Noemys Le Clos des Fontaneilles

We have just returned from a weeks skiing in Les Angles where we stayed at Le Clos des Fontaneilles. There were 5 of us, ourselves, our friend and our two children aged 11 and 8 so we shared a 2 bedroomed apartment sleeping up to 6. It is an 'apart-hotel' which means they are self catering apartments where things like bed linen and cleaning are extra services - quite normal in France. We took our own sheets/pillowcases, blankets and pillows are provided and we did our own cleaning to save money. There is a tv but you have to pay to get a picture - we didn't bother, we just took the laptop to watch dvds. It has a part time reception. We found the best things were: The accommodation is in a great location, on the edge of town, but an easy walk to the centre - even in the snow (but you wouldn't walk with your ski boots and gear - but there's no need due to free bus). We walked into town on three evenings for dinner with our children. Some of the apartments have a view over the valley and lake which is very pretty. We didn't but could still just see the lake. A free 'navette' or ski bus stops at the residence regularly (every 15 to 20mins) throughout the day from 8.30am to 4.30pm taking you directly to stops throughout the town - the main ones being the jardin de neige for those with young children doing courses with the esf and the base of the telecabin too. From experience, we know what a hassle it is lugging all the ski gear of your own (and your kids ) - so although most of the navette passengers had their gear with them, we took the easy option and hired a locker at the telecabin where we dumped our stuff every afternoon and picked it up the next day but the navette was brilliant. The residence has wifi - it's only in reception, not in the apartment though- we paid 14€90 for the week, but you can get a 15min trial and pay by the hour or day if you prefer. The sauna and pool were great - as others have said the pool is on the cool side - it says 27c but it would be nice if it were warmer for my taste, it's fine once you are in but took me a while ! - the kids didn't mind at all and were in every afternoon - it is open all day. The sauna is fab, far more to my taste after a days skiing, we used it every day and plenty big enough for 4 adults and a couple of kids but we had it to ourselves most days. Bread/croissants - can be picked up from reception every morning by ordering the night before and there is a spar shop in town right opposite the free bus stop to come home, so you can pick up any other shopping supplies you need then. The staff - the gentleman who ran the property was very friendly and helpful as were all the staff that worked there. Balcony - lovely to sit out and enjoy a drink in the evening, even in the snow. There is a plastic table and chairs provided and a drying rack. Heating - very warm and not controlled in anyway - it's included in the rental cost and you could heat the apartment as hot as you like. Same with the hot water - very plentiful and very hot. Good shower and nice bath - bathroom was spacious compared to the rest of the apartment - could of done with some shelves and more towel hooks (there's only two which isn't enough for 5/6 people) The only negative is Space - It had two bedrooms, a double a twin and then a bed settee which would sleep two (one single bed pulling out from under another) The apartment was compact and perfectly adequate but by the end of the week it's nice to get back to having more space at home ! I would recommend it highly for 2 adults and 2 children but if you have more than 2 adults staying then just don't expect much personal space, also our friend who was sleeping in the sitting room on the bed setee said the sound insulation into the next apartment wasn't great although we heard nothing in our bedrooms as there was a hallway inbetween. The double bedroom is very very small - literally just enough room for the bed (firm and comfortable) with only a hand width of space at the end with slightly more at the side but no storage other then on the floor under the bed. It would of benefited from having some overhead cupboards, but there was a wardrobe unit in the sitting area and to be honest when skiing every day - we don't need space for hanging our ballgowns ! The twin room was fine but again, no storage - I just put the kids clothes under the bed on the floor, it might be nice to have those rolling draws under the beds. The 'main' room has a kitchenette (well equipped although being French there is a coffee machine and tiny coffee cups but no kettle or mugs for a decent sized cup of tea - we used the deep breakfast bowls to drink out of. Good sized fridge, microwave and 4 ring electric hob and a dishwasher - no oven ) It has a wardrobe unit which also houses the tv - so there is some storage - just not in the bedrooms, which is fine if it's only you and your children but staying with other adults - this was their bedroom, so we could hardly wander in first thing to get our clothes for the day - hence storing our clothes under the bed on the floor in our own room. There is also a dining table, 4 chairs, two stools and a huge unnecessary coffee table, that takes up far too much space so we moved it into the bathroom. We had a great week - the resort is perfect for families, the ski area is not huge or tasking but ideal for beginners and intermediates, the reds and blues are short but very wide - the snow was brilliant (they have loads of snow cannons to make sure) They have two particularly lovely greens (about 3km each) We stayed during peak french holiday season yet there were no queues and most of the slopes were empty. The bottom nursery slope is extremely busy though and the esf jardin de neige and ski school lessons make that area very crowded and busy - recommend heading straight up the telecabin to the nursery area there. Will return to both Les Angles and to the residence.