovatory. In fact by the time we get back to
our starting point, I feel positively inspired and very relaxed.
In the following days I hike up to the Refuge du Saut, a mountain hut
at an altitude of 2,100m. It sits on a green plateau, overlooked by rocky
mountain ridges with only the whistling of Marmots to punctuate the
silence. As I wake to a glorious sunrise, my thoughts turn to the walk
back down to Méribel. The luxurious spa at the Hôtel La Chaudanne is
beckoning.
www.chaudanne.com/en/hotel-meribel
www.meribel.net/en/
Rupert Parker
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