Back to Nature Places to Stay in the French Alps
This summer there’s more original and authentic places to stay where you can get close to nature but not leave comfort and luxury at the front door. Back to nature places to stay in the French Alps include eco-friendly gites, glamping (glamorous camping) and a range of tree-houses and transparent bubbles. You can fall asleep in the hollow of a tree, at the edge of a lake, or at the foot of the peaks … wherever, expect a cozy nest and an eco-friendly cocooning experience.
Get back to nature in a Tree House
Entre Terre et Ciel
Perched high in the forest in the Val d’Arly, this natural site hosts three cabins. All heated by a pellet wood stove, they offer 30 m2 of cozy indoor space and 30 m2 of outdoor terrace with views of Mont Blanc. One of these luxurious cabins even has a spa and a sauna. Cabins for 2 or 4 people.
Young children will love the Ruisseau hut with its tubular slide, bed nets and monkey bridge. Unusual and comfortable accommodation for the family where you can get back to nature and play at being Robinson Crusoe.
Prices start at 280€ for two people with breakfast. www.cabanes-entreterreetciel.fr
Ecotagnes in the Massif des Aravis
Perched 9 metres above ground, three comfy tree-houses offer cosy accommodation in the trees with magnificent views over the beautiful Massif des Aravis. Prices start at 185€ per person per night (half board). www.ecotagnes.com
Les Cabanes du Salève near Geneva
There’s a choice of luxury accommodation including a tree-house with its own hot-tub, three Canadian style cabins and a Finnish Kota at Les Cabanes du Salève situated between Geneva and Annecy. Price from 160€ a night for a hut. www.lescabanesdusaleve.fr/cabanes-saleve
A terrace with a view at Ecotagnes in the heart of the Aravis, French Alps
Spend a night in a bubble
The nature bubble at Combloux
In the heart of the alpine pasture above Combloux, out of sight and away from the bustle of the village, hides a luxurious transparent bubble, a real cosy nest for an unforgettable and unusual night under the stars. Delight in a gourmet meal while admiring the sunset on Mont Blanc before lounging in the spa. All the ingredients are brought together to make the most of this
privileged moment in the wild. www.nuit-nature.fr
The Bulle des Mines d'Or at the foot of the Tête de Bostan in Morzine Avoriaz, French Alps.
Sleeping under the stars in Morzine
At the foot of the Tête de Bostan in Morzine-Avoriaz, Les Bulles des Mines d’Or offer luxury accommodation in two giant “boules” or bubbles. They have both been carefully sited in completely natural surroundings with only ibex, chamois and marmottes for company! This unusual accommodation is intended for people who want to relax and share moments of love, family or friends without depriving themselves of the comforts and technology you find in a hotel room. Each bubble has a bathroom and terrace, one of which has its’ own Jacuzzi. Breakfast and dinner are served in the bubble or on the terrace. Prices start at 170€ per night, breakfast included. www.bulles-minesdor.com
Morzine is a popular summer destination as a base for mountain biking and walking in the extensive Portes du Soleil area. For more information see our Châtel in Summer Resort Review.
Other Bubbles in the French Alps
In the Mottets Forest in Chamonix, there’s a bubble suspended in the trees which sleeps up to three people. Price from 55€ per person (half board). www.chamonix.com
The Refuge du Nant du Beurre in Valmorel has a ‘Woodbuls’ – a cosy transparent bubble with a roof that can open so you can gaze at the night sky. A place to escape as a couple but there’s also enough room for a small child. Price 95€ per person per night (half board). www.valmorel.com
Back to Nature in the Pyrénées
Head to the Grand Tourmalet area in the Frenh Pyrénées where Le Perchoir des Pyrénées offer unique accommodation in the heart of the hills and forests of the Parc Naturel near the Pic du Midi. Choose from a transparent bubble, a gorgeous Sibley tent or an old pigeonnier converted into family accommodation sleeping 5. Prices start at 120€ per night.
Cabins and Huts
A taste of Canada in Bourg Saint Maurice
The Huttopia campsite in Bourg Saint Maurice has Canadian style canvas Trapper tents, gypsy-caravan style Roulottes, or the super cosy Chalets Montana as well as the usual campsite pitches. The Trapper tent will awaken the adventurer in you while pampering those who need all the small comforts of home. Sleep under canvas with the luxury of a good bed and a private bathroom. There’s a snack trailer installed on the campsite where you can stop by for a drink or to share a homemade pizza.
Bourg Saint Maurice is an excellent base to explore the Tarentaise area of the French Alps with resorts like Tignes with its summer skiing , Val d’Isère or La Rosière and the Italian border not too distant. For more information visit Huttopia.
Find more inspiration for back to nature holidays in France on the Cabanes de France website.
Trapper's tent at the Huttopia campsite in Bourg Saint Maurice, French Alps, French Alps.
Thanks to France Montagnes and Savoie Mont Blanc for information and images.