Channel Islanders can look forward to a magical festive escape to Bruges this December as Blue Islands announces special direct flights from Guernsey and Jersey to Ostend, with seamless coach transfers included to the heart of Bruges for an enchanting Christmas getaway.
With day return, two night and three night stay options, these flights direct from Guernsey and Jersey offer the perfect opportunity for a short winter break filled with festive cheer. Explore Bruges’ famous Christmas markets, sip mulled wine beneath the twinkling lights of the medieval square, and discover the city’s cobbled streets lined with seasonal treats and boutique shops.
In the heart of the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps, Méribel is widely celebrated as a top-tier winter destination for skiing and snowboarding. But when the snow melts and the lush green meadows emerge, Méribel transforms into an equally enchanting summer escape.
It’s always been popular with the British since Colonel Peter Lindsay, a British military officer and keen skier, sought to establish a ski resort outside of Austria. In 1938, he discovered the Méribel valley and began buying land and aimed to design chalets in the traditional Savoyard style. The first hotel, Le Doron, was built in 1939, and Méribel officially began as a ski resort.
Meribel
Mont Blanc
Meribel
Unlike in winter, when Méribel buzzes with skiers, summer in the region offers a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Visitors can savour the slower pace of life, unhurried by ski lift schedules or crowded chalets. It’s the perfect getaway for families, couples, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
HIking Trail
Hiking Trail
Hiking Sign
For hikers, there are over 200kms of marked trails and a route for every ability—from gentle walks through flower-filled meadows to challenging ascents with panoramic views. The trails wind through the Vanoise National Park, one of France’s oldest and most beautiful protected areas.
Méribel’s reputation as an adventure playground doesn’t stop at hiking. The resort is also a premier destination for mountain biking. With trails designed for all skill levels and multiple bike parks equipped with lifts, riders can explore a variety of terrains.
Mountains
Col de la Luze
Downhill thrill-seekers can enjoy lift-assisted descents, while cross-country riders can tackle rolling routes through mountain pastures and shaded woodlands.
Col de la Loze Cycle Route
On my first day I’m going to tackle the Col de la Loze, a highlight of the 2025 Tour de France. It’s the third highest pass in Savoie and the 10km route starts at around 1400m and ends at 2,304m. It’s tough but I’ve hired an E-bike in the village to help me get to the top.
Loze Cycling
Loze Cycling
Loze Sign
The trail starts in the forest and then winds through alpine pastures with open views of le Mont Blanc, the Méribel valley and la Grande Casse. It perfectly follows the curves of the mountain and some bends are particularly brutal. I know from previous experience that it’s essential not to stop on the uphills so always be in the right gear.
Trail to Col de la Loze
Trail to Col de la Loze
Trail to Col de la Loze
In this case it means the lowest, particularly for tackling the last 23% gradient before I arrive at the pass. My efforts are rewarded by a majestic 360° view of the mountains and I also have satisfaction of climbing one of the most spectacular mountain passes of the Tour De France.
Col de la Loze
Col de la Loze
Col de la Loze
Of course going down is a breeze, although it’s now starting to rain. I feel sorry for those cyclists who pass me using just pedal power who are going to get soaked. The great thing about the trail is that it’s all on surfaced roads and vehicles are not allowed. It’s certainly a thrill and I feel proud to have accomplished it.
Lac de Tuéda Outdoor Yoga
Méribel -Mottaret has its very own nature reserve at the Lac du Tuéda, just 6km south of the centre. It covers 1,100 hectare of protected land and home to no fewer than 400 animal species and 540 plant varieties. At the beginning is a beautiful turquoise alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and aromatic pine forests.
Lac de Tueda
Lac de Tueda
I’m setting out on two hour yoga workshop walk with local guide and teacher, Marcela Bemposta, although it’s still raining. She explains that I need to take my shoes off, as bare foot. I can better experience the moment. It’s slightly slippery but there is something calming about the feel of wet grass on the soles of my feet.
Lac de Tueda
Marcela
Lac de Tueda
Marcela is an excellent guide and points out the flora and fauna as we take a gentle walk around the lake and into the forest beyond. She also makes regular stops where she encourages me to pay attention to the natural surroundings, leading me through simple breathing exercises.
Lac de Tueda
Fortunately the rain has now stopped and we linger longer and practise various yoga stretches, all standing up. I’d imagined I might be practising the lotus position sitting on a mat by the lake, so this is certainly innovatory. In fact by the time we get back to our starting point, I feel positively inspired and certainly very relaxed. It’s definitely something to recommend.
Refuge du Saut and Lac de Chanrouge
Lac de Tueda
Lac de Tueda Sign
Edelweiss
Next day is sunny and I set out back to Lac de Tuéda for a much longer walk. This time I take a steep track into the vast Cembro pine forest, whose majestic trees lend the place a certain grandeur. Along the way, I encounter the Linnea borealis, a rare and elegant flower that is carefully protected by the reserve.
Mountain Trail
Mountains
Marmot
I emerge from the forest onto a huge plateau, Vallon du Fruit, full of marmots whistling away. It’s worth taking a short diversion towards Lac des Fees (Lake of Fairies). This small turquoise lake, surrounded by colourful flowers, has the majestic Aiguille du Fruit reflected in its emerald waters. Martagon lilies, yellow gentians, edelweiss, orchids and forget-me-nots add colourful touches to the journey.
Lac des Fees
Lac des Fees
Trail by Stream
After rejoining the route, the track climbs but soon flattens out into a narrow gully, alongside a stream filled with glacial melt water. I follow this and soon the Refuge du Saut comes into sight. At an altitude of 2,100 metres, it sits on a green plateau, overlooked by rocky mountain ridges. This will be my home for the night and I enjoy a hearty lunch.
Mountain Trail
Mountain Trail
Near Refuge du Saut
Now I could just relax and enjoy the sunny afternoon, but one more lake beckons. I leave my pack and set out uphill again for 3.5km. After a steep 400m climb, I’m again on a small plateau but Lax de Chanrouge is nowhere to be seen. Fortunately, my map shows it just to the right of the trail and, although there’s no path, I’m soon sitting on its shores. Then it’s an easy hike down for my night in the refuge.
Lac de Chanrouge
Lac de Chanrouge
Lac de Chanrouge
The people I meet at dinner are doing multi day journeys, hiking to a different refuge every night. They’re full of praise for the trails that lead around Méribel and Les 3 Vallées. And they even manage to get a good night’s sleep every night. Unfortunately I don’t have enough time, but that’s one activity I’d definitely like to do.
Refuge du Saut
Refuge du Saut
Refuge du Saut
Factfile
GO: There are direct flights from London to Geneva then it’s a 2 hour taxi ride.
STAY:Hotel Chaudanne makes for a comfortable base in the centre and has a relaxing spa and good food. Rooms start from £191.
