In Switzerland, Dolce Vita in a fairytale palace
In the distance, its white turret, topped with a conical roof, seems to point to the snow-capped peaks. Nestled at 1,050 m above sea level in a private park in the Oberbort district, the Gstaad Palace, a legendary 5-star hotel in the style of a romantic castle, has cultivated the art of excellence for more than one hundred and seven years. All circles of good society, artists, aristocrats and businessmen, flock there summer and winter. Regulars love the conviviality that reigns in its lounges, the delicacy of the service, the culinary diversity (deployed in 5 restaurants: gourmet, Italian, grill, cheese dairy, etc.), the summer Olympic swimming pool and the prodigious 1,800 m2 spa.
Andrea Scherz, third generation at the helm, has taken up the torch to bring the hospital values of this family-run establishment to a new world. This summer, he is organizing surprise dinners for two in a secret location, musical evenings with DJ Jim Leblanc ... At the Gstaad Palace, children are king. Their parents will be able to register them for a mini-car race, the Palace Kids Grand Prix (reserved for 4-12 year-olds) on August 2, and for exclusive tennis courses (dedicated to 7-16 year-olds) from August 9 to 15. In the surroundings, a multitude of outdoor activities: golf, climbing, hiking or cycling ... with a spectacular view of the Bernese and Valais Alps.
Gstaad Palace (00.41.33.748.50.00; Palace.ch). 90 rooms and suites. From € 620 per double room. This year, the summer season will end on September 13.
Read also: In France or Switzerland, two wellness getaways to recharge your batteries in the mountains
Between Germany and Austria, a savvy roadtrip
Voyageurs du Monde offers a roadtrip between Germany and Austria, from Munich to Salzburg. Press photo
Like a link between Germany and Austria, the Alps draw a unique territory, with a strong identity. The roadtrip "Northern Alps - From the castles of Bavaria to the cradle of Mozart" allows you to approach it. The circuit begins in Munich, continues to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, Alpbach, then Salzburg.
It combines essential cultural stages, combining ancient and contemporary heritage (the four stations of the Hungerburg funicular from Innsbruck by Zaha Hadid), and bucolic breaks in the mountains.
Voyageurs du Monde (01.49.26.94.74; Voyageursdumonde.fr). Individual tailor-made circuit. From € 1,700, with flights from Paris, a car for 9 days, activities (spa, bike, tours), 8 nights in a hotel.
Read also: Freestyle skiing and panorama in St. Anton, in the Austrian Alps
Nature hike in Slovenia
Head for the Slovenian Alps, for the diversity of the landscapes and the simplicity of the meetings. Press photo
From the blue-gray of the shores of Lake Bled to the deep turquoise waters of the Soca river, passing through all the shades of green of the Triglav National Park and the Bohinj Valley, walking in the Slovenian Alps gives the impression of 'evolve in a wash painting.
Between vertiginous mountains and peaceful plains, picturesque villages and forgotten castles, deep gorges and refreshing waterfalls, good hikers will discover an itinerary where the diversity of landscapes and the simplicity of meetings make the salt of the trip.
Chamina Voyages (04.66.69.00.44; Chamina-voyages.com). 8 days of free hiking with log book and GPS tracks, 7 nights with breakfasts, from € 485 per person, on a double basis. Departures all summer until 09/30.
