PRESs KIT
SUMMER / FALL 2021
ORIGINS
Col des aravis
Les Confins • • •
• • •
The sun-filled valley Beautiful Chalets Views of Mont-Blanc
Lost in time Secret Spot Alone in the world
FROM PAST TO FUTURE, LIVE TODAY IN LA CLUSAZ
KEY FIGURES THE VILLAGE Altitude ............................................ 1 100 metres Inhabitants....................................................1 843 Businesses........................................................168 Restaurants....................................................... 68 Sports shops..................................................... 28 Bars, brasseries................................................ 13 Night clubs...........................................................2 Number of beds....................................... 24 099 Hotels..................................................................22 5-star hotels......................................................... 1 4-star hotels.........................................................3 Tourist residences...............................................4 NATURAL TREASURES – THE ARAVIS RANGE Number of combes.............................................2 Glacial lakes (Confins and Tardevant)...........2 Highest peak : Pointe Percée...............2 752 m Natural Aravis range........................... 3 700 ha
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The recent times have had a profound effect on everyone and tourism has had to radically reinvent and adapt. Here in the mountains we are deeply rooted in our history yet determined to constantly move towards the future. Over generations, La Clusaz has carved a unique identity based on its warm welcome and extensive natural playground. The remarkable resort is an exceptional combination of alpine living and a dynamic, connected winter sports culture. The local community is proud to share and preserve its natural, cultural, architectural and gastronomic heritage. The preserved natural environment, the dedicated and welcoming inhabitants and local businesses, the extensive programme of festive events and activities accessible to everyone, will appeal to all. Despite the uncertain times, the resort continues to adapt, making use of its strengths while respecting those who pass through and the surrounding environment.
OUR LOCAL DIALECT
L’étale •
THE CENTER OF THE VILLAGE • • •
At the centre of the world hustle and bustle Shop ‘til you drop
Beauregard • •
SUMMITS WITHIN EASY REACH La Clusaz is just hours away from the big European capitals, close to the international airports of Geneva and Lyon, and just a few turns in the road from Annecy.
Some wise words in the Aravis dialect : • Mârçhe d’apré la lanjeu d’ton pa Walk according to the length of your step • Lé pire fan partia du çhmin The stones are part of the path. • Fô alâ plan pe-r alâ lvin Go slow to go far
Cultural base
The hikes and the cows The best view over the Aravis range
By coach : From Lyon with a regular Ouibus service, from Annecy with a daily service with Transdev Haute-Savoie. By train : To Annecy from all towns in France. For more information : laclusaz.com/transports.html
ALTERNATIVE transport La Clusaz is determined to be ever more accessible while also taking care of the environment and the precious mountains. Here are some ideas to get here with reduced impact : The Mov’ici application brings drivers with a free space in their car together with passengers looking to go the same direction over all the Auvergne-RhôneAlpes region.
3h40 Paris => Annecy
30 min Annecy => La Clusaz
50 min from Geneva airport 2
La Clusaz is a lively village throughout all the seasons of the year. The omnipresent Aravis range and the surrounding mountains beat right in the heart of the village.
within an easy hike Beauregard and afternoon tea at the Ferme des Corbassières
From the village, walk in the direction of the Beauregard plateau to find the Corbassier farm. The Donzel family have been running the famr for generations and will be delighted to welcome walkers for a meal with a stunning view over the Aravis range or for a tour of the cow barn to learn about Reblochon. They also serve delicious afternoon tea and tomme blanche. Duration : 2 hour return trip. Information from the Tourist Office.
AN « EAT-LOCAL » PICNIC AT THE LAKE Lac de la Ferriaz, Reblochon and tavaillons
As you climb up Beauregard, make a stop for a memorable and delicious picnic at the Lac de la Ferriaz with yet another awe-inspiring view over the Aravis don’t forget to pack two local specialities : Reblochon and a blueberry pastry. Duration : 1 hour 30 mintues. Information and points of sale from the Tourist Office.
wellness to take in
away e k a t *or
BIVOUAC spot and sunset Bivouac and sunset on Etale Chill out in the mountains around one of the many watering holes in La Clusaz. The heart-shaped reservoir, as seen from above on the Etale holds the promise of a sweet and pleasant night. Let time stop for you and your friends for a night, set up your bivouacs and watch as the sun goes down.
swimming pool heated by nature
the mountains at the heart of the village Lac des Confins the Combe de Paccaly Meal made from mountain flowers.
From the Confins, walk in the direction of one of the most beautiful in the Aravis range : the Combe de Paccaly, but also one of the most accessible. At the Chalet de Paccaly, discover the small snack bar, where Astrid and Greg serve refreshing dishes made using flowers picked from the mountainside. What a great opportunity to learn all about local flora while walking through the enchanting landscapes of the Aravis. Duration : 2 hour return trip. Information from the Tourist Office.
Stay on the Confins plateau and enjoy the fresh air around the lake. Take a picnic or relax in one of the several restaurants and then choose from a variety of activities available such as golfing, the giant zipwire, trampolines and inflatables. There really is something for everyone. Accessible by car. Information from the Tourist Office.
Chill out at the Aravis Aqua park and lay back in a relaxing oasis of over 600m² in the heart of the Alps. Enjoy the stunning, 360° panoramic view over the Aravis from the interior and exterior pool. As the children have a ball on the water slides, the parents can enjoy the sun, pools, Jacuzzi, fitness space and the sauna. You can even try aquabiking. The aquapark is now equipped with a heat pump to heat all the pools, indoor and out as well as the indoor areas that uses the energy exchange with the outdoor air. A resulting 4-fold reduction in
event YOGA FESTIVAL
From the 16th to 18th July La Clusaz is organising its Yoga Festival in the majestic setting of the Aravis. The programme is full of everything to reoxygenate in the mountains from Masterclasses, lessons and workshops. Over 3 days the resort slows down to the rythme of zen !! In order to respect the different sanitary measures, La Clusaz Yoga Festival will be organised with the possibility of participating in-person or online. A brand new experience and the opportunity to discover original classes and to reconnect to the mountains and to yourself. For more information : laclusaz-yogafestival.com
our carbon footprint, a better way to relax without impacting Nature.
For
more
information
:
espaceaquatique-laclusaz.com – from 4,50 € 3
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LOCAL CHARACTERS
These are the people who keep the village alive with their experience, their exceptional know-how, their warm welcome and their unending passion. Here are just a few of the characters from La Clusaz that open the way.
gastronomic portraits PORTRAIT OF ARTISANS / Business owners SARAH AND ROMAIN : DISTILLERS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION
THE QUENET FAMILY: THE MULTI-FACETED ESTABLISHMENT
STEPHEN REQUET: THE RESTAURANT OWNER ACTIVE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
A PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN GASTRONOMY AND LOCAL SPECIALITIES
In the village of La Clusaz, the Delischuss has observed the Quenet family over the years as they move forward, ever evolving. The establishment has been a shoe maker’s workshop, a skihire shop and is now, a warm and friendly restaurant. Four generations of the Quenet family have passed through here. To give you an idea of the type of fun atmosphere that reigns here, the father Freddy, is well known for his record distances on the mythical Waterslide of the Defi Foly. The Quenet family are always ready and waiting to welcome you with a smile and story about the history of La Clusaz.
Stephen Requet is at the head of La Ferme, which has been a Maître restaurateur establishment, recognised for the quality of its freshly prepared meals, for several years. This year it is undertaking a major change in its way of working by radically reducing and converting its waste as much as possible. In order to limit food waste, breakfasts will now be served as a buffet, to reduce the number of delivery trucks, they will be reducing the number of suppliers and by collecting the oil and any organic waste, they can be used in a factory for the production of methane. In addition, the quantity of meat and fish on the menu has been reduced by 90%. Come and get a taste of local products that don’t impact on the environment !
The restaurants in La Clusaz, are committed to offering the finest in dining experiences using the best local ingredients. Discover delectable and mouth-watering traditional or exotic dishes in cosy and inspired surroundings. Take a voyage of discovery and dine in such eclectic surroundings as a converted family sawmill with a stylish, contemporary feel or in one of the oldest chalets in the Confins.
For more info : delischuss.eatbu.com
For more information : www.lesfermiers.com 5
Don’t miss out on these amazing restaurants : La Scierie : the most «lively» Le Chalet du lac : the most secret Les 2 Mules : the trendiest Les Rhodos : the cosiest Le Chalet des Joux : the most naturale
Sarah and Romain, brothers and sisters and children of distillers will give you a glimpse of the distillation process of its authentic Génépi liqueur in the Distillerie des Aravis, made here in a traditional way since 1876. They are both dedicated to passing on their knowledge and sharing the intricacies of their fascinating work. Romain will tell you all about the distillation and reveal the bottling process and Sarah will be present to open the doors of the shop and invite you for a tasting session. Visitors will love the rare opportunity to witness the workings of an alembic still. For more information : distilleriearavis.fr
sporting portrait KILIAN BRON : gripping the handlebars The millenial generation have found new ways of evolving within their sport. Killian Bron is one of them, intent on showing his sport through a new lens, he participates in less competions and chooses to demonstrate his prowess in creating and filming his own videos and communicating via social media. He is an enthusiastic ambassador of La Clusaz and highly involved in the development of the MTB slopes around the domain, taking his wheels where no-one has ventured before. With millions of views for his webserie « Mission » and his subsequent spectacular films we can’t help but wonder what he will do next !
BEARER OF LOCAL HISTORY astrid marty : flora from deep in the heart of the aravis Every summer, Astrid Marty is out on the mountain, picking alpine flowers to be served up in the dishes of the Chalet de Paccaly, located at the base of one of the most beautiful combes in the Aravis. As a mountain guide, she knows the history of the local flora like the palm of her hand and is delighted to serve up not just delicious dishes, but dishes full of local history accompanied with a good helping of local knowledge ! 6
OUTDOOR MUSEUM & HAMEAU DES ALPES
EVENT LE CHAMP DES PLATINES
On the way to the Hameau des Alpes, on the Beauregard Plateau or around the Confins Lake or even in the direction Musical culture can be found high in the of the Chalet de Paccaly, culture can be found out in the mountains until September in La Clusaz! open air. For interesting, informative and motivating hikes, Throughout the summer, Reblochon-scented travel 100 years back in time in the exhibitions displaying Radio Meuh prepares a laid-back, pastoralthe first skiers or the events that have been organised at music outing with a view over the summits. the foot of the Aravis since the beginning of tourism in the Each month a different location is chosen with resort. To continue learning, head to the Hameau des care, where you can danse, snooze or enjoy Alpes, from the outside an authentic traditional alpine refreshments to the sounds of the Radio Meuh DJs farm and from the inside an interactive experience in the heart of Nature ! Each location is a secret until to find all about the history of skiing and the making the week before the event. of Reblochon. There is even a tasting session at the For more info : www.laclusaz.com/animations.html end of the visit.
www.laclusaz.com/informations-plan-vtt.html
For more information : lehameaudesalpes.com Adult 7 € / Child 4 €
accomodation You can also enjoy a cultural experience in the different possibilities of accommodation in the resort. Le Saint-Alban Hôtel & Spa : For the thousands of books on display and its « English private club » deco Les Rhodos : For its 60s sports-themed or 80s music-themed bedrooms Le Chalet PVG La Douceur 5* : To go back in time in the chalet where during renovation over 2000 letters from soldiers were found that had been written during World War One.
music on beauregard Since 2017, the ten-day long Musique à Beauregard Festival has been illuminating the villages around the Aravis range, honouring classical music with moving musical discoveries deep in the alpine pastures overlooking Mont Blanc. For more information : www.musiqueabeauregard.com 7
EVENT - the derby des alpages - september 4th and 5th
Culture
Mountain
Nature is all around here, inspiring creativity in cultural activities both artistic and active, be they musical, photographic, educational or in the free spirit of freeriding. In whatever form, they bring people together always in the spirit of the mountains.
MTB Tracks____________________________________ 20 the lcz domaine Number of kms of MTB tracks _____________ 125 La Clusaz has 20 trails Ski lifts _________________________________________ 4 on which to explore the mountains with a wide Bikepark ________________________________________ 1 variety of riding options. Price of a day pass _____________________ 19,20 € La Clusaz has everything from easy beginner trails to The (other) ride zones technical ascents in outstanding preserved natural landscapes, through pastureland Big Air Bag and video zone ____________4,50 € or along established trails, no limits on age! Skate Park (free) _______________________________1 There really is something for everyone and every type of ride here, whether you choose between a more challenging, fun circuit, or a more cultural one, a more chilled out experience or enduro to push yourself to the limits. You may be lucky enough to spot a member of LCZ, a collective of riders who are constantly out on the huge playground inventing new adventures and training under the sun in La Clusaz. For more information :
« The descent from the summer grazing pastures » is a tradition that has perpetuated in the Alps since the Middle Ages. It involves escorting the cows from their high mountain pastureland to the fields for grazing in the valleys, where they will see out the winter. It also means the herdsmen who have spent the summer months alone with their dogs and cattle high in the mountains return to the company of the local villagers. Inspired by this tradition, La Clusaz has decided to organise an MTB mass start race. The concept is simple: 200 cyclists represent the cows coming down from the pastures followed by the herdsmen, 5 top riders including Killian Bron. After the mass start of the « cows », the « herdsmen » have to pass in front of their herd to guide them to the finish line in the centre of the village of La Clusaz. For more information : www.laclusaz.com/animations.html
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Indian summer
it's not just all about the summer Life here is just one big long season ! La Clusaz is a lively village all year round and as spring turns into summer and summer to autumn, the inhabitants combine their working life with the wonders of all that alpine life has to offer and marvel at the beauty of each changing season. OPERATION AIRBNB : NEW INHABITANTS IN LA CLUSAZ In La Clusaz, one lucky family was chosen to spend a month as a native in a chalet rented by Airbnb. Over the four weeks the family met with locals and visited the nurseries, schools and other amenities with the aim of imagining life here on the long term. The idea is to attract new inhabitants to the village by offering an opportunity to experience daily life surrounded by the Great Outdoors.
THE PÊLE CO-WORKING A co-working space called Le Pêle, a local word meaning “a small room heated by a stove” opened several years ago. It is a perfect solution for independent workers, entrepreneurs, freelancers and teleworkers and is open to visitors and local inhabitants with 20 independent, open-planned workspaces, secure WiFi, printer/scanner, meeting room and the all-important unlimited tea and coffee! No excuse for procrastination, the mountains will inspire all year long! For more information : lepelecoworking.com
pass experience
a business club made in la clusaz The Business Club of La Clusaz is still in its infancy, but already very active. Launched in 2019 as a link between the business world and La Clusaz’ creative universe, the objective is to help develop business, create a local network and provide a meeting space for new partners. Themed excursions to discover the mountains, inspiring conferences, festive events and dinners are organised to bring professionals together. Open to all professionals, the business club gives access to seasonal or yearly passes as well as many advantages to reveal the richness of La Clusaz to future and current collaborators and partners. For more information : laclusaz.com/businessclub.html
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La Clusaz is taking action to make summer last longer. The recent health crisis has encouraged business, restaurant and hotel owners as well as local representatives and others to reflect on the seasonal nature of our professions. We have decided to share with and enjoy the summits and mountain culture for longer. To this end, the ski lifts will remain open until mid-September and the majority of the shops will remain open until the half-term break in autumn. A unique and restful moment to enjoy the stunning, changing colours in La Clusaz.
La Clusaz has developed a pass to let everyone get the most out of their holiday without constantly taking out the credit card. Children and parents alike can enjoy eXperiences that mean something, all generations will have unlimited access to activities including: the ski lifts, entry to the swimming pool, the summer luge run, the ice rink, golfing, activities at the Sports Club and the Hameau des Alpes, as well as great discounts on hiking, canyoning, rock climbing and the via ferrata. For more information : laclusaz.com
A UNIQUE BACKDROP IN ANNECY MOUNTAINS Ideally located at the heart of a rich and varied landscape, La Clusaz is part of the “Annecy Mountains” project that groups together 5 neighbouring destinations (Annecy, Les Sources du Lac, Le Grand-Bornand, Thônes et Manigod). The area is located between lake and mountains and encourages the development of activities in relation to the rich local culture with an emphasis on sustainable tourism. For more information : annecymountains.com
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Document imprimé avec des encres végétales sur papier écocertifié. Crédits photos : Clément Hudry • David Machet • Nicolas Scordia • Germain Favre-Felix • J. Mugniery • Pierrick Aubert • Pierre Henry
CONTACT
MATHILDE RAGOT responsable relation media Tél. : +33 (0)4 50 32 65 02 Mail : presse@laclusaz.com
PARIS
LA CLUSAZ
des sommets à portée de main
Vers PARIS Vers PARIS
GENÈVE
ANNECY
LYON
A43
LA CLUSAZ
Vers MARSEILLE
www.laclusaz.com
PARIS La Clusaz