Explore Briançon and Montgenèvre
Journey to France
I have always advocated for embracing the seasonal changes. As winter gracefully arrived in London with the first snowfall, we decided to embark on a train journey towards the ski slopes of France. Interestingly, our expedition would require a train trip to Italy, followed by a drive back to France.
With tickets secured via Voyages SNCF, our destination was Montgenèvre, where we anticipated a brief stop at Le Train Bleu for an exceptional lunch experience.
When navigating across Europe, especially due to the multitude of languages on various train websites—which often lack coherent translations—I prefer using one comprehensive platform that accommodates all my ticketing needs across countries: Voyages SNCF.
Dining at Le Train Bleu
On this particular trip, we opted for Business Premier seats. Unfortunately, we did not arrive ahead of schedule to enjoy the Eurostar lounge, which I later learned was quite impressive—in particular, the Paris lounge, renowned for its delightful cocktails. After arriving in Paris, we chose Le Train Bleu, which proved to be an excellent choice for lunch.
First and foremost, the décor was breathtaking!
Skiing and Snow Activities
The culinary experience was exceptional. The lamb was cooked to perfection, paired with a dessert that delivered a chocolate-caramel explosion of flavor that was sheer satisfaction!
Post-lunch, we boarded our train and arrived to a beautifully snowy Montgenèvre. Following check-in, we ventured downstairs to enjoy aperitifs and braved the snow to seek out dinner. Unfortunately, I neglected to carry my camera for this outing—an oversight that occurred numerous times throughout the trip, resulting in limited food photography.
Discovering Briançon
The following morning revealed a stunning sight: the mountains were blanketed in a significant amount of snow, with more continuing to fall. It was striking; even the balcony was covered with inches of snow.
We enjoyed breakfast by the fireplace before heading to the slopes, only to find that the conditions were not yet suitable for skiing. It appeared that a layer of snow had fallen, melted slightly, then snowed again, resulting in a less than optimal surface for winter sports.
Despite our initial skiing plans, we embraced the moment by sledging down hills, engaging in some fat biking, and indulging in refreshing Chartreuse, which is sure to ignite a ‘warmth’ within you.
Eventually, we decided to head toward the historical town of Briançon for a typical alpine platter featuring delightful meats, cheeses, and pickles.
Once we explored its old town, we were struck by its charm, vibrant streets, and vibrant houses contrasting the ancient grey walls. Briançon proved to be one of those hidden gems that leave an indelible mark on visitors; its rich history reflects in every corner.
