PARCOURS ORIENTATION: L’Œuf de Plume La Gypaète (Le Reposoir)
Last weekend was unseasonably 🌸 springlike . . . and MBFF wanted to avoid the winter holiday crowds on our local ski pistes . . . and so I decided to plan an outing a bit further away. I get much inspiration for family visits from my boys’ outings with their garderies, and I remembered that last summer my younger son had headed up to … Continue reading PARCOURS ORIENTATION: L’Œuf de Plume La Gypaète (Le Reposoir)
Site Nordique La Livraz – cross-country skiing & winter walks (Megève)
MBFF has had some lovely family walks up at the ❄️ Site Nordique La Livraz in Megève. Not only is this one of 🎿 Megève’s cross-country skiing areas (there are a handful!), it is also a superb spot for ❄️ a family walk in wintertime, especially with young children or older relatives! You can pull little ones along in a 🛷 a luge and the terrain … Continue reading Site Nordique La Livraz – cross-country skiing & winter walks (Megève)
La Passerelle Himalayenne (PLATEAU d’ASSY)
The 🌉 Passerelle Himalayenne in Plateau d’Assy, which straddles the 💦 Nant Bordon ravine and allows you to access the 💦 Lac Vert via the original route du Lac Vert, was inaugurated on the 21st December 2019 . . . and since then, MBFF has been across it (and back) THREE times! On our most recent crossing, some Tibetan prayer flags had been attached to the … Continue reading La Passerelle Himalayenne (PLATEAU d’ASSY)
WINTER BUGGY STROLLS: Lac de Passy & Lacs des Ilettes
If you live at altitude 🗻 au Pays du Mont-Blanc, it can be a challenge to find a suitable path for buggy walks in nature over the ❄️ winter months: snow, ice, muddy ground underfoot . . . Luckily, if you head down to the Arve Valley, then you’ll descend about 500m in altitude . . . and here you will find our 💦 two … Continue reading WINTER BUGGY STROLLS: Lac de Passy & Lacs des Ilettes
« Wildlife Photographer of the Year » (Forte di Bard, ITALY)
It was quite by chance in the spring of 2014 that we discovered that we could enjoy the 📷 « Wildlife Photographer of the Year » exhibition fairly close to home, right near the 🏔 Pays du Mont-Blanc! I had always enjoyed visiting the London-based exhibition at the Natural History Museum (NB « Wildlife Photographer of the Year » competition / exhibition was developed and is produced by the Natural History Museum, London), … Continue reading « Wildlife Photographer of the Year » (Forte di Bard, ITALY)
SAINT-GERVAIS MONT-BLANC & SAINT-NICOLAS-de-VEROCE skiing
⛷ Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc & Saint Nicolas de Véroce are another two of our family’s favourite ski areas in the area – some broad pistes, some pistes running through the 🌲fir trees, 🗻 panoramic views of Mont-Blanc, some great off-piste for experienced (and suitably equipped!) skiers in search of powder (especially around Saint-Nicolas de Véroce and Mont-Joly), some fun runs for children . . . And though ⛷ Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc … Continue reading SAINT-GERVAIS MONT-BLANC & SAINT-NICOLAS-de-VEROCE skiing
CASTELLO GAMBA – modern & contemporary art in the Aosta Valley (ITALY)
Every visit to the 🇮🇹 Aosta Valley unveils another wonder to the MBFF family . . . On one of our last visits (back in the spring of 2019!), we stumbled – quite by chance – upon 🖼 a modern & contemporary art museum IN a 🏰 20th century castle overlooking the valley! I did know that one of the 🏰 Aosta Valley castles (the valley is know … Continue reading CASTELLO GAMBA – modern & contemporary art in the Aosta Valley (ITALY)
MINI WORLD LYON – a unique & fabulous family visit!
When my friend heard that we were to spend the weekend in Lyon during the Toussaint holidays, she asked if we were heading to Mini World Lyon, to see the Harry Potter Lego® exhibition: « L’expo-dont-on-ne-doit-pas-prononcer-le-nom » . . . and that got me wondering if I would be able to fit in a visit to our already busy weekend in Lyon, as I have two … Continue reading MINI WORLD LYON – a unique & fabulous family visit!
MBFF CHRISTMAS BAKING (and some beautiful memories)
🗓 December and🎄the advent period for me are synonymous with 🍪 BAKING: that wonderful smell emanating from the kitchen (the MBFF family lives in an open plan abode, so sweet smells do drift . . . ) . . . Such a cosy feeling does baking bring me: the aim being to share a sweet treat with loved ones . . . an activity rendered … Continue reading MBFF CHRISTMAS BAKING (and some beautiful memories)
MBFF ADVENT CALENDAR 2019
Since I launched the 🏔 MBFF website two and a half years ago, I have learned so much: For so very long, I had personally eschewed the world of social media, preferring to keep my life (and that of my family) PERSONAL . . . But I realised that if I truly wanted to share family experiences – which is indeed the aim of 🏔 … Continue reading MBFF ADVENT CALENDAR 2019
« Noël au Château de Coppet » (Switzerland)
I can’t quite remember how we first heard about 🎄« Noël au Château de Coppet » – a delightful Christmas market, located between 🇨🇭 Geneva and Nyon, on 💦 Lac Léman in Switzerland. But I’m so glad that we did, as we had a lovely experience there four years ago! We’ve been meaning to head back ever since, but we’ve not yet managed it! What makes … Continue reading « Noël au Château de Coppet » (Switzerland)
SKI INDOOR 4810 – perfect your skiing INDOORS! (Passy)
During the school holidays, MBFF was invited to test out the ⛷ new indoor ski centre in Passy: Ski Indoor 4810! The boys were really excited to dig out their 🎿 ski boots, helmets and gloves ahead of the official ski season, and to try out something so novel! Being a pretty mediocre skier myself, I was somewhat more apprehensive, but I was certainly intrigued to … Continue reading SKI INDOOR 4810 – perfect your skiing INDOORS! (Passy)
LYON – 72 hours of fun & visits en famille !
During the 🍂 Toussaint holidays just gone, MBFF spent a long weekend in the beautiful city of Lyon. As Daddy MBFF had some work meetings in the beautiful city, we decided to head there en famille, arriving at our hotel (located in the 7è arrondissement, just across the river from the Musée des Confluences) at 8h in the morning (eek!), in time for me to have … Continue reading LYON – 72 hours of fun & visits en famille !
L’Aquarium de Lyon (Lyon)
On our recent trip to Lyon, MBFF was treated to some tickets to experience the 🐟 Aquarium de Lyon. Did you think that aquariums were the reserve of 🌊 sea or ocean located cities? Think again – though Lyon is far from the sea or ocean, do remember that this beautiful city is located at the 💦 strategic confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and this … Continue reading L’Aquarium de Lyon (Lyon)
An AUTUMN WEEKEND en famille in VALLORCINE (Résidence & Spa Vallorcine)
Vallorcine – 🐻 la Vallée des Ours (latin name: Vallis Ursina) – located just 16km north of Chamonix, is an authentic mountain village with a unique history; its relative isolation for centuries, its proximity to🇨🇭 Switzerland, and its Walker history distinguish it from the parallel history of the Chamonix Valley. I love Vallorcine and its stunning location. In fact, as soon as I head up to the ⛰ Col du Montet, … Continue reading An AUTUMN WEEKEND en famille in VALLORCINE (Résidence & Spa Vallorcine)
BIENVENUE à La Ferme Les Montagnards (Ormaret, COMBLOUX)
🇫🇷 Français – J’ai tout d’abord entendu parler de la ferme pédagogique 🐮 La Ferme Les Montagnards, située dans le petit village d’Ormaret à Combloux, grace à la crèche et à la garderie de mes fils – les deux y sont allées en excursion et sont rentrés avec des histoires sur leur “journée à la ferme“. . . J’ai ensuite découvert la ferme moi-même avec mon fils cadet, … Continue reading BIENVENUE à La Ferme Les Montagnards (Ormaret, COMBLOUX)
Festival « Les Petits Asticots » 17th ⇒ 23rd October 2021 (Pays du Mont-Blanc)
The 19th edition of 🎭Les Petits Asticots – the annual children’s festival 🏔 au Pays du Mont-Blanc, taking place during the 🍁 Toussaint school holidays – will be yet again offering families seven inspirational days of theatre, music, dance, circus and workshops from 19th > 25th October 2019! The MBFF family absolutely LOVE 🎭 Les Petits Asticots – not only are the shows of high quality, the festival is local and its … Continue reading Festival « Les Petits Asticots » 17th ⇒ 23rd October 2021 (Pays du Mont-Blanc)
VERTICALP EMOSSON – a vertiginous day out en famille! (Switzerland)
Last 🍁 autumn, MBFF had a super adventure: we were invited to test out 🚃 VerticAlp Emosson ! We had the most gloriously ☀️ sunny day to experience this phenomenal feat of engineering, which also has a rich history. I would say that 🍂 autumn – before closure for the season at the end of October – is the best season to visit: the summer crowds have dispersed, … Continue reading VERTICALP EMOSSON – a vertiginous day out en famille! (Switzerland)
MAGICAL MÉDONNET & LA PESSE: the ethereal woods & boulders
The MBFF tribe is a huge fan of 🌳 woodland . . . for me personally, entering a forest immediately brings back memories of childhood visits en famille to 🌳 Fontainebleau, and other magical worlds inhabited by fairies and elves – with 🧗♀️ bouldering, 🍏 picnics all year-round, and cabane-making on the agenda . . . We are so lucky 🏔 au Pays du Mont-Blanc to have 🌳 woodland all around, … Continue reading MAGICAL MÉDONNET & LA PESSE: the ethereal woods & boulders
SCIENCE ACTIVITIES & MUSEUMS for families au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)
There are several 🧬 BIG SCIENCE EVENTS that occur 🏔 au Pays du Mont-Blanc and beyond : 🧪 La Fête de la Science – from 2nd ⇒ 12th October 2020; 🧪 La Nuit des Sciences – every two years in Geneva; 🧪 CERN Open Days – every few years, CERN opens to the public; And this got me thinking about all of the 🧬 science events, activities, workshops, and museums … Continue reading SCIENCE ACTIVITIES & MUSEUMS for families au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)
AUTUMN PARKS & GARDENS au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)
🍁 Autumn is a lovely season to visit 🌳 parks and gardens: on the trees, a sharp palette rich in shades of gold, brown red, orange and yellow . . . underfoot, 🍂 a blanket of leaves crunching and sent fluttering when the children find a mound and run through them . . . a crisp, and often sunny day to accompany your exploits: playing and running, tree-climbing, LandArt, … Continue reading AUTUMN PARKS & GARDENS au Pays du Mont-Blanc (and beyond)
La Petite Université (Chamonix Valley)
Did you know that there was a 📚 university in the Chamonix Valley? It’s called La Petite Université – Chamonix Mont-Blanc and it is now entering its 3rd year! Subjects on offer include: glaciology, permaculture, photography, life drawing, French & English lessons and much, much more! What is La Petite Université? 📚 La Petite Université is an association offering cultural courses and complementary talks, events, outings and 🎨 workshops to … Continue reading La Petite Université (Chamonix Valley)
LES MERCREDIS – creative activities, sport and relaxation for children au Pays du Mont-Blanc
[ SUMMER 2020 UPDATE ! During this period of Covid-19 deconfinement, some activities are able to carry on, some with number limitations, some with a new reservation system and some NOT AT ALL . . . So please do check for updates from each individual provider ] 🗓 WEDNESDAYS are in many of the 🏔 Pays du Mont-Blanc communes, a day free from scholastic duties (for young children, at … Continue reading LES MERCREDIS – creative activities, sport and relaxation for children au Pays du Mont-Blanc
« ANNECY PAYSAGES » en famille (ANNECY)
I had been wanting to see and experience 🖼 « Annecy Paysages » ever since its conception in the summer of 2018 . . . and last summer, on ☀️ a beautiful sunny day, I finally found a window for a visit en famille. Despite it still being ☀️ summer holiday season, and BUSY, we still had a fabulous time. 🖼 « Annecy Paysages » is a festival that … Continue reading « ANNECY PAYSAGES » en famille (ANNECY)
FAMILY HIKES: Chalet du Glacier des Bossons (+ télésiège)
The hike to the ☕️ Chalet du Glacier des Bossons is such a popular hike for families . . . but somehow it had eluded us until this summer! My elder son studied glaciers last year at school and his class’ sortie fin de l’année scolaire was a hike on the other side of the Glacier des Bossons, to the ☕️ Cabane du Cerro. He returned from this … Continue reading FAMILY HIKES: Chalet du Glacier des Bossons (+ télésiège)
