House "Côté Belle Roche" - 5/6 guests - Valbonnais

On the Belle Roche side, the detached house, accessible via an external staircase in a shared courtyard, comprises on the first floor a large living room with a fully equipped open-plan kitchen (dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, induction hob, small combination microwave/oven, ample storage, utensils, and appliances) and a lounge/dining area with a sofa and TV. On the mezzanine level, there is a bedroom with a single bed (80x200cm), which can be converted into a pull-out bed for two people (on request), and an adjoining bathroom with a walk-in shower and washing machine. Finally, on the second floor, there is a first bedroom with bunk beds (90x200cm) and a second adjoining bedroom with a double bed (160x200cm) (firm mattress), as well as a separate main toilet at the top of the stairs. Blankets, throws, duvets, and pillows are provided. Additional linens are available upon request. Please inquire about winter rentals.

On the practical side, the entire property is smoke-free and vaping-free, and pets and events/parties are not allowed. Thank you for your understanding. Due to the stairs, this accommodation is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or those who are uncomfortable with frequent stair use. Car access is available at the foot of the house in the courtyard for arrival and departure, or if needed. For parking, several free parking areas are available in the village, the nearest being 50 meters away. The area has good 4G+ coverage. It is recommended to enjoy the surroundings and disconnect from technology. A small outdoor space is available, and a private garden between the walls just above the house can be shared with the owners. A storage room under the accommodation (courtyard access) is available for storing bicycles or other items (electrical outlet available).

In every way, the Valbonnais region is a unique place, somewhat secluded, away from major roads, little known but well worth discovering. The village of Valbonnais is located in the buffer zone of the Écrins National Park at an altitude of 800 meters, about 12 kilometers from the town of La Mure in Matheysine (with all amenities and healthcare) and an hour from Grenoble (a major urban area with trains and airports 45 minutes to an hour away). Valbonnais' main attraction in the summer is its lake, popular with young and old alike, ideal for escaping the summer heat. Whether you're looking to relax, swim, paddleboard, or kayak, there's something for everyone.

For those who enjoy hiking and climbing, with or without snow, the Écrins National Park begins just a few kilometers away in Entraigues (5 minutes) with its numerous lakes and stages of the GR54 long-distance hiking trail, as well as from the picturesque village of Valsenestre (25 minutes) or Le Désert in Valjouffrey (30 minutes) towards the Olan mountain. The Coiro Massif (2607m) is accessible directly from the accommodation. The Taillefer Massif, with its numerous lakes, can be reached from the Col d'Ornon (20 min) or the Alpe du Grand Serre (30 min, ski and mountain biking resort). Within a 40-50 minute radius: Bourg-d'Oisans provides access to La Bérarde – Vénéon Valley, Alpe d'Huez (55 min), Les Deux Alpes (1 hr 30 min, accessible by Venosc gondola lift 50 min + cable car ride), further afield La Grave, the Meije Massif (1 hr 30 min), and the major passes of Lautaret and Galibier... Just next door are the Valbonnais, the Beaumont, the Valgaudemar, and further afield the Champsaur, Gap (1 hr), the Dévoluy (50 min), and the Trièves (Mens 30 min). Closer to home, numerous hiking trails surround the Matheysine region (20-30 minutes) with its lakes and reservoirs. Via Ferrata is available at Alpe du Grand Serre, and the Sautet Dam is nearby.

For water sports enthusiasts, the Valbonnais lake (unsupervised) is a 15-minute walk away (100m drop, large parking area). Enjoy open swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and a bar/restaurant. Cultural, festive, and sporting events take place throughout the spring and summer. Other water sports are available nearby (swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking): Lake Monteynard (after La Mure, 30 minutes), and the Sautet Dam and Lake (near Corps, 30 minutes). Numerous fishing spots are also available.

For those who enjoy hilly terrain (with caution!), numerous mountain biking, trail running, and cycling routes (including legendary Alpine passes nearby) are accessible from the accommodation. In Valbonnais, you'll also find donkey treks and hikes.

For those interested in culture and heritage, the Valbonnais region boasts several noteworthy sites and buildings, including its castle, small chapels, and, in particular, its irrigation canals dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. These canals offer opportunities for walking and exploring (including mountain biking) in the shade and coolness for kilometers around the valley, extending into Beaumont. The Matheysine region is generally rich in cultural and heritage sites (the Route Napoléon, Notre-Dame de La Salette, accessible by hiking trail from Valbonnais, the Musée Matheysin, the Petit Train de La Mure, the Musée de la Mine Image). It was often the summer residence of composer Olivier Messiaen in Petichet, and hosts the renowned Messiaen Festival in the Pays de la Meije/La Grave area during the summer.

All useful resources can be found on the Valbonnais town hall website and the Matheysine Tourism website.