Valberg - Press file by Valberg

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

SUMMARY A bit of history

A Mountain village

In the open air

Into the wild

The kid’s kingdom

Valberg Golf Club

The Planetary Trail

The Cians-Var valley

« Welcome home ! »

The place to be... Green

Rendez-vous

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

HISTORY

The “Vallon des Bergers”, Birthplace of modern skiing Founded in the late 1930s, the Valberg Ski Resort was formerly a « mountain pasture » (« Valloun des Bergians » or « The Shepherds’ Valley ») called « le Quartier » (the District).

It is Doctor Agneli, mayor of Guillaumes (local administrative centre) and County Councillor, who realised, between 1931 and 1935, the great interest of developing a ski resort at “le Quartier”. Especially for Peone, a rural-minded mountain area, one of the poorest in the County. The name of “Valberg”, decided at that time, is meant to evoke both valleys and mountains. The new resort will soon rely on the attendance of an elitist client base.

By convention as of 13 July 1944, the Baron Pierre Grimaldi de Beuil, granted the Péone Community the territory called “le Quartier”, a summer pasture for herds. By the end of the 19th century, the “Club Alpin Français” started to frequent the “Quartier” and to introduce Winter sports to their members. In 1909, an Austrian created a Bobsleigh track there. In 1936, the first ski lift was inaugurated on the Sapet slopes, the first ski lift in the “Alpes Maritimes” area. -

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

A MOUNTAIN

VILLAGE

Valberg, genuine mountain resort

Valberg is a lively village resort, with numerous retail stores, local services, restaurants and lodgings: everything for everyone’s comfort ! Since the Summer 2011, the car-free zone has brought friendliness, and the various shuttles a better way of moving qround.

Equally lively in both the Summer an Winter, the family resort, bathed in sunlight (more than 300 sunny days a year) is situated on a mountain pass allowing to admire, on the west side the wonderful cirque of Val d’Entraunes, and on the east side the pastures of Beuil and the Couillole mountain pass.

Valberg could manage to keep both its charm and identity, perfectly integrating modern lodgings, village houses, and typical farms.

An hour away from the seaside, following the Cians or Daluis red gorges routes, Valberg is one of the bigest mountain resorts of the Southern Alps, at an altitude of 1700m, nearby the Mercantour National Park.

IN PRACTICE

Coming to Valberg : By plane : Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport : 86 km

Inhabitants

812

Area of the town

4859 km²

Number of Hotels

Apartment-hotels

Restaurants

26 + 1 d’altitude

Campsites

Real estate agency

Central booking

Number of Hotel beds

10 000

Bed & Breakfast, Hostels

By road : - 86 km from Nice - A8 motorway, exit 52 (coming from Italy) or exit 51.1 (coming from Cannes) Then road D6202 direction Digne/Grenoble, and road D28 (gorges du Cians) or D2202 (gorges de Daluis).

Geographical identity :

Alpes du Sud / Alpes-Maritimes / Vallée Cians-Var Altitude : 1700-2066 m

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

IN THEOPEN AIR

Sports holidays, « relax » holidays, « nature » holidays... Valberg offers numerous activities suiting all ages, all desires, and always in the open air ! Quad: supervised rides, discovering nature by following secret trails and paths.

NEW Trail routes Come to discover our 3 new trail routes. Depart at the Croix du Sapet chairlift (Parc des Sports). 3 levels of difficulties : 10 km, 20 km, 30 km

Sports center : (Croix du Sapet) - indoor/outdoor (thanks to its retractable transparent dome) heated pool, solarium, sport and/or relaxation. Swimming and aquaerobics lessons. - 4 tennis courts (with lighting), individual/group lessons. - free access multi-sport playground (football and basket-ball). - the “Espace Mounier”, the resort’s gymnasium at sport clubs’ disposal for all indoor sports : handball, basketball, volleyball, football, badminton.

Skating rink Located on Central Square, the 3S technology rink is both ecological and fun. Espace Valberg Aventure : at an altitude of 1821m, 4 levels of difficulty (from one to three hours long) in the middle of a larch tree forest, accessible through the Croix du Sapet chairlift, including fun and physical workshops : emotions, goosebumps and fun guaranteed.

Horse riding : on the top of the resort, the Ranch offers horse rides, and/or poney rides for the little ones. And... why not a ride around the village in a horse-drawn carriage ?

Summer sledging : sledding is not just about snow ! Get on the Garibeuil chairlift, and hurtle down one of the two tracks : the fast one, or the not-so-fast one. An exhilarating free ride !

Mountainbiking : family style or challenging... but always ecological Altiport : flying over the Mercantour and landing in Valberg is possible thanks to the Col des Huerris altiport.

Trout fishing : on foot through the Planetary Trail, or by the Garibeuil chairlift, trout fishing in a 100% natural site -

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

INTOTHE WILD Valberg is located in the compliance area of the Mercantour National Park, created in 1979 and reputed to be one of the most beautiful French National Parks. Discovering this protected territory, and fragile patrimony made up by the Mercantour’s flora and wild life.

Mont Mounier, 2817m

The Cians Cliffs, 1288m

The Mount Mounier is the unquestioned master of the Mercantour mountainous area. The highest limestone mountain range of the Alpes Maritimes, is the best panoramic viewpoint over the fantastic panorama from the Mediterranean to the Northern Alps. It is also the botanist’s heaven with such a vast variety of flora, but remember... for your eyes only!

This unique hike, for equipped and advanced hikers, takes place in the stunning landscape of the red Gorge du Cians. It allows to discover the famous canyon, today crossed by the road to Valberg that one can see from above, the typical red rocks, and the river Cians with its narrow and deep canyons.

Tête du Garnier, 1906m

This tour gathers all the diversity of Haut Cians : trails snake in and out the larch tree forest, small valleys lead to panoramic and open mountain passes. One follows a path going downhill then uphill to the Beuil lake, before climbing the Tête du Garnier and its unbelievable view upon the Valbergan plateau and the mountain ranges around.

Mountain guides

Mountain professionals lead people to discover a multitude of mountain activities: hiking, mountaineering, via-ferrata, via-aquatica, climbing, canyoning, Mountainbiking... -

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

THE KID’S

KINGDOM It has been years now that Valberg cares about families’ welfare... Tirelessly the resort works hard to meet children’s needs and expectations, of any age, so they spend perfect holidays.

Childcare center « Les P’tits Poucets »

This HQE (High Qualitey Environnement)center, in the middle of the Parc des Oursons, welcomes children from 3-month to 6-year old, 6d/7, july/ august. Skilled personnel, playgrounds and resting room for any age.

FAMILLE+ LABEL Valberg has obtained this label since many years. It guarantees a quality welcome and services for families.

Dedicated activities

- « Le Monde des Enfants » offers hand-crafting as well as sport activities supervised by the resort’s animators. - The Ouistiti track, adventure trail in the larch trees for the 3-6 years old. - Various activities : trampoline, gym lessons, introduction to judo, golf school. - The Media-Library where kids could borrow for free books and games during their stay.

1. A personalized welcome for families 2. Animations adapted to all ages 3. Rates adapted to everyone 4. Activities for the youngest and the oldest, to have fun separately or together 5. All shops and services conveniently located 6. Kids pampered by professional caretakers

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

VALBERG

GOLF CLUB Truly golf !

Club Space

At an altitude of 1700m, the Valberg Golf Club offers up in the mountains a true 9-hole course par 34 of 2308m, approved by the FFGolf. Including high quality natural tees and greens, Alpine grass fairways, this 100% Bio course offers a fairy-like 360º panarama from Mount Mounier to Mercantour. Both fun and technical, its unique design fulfills any player, on foot or by electrical cart. The Practice – 3 putting greens (free access !) 20-slot driving range, introduction and imporvement.

The Valberg Golf Club is the best place to introduce oneself and improve. Golf school, private lessons, introduction and improvement training courses are taught by the Valberg Academy Pros. For a safe and no-stress practice, one can join the French Fdederation of Golf, membership available at the Club House.

Events and Activities !

The Valberg Golf Club proposes on a regular basis, all-summer long, numerous tournaments, corporate, index, or simply for fun !

Relaxation and Game !

A «BIO» Golf Course.

The chalet-like Club House welcomes you for relaxation and catering. It also includes a proshop where most of golf club brands are available next to the Valberg Golf Club product line, as well as rentals (caddies, clubs, ball buckets, electrical carts...).

The Valberg Golf Club, as the whole resort, makes a point of honour to show respect for nature and commits values in favor of sustainable development: a wooden Club House fully integrated to the landscape, electrical carts, natural fertilizer for the greens, controled gardening, pesticide-free, reduced and controled watering. 8

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

PLANETARY

TRAIL

Feet on the Earth, Head in the Stars !

A Walk between Sky and the Earth !

First part of the trail, a 1h30 round trip: through the undergrowth leading to Jupiter then to the Sénateur lake, a fun and family section for all ages.

It begins from the heart of the resort and invites hiking on the tracks of planets, astronomy and mythology. A commented audio guide on disposal at the Tourist Office or the « Planetary Trail » mobile application, gives all information to discover the solar system reproduced on a scale of 1/1.000.000 on Valberg’s domain. (1m = 1 million kilometers in space).

Second part, a 3h round trip : a long panoramic crossing along celestial bodies, cadenced by numerous structures on the astronomy theme leading to relaxation and admiring the landscape, to finally reach the Sainte-Marie shelter.

An atypical and unique walk which reveals not only Valberg’s natural patrimony, but also grandiose monolithic land arts, planet-like, allowing to make educational, contemplative or relaxation stops on the way.

Third part, a 4h round trip: a more sporty finish to reach Neptune, the highest point of the itinerary. Some spectacular pathways conclude this exceptional walk between the sky and the Earth.

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

CIANS-VAR

VALLEY

The red Gorges Tour: Cians and Daluis

Also called the « Nice » Colorado , the Cians and Daluis gorges are two unique geological sites. By bike, motorbike, car or even on foot, one discovers the red cliffs of the Cians Gorges, the Small and Big “Clues”, the Amen waterfall, the “Bride Bridge” legend and the « Woman Head », caretaker of the Daluis gorges.

Great Alpine Road

Tradition and open air day

Transhumance: every year, in June, people guide sheep herds to their Summer pasture, from Guillaumes to the Sagnettes park in Villeneuve d’Entraunes, that is 7 km on foot.

Patron Saint Feast

In July and August, on every weekend, it’s the opportunity to meet in those typical villages.

From Thonon to Menton, from the Leman Lake to the Méditerranean...700 km and 16 mountain passes for a legendary route ! It stops by Valberg, crosses the Val d’Entraunes villages, passes through Estenc, birthplace of the Var spring, goes up to the Cayolle mountain pass (2326m), and continues through the Alpes de Haute-Provence county.

Fairs and markets

Authentic villages

Honey from Beuil Squash raviolis and walnut sauce Agnocous from Peone (hand made fresh pasta) Tomme cheese from Sauze Petits fromages de chèvre from Beuil

The 9 villages from the valley, gateway to the Mercantour National Park, are an immersion in the mountain typical life. Narrow streets, paved squares, architectural elements, traditional houses with “trompe-l’œil” frontage, community owens, water fountains and drinking trough, churches and chapels, castle remains... Everything here witnesses the strong pastoral and medieval past of this valley. -

In Valberg, all-season long, the market settles on the village central square, twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. More typical, the various fairs of the county give rhythm to the season : livestock fair, seedling fair, summer fairs, flowers fair, lambs fair...

Local products

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PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

WELCOME

HOME

Well-being space « Centre 1700 »

Enjoy yourself under the influence of ethnicity: hammam, spa, sauna, massage. 150m2 dedicated to the art of cocooning and relaxation.

The “Valbergane” House

This THE house of Culture in Valberg ! It brings together the Mercantour National Park House and the Media-Library : books, CDs, DVDs, projections, animations, conférences... as well as the movie theater “Le Dahut”, digital & 3D, and the “Valbergane” Room for exhibitions, shows and conventions.

Tastes of Valberg

24 restaurants including one in altitude. A large variety of restaurants, in town or on the mountain !Refine cuisine, traditional and inventive, whatever tastes and desires, they sure will be fulfilled.

Lodging

In the purest alpine tradition , Valberg never stops improving the quality of services, conditions of stay, by increasing room capacity and offering a large variety of lodging.

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PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

THE PLACE TO BE

GREEN National Charter for a sustainable development of the mountain resorts.

In 2007, Valberg signed the charter and has committed themselves to a 3-10 year program of actions around the following topics: energy, global warming, carbon footprint, construction and accomodation, environment awareness and sustainable development.

Agenda 21

In 2013, the resort follow their sustainable development approach through Agenda 21, an action program for the 21st century integrating sustainable development to local projects by reconciling economical, social, and environmental demands.

ISO 14001 Certification in Sight

Following the renewal of the ISO 9001 certification in 2014, the SERM (Valberg’s Ski Lift Operating Company) is now working to obtain the Environmental ISO 14001 certification, another milestone in line with the resort’s course of action.

Mercantour National Park

Valberg hosts one of the reception centres of the Mercantour National Park, qui propose des animations sur le terrain en lien avec la découverte du patrimoine naturel et culturel, des projections, expositions et souvenirs du Parc National. The House of the Mercantour National Park is also a mine of information as far as organising stays, hikings, weather conditions, snow cover, itinerary difficulties, and cautions to be taken to respect wildlife and flora.

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Ecow’Actress !

In April 2011, Valberg signed the Ecowatt Charter and has committed themselves to inform the public on alert days in an attempt to reduce the electricity consumption on critical days during Winter.

PADS and PRADSEN

The Cians-Var Federation of Municipalities has committed themself to two Sustainable Construction Programs. The PADS aims to diversify activities along the four seasons, coping with climate changes, development of a sustainable tourism, and strengthening the synergy between the Valberg resort and the Var highvalley. As far as PRADSEN, the aim is the development and showcasing of the Beuil-Valberg, Estenc, and Val Pelens nordic domains (snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing tracks).

PRESS FILE - SUMMER 2014

SUMMER

RENDEZ-VOUS

Valberg multiplies activities all summer-long, allowing the greatest number, kids and adults, to enjoy themselves whatever their desires and aspirations ! Estivales du Conseil Général : from June to September : the Department Council of Alpes-Maritimes, first culture contributor in the county, offers a diverse and original scheduling program to discover the local talents.

Valberg 4e édition

The Cyclosportive : On june 22nd 2 mountainous tours: 135 or 64 km from Valberg, from the green Col des Champs to the red Gorges de Daluis.

05 & 06 JUILLET 2014

3 courses

Valberg Trail 4th : July 5-6 : foot race across the red rocks, 360° panorama on the Mercantour mountain range

20km 46km D+2600M

D+1200M

Sam edi 05 juill et

Tale and words festival : on July 18, 19

Dim anc he 06 juil let

nouveau

66km LE RAID sur 2 jours

Mountainbike Enduro «Portes du Mercantour» : On September 6 & 7 : the enduro mountainbike race . The best racers determined to conquer the red lands.

05 et 06 juillet

Challenge CG06 Le Trail ma nature Trophée “Jean Favaro” Meilleur jeune

INFORMATIONS & RENSEIGNEMENTS : www.valbergtrail.com - 06.18.94.20.94 ORGANISÉ PAR LE CLUB DES SPORTS DES PORTES DU MERCANTOUR ET L’ASSOCIATION DES COMMERÇANTS ET ARTISANS DE VALBERG

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Syndicat Intercommunal de Valberg Centre administratif Place Charles Ginésy, 06470 Valberg Téléphone : +33(0)4.93.23.24.25

www.valberg.com

FACEBOOK : Valberg TWITTER : @VALBERGAlpesSud communication@valberg.com