Alps
This mountainous region incorporates the four départements of the Savoie, Haute Savoie, Hautes Alpes and the Alpes de Haute Provence and, therefore an enormous variety of landscapes and peoples. The first names many people will recognise, on opening a map of the area, will be those of ski resorts. It is not, however, our intention to offer houses in them because here, as elsewhere, Cuendet offers houses in the country for Spring, Summer and Autumn holidays (Autumn is especially splendid here). In this region, tourism is well-developed because of the remarkable mountain scenery, forests, rivers and lakes. Happily, many parts are still quite unspoilt even very close to the intensive leisure developments. Access to the region is good by car and by train and within it the road network is fine.
Landscape
Everywhere there is wonderful mountain scenery, with snow-capped peaks visible throughout the year and most effective when they are seen against a blue sky whilst basking in the sun. There are fertile valleys which contain villages and hamlets often individual in their styles since, in the past, they were effectively cut-off from each other. Annecy, amongst the larger towns, has a splendid "vieille ville" as well as the amenities of a thriving modern city. Of particular interest in the region are the Parcs Naturels Régionaux and Parcs Nationaux, valued for their flora and fauna, examples of which are to be found in the Queryras and Vercors regions.
To savour the charm of these places, Cuendet proposes houses, apartments, farm-holidays for rent for unforgettable holidays, in search of culture and complete freedom.
Climate
Whilst the Spring and Autumn weather can be cool above 1,000 metres altitude and a little variable, a transformation takes place during June, July and August. The skiing season being completely over, there are wild flowers everywhere and sheep and cattle are brought up from the valleys to their sweet, high pastures. Autumn, with warm days, cool nights and splendid colours is perfection for the rambler. Some parts of the region claim up to 300 sunny days a year and specialize in making sundials!
Ski season
Some of our alpine houses are available during the ski season upon request. Special seasonal rates will apply. But, because we are not ski specialists, we cannot provide detailed information about or book related services.
History and Architecture
A region with a history, above all, of independence. Mountain people are proud of their liberty and individuality. If they are to be French, rather than 'Savoyard' or 'Dauphinois' they must still be free. It is not surprising that it was here that the fiercest resistance took place in '1939-45'. "Vivre libre ou mourir" is their motto. However, the 20th Century has not passed them by: hydro-electric power is readily available, modern roads have been built and telephone kiosks are to be found in even the remotest hamlets.