THE LANDSCAPE LODGE: A BOUTIQUE HIDEAWAY IN THE FRENCH ALPS
We were invited guests of The Landscape Lodge but as always our thoughts and opinions are our own
SUMMED UP
A modern, boutique chalet in the French Alps, with room for 12 and views fit for a postcard. This cosy hideaway will make you feel like you are living inside a Hallmark movie.
SETTING THE SCENE
After waking up before the sun (the joys of November ey), we had a relatively short and painless flight from London city airport, reaching Geneva by mid morning. We picked up a hire car and zoomed off towards the French border, where we wound our way through some beautiful mountain scenery (including lake Geneva), with autumn leaves fluttering along beside us, before finally rounding the bend to The Landscape Lodge.
As far as first impressions go TLL nailed it.
The classic wood exterior wouldn’t look out of place on an advert for the French Alps tourism board and the cosy interiors with layered rugs and chic styling wouldn’t look out of place in the pages of Vogue (in fact it was featured in Vogue Living last year!). We immediately felt at home… and immediately wished we’d planned a longer stay!
THE LODGE
Beautifully renovated by Londoner Fran the Landscape Lodge was opened to guests in 2020 and labels itself as “A place for all seasons. A space to reset.” Having a background in fashion, Fran’s good taste is evident throughout the interiors and we really loved the rustic woods paired with plenty of cosy rugs & accessories and french antique market finds too. It’s a perfectly thought-out home-away-from-home, with everything you would need for a week with friends or family (or a romantic break for two as was the case with us).
On the ground floor you’ll find laundry and utility rooms, plus a granny flat of sorts - 2 bedrooms and a bathroom, along with the smaller of two kitchen/lounge areas. Upstairs is the main open plan kitchen/lounge/dining area, off of which the wrap around deck holds a wood fired tub, BBQ and outdoor seating. There’s a small office and another ensuite bedroom here too. On the top floor is a further 4 bedrooms, including one set up with cots for any tiny members of your group.
Each individually decorated and each cosy and welcoming. It was up here that we tucked ourselves away, in the blue “Mountain View” corner room which commanded the best view of the valley outside as well as winning us over with its striped shower tiles. Hotel quality bedding and fluffy towels only added to the luxe feel.
With panoramic views (oh my the views!) a roaring fire, Netflix and delicious cheese fondue on tap, our only complaint is that we wish we could have spent a week or two out there, soaking in the mountain scenery and the slower pace of life. We certainly hope to return one day - maybe in Winter next time for a snow drenched week or deaux!
THE LOCAL AREA
Of course if you happen to be a guest during the snowy months you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to winter activities and sports but all year round there is plenty to do and see in this beautiful corner of Europe and The Landscape Lodge are able to provide some local suggestions.
Just a 5 minute drive (or 30 minute walk) you’ll find the traditional French Village of Abondance. Part of the Portes Du Soleil region in the French Alps, it is a popular winter sports destination and is apparently the world’s second biggest ski area. While Abondance is not huge, we found everything we needed for a few days of hibernation; including plenty of cheese and wine at the local deli and delicious pastries at the bakery! There are also few restaurant options if you fancy eating out, just check ahead as opening times are sporadic, especially in the off-seasons.
Drive a further 10 mins drive on from town and you’ll find the picturesque Lac de la Plagnes. This is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch or a hike, or if you visit in season there is also a restaurant nearby.
GETTING THERE
The Lodge sits within the small hamlet of Cercle, just outside Abondance in Haute Savoie and can be reached in an easy 90-120min drive from Geneva airport. We flew direct from London city airport in 1.5hours and then hired a hybrid car from Avis (on the Swiss side) and had no issues. We found the guys at the pickup and drop off to be friendly and helpful and the whole process was simple and smooth. Alternatively there are private taxis or group shuttles available from the airport, you just won’t have the flexibility to explore the local area without your own wheels.
GOOD TO KNOW
The TV in the main lounge is equipped with all the regular streaming apps for cosy nights in
Its well worth packing some slippers for walking around as the timber floors can be a little chilly (although we think in the winter the underfloor heating might be switched on)
While the kitchen is stocked with every kind of equipment you’ll need to cook with, there is no food or cooking basics provided so make sure you bring everything with you / stock up at the local supermarket
Nearby Abondance has a small grocery shop, charcuterie, bakery and crepe stand. We managed to find everything we needed in town but alternatively there is a bigger supermarket about…minutes drive away.
Fran is able to arrange a local chef to prepare a special meal
There is plenty of easy parking in front of the lodge
We adored our stay and would heartily recommend this spot to anyone
