The swimming pool is available to all who stay.

The Writer’s Retreat’s prices are for 2 people for a week, although prices for longer periods are available. Additional people are £100 per person per week for the next two people (in bunk beds). There are a maximum of 4 places in the Writer’s Retreat.

Veroni has created a collection of Alpine coats for all ages.

Using Icelandic wool and knitters in Serbia,she has taken the flowers from the Alpages of la Ferme du Soleil and created timeless designs that are easy to wear, functional, but glamourous, colouful, cosy and will become your friend. They work outside in flurries of snow – the special wool is weatherproof – and inside as a housecoat they are comfortable and breathable. The qualitly of the finish is superb and her flower designs have been sensitively interpreted by the very accomplished Serbian knitters in their delightful homes on Mount Zlatibor -The mountain of the golden pinetree.

Can we sit outside the Writer’s Retreat?

Of course.  In the morning, there is a place just outside the sitting room for the morning sun.  In the afternoon, you can sit outside the main room and look at the mountains opposite, in the sun

When is the best time to see the wild flowers?

From late May or the beginning of June depending on the temperature. They are best in June but you can still find them in July.

When do the cows come up the hill? And are they noisy?

When the wild flowers come out. We love the clank of their bells.

Are there any local restaurants?

Yes. Some are nearby in easy walking distance, while others are a longer walk away.  Restaurant La Croix is open most of the year but not on Mondays. Others, some very near by such as La Roc de Arches open in mid June or a little later in the summer. There are quite a few restaurants in Grand Bornand, open the year round. We like walking to the Col de Anes for lunch, too.

What else can I do?

Go bicycling, walking, running, mountain biking, rock climbing, via ferrata, tennis, golf, white water rafting, swimming, fishing, shopping in the market on Wednesday mornings, sun bathe, picnic, ramble, collect myrtilles, breathe fresh air, play some of the board games.

Do we have use of the swimming pool?

Yes, of course. It is heated by the sun (very eco-friendly) so please make sure that you replace the pool cover. You must set/reset the safety siren. Please take care of your young children!

Are there towels and sheets?

Yes.

Can I smoke in the house?

Sorry, no.  It is not allowed and is also against the law. There are smoke detectors in the house for fire prevention.

Are there saucepans, crockery etc?

Yes.  There should be sufficient for four people. There is an oven, four gas burners, a fridge and a table to eat at in the main room. You can carry the table outside if you choose.

Is there a telephone that we can use and WiFi?

Most of the major French mobile operators have a reasonably strong signal here. There is no fixed line telephone available but there is WiFi, so you can use Skype for a telephone service. Ask us for the WiFi code.

Is there a television?

Yes but it is not connected to an aerial!  You can watch DVDs. Or read a book. There are also some games available.

Can I buy the local Reblochon cheese?

Our next-door neighbour makes it and will sell it to you.  It is their cows that you will hear around the house. Their cheese is delicious.

What do I do if there is a problem while I am there?

Call or email us depending on the urgency! If we are in the main house, call 09 52 76 34 01. Otherwise try 00 44 1235 833643 or mobile 00 44 77 8 99 47 0 24, or email lafermedusoleil@hotmail.com.

What do I do I break something?

Please tell us so that we can replace it.

We are number 7 on the map and in the bottom left corner,

It costs €34 one way or €56 return with under 12s having a 50% discount. Four people buying return tickets together, go for €47 each. Tickets need to be bought in advance.

Don’t use the lifts, but set off with Jean Francois, our guide, from La Ferme in the dark with skins on your skis, a lamp on your head and breakfast on your back. As you climb to the top of virgin peaks, you can watch the dawn breaking and the bouquetin breakfasting on moss as the sun rises. Breakfast on the top of the Aiguille Vert (you deserve every crumb of your pain au chocolate), admire the wonderful birds of prey riding on the thermals and then ski back on virgin snow.

This is the most health giving  sport I have ever tried…far better exercise than downhill skiing. You can feel the the oxygen go right to the depth of your lungs! Feels like every muscle has been used and although you are exhausted on your return at 10 am and need a little siesta, you feel on top of the world later!!