La Bergerie

If you’ve heard of the French town of Morzine, you might also know who George Hincapie is, or what a flamme rouge signifies. Thanks to the steep Col de Joux-Plane incline nearby, Morzine, located in the Rhône-Alpes region, has hosted several Tour de France stage finishes. Not to worry if the two-wheeled life isn’t your cup of tea: this mountainscape is a magnet for hikers, skiers and snowboarders, too, and a family-run chalet like Hotel La Bergerie is the kind of place you’ll want to stay.

Maybe it’s the satisfyingly Alpine façade, the angular wooden roof, or the snow-capped peaks behind it. In winter, the central fireplace and cozy bar fit for après-ski; in summer, the swimming pool and terrace designed for unwinding after an afternoon climb. If you have little ones in tow, there are charming French amenities for them, too — a table d’hôte where children dine separately from their parents, and family-style suites with kitchenettes where you can make your own coffee and sandwiches for hiking and skiing excursions.

Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious, with views of the surrounding landscape, but they’re true to the place — this isn’t Paris, after all — decked out in blond wood and traditional printed fabrics with a few tech-forward amenities like flat-screen TVs and wi-fi access. Winning style points isn’t the goal: you’ve come here to get away, to enjoy the mountains, to see a small slice of Alpine culture. La Bergerie is located in the center of the village, so guests can walk everywhere there is to go. There aren’t too many places to go, and that’s part of the charm.

Please note: La Bergerie is open from January to April. The minimum stay is 7 nights, and arrivals must take place on Saturdays.

How to get there: The hotel is located 54 miles from Geneva (GVA) airport.