Chalet Minouche

We stayed as a family and really liked the chalet itself. It was clean, nicely located and had all the comforts we needed, plus a terrace with a magnificent panoramic view. The agency was friendly and well organized. The problem was the noise, which kept us from enjoying the peaceful setting that matters so much on vacation. For much of our stay, the neighbor's small dog, who belongs to the chalet owner, barked in the back garden from 7:00 a.m. The garden is accessible from the second bedroom. It even came over barking nonstop while we were relaxing in the jacuzzi. Its owner came out, looked at it, then turned around without saying anything to the dog. We found that unacceptable, especially from a host. Such a shame, because we really loved the place.

The view from the bed when you wake up is pure bliss, and after a long hike or other activity, the jacuzzi overlooking the Aiguille du Midi is incredibly relaxing. It's dog-friendly, the jacuzzi was spotless, and the chalet is superbly equipped. The town center is about ten minutes away, making it easy to get to the cog railway station and funicular lift. The owner lives next door and is very friendly, as are his dog and cat. The chalet has signs of wear: peeling paint, dirty outdoor seating, and sofa cushions that hold dust and hair. The upstairs shower has low water pressure. When we arrived, the jacuzzi cleaning gear and a bag with household products and rubbish were still on the terrace. We put them in the laundry room, probably just an oversight. It would be better with bathrobes for the jacuzzi, shower gel in the showers since there was plenty of hand soap, and cotton balls and swabs. Some screening around the jacuzzi would also help with privacy. The access was described as easy, supposedly the only chalet in a cul-de-sac, but there's a first chalet, the owner's chalet adjoining Minouche, and another at the end. There's construction on the adjacent land and a noisy paintball field nearby. The view helps you forget those things. For the price, it was satisfactory, with an amazing view and a truly different kind of getaway.

Both terraces have magnificent views, and the chalet is well located.