Chalet Valhalla

You’re at the secluded, forested end of a no through road in the Chamonix valley, minutes from shops, restaurants and hiking and biking trails. The sophisticated 21st-century build is deceptively traditional, with masses of Savoyard timber, big windows onto the sunny terrace and a large, lawned garden complete with a beer-barrel sauna.

Everyone has their own space in handsome bedrooms with white linen and smart bathrooms piled with fluffy towels and robes. Come together in the communal spaces after days high in the mountains – take over the swish kitchen, dine around a convivial table or take drinks in the vast open-plan living area with its minstrel’s gallery and dramatically high, vaulted ceiling.

The valley is a skier’s paradise, no doubt – but the snow and ice melts to reveal fine walking country, lakes for rafting, opportunities for climbing. Don’t miss the pinion railway to see the Mer de Glace.