Need a relaxing break? Somewhere to unwind, detox and decompress? Here are five places to stay in France where you can recharge your batteries!

WHEN you’re tired, snowed under at work and stressed out by the daily grind, a holiday couldn’t be more welcome. But switching off from your routine and letting go isn’t that simple. In the mountains, accommodation owners are focused on their holidaymakers’ well-being, so they can guide them step by step towards total relaxation. Here are five Zen destinations!

Well-being through fasting

The first European Ecolabel in the Pyrénées, Chalet Ana, in the Pyrenean resort of Les Angles, is a rare pearl in a pure natural setting. This summer, you can learn the art of fasting there with the help of a certified naturopath and recognised fasting instructor. Sessions and courses are aimed at increasing your energy levels, helping you learn to let go, and enjoying the benefits of fasting.

From 490€ per person for 3 nights including: single room, sauna and Jacuzzi access, one-hour massage, guidance before, during and after the course.

Hiking and relaxation

The Hôtel l’Eau Vive in Le Val d’Arly offers an all-inclusive break with access to a mountain companion and a Qi Gong teacher. This form of gymnastics used in traditional Chinese medicine involves gentle movement in harmony with the body and mind. During the day, holidaymakers seeking peace and relaxation will take part in gentle hikes and Qi Gong sessions. From 820€ per person for 7 nights including: accommodation, meals, 5 days of supervised hikes, daily Qi Gong sessions, and a relaxation day.

The benefits of plants

In Val Cenis, the little La Turra hostel, at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park, offers breaks themed around fitness and well-being. David, a mountain companion and herbalist, leads gentle walks and herbalism workshops where guests can discover the medicinal properties of mountain plants, while Séverine, a highly knowledgeable chef, delights attendees’ taste-buds with little dishes made using local seasonal produce.

The La Piémontaise gîte in Aussois offers a break themed around mountain plants with culinary uses and medicinal properties. Attendees will learn how to pick and taste these plants on walks led by mountain companion Bénédicte, so they can get to know and savour the plants’ many beneficial properties. The programme also includes information on the benefits of essential oils and their usage.

Eat well and get moving

Located in the Bauges massif regional nature park, le Chalet du Blanc aux Aillons-Margeriaz combines comfort, beauty and respect for the environment. It has everything you need for a peaceful countryside break, from the rooms to the cuisine to the activities:

• Cosy, light-filled bedrooms, decorated in warm tones to help you recharge your batteries and unwind.
• Stretch hammock yoga (weightless muscle exercise, suspended in a hammock), dynamic yoga, Mat Pilates (stretching and muscle-strengthening from the hips to the shoulders), aqua-biking…
• Indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna and a Scandinavian bath perfect for muscle recovery after sports activity.
• Evening meals comprising mostly local, organic vegetarian cuisine, helping you towards a more ethical healthier diet.
• france-montagnes.com