Snow is falling in the Alps, and with the arrival of winter come thoughts of unforgettable ski holidays. At the foot of the pistes in Val d’Isère and between the snow-laden pine trees of Courchevel, the Airelles hotels offer exceptional new experiences every season. From the new Chalets des Airelles to the LOULOU restaurant in Val d’Isère, here’s a round of the what’s new at Airelles this year that you won’t want to miss !

From December 10, Les Airelles, the iconic Courchevel Palace Hotel is getting bigger, offering its guests a new group of refined and luxurious hotel chalets. Made up of 19 rooms, the Chalets allow you to enjoy Courchevel in total privacy. Just a few steps from the hotel, the three chalets are dedicated to offering guests a sublime stay with attentive and bespoke service.

There’ll be a party atmosphere in Saint-Tropez during the 23rd ‘Voiles de Saint-Tropez’ festival. For two weeks, the iconic village steps back in time to welcome 250 of the best sailors from around the world. It’s a unique event originally borne of two sailors challenging each other.

The story began in 1981 when Dick Jayson and his Swan 44 arrived at Saint Tropez’s port – a fashionable place welcoming celebrities from all over the world – and Jean Laurain challenged him to a race. The next day, they left from the foot of the Portalet Tower at Saint-Tropez.

From this, the Niourlague Race was born and ran for many years until, in 1999, it became the ‘Voiles de Saint-Tropez’ under the auspices of the Saint-Tropez Nautical Society.

The end of the season has arrived, and with it brings the Indian summer. As it settles in, join us as we explore the new flavours and ingredients that it has to offer. ​In Provence, soak up the last of the summer sun before winter creeps in, whilst in Gordes to Saint-Tropez via Les Baux-de-Provence, stretch out time spent on the terraces and plan those final dips in the pool.

Château d’Estoublon situated in the heart of the Alpilles is one of the great estates of Baux-de-Provence. The property is an 18 hectares vineyard where Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Roussane and Marsanne are cultivated, while 12O hectares of olive trees surround the Château.

The grapes and olives are cultivated using methods that respect organic agriculture, closely following a manual process free from chemicals. Alongside the impressive collection of wines and olive oils, you can discover La Table d’Estoublon, an exquisite restaurant hidden in the estate. Originally from Antwerp, the Chef Win Van Gorp blends local Provencal classics with flavours from further afield, resulting in irresistible recipes. Paired with an impressive selection of red, white and rosé wines, dining at La Table d’Estoublon is an experience not to be missed.

Bringing together both the chicness of the Riviera and the relaxing atmosphere of the Mediterranean are a range of travel experiences in the oldest fishing village on the Côte d’Azur. Sip a cocktail by the sea, have a romantic dinner in a secret garden, a shady lunch in the colourful village streets or spend an afternoon with your feet in the water… There are so many simple pleasures to be had. And to make the most of summer, Airelles is sharing its top Saint Tropez tips. What do you feel like doing ?

The light of Saint-Tropez is particularly beautiful in the morning, and there is nowhere better to admire it than at the Chateau de la Messardiere. Take in the beautiful panorama while gazing out to the horizon and diving into the clear waters of the pool. Perfectly placed between the sky and sea, this family estate throws open its doors this summer, and is as lovely to look at as the prestigious residences of the Riviera were in the 1920s. Surrounded by greenery, this is the ideal spot to relax in.

Perched on the southern slopes of the Alpilles mountain range in the heart of Provence, sits the Château d’Estoublon. It is imbued with the heritage, and even some physical markers, of the Roman empire, which is the pride of the region. Halfway between Arles and Avignon, the Estoublon estate and its 18th century Chateau are nestled in this magnificent landscape, one that has inspired numerous painters and writers over the years. It is this rugged scenery that has been the backdrop to many of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous paintings. And in the midst of all this history is Château d’Estoublon, which has been a working estate since 1731, making olive oils and exceptional wines.

Found between Provence’s Maussane and Fontvieille, and renowned for its outstanding wines and for its collection of olive oils, the Château d’Estoublon provides a masterclass in the Provencal art of living. Emblematic of the South of France, these two local products are made entirely organically. Grapes and olives are grown, cultivated and bottled on the estate, using a manual and mechanical manufacturing processes, without any chemical intervention. From the moment the fruit is picked, until the day the products go on sale, each step is overseen by the Estoublon team. Our technical prowess and reputation were solidified at the New York International Olive Oil Competition, where we won first prize.

Going to Airelles Val d’Isère, it also means to choose one of the most beautiful sky area of the world. It has to be stated that being linked to the Tignes resort within the espace Killy, the Val d’Isère has numerous arguments.

“First, it is a true four seasons resort, which is open from autumn to spring and furthermore we can enjoy summer on the Tignes glaciers” as said by Thomas Boulet, Bernard Orcel Technical Director, who is particularly fond of this area and is delighted with the opening of a Bernard Orcel ski room in Airelles Val d’Isère. Second asset of charm, and not the least: “Due to its location in the mountains massif, Val d’Isère benefits from a superb snowfall with lovely flurries of snow and sometimes those do not happen elsewhere.” So, a sure value.

Concerning ski, the resort has the reputation of its ski runs, which are favourable to a more sportive practice that will seduce the advanced skiers who are looking for strong and diversified thrills. More than 300 km of ski runs, doomed or less doomed, and among them the true myths as the Face de Bellevarde, 90 ski lifts or also two snow parks. The non-enthusiasts of ski runs will enjoy beautiful waypoints in woods or large virgin spaces facing the mountain (always equipped with Arva and with an ABS back bag, which are available in the ski room).

At the foot of the slopes and in the heart of Les Trois Vallées,Les Airelles in Courchevel materialises as if by magic from among the snow-covered pines. Once again this year, the House promises some great surprises and many moments of emotion.

This unique Winter House is the ideal destination for a memorable family holiday, where guests can devour a programme of gourmet, educational, relaxing, but above all unforgettable activities that promise to delight young and old alike: partake in an escape game drive a snow groomer, dig into a picnic delivered to you on the slopes. Les Airelles has something to please the whole family, be it gastronomic, relaxing, or something a little more playful !

7:30 am

Your morning begins with a hearty gluten-free breakfast, adapted to keep you going all day long. Perhaps a glass of lukewarm water and a lemon juice, some fruit, and to finish, a buckwheat and avocado crêpe.

8:00 am

Now your belly is full, a thirty-minute Pilates session is ideal to warm up and awaken your muscles.  Doing Pilates also allows you to work on your breathing, flexibility, and spinal mobility.

Visit the hotel’s Ski-Room with state-of-the-art equipment for a quality day.  Kitting yourself out with a pair of Les Airelles skis made by the expert hands of DENERIAZ is a must.  Through fine attention to detail, authenticity, and excellence, the Savoyard brand has teamed up with the House to create a unique experience ensuring incredible sensations.  Intricately handmade with the finest materials, DENERIAZ skis are a perfect match for the Airelles philosophy.

A unique experience at a regal address : opening in 2021

Nestled within the grounds of the Château de Versailles and offering a spectacular view over the parterre of the Orangerie and the Pièce d’Eau des Suisses, Le Grand Contrôle hotel invites you on a unique journey through time to the Age of Enlightenment and the court of the Kingdom of France. The world looked on in awe as the emblematic Versailles estate shone like a beacon under the reign of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. A stunning new house is soon to be unveiled in a setting steeped in history and situated just a stone’s throw from Versailles’ famous Hall of Mirrors and quintessentially French gardens.

This hôtel particulier was constructed in 1681 in the heyday of the Sun King and was initially intended for the Duke of Beauvilliers, Colbert’s son-in-law. It was designed by Louis XIV’s favourite architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, a 17^th century benchmark in French classicism who made his mark as the creator of the Dôme des Invalides. In the 18^th century, some modifications were carried out on Le Grand Contrôle hotel, which was joined to the Château de Versailles by Louis XV. Spanning three buildings, Le Grand Contrôle, Le Petit Contrôle, and the Pavillon des premières cent marches encircle a courtyard holding similarities to the iconic parterre of the nearby Orangerie.

History and power : 1788, France shines out across the world

Le Grand Contrôle became what we would now refer to as the ministry of finance, and being a fly on one of its walls would have meant observing some of the most powerful figures coming to meet Louis XVI’s ministers, such as Turgot or Necker. It was here, in the privacy of these stone walls that the building blocks of American independence were laid out thanks to the financial support of the King of France. The European cultural elite would regroup here amidst the elegant decor of Le Grand Contrôle, Necker’s wife holding court with the great names of the Age of Enlightenment. Their daughter, Madame de Staël, quickly took over. She was a brilliant intellectual and feminist who was considered one of the most intelligent women of her time. In 1788, Le Grand Contrôle held significant political, economic and cultural influence. More than two centuries later, it will finally regain its splendour within the estate of the Château de Versailles.