Le Grattague
(Altitude 1380m.)
Le Grattague and the surrounding area has nature in adundance and is magnificent in all seasons. The summits and crests flirt with the clouds giving visitors the privilege of admiring one of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable..
Le Grattague is a small "complex" of 10 chalet style blocks of varied appartments built in 1985.
Set in a wooded conservation area, towards the top of Mount D'Arbois which translates literally into 'mountain of wood', the whole complex is surrounded by natural woodland interspersed with clearings occupied by local cattle which can be heard before seen due to the clonking of their cowbells
The appartment blocks (named after precious gemstones) are set at varied angles along a descending winding private road.
The managing agents are in st gervais and the whole area is exceptionally clean and maintained. The heated swimming pool [in season] is cleaned daily, dustbins emptied daily, communal areas cleaned/vacuumed daily etc.
All owners have to comply with strict regulations regarding noise, recycling, nuisances, barbeques, not wearing ski boots in communal areas etc.
Le grattague is free of shops/restaurants etc. However the nearest restaurants are only 12 minutes walk away at les communailes. Additional restaurants are on the road from les communailes to le bettex a total of 1km from the flat.
Signposted walking and mountain bike trails are literally from the flat door. Maps are in the flat.
The outside heated swimming pool is available during the main summer months with designated lounging areas to keep the flats private.
Car parking is not alocated as the snow would cover the markings. Most drivers park nearest to their flats.
Le Bettex
(Altitude 1400m.)
Le Bettex is 1km 'up the hill' from 'Chez Gibson'. It is a choice between a quick drive or a very pleasant off road walk in the summer passing an abundance of wild raspberry canes on the way.
Two mini markets supply all that you need, one in Le Bettex and one (slightly better one) a couple of hundred yards down on the main road. Le Bettex also features ski/ sport/ hire shops, a tourist information office, newsagents and ski pass desk. All open according to the season.
A large free car park is situated at the entrance to Le Bettex on the main road from St. Gervais. There are about 7 restaurants of varying cuisine and a few bars which appear to have limited opening hours.
The main halfway telecabine [cable car] is at the centre of Le Bettex. This goes up to the top of the mountain or down to St. Gervais. The cable car operates during the winter ski season and July/August for walkers and mountain bikers or those who fancy a little shopping at the bottom of the hill.
Ski passes can be purchased at the telecabine station - A passport photo is required, although if you don't have one they will take a digital shot of you for an additional 3 Euros (and a significant amount of wasted time).
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