Jetsettersblog

British-owned boutique chalets – Alpine 365 based in Les Coches in La Plagne, Paradiski, in the French Alps, has announced its end of season ski deals. With access to the huge, 425km Paradiski area at your ski tips, visitors staying for a week can easily ski a different resort each day. Boasting professional chefs [one of them has worked for Raymond Blanc, one has worked in a Michelin starred restaurant and one was on Masterchef the Professionals 2011] and traditional Savoyard décor, these chalets won’t disappoint.

Chalet Pisteside – Les Coches [pictured]: luxury, ski-in/ski-out chalet with professional chef [this one worked for Blanc for eight years], hot tub and log fire, this chalet offers amazing view of Mont Blanc. Rooms are fully ensuite with marble-lined bathrooms. Sleeps 8/9.
Current availability:
9th March – was £795, now £525pp
16th March – was £795, now £525pp
6th April – Easter whole chalet offer of £4,600 (save up to £1,599). Plus ‘Buy 2 adult Paradiski passes = get one child free.’
13th April – now only £350pp. Plus ‘Get Paradiski lift pass for price of La Plagne’ offer.

NEW Chalet Chamois – Les Coches: luxury, ski-in/ski-out chalet which with a professional chef [this one cooked for Michel Roux in Masterchef the Professionals 2011], hot tub and log fire. Rooms offer ensuite facilities. Sleeps 8.
Current availability:
30th March – whole chalet for £5,000.
6th April – whole chalet for £4,000. Plus ‘Buy 2 adult Paradiski passes = get one child free.’
13th April – now only £325pp. Plus ‘Get Paradiski lift pass for price of La Plagne’ offer

Chalet Epicea – Les Coches: this stunning traditional chalet, offers hot tub and log fire. Its professional chef cooks gourmet food [this one worked in a Michelin starred restaurant]. Sleeps 13.
Current availability:
23 March – was £495, now £425pp
13 April – now only £300pp. Plus ‘Get Paradiski lift pass for price of La Plagne’ offer

Prices are for 7 nights’ accommodation based on 2 people sharing a room, fully catered. Alpine 365 can advise on transfers and arrange ski lessons, ski hire delivered to the chalet, in-chalet massage, lift passes etc.

For further information: Visit: www.alpine365.co.uk;  Phone: +33 (0)9 81 93 71 10
www.paradiski.com

For a fun-packed family holiday, look no further than Keycamp’s Full on Fun parcs. New for 2013, boredom is most definitely banned at these lively, fabulously equipped locations, which put everything families could need for a great holiday at their fingertips. And with seven nights in Brittany this summer half term from just £399 per family, it’s full on great value too.

Staying at Keycamp’s Les Mouettes at Carantec, a fabulous pool complex, complete with slides and chutes, and a lovely setting on the Breton coast make for an ideal family destination. Activities on offer include mini golf, football, badminton and basketball, while an on-parc cinema gives a great excuse for a break and a sit down.

There are new friends to be made and experiences to have at free kids’ clubs for ages six months up to 12 years, which also mean a chance for some rest and relaxation for mum and dad at the on-parc Jacuzzi, sauna and whirlpool. Meanwhile, action-packed days are complemented by plenty to do in the evening too – with restaurants, bars and discos offering great entertainment options.

Out and about, the nearby picturesque port of Roscoff offers excellent shopping and beaches; while Oceanoplis in Brest is a fun family day out, with a variety of aquariums, exhibits and shows.

Seven nights starting on 26 May 2013 at Les Mouettes, staying in a two bedroom Villanova mobile home (sleeping up to four adults and two children) with decking, will cost from just £399 per family, accommodation only.

Ferry crossings and fly-drive packages are available at a supplement.

To book, or for more information, call 0844 406 0319 or visit www.keycamp.co.uk

Cycle with an Olympic Gold medal winner, run with a British Olympic marathon runner, train with the French Ski Team Fitness & Strength Coach, dance to fitness with a Strictly Come Dancing star, learn to run, practice Pilates, walk in the mountains, open-water swim in Annecy Lake, road bike the Tour de France cols: however you choose to get fit this year, Adventures in the Alps has a fitness holiday to suit.

The 2013 Spring / Summer schedule includes

27th April – 3rd May; Fitness Training Week with French Ski Team Fitness Coach, Pete McKnight

4th – 7th May; Pilates and Running Short Break; with Pilates and Running Coach, Harri Angell

7th – 10th May; Pilates and Walking Short Break; with Pilates and Physiotherapist, Ginny Christy

11th – 17th May; Running Made Easy Week; with Marathon Runner and Author, Lisa Jackson

18th – 24th May; Alpine Cycling Week; with Olympic Gold Medal Cyclist, Rebecca Romero

25th – 31st May; Triathlon Camp; with Iron-woman and Gold Medal Cyclist, Rebecca Romero

1st – 7th June; Trail Running Week; with Ironman and Runner, Martin Yelling

15th – 21st June; Well Being and Vitality Week with Exercise Physiologist and Trainer, Hannah Freeman

22nd – 28th June; Liz Yelling Running Camp with British Marathon Runner, Liz Yelling

29th – 5th July; Strictly Active Dance Fitness Week with Strictly Come Dancing star, Aliona Vilani

Staying in a luxury villa, with pool, hot tub and sauna, overlooking Annecy Lake in the French Alps, guests train, eat and relax in style. There are a maximum of 12 guests per holiday to ensure one-to-one time with the host trainer, plus a personalised fitness assessment and a 30-minute sports massage are included in the holiday. Prices at £600 for short breaks and from £1,200 for week, all inclusive except flights and one dinner out.

Adventures in the Alps also runs chalet-based Family Activty Holidays, Guided Running Holidays, Walking Breaks, Adventure Weeks and Weekends and much more in the French Alps. For more information visit www.adventuresinthealps.com

Le 114 Faubourg, the first luxury brasserie to make the cheeseburger a delicacy in a Parisian Palace Hotel, has been awarded one star in the 2013 Michelin Guide. Following a third Michelin star awarded to Le Bristol’s Epicure restaurant in 2009, Le 114 Faubourg has been honored with its first star in the Michelin Guide, making Le Bristol Paris the only Palace Hotel to be crowned with four stars. This achievement can be attributed to the talents of Chef Eric Desbordes, mentored by Le Bristol’s Chef des Cuisines Eric Frechon and Pastry Chef Laurent Jeannin, named Pastry Chef of the Year 2011. The Hôtel Le Bristol has long been known for its gastronomy, aided by names such as Frechon who won the craftsmen award of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) in 1993, Frank Leroy (MOF 2000), Frédéric Kaiser (director of the Epicure restaurant and MOF 2011) and Maxime Hoerth, Head Barman at Le Bar du Bristol and MOF 2011. The 114 Faubourg brasserie also received the award for “Best Culinary Experience” in the Virtuoso Best of the Best Hotel Awards. Desbordes joined the Le Bristol Paris team in 2009 when the new wing of the hotel was launched. Le Bristol is one of the Masterpiece Hotels of the Oetker Collection. The group also includes one Michelin star for Chef Paul Stradner at the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, and two stars for Chef Yannick Franques at the Château Saint-Martin & Spa, who will also be presiding over the kitchens of L’Apogée Courchevel when the property opens on Dec. 11,

Scenic Cruises, the European river cruise operator, has opened sales early for its 2014 season and is offering those cruises at 2013 prices.

Details are outlined in a 64-page pre-release version of the company’s 2014 Europe Luxury River Cruises & Tours brochure.

Scenic also offers other incentives for some cabin classes, including free flights to Europe (taxes included) for river cruises of 16 or more days, free flights to Europe and a savings of up to $3,590 per couple for all 15-day Europe cruises, and savings of up to $2,000 per couple on European cruises of seven to 14 days.

The company will introduce a new “Space-Ship” in 2014, the Scenic Gem, as well as several new itineraries, including “Gems of the Seine River Cruise,” “Treasures of Europe’s Waterways,” “Munich & Passau to the Danube Delta River Cruise” and “Seine and Rhône River Cruise.”

Scenic’s cruise fares include complimentary beverages, wines and spirits at any time, open bar service in the lounges, and items in each cabin’s mini-bar; private butler service in all cabin grades; a personal GPS commentary device; and free Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation unveiled a new global promotion that will let Hyatt Gold Passport members to earn up to 45,000 bonus points, which is enough points for seven free nights at Bali Hyatt or two free nights at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome.

Members can earn 3,000 Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points after every three eligible nights at any Hyatt hotel worldwide from March 1 through May 31.

Points are redeemable for free nights, room upgrades dining and spa services.

Hyatt credit card members will also receive a 20 percent point bonus, which is 600 more bonus points after every three nights. With these additional bonus points,

Hyatt credit card members can earn a maximum of 54,000 bonus points during the promotion.

To earn Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points, travelers must register by April 30.

New members who enroll in Hyatt Gold Passport through April 30, 2013 will automatically be registered for the promotion.

The Hertz Corporation is celebrating its 24-year partnership with Air France by offering Air France-KLM customers 24 percent off basic car rentals for bookings made through Feb. 18. The offer is valid for all qualifying rentals that commence by Sept. 30 and for all standard car groups, with a minimum three-day rental.

Customers must use discount code (CDP) 736632 to qualify for the offer when booking. Further terms and conditions apply and can be found by clicking on Hertz-Air France Offer. In addition, all Air France Flying Blue members will receive up to 800 frequent flier miles.

The Alsace Wine Route, officially established as a tourist route in 1953, will celebrate 60 years in 2013 in events coordinated by Tourism Alsace. The route winds its way from the north to the south of Alsace, covering more than 170 kilometers.

It runs through almost 70 wine-producing villages where nearly 1,000 producers open the doors to their cellars to share their passion for wine.

The route, which accommodates hikers and bikers, passes castles and medieval ramparts appear. The Wine Route goes from the porte de Thann (in the south) to the porte of Marlenheim (in the north).

Throughout the year, Alsace will pay tribute the Wine Route. A special event will be held and new trails will be opened along the entirety of the route so visitors can explore the vineyards.

Visitors can participate in a grape harvest during the 2013 grape harvest. Alsatian wine-producers offer the chance to join in on traditional Alsatian grape harvests and introduce visitors to ancient wine-making techniques. They can also explore the vineyard and learn more about wine-making.

The offerings vary depending on the wine-producer, and may include grape harvests in the vineyards, grape pickers’ lunch, tour of the cellar and explanations of wine-making, among other activities.

Wine and grape harvest festivals will take place all over Alsace from June to October. Summer in Alsace is packed with plenty of wine-themed celebrations, when visitors can explore the region and its traditions. Each village celebrates its very own traditions. Cellars throw open their doors, tastings take place in sociable environments and village processions give a new life to traditional customs. For more information, click on 60th anniversary of the Alsatian Wine Route.

New from Keycamp for 2013, families seeking fun, freedom and fresh air should look no further than the outdoor holiday specialist’s ‘Explore and Experience’ parcs – ideal for discovering the local sights, as well as having a thoroughly relaxing time. And with summer half term in the French Alps costing just £315 per family, not to mention an early booking offer on all trips booked before 14 February 2013, they’re perfect for those looking for a great value family holiday too.

Staying at Keycamp’s La Serraz with its perfect alpine setting just a stone’s throw from Annecy, often billed as France’s prettiest town, this Explore & Experience parc offers spectacular scenery and a wonderful base from which to discover the region – whether it’s on foot or bike.

Superb views of the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from the parc’s pools, while a great range of watersports are on offer at the nearby Lake Annecy. Meanwhile, evenings on-parc are peaceful and the parc restaurant and bar offer the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day.

Seven nights starting on 26 May 2013 at La Serraz, staying in a two bedroom Villanova mobile home (sleeping up to four adults and two children) with decking, will cost from just £315 per party, accommodation only, and including an early booking discount of £35 (if booked before 14 February 2013).

Ferry crossings and fly-drive packages are available at a supplement.

To book, or for more information, call 0844 406 0319 or visit www.keycamp.co.uk

“Escapade en Véhicules Anciens” (vintage car rides along the Lot Valley) is born from Sandrine and Franck Galissaire two passions : vintage cars and regional heritage. Even their 3 young children are now involved in this adventure and love exploring new routes.

The fleet
“Escapade en Véhicules Anciens” offers a fleet of vintage cars (from 1960s to 1980s) to choose from :
4 Citröen Dyane,
Beetle VW,
Convertible Citroën Visa,
Convertible Austin Rover,
2 Renault 4L,
Jaguar XJ
Military DAF 66
Peugeot 104,
Autobianchi A112,
2 Renault 6,
Austin-Mini special.
The “Escapades”
The catalog offers more than 60 different routes (lasting from 1 to 7 days), available for self drive hire along the Lot Valley or with a driver who will guide you through this beautiful area and its history. Some of the rides include a plane or boat trip to see the Lot Valley from another perspective. The rides can include nights in gites or chambre d’hotes, dinner and picnic for lunches. See enclosed document for some examples.

If you can’t find what you want, Franck and Sandrine will always adapt their offer to your requirements and built a made-to-measure program for you.

Partnership
They work with local tourist offices and tour operators to offer you the best holidays.

Please find more information and photos on the French website :
http://www.escapadeenvehiculesanciens.com

More details on the visited places on :
www.lotvalley.com