Lauvitel Lodge in summer is a great choice for couples, families or groups of friends who enjoy different activities and different rhythms.
Find a different activity each day of your stay, or just relax in the sun and appreciate the wonders of nature that surround you in this magical place.
Explore epic hiking trails at your own pace, or push your limits cycling some of the world's most iconic mountain routes.
Lauvitel Lodge is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Bourg d’Oisans, and is much loved and frequently returned to by walkers and walking groups.
And if you’re looking for accommodation while coming to the French Alps to cycle the likes of Alpe D’Huez, Col de Croix De Fer or Galibier, then you have found the right place.
Rock climbing is a full-body, whole-mind activity where the challenges keep you in the present moment until you begin to move at one with the rock. There are numerous climbing walls and pinnacles in the area to test out your skills and climbing crags in every direction -- including Le Vernis, Bourg d’Oisans, Les Fréaux, Venosc, and Les Deux Alpes -- all of which are easily accessible from Lauvitel Lodge.
And then there is the Parc des Ecrins! From the Veneon valley and La Berarde you have access to the dream climbs of L'Aiguille de la Dibona, La Traverse de la Meije, Le Rateau, La Muzelle, Les Bans, Le Pic Coolidge. These bigger climbs usually involve an overnight stay in a mountain hut, and we are happy to accommodate this at Lauvitel Lodge.
A Via Ferrata (italian for "iron path") is a climbing route secured with fixed wires, ladders, and bridges to which the climber is attached at all times by means of a harness. If this is your first time out on rock and metal, there is a perfect beginner's via ferrata in Vaujany, climbing up through forested cliffs to one side of the cascade de la Fare with a built in Nepalese bridge. Your reward is a picnic in the Alpine meadows followed by an easy descent with raspberries to pick at every turn along the baker’s trail.
Once you have got the hang of the sport, you can enjoy the challenges of the climb from La Cascade de la Pisse to Notre Dame (800m climb) or from La Bérarde to the Tête de la Maye (800m climb). Venosc also has two magnificent Via Ferratas, one that swings out above the Veneon river and the other that climbs Les Perrons facing the glacier de la Muzelle.
There are various places in the valley where you can hire the necessary safety equipment.
If you really want to swing in the trees, there is nothing better than Adventure Park in Bourg d'Oisans, just 15 minutes from us. You will find yourself flying through the treetops, climbing obstacles and generally doing everything you can to defy gravity.
There is something for everyone with 7 adventure trails accessible to children as young as 3 years old and over 70 fun games of increasing difficulty to satisfy both beginners and the most adventurous.
The glaciers of Les Deux Alpes and La Grave stay open all year round! If you have never tried it before or if you just can’t resist the chance to slip and slide on the snow, the Deux Alpes team groom and prepare the ski slopes so that they can still be enjoyed even in the height of summer.
If you are not drawn to the skiing, it is an incredible feeling to go out walking on the vast expanse of glacier ice, either at Les 2 Alpes, or under the peaks of La Meije from La Grave (perhaps with crampons on your feet and ice axe in hand), to see close up the cavernous crevasses or stand underneath spectacular cliffs of ice.
Note: Due to climate change, this activity may be canceled during hot weather. Contact the resort for details before you travel.
Paragliding: If you have never tried it, now is your chance. From above Les Deux Alpes there is that moment of lift-off that simply takes your breath away and then you get to relax into the stunning descent from rocky mountain peaks to the green and safe valley floor of Venosc. This will be an experience you will not forget.
Flying: With a little less exposure but no less breathtaking, there are small planes and gyrocopters that fly from the Altiport of Alpe d’Huez. Giving you a completely different take of the mountains, you will see peaks ridges, glaciers and lakes, from a completely different perspective.
For young and old alike, trekking in the mountains on horseback or having the additional help of a donkey to carry children and picnic, can be a great way to enjoy the mountains and reach places too far to go on foot, especially if you love the company of these wonderful animals.
It's hard to describe all the options that are available to you when it comes to exploring and walking in the Ecrins National Park. And what better way to really give yourself time to be in the wilderness than to stay a night in a mountain hut.
Refuge de la Muzelle gives you a two-day tour, passing the Col du Vallon and takes in both Muzelle lake and Lauvitel lake. An easier walk takes you to the family-friendly Refuge du Lavey or, from La Berarde, you can walk to the Chatelleret Mountain Hut. And there are many more to choose from...
For something a little wilder, Venosc is spoilt for choice with two very professional establishments, Veneon Eaux Vives and Integral Rafting, each have their own favourite routes. Depending on just how up you are for the thrills and spills of white water, you can choose traditional rafting or from a whole range of other ways to be in the water, including hot-dog, hydro-speed, air boat, kayak and tubing.
Whatever your choice of floatation to run the river you are sure to enjoy this outing and have stories to tell afterwards.
Lac Verney is the large mountain reservoir near Allemont and it creates the perfect tranquil place for leisurely canoeing, gently surfing the water on a pedalo or trying out your windsurfing skills. With a restaurant on a wooden terrace right over the water, it is easy to while away a day here, taking in the scenery and occasionally jumping in to cool off.
The summer sun in the mountains is surprisingly hot and sometimes it is nice just to lounge by the pool and cool off while the children amuse themselves on the toboggan slide. Venosc has one of the best outdoor pools in the area, surrounded by green grass with a children’s play area right next to it.
For those who prefer something a little cooler, there are many hidden beaches and small pools for wild swimming along the Veneon river. There's also nothing more wonderful than hiking to Lauvitel Lake and swimming with the deep waters beneath you and the towering mountains all around.
For something even more extreme, Oz-en-Oisans offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the delights of canyoning, an extremely refreshing way to get close to nature. You are guided by a professional team through 14 slides and a great descent through this hidden gem of a river.
And for something a little gentler, simply taking to the waters of the Veneon river close to home and walking upstream through boulder fields and in and out of the surrounding forests is surprisingly challenging and certainly refreshes the spirit.
Venosc is one of the most beautiful villages in the area, with its cobbled streets, quaint shops selling local specialities and crafts, and its numerous bars and restaurants.
For a change of scene, take the cable car directly from Venosc to Les Deux Alpes where during summer you'll find swimming pools, ice skating, summer skiing, summer luge, quad bikes, horse riding, trampolines, beach volleyball, and a fabulous range of shops and restaurants, including the Michelin star Hotel Chalet Mounier. During the winter ski season, the cable car from Venosc is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the pistes of Les Deux Alpes.
Other villages in the region, such as Saint Christophe, La Berarde, Besse en Oisans, Clavens, Villard Notre Dame, Villard Reymond and Villard Reculas are all worth a visit. Each has its own character and charm, with their own particular shops and their own museums portraying some aspect of life in the mountains.
And if you happen to be here on a Saturday morning, the Bourg d’Oisans market is full of colour and local produce.
For a full day out you cannot go wrong with a visit to Grenoble, Briançon, Lyon, Annecy or Geneva. These are 5 exceptional cities, each with their own style and character.
For those who like mountain drives, there is nothing better than to take the road to Italy, through La Grave, past the mountains of La Meije, over the Col de Lautaret, down the valley to Ser Chevallier and on to Briancon. On the way, it's definitely worth stopping right on the col du Lauteret for the Jardin Alpin, where you can stroll through the incredible collection of alpine flowers and plants from all over the world.
Once in Briancon, you will not want to leave. It is a picturesque, fortified town steeped in history, that is both beautiful, intriguing and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a veritable tourist town with its winding, ancient cobbled streets and a wealth of arts shops in amongst the numerous restaurants.
Take an enchanting botanical world tour at the Lauteret Garden where you will discover over 2000 species of alpine flora from mountains of all over the world! (open from the 1st weekend of June to the 1st weekend of September), or explore the château and gardens of the Domaine de Vizille with its 100 hectares of protected natural landscapes. Home to the The Museum of the French Revolution, the Domaine de Vizille offers a program full of events and shows all year long: concerts, guided visits, shows, children’s workshops, and more.
The Chateau de Vizille and the Museum of the French Revolution is not to be missed, set in the beautiful gardens of the chateau with lakeside walks and animal park.
Closer to home, both literally and metaphorically, the history of alpine climbing is beautifully presented in the Museum of Saint Christophe. There is an exceptional collection of beautiful mountain crystals and a transfixing portrayal of the art of collecting Earth’s treasures at the Museum in Bourg d’Oisans.
And for the more technically minded there is the tour of the turbines at the EDF station in Allemont.
The Oisans Savoir-Faire Route is a like a door opening on to the mountain culture of the region, the diversity of its heritage and skills.
Travelling along its roads will take you through varied scenery. You will get to meet engaging local characters, admire the quality of their work and the flavour of their products.
Artists, craftsmen and women, local producers and cultural sites all welcome you into their workshops, farms or museums for a special opportunity to discover their savoir-faire.
Open late June to early September, our garden café and bar is the perfect spot to relax after a long hike or to just while away the hours with a good book and enjoy the colourful array of flowers, the soft sounds of running water, and shade from our mature lime trees.
Lauvitel Lodge is THE place for being well.
Simply spending time at Lauvitel Lodge is already enough to transport you to another state of being. Within no time you will put a spring back in your step!
Lauvitel Lodge retreats and workshops combine wellbeing practices such as yoga and t’ai chi, mindfulness and meditation, or reiki and massage with being outdoors in nature and benefiting from the stillness, power and beauty of the mountains.
Whatever brings you here, you will find ample time and space to reconnect with yourself and the support and guidance you need.
Reawaken your senses by reconnecting with nature!
Brought to you by Caroline Purkhardt (Ph.D.), owner of Lauvitel Lodge, this series of conscious nature experiences have been crafted to offer you the time and space to slow down, be in nature and reconnect with yourself – so that you feel refreshed, revitalised and reawakened!
Your Sanctuary in the Heart of Nature
Beautifully constructed of wood and glass, The Stillpoint's 90m² octagonal space and floor-to-ceiling glass walls combine to provide maximum light and openness to the surrounding natural elements. Available for rent for groups of up to 20, and integral to the retreat experience at Lauvitel Lodge, The Stillpoint provides an extraordinary practice space that invites us to reconnect with nature and explore new possibilities.
In winter, Lauvitel Lodge is the ideal place for families and friends who want to enjoy skiing, boarding and other winter activities together from a place that feels like home.
There’s enough to offer in the Oisans Valley for everybody to find both their ideal space and activity.
With easy access to over 500 km of alpine pistes spread across the 3 epic ski resorts of Les Deux Alpes, Alpe d'Huez, and La Grave/La Meije, endless-off-piste and ski touring, and tranquil cross-country trails, there is plenty in the Oisans Valley to satisfy your every desire!
For the intrepid explorers who love being out in the mountain wilderness, snowshoeing is a must.
Once you have caught the snowshoeing bug, it's hard to leave it alone and the Oisans valleys offer a multitude of options from easy to extreme.
There is already nothing more magical than to take your snowshoes right from the doorstep and walk up to Lauvitel Lake. And for those that are hardcore, there are the sensational tours of the Ecrins National Park from La Berarde and many more.
Known as “parapenting” in France & Switzerland, it is possible to try your hand at paragliding from Les Deux Alpes all year round, weather permitting. From the heights of the mountain tops you can glide down to the bottom of the valley on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor while you enjoy the ride and the fantastic views.
Top tip: go on a warm, sunny day when the thermals will keep your airborne for longer.
Les Deux Alpes ice caves are a magical grotto of glistening sculptures and fairytale figures.
Dug out many years ago by two local guides they have become an annual feature; each winter expert ice sculptors arrive to create a new exhibition based on a different theme every year. At 30 metres below the glaciers surface and 3,200m altitude the caves are accessible via a ski lift and a funicular.
Drive your own sled and dog team or sit back, relax and let your guide do the work!
Take charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths in winter. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start, you set off following the guide’s lead.
Alternatively, you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! This is a very popular winter activity, so booking at least 48 hours in advance is a must.
During the colder months, gather around the log fire in the large living room and enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the mountains and village chapel, sit for a while on the front terrace, mesmerised by the changing light across the forest slopes and rocky ridges, or simply rest in the quiet of the tended gardens. You have full freedom to roam as far or near as you choose, at your own pace.
Lauvitel Lodge is THE place for being well.
Simply spending time at Lauvitel Lodge is already enough to transport you to another state of being. Within no time you will put a spring back in your step!
Lauvitel Lodge retreats and workshops combine wellbeing practices such as yoga and t’ai chi, mindfulness and meditation, or reiki and massage with being outdoors in nature and benefiting from the stillness, power and beauty of the mountains.
Whatever brings you here, you will find ample time and space to reconnect with yourself and the support and guidance you need.
Reawaken your senses by reconnecting with nature!
Brought to you by Caroline Purkhardt (Ph.D.), owner of Lauvitel Lodge, this series of conscious nature experiences have been crafted to offer you the time and space to slow down, be in nature and reconnect with yourself – so that you feel refreshed, revitalised and reawakened!
Your Sanctuary in the Heart of Nature
Beautifully constructed of wood and glass, The Stillpoint's 90m² octagonal space and floor-to-ceiling glass walls combine to provide maximum light and openness to the surrounding natural elements. Available for rent for groups of up to 20, and integral to the retreat experience at Lauvitel Lodge, The Stillpoint provides an extraordinary practice space that invites us to reconnect with nature and explore new possibilities.
Spring and autumn in the Véneon Valley are filled with a vibrant energy that invites exploration, creativity, and transformation.
This is the perfect time of year to experience one of our many workshops or retreats, or to organize your own team-building event, family gathering, or group celebration.
Explore epic hiking trails at your own pace, or push your limits cycling some of the world's most iconic mountain routes.
Lauvitel Lodge is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Bourg d’Oisans, and is much loved and frequently returned to by walkers and walking groups.
And if you’re looking for accommodation while coming to the French Alps to cycle the likes of Alpe D’Huez, Col de Croix De Fer or Galibier, then you have found the right place.
Rock climbing is a full-body, whole-mind activity where the challenges keep you in the present moment until you begin to move at one with the rock. There are numerous climbing walls and pinnacles in the area to test out your skills and climbing crags in every direction -- including Le Vernis, Bourg d’Oisans, Les Fréaux, Venosc, and Les Deux Alpes -- all of which are easily accessible from Lauvitel Lodge.
And then there is the Parc des Ecrins! From the Veneon valley and La Berarde you have access to the dream climbs of L'Aiguille de la Dibona, La Traverse de la Meije, Le Rateau, La Muzelle, Les Bans, Le Pic Coolidge. These bigger climbs usually involve an overnight stay in a mountain hut, and we are happy to accommodate this at Lauvitel Lodge.
A Via Ferrata (italian for "iron path") is a climbing route secured with fixed wires, ladders, and bridges to which the climber is attached at all times by means of a harness. If this is your first time out on rock and metal, there is a perfect beginner's via ferrata in Vaujany, climbing up through forested cliffs to one side of the cascade de la Fare with a built in Nepalese bridge. Your reward is a picnic in the Alpine meadows followed by an easy descent with raspberries to pick at every turn along the baker’s trail.
Once you have got the hang of the sport, you can enjoy the challenges of the climb from La Cascade de la Pisse to Notre Dame (800m climb) or from La Bérarde to the Tête de la Maye (800m climb). Venosc also has two magnificent Via Ferratas, one that swings out above the Veneon river and the other that climbs Les Perrons facing the glacier de la Muzelle.
There are various places in the valley where you can hire the necessary safety equipment.
Paragliding: If you have never tried it, now is your chance. From above Les Deux Alpes there is that moment of lift-off that simply takes your breath away and then you get to relax into the stunning descent from rocky mountain peaks to the green and safe valley floor of Venosc. This will be an experience you will not forget.
Flying: With a little less exposure but no less breathtaking, there are small planes and gyrocopters that fly from the Altiport of Alpe d’Huez. Giving you a completely different take of the mountains, you will see peaks ridges, glaciers and lakes, from a completely different perspective.
Venosc is one of the most beautiful villages in the area, with its cobbled streets, quaint shops selling local specialities and crafts, and its numerous bars and restaurants.
For a change of scene, take the cable car directly from Venosc to Les Deux Alpes where during summer you'll find swimming pools, ice skating, summer skiing, summer luge, quad bikes, horse riding, trampolines, beach volleyball, and a fabulous range of shops and restaurants, including the Michelin star Hotel Chalet Mounier. During the winter ski season, the cable car from Venosc is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the pistes of Les Deux Alpes.
Other villages in the region, such as Saint Christophe, La Berarde, Besse en Oisans, Clavens, Villard Notre Dame, Villard Reymond and Villard Reculas are all worth a visit. Each has its own character and charm, with their own particular shops and their own museums portraying some aspect of life in the mountains.
And if you happen to be here on a Saturday morning, the Bourg d’Oisans market is full of colour and local produce.
For a full day out you cannot go wrong with a visit to Grenoble, Briançon, Lyon, Annecy or Geneva. These are 5 exceptional cities, each with their own style and character.
For those who like mountain drives, there is nothing better than to take the road to Italy, through La Grave, past the mountains of La Meije, over the Col de Lautaret, down the valley to Ser Chevallier and on to Briancon. On the way, it's definitely worth stopping right on the col du Lauteret for the Jardin Alpin, where you can stroll through the incredible collection of alpine flowers and plants from all over the world.
Once in Briancon, you will not want to leave. It is a picturesque, fortified town steeped in history, that is both beautiful, intriguing and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a veritable tourist town with its winding, ancient cobbled streets and a wealth of arts shops in amongst the numerous restaurants.
Take an enchanting botanical world tour at the Lauteret Garden where you will discover over 2000 species of alpine flora from mountains of all over the world! (open from the 1st weekend of June to the 1st weekend of September), or explore the château and gardens of the Domaine de Vizille with its 100 hectares of protected natural landscapes. Home to the The Museum of the French Revolution, the Domaine de Vizille offers a program full of events and shows all year long: concerts, guided visits, shows, children’s workshops, and more.
The Chateau de Vizille and the Museum of the French Revolution is not to be missed, set in the beautiful gardens of the chateau with lakeside walks and animal park.
Closer to home, both literally and metaphorically, the history of alpine climbing is beautifully presented in the Museum of Saint Christophe. There is an exceptional collection of beautiful mountain crystals and a transfixing portrayal of the art of collecting Earth’s treasures at the Museum in Bourg d’Oisans.
And for the more technically minded there is the tour of the turbines at the EDF station in Allemont.
The Oisans Savoir-Faire Route is a like a door opening on to the mountain culture of the region, the diversity of its heritage and skills.
Travelling along its roads will take you through varied scenery. You will get to meet engaging local characters, admire the quality of their work and the flavour of their products.
Artists, craftsmen and women, local producers and cultural sites all welcome you into their workshops, farms or museums for a special opportunity to discover their savoir-faire.
Open late June to early September, our garden café and bar is the perfect spot to relax after a long hike or to just while away the hours with a good book and enjoy the colourful array of flowers, the soft sounds of running water, and shade from our mature lime trees.
During the colder months, gather around the log fire in the large living room and enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the mountains and village chapel, sit for a while on the front terrace, mesmerised by the changing light across the forest slopes and rocky ridges, or simply rest in the quiet of the tended gardens. You have full freedom to roam as far or near as you choose, at your own pace.
Lauvitel Lodge is THE place for being well.
Simply spending time at Lauvitel Lodge is already enough to transport you to another state of being. Within no time you will put a spring back in your step!
Lauvitel Lodge retreats and workshops combine wellbeing practices such as yoga and t’ai chi, mindfulness and meditation, or reiki and massage with being outdoors in nature and benefiting from the stillness, power and beauty of the mountains.
Whatever brings you here, you will find ample time and space to reconnect with yourself and the support and guidance you need.
Reawaken your senses by reconnecting with nature!
Brought to you by Caroline Purkhardt (Ph.D.), owner of Lauvitel Lodge, this series of conscious nature experiences have been crafted to offer you the time and space to slow down, be in nature and reconnect with yourself – so that you feel refreshed, revitalised and reawakened!
Your Sanctuary in the Heart of Nature
Beautifully constructed of wood and glass, The Stillpoint's 90m² octagonal space and floor-to-ceiling glass walls combine to provide maximum light and openness to the surrounding natural elements. Available for rent for groups of up to 20, and integral to the retreat experience at Lauvitel Lodge, The Stillpoint provides an extraordinary practice space that invites us to reconnect with nature and explore new possibilities.
