A modern, colorful twist on the traditional chalet, Landscape Lodge is nestled among snowy mountains in the winter and rolling green fields and glistening lakes in the summer.

Wood beams and natural materials feature heavily throughout, with a delightful preponderance of plaid, furs, and blankets. Farrow and Ball paint and art by Liza Giles ratchet up the style factor, while comfort reaches a new summit in the bedrooms, all en suite and individually-styled with graphic tiles, French antiques, and country-style beds with crisp white linens.

Apres-ski or hike can be spent on the expansive wraparound balcony, giving you a skybox seat to the spectacular alpine panorama, or with a dip in the equally immersive copper outdoor bathtub. (Read more about it in our Stories section here.)

With a wealth of activities on the menu year-round, those looking for a retreat would be wise to consider a trip to this cozy vacation rental in the French Alps. 

This vacation rental in the French Alps is designed for gathering and is ideally configured for groups of family or friends.

The main part of the chalet has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, sleeping up to nine guests. Of the top floor bedrooms, The Lookout and Mountain View have king-size beds, plus French doors leading to balconies with mountain views. The Nest bedroom has a double bed and cabin bed, en-suite with shower and bathtub. This floor also has a nursery room that can sleep up to six, plus two infants in cots.

On the middle floor is a cozy living space with a kitchen, fireplace, balcony, terrace, and study space. There is one bedroom on this floor, the Pine Room, which has a king-size bed and en-suite with cast iron bathtub, with views into the garden and pine trees.

And for groups larger than eight, the home has an additional two bedrooms on the ground floor that can be booked. This consists of a self-contained apartment called the Garden Suite, which can sleep an extra four people. One bedroom has a double bed and the other two twins, with a bathroom in between them. There is a living area with a small kitchen and dining table. The living area has a sofa and TV, with French doors that open onto the private garden.

Please note: The owners would never book both properties to two sets of guests at the same time.

​

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Open fire, boot room for skiing or hiking equipment, yoga mats provided for yoga on the terrace, all bedrooms with en-suites, nursery with two cots, baby high chairs and dinner sets, fully-equipped kitchen, laundry room with washer, dryer and iron, free unlimited fast WiFi, SmartTV with Netflix, Bluetooth speaker, underfloor heating, fresh bathroom towels, bathroom essentials, parking for up to six vehicles, large private garden, incredible mountain views, alfresco dining on terrace, welcome hamper, study room/office

AROUND

Landscape Lodge is situated on Abondance’s outskirts, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, within a warm, community-driven hamlet called Cercle. Just south of Lake Geneva, it is close to several renowned ski resorts: La Chapelle-d’Abondance, a 10-minute drive from Landscape Lodge, offers free parking and is recommended for beginners and children. There are also plenty of blue and red run options. The owners enjoy this spot as it is local and therefore quieter. Chatel, a 20-minute drive from Landscape Lodge, is a well-known ski resort boasting 83km of piste. And Morzine, one of the most popular ski areas in the French Alps, is a 30-minute drive from Landscape Lodge. It has 120km of pistes and a super gondola that links Morzine and Avoriaz.

Together, these ski areas make up a region called Portes du Soleil. It is possible to buy a ski pass for the region and use all of the ski resorts, which is what the owners do and recommend. “We enjoy the flexibility and adventure of being able to explore a new resort every day,” they say.

Within 25 minutes by car, you can be transported to Lake Geneva, a beautiful lake shared between Switzerland and France, and known for its abundance of water sports opportunities. On the French side, you’ll encounter the spa town of Evian, with its healing waters you can swim in or its hydrotherapy treatments to take in. The promenade here is a beautiful stretch that’s best explored by foot or bicycle.

The nearest shops and restaurants can be found in the picturesque French town of Abondance (5-minute drive, 30-minute walk) The owners recommend the Sunday morning farmers market, an aperitif by the river in the courtyard of Hôtel de l‘Abbaye, and a walk around Lac des Plagnes.

LOCATION

Abondance, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport (1 hour 20 minutes by car)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time for summer outdoor activities is June-September, with autumn bringing less tourism and colorful foliage. The snowy season starts in November, with ideal powder in January. Snow starts melting in April.