VVF Val-Cenis Haute-Maurienne

I booked VVF Village Val Cenis Le Haut as a much-needed last minute all-inclusive holiday for my family. This holiday is recommended for groups traveling by car. We were on the road for a day and a half before arriving around 11 PM on a Saturday at Lanslevillard. We knew we would arrive late so a courtesy call to the Reception was made at noon. I was pleasantly surprised when Christine assured me that there will be an envelope with welcome instructions for us taped to the 'Accueil' door PLUS the fact that there will be food for us IN our apartment when we eventually get there. That was already too good to be true - if one shudders at the thought of a possibly aloof French reaction to us arriving late. The Accueil was a bit difficult to find by car since the VVF was modestly advertised at the end of the town of Lanslevillard. No neon signs, no fancy billboards but everything was just well-appointed for a lovely French town in the Vanoise region. When we finally found the envelope (husband parked the car and walked into the little plaza of the VVF behind some other apartments), we trekked down to our apartment which was clearly marked on the Welcome site map. True enough, we had a huge dish of tartiflette (still warm!), another dish filled with local charcuterie, bread on a basket and a bowl of peaches and apricots. What a fitting, thoughtful, hospitable welcome for weary travelers! Since we arrived at night, I only saw in the morning how breathtaking was the setting of Lanslevillard. We were in between ice-capped mountains which can be viewed from either side of our apartment. Apartment was basic but well-equipped for everything you might need to cook your own meals. We were assigned to a 5-person lodging which included a sofa bed for the parents and a single bed plus bunk bed in the bedroom for the kids. For such a small space, the apartment had plenty of shelves for storage space. We also asked for all the linens and for the after-stay cleaning to be covered for an additional fee. For the price we stayed for a week-long stay, we however opted for 'pension complet' which means we eat all our meals at the restaurant (the additional price for all-inclusive was just less than €200 than if we just opted for half-board). On days when clients fancy a picnic, VVF Val Cenis prepares an impressive selection of food to bring along for a picnic including cheese, charcuterie, salad, eggs, fruits and baguettes. Groups can take as much as needed. Proper re-usable packaging are provided. From what I have seen so far, VVF takes good care of their visiting families. Plenty of kids club options depending on the age group. Plenty of outdoor activities to choose from for the grown-ups. The municipality's swimming pool is just 200 m away from the VVF Village, the cable cars and bowling are also within easy walking distance. The playground and bouncy castles in the town are really close as well - though we have no need for these so far! We are just on Day Two of our stay and we are very much impressed by the hospitality VVF has to offer. With the fête de Montagne on 27 July (Sunday) and the gorgeous sunny weather the morning after, we ventured outdoors - taking in all the beautiful scenery around us. Among the places we have passed through include Bellacombe/Refuge du Plan de Lac, panoramic views of the Vanoise glaciers, Bonneval sur Arc and Col d'Iseran. All within easy driving distance from Val Cenis. For us, with a young family, the VVF Village Val Cenis guarantees as an amazing French Alps holiday in the summer within a very very reasonable budget. It's impressive how much every Eurocent is stretched for all that we are enjoying so far. Everything flows so naturally - nothing contrived. So if you wish to experience a true French holiday (and be ready to practice your French) with the locals, I'd recommend this place. Staff are wonderful, welcoming and friendly. Kudos to the team led by the director (Eric), folks at the Reception, the restaurant and the kids' club facilitators (animateur).