Chalet sul lago Hotel In Montagna

Getting there without a car took some effort: I bused from Susa to Novalesa, then hiked 2.5 hours up to Moncenisio using a route planned in Outdooractive. There’s no shop or supermarket within walking distance, and it seems most guests arrive by car, motorcycle, or bicycle. But the quiet and the scenery made it completely worthwhile. The chalet sits beside a lake with a spectacular mountain view, and there are hikes from the doorstep, including a half-day walk to lago d’arpon and two smaller lakes, or a full day to Lac du Mont-Cenis. As a total hiking beginner, I found the longer route challenging but manageable, and Romina even packed me a sandwich for the day. I stayed six nights on my own, speaking only English, and Romina and Monica made me feel welcome, comfortable, and entertained. Romina speaks Italian and French, as well as good English, and was helpful with local tips like hiking routes. Monica is a versatile cook and baker. The menu was great, and she also made vegetarian dishes off-menu that were excellent and sometimes trendy. I hadn’t come mainly for the food, but I ended up looking forward to every meal. The food was tasty and nourishing, and the bread, cookies, cakes, and other desserts are carefully made in-house. The chalet is spotless and well run. Its rustic wooden decor feels cozy, and my room was brighter and more charming than it looked in the photo. A few minutes’ walk away is the historic commune of Moncenisio, with visitor information, two restaurants, a park bar, an ecomuseum, and a church with a detailed audio guide upstairs. There was also a small local produce market on the Sunday I visited, and the area was lively. Events are listed on the commune’s website. I loved the peaceful setting and the warmth of the people here. The nature and food still amaze me. 10/10, I’d happily come back.

The food was delicious, with an original, varied menu and excellent cooking. We got to try things we hadn’t had before, and the prices were very reasonable. The restaurant is simply but tastefully decorated, and the people were kind and helpful. They spoke French well enough for us to have an easy conversation over the meal. It’s close to a lake full of trout, with a shady path around it. We warmly recommend it.

The setting is the real draw, with beautiful nature all around and a big lake right in front of the hotel. Fishing isn’t allowed in that lake, but another one is a seven-minute walk away. There, you can fish for trout with a 10 euro ticket, which lets you take three trout, but no carp. Barbecuing by that lake is free. The hotel also lent us bicycles and fishing rods at no charge. Our room was clean, and some rooms have their own large terrace with chairs and a table. The staff were warm and friendly. A lovely place to visit if you’re into nature.

Everything felt perfect, and the hosts were beautiful, warmhearted people. Such a precious hotel and experience.