Sleep at the Eco-bivouac du Semnoz, an unusual bubble not far from Annecy

 

You know our taste for unusual accommodations in France and abroad. We tested the one at Semnoz, in Haute-Savoie, nestled in the valley.

 

 

| AN ATYPICAL, ECO-RESPONSIBLE BUBBLE

 

After sleeping in the world’s highest cabins in the Laos, after presenting the igloo hotels in Finnish Lapland, the salt hotel in Bolivie, visit yurts in Mongolia, we’re tackling France. You’re sure to find your happiness here in terms of accommodation but the Eco-bivouac des Alpages du Semnoz in Haute-Savoie has a little something extra. We discovered it in the summer, during our trip to the Savoie cheese route.

At an altitude of 1,700 metres, deep in the forest of the Semnoz, just 20 minutes from Annecy and its lake, these unusual accommodation were born in 2011 from the imagination of Julien Perrillat, a former top-level sportsman. The idea was to get travelers to sleep for a night in the middle of winter, in the middle of nature. The project has grown from strength to strength, to become a unique, original and unmissable spot in the region, in winter and summer alike. The place is really relaxing and soothing, perfect for unwinding! We recommend that you try it out with friends (like for a bachelor or bachelorette party) or simply as lovers!

Nestled in the middle of the forest in an authentic environment, these bubble tents of 7m2 have been eco-responsible. The materials used are for the most part local, processed and used by companies in the valley. So you’ll find the main alti dome serving as the dining area, with its large central stove and long, convivial wooden tables, then scattered here and there in the forest, various smaller domes, each able to accommodate two people. Are you a small group or a large family? No problem, a large bubble tent equipped with camp beds can accommodate 8 people.

Outside, a small bar has been built, offering the traditional aperitif with music by Joël the accordionist (if he’s present that day): mulled wine, local beers and regional wines are available for tasting.

 

| SLEEPING AT THE ECO-BIVOUAC FOR A VERY NATURAL AND SIMPLE EXPERIENCE

 

Windproof and waterproof, our bubble tents provide a comfortable 2-bed nest. They all feature a teak terrace and a small wood-burning stove that you can light just before going to sleep, to warm you up. It also reminded us of our nights in Mongolia when we had to take it in turns at two in the morning to put a log in the yurt stove! You can book an altidome with a panoramic roof, lit only by the moon, the perfect place to admire the starry sky tucked into your comforter.

But don’t worry, even if you forget to put back the wood, your sleeping bags designed to insulate you down to sub-zero temperatures will be there to keep you warm. Complementary blankets and animal skins are also available for those who prefer to stay in the cold. Here we’re in harmony with nature, so you’ll only find dry toilets. For intimate hygiene, bring cleansing wipes as there are no showers. That’s what a change of scenery is all about!

Once night has fallen, the warm evening can finally begin in the main 50m2 altidome. On the menu: a traditional mountain and Savoyard dinner with cheese, of course! The meals are prepared by the resort’s own chef. We tasted Reblochon croquettes, with delicious creuzets, small square pasta made from Savoyard white flour or buckwheat flour. Rustic and unusual, they lend themselves deliciously to all kinds of gratin dishes. Delicious! For dessert, it was rhubarb or apricot tart!

The evening continued in a festive atmosphere, entertained by our accordion-playing musician. Warmed by the stove and a few glasses of wine, the conviviality takes shape and carries us away through the songs of our French repertoire. We’d love to do it again in winter, to recharge our batteries in a wild, white setting and listen only to the crackle of our boots in the snow.

In the early morning, we wake up to the sound of birds and the crackling of the forest. Wake up to breakfast, as always featuring local produce. The experience is a change of scenery and a different kind of tourism.

 

Expect to pay around 280€ per night for 2 people with aperitif, dinner, overnight stay and breakfast. The price of the experience and the unusual, which we would have liked to have been a little more affordable.

There is a package on sale (the one we tested over the weekend) « Immersion in our mountain pastures, on the Savoy Cheese Route»

• Departure from the summer toboggan run at the Semnoz resort. 2 days and 1 night in the heart of the Semnoz Alps. A bit of walking, a lot of chatting with the alpagistes and a night in an altidome at theeco-bivouac ! Visit the mountain pastures, where you’ll learn about milking, animal production and care, and taste the 4 Semnoz A.O.P. wines (Abondance, Chevrotin, Reblochon, Tome des Bauges). Traditional evening meal under an alti-dome. Price 215€ per person. Family packs and children’s rates on request.

• For the more adventurous and fond of nights under the stars, organic cotton hammocks with protective canvas, sheepskin and plaid are also available. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t allow us to test them that evening! Expect to pay €79 with dinner and a nighttime stroll.

 

• If you’re looking for a private transport from Annecy to Geneva airport, you can click here to reserve your car.

 

| THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND ANNECY

 

Mountain activities in Haute Savoie are well-developed and perfect for both families and couples. There’s a vast choice of activities for young and old, for thrill-seekers and white-water enthusiasts alike. Don’t waste any more time looking for what you’d like to do, I’ve put together a small selection of my addresses for you.

 

 

 

 

If you like thrills such as hang-gliding, canyoning, hot-air ballooning or rafting, we’ve got something for you, find what you’re looking for here for busy summer days in the mountains. You’ll be delighted by the range of activities on offer.

As you can see, the Eco-Bivouac du Semnoz, is an atypical night, an authentic and unique experience for young and old to live at least once in a lifetime! We loved this little bubble of freshness, and in the evening, after dinner, you can take a little evening stroll in the forest, torch in hand, before ending the evening singing or simply sitting by the fire to admire the stars. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to hotels, B&Bs and B&Bs, so think again!