Etoile des Beaux Arts

This traditionally built apartment is superbly located for children, in the centre of the village, next to the telecabine where the main nursery slopes are to be found and principal access to the sunny slopes of Les Houches.  The fantastic views may be admired from the spacious sitting area or the large (50m2) terrace, which is also perfect for sunbathing or building a snowman depending on the weather!  A special feature of this apartment is that it is possible to have breakfast in bed while watching your little ones play safely on the enclosed balcony, as there are patio doors from the master bedroom to the balcony.

This high standard apartment is furnished simply throughout in a traditional but modern style with original artwork on the walls (no antique skis or cowbells here).  The co-ordinating furniture is solid but comfortable pine, complementing the architecture of the building and giving it an overall feeling of space and light, something not generally associated with the average French rental apartment. 

The master bedroom has a queen size bed (160cm), en suite shower and hand basin, a built in wardrobe and double patio doors leading out on to the 50m2 terrace.  It is from this room that you can steal those extra precious minutes in bed, while the children play happily in sight on the fully enclosed terrace.  Please note that this room does not have suitable space to put a cot.

Next to the master bedroom, the twin bedroom and the triple bedroom offer the same excellent view of the mountain scenery.  These both have large windows not patio doors, so are very practical for our smaller guests, with built in wardrobes and space for a cot.  The triple bedroom has a single bed (with a pull out bed underneath) and a sturdy bunk set, so the main decision for the children will be who gets to sleep on top!

Just across from the bedrooms the family bathroom has a loo, a bath with over bath shower and a built in sink and washing machine.  There is also a second, separate WC in the entrance hall, along with a large cupboard.

The communal area of the apartment has a well designed, fitted kitchen with a mid level oven, microwave, fridge freezer and dishwasher.  It opens onto the dining area, which has a lovely solid pine table seating up to 10 diners and is very convenient to supervise the children’s meals whilst preparing the adults evening meal.

Installed in the corner of the sitting area is a flat screen TV with DVD and CD/radio/tape player; a second portable TV/video player is also available which plays European and US video tapes.  This area has 2 large comfortable sofas, one of which converts into a full size double bed while the second sofa has storage drawers underneath.

The 50m2 terrace is just an absolute find in a ski resort. Fully enclosed and private, you can soak up the sun (winter and summer) on the sun loungers, enjoy al fresco meals and relax knowing the children are secure.

This 3 storey chalet style apartment block is built into the hillside over the internal garages and the apartment is on the first floor of accommodation. Built in 2002 in the traditional mountain style of stone and timber, the apartment is set back 10m from the road with local restaurants, shops and main ski lift all within 2 minutes walk.  It is also possible to ski back to within 100m of the door (snow conditions permitting).

The communal parts of the building are extremely well kept and nicely decorated, with carpeted corridors.  An allocated parking space in the secure garage gives access direct in to the building with additional parking nearby, a ski locker is also available on the same floor.

• Enclosed terrace
• Bed guard
• Cots and cot linen
• Microwave
• Steriliser
• High chair
• Booster seat
• Hand blender
• Plastic plates, cups and cutlery
• Potty
• Step
• Changing mat

For the children...
Les Houches is a wonderful village for children and is certified as such by the organisation ‘Famille Plus’, which guarantees the resort caters well for families with children from 18 months old.  This is a national qualification awarded to tourist resorts offering an especially warm welcome to families.  Winter and summer, children love the mountains; apart from the skiing and the sledging, there is a husky dog park, a wild life park and mountain walks from the door.  There are mountain railways, tree top adventure playgrounds and a great adventure playground at Les Planards with activities for children aged 2 and over.

Various childcare options for all ages are available in Les Houches but they do generally need to be booked in advance.

Where do I start? If you love the outdoors, you will love Les Houches!  As well as all the fun things for the kids, adults will find plenty of new things to try such as parapenting, snow shoeing and canyoning.  There are plenty of traditional activities as well, tennis, golf and of course Chamonix is world famous for its climbing.  The Mer de Glace and the rack and pinion railway are a must, as is the trip up the Aiguille du Midi to the top of Mont Blanc (not recommended for small children). 

If you fancy getting the car out, it’s a short trip through the Mont Blanc tunnel to have an Italian lunch in Courmayeur – then buy some chocolate in Switzerland on the way back.  If you decide to leave the mountains, it’s just over an hour to the beautiful Lake Annecy, or Lake Geneva if cosmopolitan shopping is more your thing.

Before booking, please read our Terms and Conditions. Bookings are generally taken for full weeks and the availability tab shows 7 night blocks; however many Owners are happy to consider bookings for additional nights and to consider different starting and departure dates outside of the busy periods.  Please enquire by clicking on an available period in the Pricing and Availability tab above.

Price includes: linen, towels, (indoor), electricity and heating.