More reasons to summer in the Alps as the Coeur de Megève completes renovations
Megève in south-eastern France is becoming increasingly popular with UK holidaymakers wanting to escape to the mountains in the summer, thanks to a huge choice of outdoor and cultural activities, as well as a growing number of chic and affordable accommodation options including the legendary Hotel Mont Blanc, the charming Hôtel La Grange d’Arly and the delightful Hotel Chalet Saint Georges.
The Coeur de Megève boutique hotel is the latest such property attracting Brits, having recently reopened after an extensive renovations programme, and going from three to four-star status. The Coeur de Megève, meaning the Heart of Megève, was fully revamped by the acclaimed interior designer Sybille de Margerie (her other projects include the Mandarin Oriental, Paris, Cheval Blanc Courchevel, and the Royal Champagne). All 39 rooms, most of which have balconies or terraces, were stylishly updated with contemporary décor, elegant fixtures and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Family run and situated on rue Charles Feige, the village’s main shopping street, renovations were also made to the property’s superb La Muse Restaurant, Le Meige cocktail bar, and the onsite spa by Tata Harper.
Set in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, Megève is a beautiful and traditional winter sports resort that has been popular with artists, intellectuals and holidaymakers for more than a century. The traffic-free, cobbled medieval centre features an abundance of artisan shops, excellent and affordable dining options and an impressive array of three, four and five-star hotels, as well as no less than four Michelin-starred restaurants. Although the resort is less travelled outside of the ski season, it has just as just as much to offer in the summer with hundreds of hiking and biking trails set against the stunning mountain scenery.
From June to September, the village is a hive of activity with plenty on offer to suit all tastes and abilities. With yoga retreats and superb spa facilities, Megève is the perfect destination to simply unwind and relax in the mountains, but holidaymakers can also choose from a range of climbing, trekking and fishing excursions or opt to play tennis or a round of golf on a world-class course. Visitors can also reconnect with nature through an array of transformative experiences, think horse-back rides to the summit of Mont d’Arbois to admire the spectacular sunset, or taking to the skies over the Alps in a light-aircraft. What’s more, thrill-seekers are spoilt for choice in Megève, with the resort making a great base for anyone wanting to take advantage of the region’s superb paragliding, parachuting, canyoning, rafting and mountain bike offering.
Culture lovers are equally well catered for in Megève, with the resort boasting a rich agricultural and architectural heritage, which is celebrated and authentically preserved. Holidaymakers can marvel at the impressive 19thCentury calvarie structures (crucifixes) throughout the village or learn about the area’s history at the fascinating Museum of Megève, discovering how early visitors were attracted by the town’s reputation for producing some of the world best honey, a reputation that persists to this day. Furthermore, Megève is home to seven excellent art galleries, showcasing the work of some the best regional and international artists, spanning a range of styles and disciplines.
More news from Megève
Attraction News: This summer the largest leisure complex in the Alps marks its 50th birthday. Completed in the 1969, Le Palais’ original principle benefactor was the legendary French singer, guitarist, and actor Sacha Distel, who was instrumental in creating a facility that would allow locals and holidaymakers to play and to get active in the mountains. With multiple expansions and renovations since, the most recent of which took place in 2016, the centre now features a vast array of superb facilities including an aquatics centre, Turkish baths, climbing walls, a year-round ice rink, indoor and outdoor pools, a health spa, yoga facilities, tennis courts and more, the historic centre is also home to a dedicated cultural area and excellent restaurant. To celebrate the anniversary, access to Le Palais will be free on the weekend 22-23 June.
https://lepalaismegeve.com
Event News: Megève has an impressive year-round events calendar, with a range sporting, cultural, music and family themed festivals each year. This summer’s major events will include the MB Race Culture Vélo (5-7 July), widely regarded as one of the most exciting and one of the toughest mountain bike races anywhere. The 26th edition of the Megève Jazz Contest (12-14 July), which will take place on the village streets and features a dozen bands from all over Europe. The Megève International Show Jumping Competition (15-21 July), a premier equestrian tournament attracting some of world’s best riders. And the Megève Blues Festival (1-3 August), a free concert that has previously featured the talents of Laurence Jones, Johnny Gallagher and ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons.
Other accommodation news: The rustic and chic five-star M de Megève is popular choice for discerning holidaymakers during the ski season, but for the first time the much-loved hotel will open its doors to summer visitors. The elegant property is centrally located and boasts two excellent restaurants, a sophisticated bar and a spa. Meanwhile, extensive upgrades to the rooms will shortly be made at the cosy three-star Au Coin du Feu. This classic chalet-style hotel features a rustic lounge bar and is only a four-minute walk from the village shops and restaurants, and within a 10-minute walk of ski lifts.
Go There
Megève is only an hour and a quarter from Geneva Airport, which benefits from direct, low-cost flight access from London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Bristol and Leeds.Return flights on these dates from London Heathrow to Geneva with SWISS are pricedfrom £89 pp.
To plan your Megève trip and for more information, please visit: https://megeve.com
Images copyright of Commune de Megève
