SUMMER 2014
Transcription
SUMMER 2014
Press PACK SUMMER 2014 Summary ACTION PACKED LES GETS - SUMMER EVENTS 2014.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 4 • 27 - 29 June: Pass’Portes and MTB show in Les Gets • 18th - 20th July: International Mechanical Music Festival • 28th July - 3rd August: Lounge Music Festival • 11th - 17th August: 4 Elements Festival • 23rd and 24th August: Alpine Battle - MTB Orienteering race th th ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 6 • First Stage of Renovations at Hotel Regina • Marmotte Hotel Renovations**** • Hotels, Apartments, Chalets, Bed and Breakfast Accommodation MOUNTAIN BIKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 8 • New MTB trails • Our Local Ambassadors – Tahnee Seagrave, The New Recruit • The pumptrack • The videopark • Bikepark by numbers • Electric MTBs in the Portes du Soleil • 20 years of Mountain Bike History in Les Gets HIGHLIGHTS Summer 2014 ALPINE BATTLE, 23-24 AUGUST: p 5 “Les Gets Events” FIRST STAGE OF RENOVATIONS AT THE REGINA HOTEL: p 6 “Accommodation Packages” MARMOTTE HOTEL**** RENOVATIONS: p 6 “Accommodation Packages” SPORT AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 12 • Hiking for geeks with the Spot’Les Gets App • Evening walk with a fondue and traditional music • Trail running has arrived in Les Gets! • Acrobatic Paragliding • The 18-hole Golf Course FAMILY ACTIVITIES.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 14 • Apprentice Potters • Apprentice Farmers • Pony rides and Little Indian riding lessons • Walking with Donkeys • Chocolate workshops with Isabelle • Portes du Soleil Multipass • The Mechanical Music Museum • Make Musical Instruments at the Mechanical Music Museum WELL-BEING AND RELAXATION .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 17 • The Sereni Cimes Spa • The Clair Moment Institute • Relax in a Yurt NEW MTB TRACKS: p 8 “MTB” A NEW RECRUIT - NEW RESORT AMBASSADOR: p 9 “MTB” HIKING FOR GEEKS WITH THE SPOT’LES GETS APP: p 12 “Sport and Outdoor ” TRAIL RUNNING HAS ARRIVED IN LES GETS !: p 13 “Sport and Outdoor” APPRENTICE POTTERS: p 14 “Family Activities” GASTRONOMY .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 18 • Portrait of Miti, the Japanese cheese maker • A New Chef at the Indigo Restaurant • La Fruitière des Perrières • Visit the La Sarre goat farm •The Best Restaurants - Gault and Millau Restaurant selection ECO-TOURISM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 20 • Alpine Pearls • The Chablais Geopark • The Tourbières Educational Circuit • Eco-Actions (in the MTB/Ski area and village) MADE IN LES GETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 22 • Les Gets village key statistics MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MAKING AT THE MECHANICAL MUSIC MUSEUM: p 16 “Family Activities” A NEW CHEF AT THE INDIGO RESTAURANT: p 18 “Gastronomy” Action packed LES GETS 28TH JULY - 3RD AUGUST LOUNGE MUSIC FESTIVAL See another side of Les Gets - relaxed and chic. Over 4 days more than 30 concerts are planned in different venues throughout the village. Relax on a chaise longue, cocktail in hand and soak up the blues, house or jazz music while the children enjoy making instruments or inventing new cocktails. One aim, relax and unwind - to music. Further information and full programme of all the summer’s big events on en.lesgets.com/events 27TH - 29TH JUNE 2014 PASS’PORTES DU SOLEIL Join us on the tracks of the Portes du Soleil for the 11th annual mountain bike rally between France and Switzerland. The race starts from Les Gets and 6 other resorts. With the help of the adapted ski lifts, the varied route takes you along some of the most stunning tracks in the region, revealing magnificent panoramic views along the way. Refreshment stops on the course offer a revitalising pause and a chance to taste local products and specialities of each village. In 2014 Les Gets hosts the Pass’Portes MTB Show - your chance to discover the essentials of mountain biking, browse the different stands and free test-ride one of the numerous big-brand MTB bikes on show. For these 3 days the atmosphere in the village is equally charged with activities and shows open to the general public. Two un-missable highlights of this year’s Pass’Portes are the “Night Ride - by Hope” on Friday and the “Pass’village” short-track race through the village streets on Saturday evening. 11TH TO 17TH AUGUST 4 ELEMENTS FESTIVAL This festival celebrates the Earth’s four elements (water, air, earth and fire) through imaginative entertainment promoting awareness of the Les Gets identity and environment. Lively street shows, stories, exhibitions, experiments and other surprises are planned during the 5 days of family fun. Learn to make a heat mill, rockets, gliders and windmills. See fire jugglers and fire eaters, watch a parade of huge inflatable giants, learn to fly a kite or join a workshop to learn more about the air we breathe and the role of Lichen in our environment. 18TH - 20TH JULY INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL This year’s theme is ‘Gastronomy’ This year the 16th edition of this flavoursome festival promises to be a delicious artistic fusion, to be enjoyed to the full! For two and a half exciting days, more than 400 participants from around Europe will again converge in Les Gets and transform the village streets and squares into an eclectic musical masterpiece. One hundred shows, conferences and concerts for all ages are planned. Your eyes, ears and taste buds will be enchanted by the automatic musical instruments, Barbarie organs and other sumptuous sounds all based around this year’s theme - Gastronomy. On the menu, from the afternoon of Friday 18th, a magical mise en bouche is proposed in the company of the largest transportable concert organ in the world. Hungry for more? No appetite will be left unsatisfied by the opening gala in the Salle du Baron overlooking the majestic Lac de Montriond, a neighbouring resort in the Portes du Soleil. It was here that the Baron de l’Espée (1852-1918), a great lover of traditional and mechanical organs had his home. On the morning of Saturday 19th July is the Grand Gastronomic opening parade including musical machines made from cooking equipment and Barbarie organ players and street singers dressed as chefs and crazy caterers! To round off the parade there will be an Orgarêve performance - an extraordinary organ with 48 pipes - performing with the Cors des Alpes, saxophone, bells and …. A bottlephone! The entertainment will continue into the evening and night as the organ and barbecue handles rotate in harmony and public and performers eat together. Then, after a short pause, it all starts again on Sunday continuing through to the spectacular closing musical firework display in the evening. 23RD AND 24TH AUGUST ALPINE BATTLE This new generation MTB endurance event is an orienteering race open to all mountain bikers with a good level of technical ability and safety awareness. Teams are formed of 2 competitors, equipped with a route map, who must pass through as many designated checkpoints in the area as possible during the two days of the race. Using GPS technology organisers can verify the position of each team in real time and ensure that all the checkpoints have been crossed. Ski lifts may be used. Competitors start together and each team must race to find the various compulsory routes and complete them in the fastest time possible. The checkpoints can be crossed in any order participants choose, with each team choosing their own route and tactics to maximise their speed and gain precious time. With 3 different categories to encourage as many riders to participate as possible: advanced, leisure and family, both experienced and less experienced riders can enjoy the mountain bike area from a different perspective. Further information: en.lesgets.com/alpinebattle Don’t miss this wonderful gastronomic symphony. PRESS PACK SUMMER 2014 / PAGE 5 GOLFING BREAK Accommodation Situated at the summit of Chavannes, the renowned Les Gets 18-hole golf club has a varied course with exceptional mountain views as it meanders through a gentle wooded environment. For comfort, the club has a fleet of high performance electric buggies at your disposal. From 07/06/14 to 05/10/14: 1 week including accommodation + 1 green fee/ person (20% reduction) from: 104€ /week. PACKAGES These prices are given as examples only and are subject to conditions. For more information contact Les Gets Reservation : Tél. +33 (0)4 50 75 80 51 www.lesgets.com/reservation TREAT YOUR SENSES AT THE LABRADOR HOTEL**** Far from the stress and strains of cities and towns, this charming, characterful chalet-hotel sits in the heart of beautiful, peaceful countryside giving you the time and space to appreciate your spectacular surroundings. In this exceptional setting, under the eye of a discrete and helpful staff, guests can enjoy a uniquely relaxing holiday. In the kitchen too, guests are seduced by the inspired and creative cooking. A true artist, the chef feels strongly about selecting and working with only the best ingredients ensuring their provenance and quality. Price based on a double or twin room: From 105€ /person /per day. Tel +33 (0)4 50 75 80 00 - www.labrador-hotel.com KEEP FIT AND RELAX AT THE TAPIAZ HOTEL**** Try one of the new family suites in this magnificent chalet-hotel with interiors combining contemporary and traditional mountain styles. Old wood, vintage parquet floors, Italian tiles and little Scandinavian wood burning stoves give a warm and cosy atmosphere. To top it all off… Direct access to the spa at the foot of the stairs!! Price based on a double or twin room: 130€/day/person, including buffet breakfasts, a green fee for the 18-hole Les Gets Golf course, a Portes du Soleil Multipass with unlimited access to activities (museum, lake, pedestrian lifts…) a guided mountain walk, access to the swimming pool and the hydro-relaxation centre in the Séréni Cimes Spa. Week-long stays possible from 14/06/14 and the 28/06/14 and from 30/08/14 to 07/09/14. Price: 710€ /Person / for 7 nights. Tel. +33 (0)4 50 75 80 33 - www.hotel-marmotte.com BED AND BREAKFAST WITH LOCAL FOOD AT ‘CHEZ LA FINE’ ACCOMMODATION NEWS FIRST STAGE OF RENOVATIONS AT THE REGINA HOTEL MARMOTTE HOTEL**** RENOVATIONS Ideally located in the heart of the rue du Centre of Les Gets, the Regina has been a family hotel since 1946. Sold to new owners this year, a transformation of the hotel has begun. The first stage of renovation has involved a total redesign of the reception and restaurant areas and the creation of 7 family suites designed to accommodate from 4 to 8 people. Inside, Meike Dauchez, an German interior designer has beautifully retained the Savoyard spirit through use of traditional wood and combined it with her own personal chic, contemporary style. The interiors have a luminous Scandinavian feel with walls and wood floors contrasting with shades of white and slate, giving a pure, sleek, bright finish. The 23 bedrooms will be renovated shortly. Take a new look at this charming family hotel, owned by the Mirigay family since 1947 and ideally located at the bottom of the pistes. From only 6 bedrooms when it opened, it today boasts 48 in addition to its little sister hotel “La Tapiaz” with its 8 luxury suites built last year. A magnificent 800m2 spa, an infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi combine to make this a first class hotel. In 2014 the drawing rooms, bar, restaurant, reception and children’s playrooms have had a total makeover. To keep the cosy, contemporary feel, the owners have again called upon the skills of Julie Lambertini, interior designer and founder of the ‘Un amour de Noël’ boutique in Les Gets, who oversaw work on the Tapiaz and Hervé Lefillatre, a reputed traditional decorator, operating in the Alps since 1978, who has also left his mark on a many well-known establishments in the region. www.hotel-marmotte.com On the ground floor, the owners have had the clever idea of developing what promises to become one of the top après ski spots for those wishing to wind down in peaceful, cosy surroundings. From 3pm, “Le George”, christened after the future king of England, is a tea room and more importantly a wine bar serving finger food and dinner for a relaxing evening with friends (open in winter). www.chalet-regina.fr ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES FAMILY MULTIPASS BREAK Make the most of unlimited access to activities in the Portes du Soleil with the MultiPass for only 8€ (pedestrian chairlifts, lake, museum, tennis, little tourist train…). From 06/06/14 to 06/09/14 : 7 nights in a 2 star, 2-room apartment for 4 people + 4 x 6-day Multipasses (depending on what activities are open): 79€ /adult. MOUNTAIN BIKE (MTB) BREAK Discover the Les Gets Bike Park, Jump Park and huge choice of signed trails in the Portes du Soleil area, perfect for holidays with friends or family. Take your pick from downhill or cross-country MTB trails. There is the Kid Zone and Mini-Jump Park for children and the 4-cross and Jump Park for more experienced riders. From the 14/06/14 to the 07/09/14 : 7 nights in a 2-star apartment for 4 people + 1 six-day adult Portes du Soleil special MTB lift pass: 149€ /adult. For a relaxing break in charming, traditional surroundings, visit this old farm, renovated using traditional stone and antique wood. It has spacious, cosy rooms, a well-being area equipped with a sauna and offers traditional local Savoyard cuisine - making it the perfect place to relax with loved ones and family. Open all year round. Price of double room with breakfast: From 100€ to 120€ /day. Family suite with breakfast: From170€ to 210€ /day. Dinner: 29€ (all inclusive). www.chezlafine-lesgets.com - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 37 20 90 -Tel +33 (0)6 71 26 14 93. GOLF AND GASTRONOMY AT THE CRYCHAR HOTEL Synonymous with the art of mountain living, this family hotel is for those looking to totally unwind and relax and for whom good food and wine are essential ingredients of a good holiday. On the menu at the «Soupers du Crychar», you will find an inventive selection of dishes to titillate even the most experienced of palates. To accompany these delicious dishes is an extensive wine list of nearly 150 wines, some of which are produced organically. In partnership with the Les Gets 18-hole golf club the Crychar is the perfect spot to unwind after a hard-day on the golf course! From 25th June to 19th July 2014: 3 night’s half-board with 1 champagne dinner, 1 rosé dinner and 1 dinner with Mont Blanc wines. Price for 2 people in a double comfort room: 825€. Price for 2 people + 2 green-fees per person: 1000€. PRESS PACK SUMMER 2014 / PAGE 7 TAHNEE SEAGRAVE, THE NEW RECRUIT Downhill Junior World MTB Champion Tahnee has signed a partnership contract with Les Gets MTB. Originally from Great Britain she now lives in the Portes du Soleil and is a regular on the Les Gets slopes where she has trained from a young age. This September she will wear Les Gets colours in the Elite World Cups and World Championships in Norway. Following their agreement with Loïc Bruni last year, Les Gets resort has reinforced its commitment to support top Downhill MTB champions. THE MTB The Les Gets Bikepark is acknowledged as a top international MTB destination. Suitable for riders of all levels, it is continually being developed and improved and is a world- class playground for downhill, cross country, freestyle or freeride mountain bikers. FOR EXPERIENCED RIDERS Covering over 3ha and equipped with bridges, spirals, jumps, forest paths and wood modules, the Jump Park is the place of choice for thrill-seekers. They will also enjoy the downhill runs, Freeride, North Shore Zone, 4-cross and the new Pumptrack. FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WIDE, OPEN SPACE There are 80kms of marked biking trails and tracks through beautiful countryside, over alpine pastures with magnificent panoramic mountain views. Perfect with friends or family either just in Les Gets or further afield on the Pass’Portes du Soleil trails between France and Switzerland. FOR CHILDREN Learning the basics of MTB in complete safety couldn’t be easier than in Les Gets with its ‘Kid Zone’, mini jump park and coaching track. The new Pumptrack in the village centre is also a great hit with young riders looking to learn and/or improve. There are also MTB schools with qualified instructors. Downhill Achievements •2013 - Downhill MTB Junior World Champion. •2013 - Winner of the Junior Downhill MTB World Cup. •2013 - British Downhill MTB Champion. •2013 - Top 10 in the Elite World Cup Downhill MTB. •2013 - Winner of the Elite European Cup in Pila. •2012 - Downhill MTB Vice Junior World Champion. •2012 - Winner of the Junior Downhill MTB World Cup. NEW MTB TRACKS The MTB highlights for summer 2014 are three newly created trails. There are various levels of difficulty: •Red Cross-Country trail : Leaving from the top of the Chavannes Express chairlift, it goes along the top of La Rosta, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc, descends via Nauchets and finishes on the Mouille Ronde forest road before returning to the village. •Blue trail at Chavannes : This trail runs along the Grand Cry Territory, is gently sloping and has some small jumps. •Freeride Module trail on Mont Chéry: Leaving from the top of the Mont Chéry bubble lift, it runs parallel to the existing Dans Le Gaz trail. OUR LOCAL AMBASSADORS For many years, Les Gets has enjoyed a privileged relationship with its local ambassadors. Whether keeping fit in the mountain air in winter or relaxing on family holidays; whether established MTB champions or aspiring newcomers, all have left their mark on the history and development of their sport. JULIEN ABSALON Since his first Junior World title in 1998, Julien Absalon has climbed to the highest echelons of world mountain biking. Today he is at the top of his sport and has won a unique selection of sporting accolades. Multiple French, European and World Champion, he has also twice been Olympic Cross- Country champion. He is often in Les Gets where he enjoys relaxing on family holidays. Cross-Country Achievements •French Champion from 2003 to 2013. •European Champion in 2006, silver medal in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2011. •World Champion from 2004 to 2007, silver medal in 2009 and bronze in 2011. •Double Olympic Champion in 2004 and 2008. •Winner of various World Cup stages. LOÏC BRUNI At just 20 years-old, Loïc is the rising star of French Downhill MTB and is already enjoying success on the World Cup circuit. In 2013 he became a resort ambassador. The Junior World Champion title-holder is a regular on the Les Gets pistes where he comes each year to train. Downhill Achievements •2013 : Elites French Champion. •2012 : Junior World Champion, overall winner of the Junior World Cup. •2011 : Junior French Champion. •2010 : Under-17 French Champion. PRESS PACK SUMMER 2014 / PAGE 9 LES GETS – 20 YEARS OF MOUNTAIN BIKE HISTORY Les Gets is considered the historic birthplace of MTB - since 1992 it has been the European forerunner in developing infrastructure specifically dedicated to the sport. Les Gets has been organising world class MTB events for 20 years: Trophée de France des Jeunes Vététistes (TFJV), The 2004 World Championships and the French Championships in 2012. Today thousands of mountain bikers come to Les Gets each season to trace the tracks of champions and pay tribute to a resort that has become part of mountain bike legend! Find the complete history of MTB in Les Gets at www.lesgets.com/retrovtt IMPORTANT DATES: •1992: French Cup, Downhill national circuit opening •1993: French Cup, Downhill national circuit opening •1994: Final of the French MTB Championships •1995: French Cup •1996: ICU World Cup •1997: French National Youth Mountain Bike Trophy (TNJV) •1998: ICU World Cup •1999: ICU World Cup •2000: ICU World Cup •2000: French National Youth Mountain Bike Trophy (TNJV) •2002: ICU World Cup •2004: ICU World Mountain Bike Championships •2010: French National Youth Mountain Bike Trophy (TNJV) •2011: Enduro Series •2012: French Championships Focus ON... PASS’PORTES DU SOLEIL 27TH TO 29TH JUNE AND THE MTB SHOW IN LES GETS www.passportesdusoleil.com See page 4 ALPINE BATTLE 23RD AND 24TH AUGUST en.lesgets.com/alpinebattle See page 5 ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKES IN THE PORTES DU SOLEIL THE PUMPTRACK Located in the Place de la Mairie, in the resort centre, the Pumptrack completes the two-wheel facilities of the Les Gets Bikepark. Inspired by tracks carved out by BMX riders in the 70s and 80s, the Pumptrack is a circuit around which bikers ride without peddling. The linked bends, dips and bumps can be ridden or jumped in various combinations at a speeds of over 30km/h depending on which technique is used. Open to the general public, the Pumptrack unites all the MTB disciplines (cross-country, downhill, freeride, dirt and BMX) with no distinction for age, equipment or standard. Not only easily accessible and fun, the Pumptrack is also a dynamic area to learn and improve. It is open free of charge throughout the summer season. On-line video en.lesgets.com/MTB/pumptrack BIKEPARK BY FIGURES •80kms of marked tracks •12 Downhill tracks (DH) •1 Freeride track •6 Cross-Country tracks (XC) •1 x 3 Hectare Jump park •1 North Shore Zone •1 Mini Jump Park •1 Kid Zone •1 4-Cross track •1 ‘Coaching Track’ •1 Pumptrack •1 Videopark •3 dedicated mountain bike chairlifts including the Chavannes Express chairlift, fitted with double hooks to enable 2 bikes per chair •35 staff covering the information desk, lifts and lift-pass kiosks. •8 Bike patrols ensuring the safety and upkeep of the tracks. THE VIDEOPARK Like giant slalom skiers this winter, mountain bikers can make their own free personal video. Located on the Gibannaz plateau in the mini jump park at Chavannes, the ‘Video zone’ is designed to film riders free of charge as they ride the various modules. They can then watch and analyse their performance on their mobile or internet and/or share it on social networks. en.lesgets.com/videopark The first area of this scale to be linked with electric MTBs, the Portes du Soleil will be connected via a network of electric MTBs for the second year running. Special routes marked with coloured-coded dots (green, blue, red and black) have been in place since 2013. There are 24 circuits coded relative to their length and technical difficulty. Some cover a resort (1hr-2hrs), others a valley (half-day) or further afield (full-day). Once flat, batteries can be exchanged in any of the partner shops or at any one of 7 specific relay points located in mountain restaurants in the Portes du Soleil. Price guide: Half-day from 25€-50€, full-day 49€-75€ depending on type of MTB and battery strength. NEWS FOR 2014: Try out an electric MTB free-of-charge for a few minutes every Monday morning during July and August at any of the participating shops (depending on availability of bikes), Participating shops in Les Gets: Evasion Sports, Intersport and Nevada Sport all have Electric MTBs. en.lesgets.com/MTB Go to EN.LESGETS.COM/MTB for the latest MTB news from les Gets. PRESS PACK SUMMER 2014 / PAGE 11 tions are optimal: strong thermals are required to gain as much height as possible. The results are thrilling, soaring through the air performing figures like a wingover, sat or helicopter. Go upside down, forwards, backwards – even the bravest are guaranteed thrills and adrenaline highs! Price: 120€, including video. Contact Antoine Tricou : Tel. +33 (0)6 10 12 37 79. 18-HOLE GOLF COURSE The Les Gets Golf Club was the first golf course in France to obtain the ISO 14001 certification (environmental accreditation) in October 2010. The audit applauded the initiatives of the Golf Club in ensuring minimal negative environmental impact. This accreditation reinforces the eco-tourism philosophy of the village alongside those obtained by SAGETS (the lift company) and the Tourist Office. The fact that the course is situated in a stunning natural environment with incredible views of Mont Blanc partly explains the success of this mountain golf club. But golfing aficionados also appreciate the tree-lined fairways offering scope for a large diversity of play. This season’s diary is packed with exciting dates and promises a summer full of enjoyable, memorable events. GOLF COURSE DETAILS: •Opening Dates : From Saturday 7th June to Sunday 5 th October 2014 •18-hole course of 5264m – par 70, located on the Chavannes side of Les Gets •Member of the Golfy network, premiere golf course network in France •30 Golfing Buggies available to players •Golfing Academy: Lessons for all standards from a qualified professional. •Restaurant du Golf: Something for everyone from an express menu to a selection of gastronomic delights. For more details of the course, videos, calendar, events, special offers… connect to: www.lesgets.com/golf Sport AND Outdoor ACTIVITIES From the keenest, fittest sports enthusiast to the more moderate participant - the choices in Les Gets are endless! On land or in the air, on horseback or in the tree tops - there really is something for everyone! HIKING FOR GEEKS WITH THE SPOT’LES GETS APP Spot’Les Gets is a new smartphone app a free, interactive game giving mountain hiking an original, fun twist. Gain points as you solve puzzles, answer quizzes and complete challenges and win holidays and other goodies throughout the season. There are a total of 6 possible hikes - for families, adults and teenagers – something for everyone. Points are carried over from one hike to the next allowing for continuous classification. Check your status on-line. Infos : en.lesgets.com/spotlesgets EVENING WALK WITH A FONDUE AND TRADITIONAL MUSIC This gentle walk begins at 6.30pm and lasts for about an hour. An opportunity to chat, meet friends and enjoy the local countryside. Throughout the walk your guide will enchant you with fascinating local history and anecdotes. The route itself offers its own surprises with a few short stops to appreciate the music of traditional bagpipes from Central France. To round off this delightful evening, walkers are led to a traditional mountain chalet where a delicious fondue awaits. What better way to end this Savoyard experience? Weekly on Wednesday evenings. Price: 44€/person (including guided walk, pre-dinner drink, fondue, wine, dessert and digestive). Information, prices and reservations: Tel. +33 (0)6 81 05 60 82. TRAIL RUNNING COMES TO LES GETS This year on Mont Chéry, three new signposted Trail Running circuits, including a beginner’s circuit for families, have been created. Run over beautiful countryside, through forests and mountain pastures, and feast your eyes on exceptional panoramic views with Mont Blanc as the backdrop. It is also the perfect landscape for experienced fell runners to improve or simply recharge their batteries in the mountains. TRAIL 1 : BLUE - 5.7 km - 250 m D+ TRAIL 2 : RED - 10.5 km - 580 m D+ TRAIL 3 : BLACK - 11.5 km - 800 m D+ Access from the Mont Chéry bubble. All circuits begin and end at the bubble arrival station. Further information : www.lesgets.com/trail ACROBATIC PARAGLIDING Antoine Tricou is an experienced paraglider, who has been competing for over a decade and is a member of the ‘Pole France de parapente’. Passionate about his sport, he has developed freestyle tandem paragliders to offer thrill-seekers this new, intense flight experience. The take-off point is at the top of Mont Chéry, opposite Mont Blanc. Flights are arranged in the middle of the day when weather condiPRESS PACK SUMMER 2014 / PAGE 13 PONY RIDING AND LITTLE INDIAN RIDING LESSONS These riding activities are organised every day at the Ranch du Lac, from mid-June to the beginning of September. It is also possible to ride at other times by prior arrangement. Prices: - Beginners Pony Ride: 10€ - 2-hour riding lesson (from 6yrs old): 35€ - Week-long ‘Little Indian’ Riding course (from 6yrs old): 150€ - 1-hour Baby Pony ride (from 3yrs old): 20€ Tel. +33 (0)6 08 18 78 54 - www.ranchdulac-lesgets.com WALKING WITH DONKEYS Funny, intelligent, sometimes headstrong and often greedy, donkeys are great walking companions that particularly appeal to children! They make walking fun and different and for either a day or short circuit will plod happily along encouraging the children (rarely losing their cool)! Price from 20€/child - 23€/adult. Tel. +33 (0)6 81 05 60 82. CHOCOLATE WORKSHOPS WITH ISABELLE A fun, original family activity where everyone can create their own delicious chocolate-based delicacy. Isabelle organises various workshops: Caramel, Guimauve (marshmallow) and Fete Foraine (Fairground) for children and a chocolate-based patisserie making workshop for adults too. Price 10€ - 20€ depending on workshop. Duration 1hr 30 mins. Every Thursday. Information and reservations: Chalet du Chocolat Tel. +33 (0)4 50 37 67 43 ou + 33 (0)6 84 34 36 75. Family ACTIVITIES Immerse yourself in the splendor of the mountains, slow down a gear and enjoy the huge range of family activities on offer in Les Gets. The village has been awarded the ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ accreditation in recognition of the welcome it gives to families with children and its infrastructure adapted to all age groups. There are endless activities to ensuring everyone leaves with wonderful memories. APPRENTICE POTTERS Eager to share their passion, Anouk and Nathalie, the two Getoise farmer/potter sisters are running beginners’ pottery workshops at the Ferme de la Sarre throughout the summer. From the age of 12, children are dextrous enough to use the potter’s wheel. Anouk teaches her students traditional pottery turning techniques. The end results are the product of the imagination and skill of each child - whether a bowl, a pot or some other decorative object whatever it is, it will be unique! Children under 12 learn a different type of pottery. They can delight in the feeling of clay between their fingers as they knead it, play with it and model and sculpt it into imaginative shapes. They will learn how to make things using the Colombin technique of moulding pieces of clay together to create shapes. So younger children too can make their own bowls, plates… anything that sparks their imagination! The goal is for each child to leave with their own finished piece of pottery (fired by the potters) at the end of their holiday. Remember - this special location is not only a pottery, but a sheep farm that is open to the public for visits every week. Price 20€ /person. Duration: 1hour. Reservation required. Every Monday. Tel. +33(0) 6 82 58 28 40 - www.poterie-des-gets.fr APPRENTICE FARMERS Feed rabbits, make cheese, look after pigs - children from 3 years old can play at being farmers for a morning, in this fun, child friendly environment. Learn about animals and how to look after them during a happy relaxed morning at the farm. Price: 15€/child from 10am to midday (reservation required). Tel: +33 (0)6 26 92 60 62 www.lesapprentisfermiers.com PORTES DU SOLEIL MULTIPASS, ENJOY UNLIMITED ACTIVITIES FOR 2€/DAY With a Portes du Soleil Multipass, hikers have unlimited use of the lift network throughout the Portes du Soleil for only 2€/day. Many other activities are also included in this multi-activity card; the swimming lake, the Mechanical Music Museum and the little tourist train in Les Gets. In the Portes du Soleil area, 4 swimming pools, 2 lakes, 24 lifts, 5 cultural sites, 9 tennis centres, 2 ice skating rinks, 3 little tourist trains, an inter-resort mini bus service, 800kms of hiking routes and numerous reductions in shops and services are accessible with the Multipass. The price decreases for a 6-day pass : 8€ instead of 12€. Family ACTIVITIES THE MECHANICAL MUSIC MUSEUM The only museum of its kind in Europe, the fascinating mechanical music museum exhibits a huge range of instruments some of which date from the 17th Century. From the musical box to the gramophone, via Barbary organs and automatic pianos, there are 500 working examples exhibited chronologically throughout the museum’s various rooms. Thanks to the extent and originality of its exhibits the Les Gets mechanical museum is considered a renowned international collection. Visitors are transported to a bygone era as they stroll through the galleries and halls. Discover treasures such as the Roger & Gallay (the famous perfumiers) automated music collection, the talking machine or the beer garden dance organs displayed in the new exhibition rooms. The star of this magnificent collection is the museum’s prize possession, the Aeolian Philharmonic organ, classed as an Historical Monument. This imposing structure now resides in Les Gets’ church, and works in both manual and automatic modes. Another unique exhibit are the commemorative mechanical bells marking the 150th anniversary of the Savoie’s annexation to France which dominate the entrance to the museum. Price : 9€/adult - 5€/-16 ans. Tel. +33 (0)4 50 79 85 75 - www.musicmecalesgets.org MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AT THE MECHANICAL MUSIC MUSEUM Every Wednesday, the museum runs a workshop where children over 5-years old can learn about mechanical music. It is a wonderful occasion giving each child the opportunity to learn about music from another era in a fun, instructive and hands-on way. To begin with children are introduced to various mechanical instruments (organ, piano, violin..) and taught about the component parts (pipes, bellows…) In the second part of the session, children make their own percussion instrument/drum to take home with them. Price: 3€/person for a 1hr workshop Registration at the Museum - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 79 85 75 www.musicmecalesgets.org Well-being AND Relaxation THE SERENI CIMES SPA This sensational 800 m2 beauty-treatment centre resembles a cosy but sophisticated mountain chalet. With its interior of magnificent old wood and Mont Blanc stone, you feel cut off from the real world, in a magical place to unwind and forget everyday stresses. Escape from it all with a massage, detoxify in the Turkish bath or simply relax in a stimulating shower. Tel +33 (0)4 50 79 86 09 - www.serenicimes.com THE CLAIR MOMENT INSTITUTE THE 16TH EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL will take place from 18th to 20th July 2014, on the theme of “Mechanical Music and Gastronomy”. For a wonderfully indulgent interlude and unique relaxation experience, this beauty institute offers top brand facial and body treatments. Clarins has selected Clair Moment as one of its ‘Clarins Beauty Centres’ ensuring specific training for their beauty therapists. The centre also offers Pure Altitude treatments, using mountain plant extracts from the edelweiss and phytomer with their active radiance restoring benefits. Tel. +33 (0)4 50 79 86 09 - www.clairmoment.com RELAX IN A YURT Holidays are the ideal time to relax and recharge. For those needing to escape the stresses of daily life, Noëlle Letessier has the answer. She runs relaxation sessions in a Yurt in the heart of the countryside. Her voice will lead you into deep relaxation, tranquillity and restorative calm. Tensions gradually drift away leaving internal harmony between body and soul. Noëlle can also organise sessions for people with specific issues, sleep, weight, smoking… Prices from 50€ to 70€ (depending on the session). Tel +33 (0)6 70 11 81 71 - www.capsolutions-etvous.com PRESS PACK SUMMER 2014 / PAGE 17 PORTRAIT OF MITI, THE JAPANESE CHEESE-MAKER AT THE FRUITIERE DES PERRIERES THE BEST RESTAURANTS GAULT AND MILLAU RESTAURANT SELECTION Passionate about cycling and enamoured by cows, Miti originally wanted to be a farmer. While watching the Tour de France on television in Japan a few years ago, he made up his mind to live his dream in France with its fascinating landscape. He arrived in Poitiers, with only his bicycle for transport and soon realised that there were no cows or farms close by. He was not interested in industrial farming, so abandoned his idea of trying Normandy and set out to look for an more suitable area. THE SAINT LAURENT Savour refined cuisine, inspired by traditional scents and flavours in beautiful Savoyard surroundings. Crayfish ravioli, lobster with cèpe risotto, beef roasted on the open fire, vanilla and citrus fruit soufflé. Clients just keep coming back for more! So he began work in Chambery in the Savoie. He saw early on that farming was a difficult career unless one came from a farming family. While staying on a farm who gave him accommodation in exchange for work, he discovered a passion for cheese-making. He was in the right environment and at last he was working with cow’s milk! LES SOUPERS DU CRYCHAR In this relaxing family ambiance, succumb to the delights of original dishes created with care and attention. Pan-fried foie gras with chestnut cream, scallops, Jerusalem artichoke cream with orange zest, pistachio pan-a-cota with a pear and hazelnut coulis or the delectable Guerande salted shortbreads. In addition to Abondance, Tomme and Raclette cheeses, he has created his own, the Blue des Gets and the Saveurs de Gets (like a Swiss Gruyere). Miti shares his enthusiasm with tourists and schools alike during weekly guided visits to the dairy throughout the season. Miti was awarded the Bronze medal in the ‘Abondance Dairy’ category at the Concours Général Agricole at this years’ Agricultural show in February. LE TOURBILLON A beautiful menu offering traditional and sophisticated food. The quality and freshness of the ingredients is evident in the varied menu of traditional Savoyard specialities and imaginatively updated traditional favourites. Gastronomy A NEW CHEF AT THE INDIGO RESTAURANT Alan White is the new Head Chef at the Indigo restaurant in the Chamois d’Or hotel. He has worked in the kitchens of renowned Michelin starred restaurants including Gleneagles in Scotland, the Lanesborough in London and Raymond Blanc’s Manoir Aux Quat’Seasons. As a result, he has a thorough knowledge of classic techniques and believes that a successful dish is a marriage of traditional and contemporary styles. He is constantly developing new classics to create perfectly presented dishes with texture and quality. His dream is to get his first Michelin star. Hardworking and ambitious, he has what it takes to succeed. His food is stunningly presented and contemporary. Ingredients are seasonal and sourced locally whenever possible. Sample dishes include slow cooked and smoked rib of Black Angus beef with morel mushroom compote, crushed peas and thyme and onion jus. The Indigo Restaurant at the Hotel Chamois d’Or promises to become one of the top fine-dining experiences in Les Gets. The restaurant opens at 7pm each evening, advance booking is recommended. Three course evening meals are available from 45€ per adult. See the menu at www.hotel-lesgets.com - Tel +33 (0)4 50 04 29 41. THE FRUITIERE DES PERRIERES The Fruitière des Perrières is an institution in Les Gets. This cheese-making dairy has been in existence for over 100 years and is where Miti, the Japanese cheese-maker creates his excellent Savoyarde cheeses - Abondance, Raclette and Mountain Tomme. The original cheese-maturing cellars have been converted into a charming ferme-auberge where customers can delight in delicious Savoyarde specialties made from the home-produced cheeses. Surrounded by original historical and gastronomic artifacts – this charming, traditional auberge is one of the most popular venues in Les Gets. Tel. +33 (0)4 50 79 70 04 - www.fruitiere-lesgets.com VISIT THE LA SARRE GOAT FARM Jean-Claude Bonhomme is a passionate farmer. At his farm deep in the local countryside, sheep, rabbits, chickens, pigs, donkeys and goats live side by side. He makes his Chevrotin, a delicious local cheese, d’appellation contrôlée (which can only be produced in specific areas), from his own goats’ milk. You can buy his Chevrotin directly from the farm each morning or try it in various Les Gets restaurants. Jean-Claude works with his son-in-law Florent, following fast in his father’s footsteps, who will undoubtedly take up of reins of the family business in due course! Every Thursday at 6.00pm, Goat farm visit (maximum 20 people, reservation only). Price 5€/adult - 3€/child (from 3yrs to 14yrs). Tel : +33 (0)4 50 79 71 62 www.lesfermesdelasarre.fr PRESS PACK SUMMER 2014 / PAGE 19 THE CHABLAIS GEOPARK WHAT IS A GEOPARK? A Geopark is an area with many sites of geological interest. This interest could be archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural and due either to the site’s scientific importance, rarity, beauty or educational value. In 2012 the Chablais region joined the International World and European Geopark network which is a UNESCO initiative. The Chablais Geopark is in the Haute-Savoie and extends from the south banks of Lake Leman to the mountain summits of Les Gets and the Portes du Soleil. This remarkable natural area influences the life and culture of its inhabitants and the numerous visitors to the area. THE GEOROUTE, TOURBIERES EDUCATIONAL CIRCUIT IN LES GETS AND SKI AREA An important part of the Geopark is the establishment of the Georoute, linking 20 sites of geological interest to provide an interesting, informative tour of typical local geology. One of the areas of specific geological interest is the wet land area of Tourbieres in Les Gets with its rich geological identity. An educational circuit has been created close to these wet lands by the Lac des Ecoles. It is free of charge and open to the public with information panels along the footpaths so the whole family can enjoy learning about the challenges of water in the mountains. It is also possible to walk the Georoute with a guide trained by the Chablais Geopark. This fascinating walk called ‘The secrets of the Les Gets/Morzine ski area’ follows ski pistes and reveals millions of years of mountain history, back to the time when the area was an alpine ocean. Contact: Marion Lejay - Tel. 06 03 40 36 04. For further information: www.geopark-chablais.com Eco-Tourism For years sustainable tourism has been important in Les Gets with priority given to the preservation and enhancement of the human and natural environments. Various projects form part of the overall policy which aims to raise awareness among customers and encourage local inhabitants, both residential and professional, to participate in these initiatives. Some examples: •Environmental charters for accommodation providers requiring establishments to respect a certain number of environmental criterea. •The ski area, the Tourist Office and the Les Gets Golf Club (first club in France) are certified ISO 14001. An independent audit is carried out each year to ensure standards are maintained. Along with 28 other tourist resorts located in 6 Alpine countries (Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland) Les Gets has, since 2006, held the Alpine Pearl label in recognition of our commitment to environmentally friendly tourism. Alpine Pearls actively promotes low-impact transport in the Alps, in order to reduce CO2 emissions, by giving clients choices on how to arrive and leave a resort as well as get around within a resort during their stay. In Les Gets this commitment is reflected by a quality guarantee and concrete actions for our visitors. In Les Gets this commitment is reflected by a quality guarantee and concrete actions for our visitors. •Sisitors can arrive via public transport and get around the village and entire valley during their stay without a car, using ski lifts, the little train, the Balad’Aulps bus and the P’ti Bus transport on demand system. •Visitors can enjoy fun, imaginative, environmentally friendly activities during their mountain holiday: hiking with donkeys, electric MTBs, 18-hole golf course with electric golf carts, the Ranch du Lac with pony and horse riding and events organised to maximise sensibility to our environment. •Visitors can learn about local culture: the 100-year old wooden merry-go-round, the Mechanical Music Museum and historically listed organ, pottery workshops, traditional mountain village architecture… •Visitors can support local agriculture and enjoy regional products on farm visits, at the cheese dairy or farm shops and through the delicious local dishes prepared by our restaurateurs. ECO-ACTIONS IN THE SKI AND MTB AREA •Provision of pocket ashtrays at all lift kiosks •Preservation of wet-lands in the ski area. Work has been carried out which both preserves the ecosystem and the ski area in winter. •Re-turfing of the summer activity area. This protects the ground from erosion, integrates the pistes with the natural countryside, helps stabilise the snow cover and encourages biodiversity. •A protection zone for Black Grouse has been established with signposting explaining the protected species. •An annual rubbish-collection day over the ski area in spring. •Excavation work during the summer months to create gentler slopes and preserve snow cover in winter. This reduces the piste-bashers’ work and limits snow canon use. •Speed regularisation of certain lifts. To avoid frequent stops, certain lifts now move very slowly, reducing energy consumption. •100% of electricy used by the ski lifts comes from renewable energy sources. •Rigorous water controls, reservoirs for drinking water, new generation snow canons (more energy efficient), additive-free snow manufacture. •Biodegradable oil for piste bashers. IN THE VILLAGE •Wood-fired central-heating. Since 2000, a wood-fired heating system using re-claimed wood has heated 12 municipal buildings via a network over 1km long. •Semi-pedestrianised village centre with wide pavements. The rue du Centre is closed on certain days. Night minibus service for 2€/ride during the winter, free electric inter-urban bus network, Balad’Aulps Bus and P’tit bus (public transport on demand) service to the valley. •Local services and businesses involved: geothermal systems, heat pumps, organic wines, local produce, organic cleaning… •Participation in European environmental initiatives in conjunction wth partners such as l’Ademe, Piorieterre, Mountain riders, Alpine Pearls, Clim’Alp Tour. •Ensuring visitors are aware of the different accommodation options, events and activities throughout the season. •Purchase of eco-cups for events. •Environmentally-friendly purchasing policy at SaGets, the Golf Club and the Tourist Office. PRESS PACK SUMMER 2014 / PAGE 21 LES GETS VILLAGE KEY STATISTICS 1293 PERMANENT RESIDENTS 40 RESTAURANTS, BARS, PUBS, BOWLING ALLEY, DISCO, MADE IN LES GETS IS: •A charming Alpine village retaining its traditional values. •The most beautiful views of Mont Blanc. •A Mountain Bike Paradise - with 24 lifts open across the Portes du Soleil area. •An 18-hole golf course with ISO 14001 certification. •An Eco Tourism Village (with environmental certification for the lifts, the tourist office and the golf course). •The Family Plus Montages accreditation - guaranteeing a first class welcome for families. •Additional Activities: Adventure parc, rafting, hydro speed, hiking, bowling, archery, trampoline, pottery painting… CINEMA 1 HEALTH AND BEAUTY CENTRE 16 000 BEDS 521 ROOMS 3 HOTELS**** 7 HOTELS*** 4 HOTELS** 3 SELF CATERING RENTAL PROPERTIES WITH HOTEL SERVICES 2 RESIDENCES 2 GUEST ROOMS WITH «TABLES D’HÔTES», SELF CATERING APARTMENTS AND CHALETS, GROUPS ACCOMMODATIONS CONTACTS : Director: Flora RICHARD Press Office: Chrystelle FELISAZ Tel. direct : +33 (0)4 50 75 81 70 Mobile : +33 (0)6 10 23 77 47 [email protected] www.lesgets.com Office de Tourisme des Gets B.P. 27 - 74260 Les Gets - France Tel.: +33 (0)4 50 75 80 80 [email protected] Press website access for Press-Pack PDF downloads and photo gallery: www.lesgets.com/presse Longitude : 6,66994572 - Latitude : 46,15869936 By plane: Geneva International airport 55 km away (1 hour’s drive) By train: TGV to Cluses 22 km away By car: A40 motorway, Cluses exit. STAY CONNECTED www.facebook.com/LesGetsOfficiel twitter.com/lesgetsnews www.youtube.com/lesgetsTV Follow all the latest news updates concerning Les Gets directly on your mobile: news, calendar of events, webcams, weather forcasts, directory, activities... To check it out, go to m.lesgets.com or scan this barcode. © Photos : JL.Armand - JM.Baud - A.Berkut - V.Bron N.Joly - Marion_Co - Musée de la Musique Mécanique - C.Mutillod E.Perdu - G.Place - Regardansleviseur - Séréni Cimes - S.Thomas