Crest-Voland(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For stunning alpine vistas, stay at Les Cabanes du Lac, a cluster of eco-lodges perched above Lake Gruère, offering floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and emerald forests. Each cabin is crafted from local timber and features a private terrace perfect for morning coffee with a view.

Alternatively, choose Hôtel des Cimes, located atop a 1,200-meter ridge with unobstructed 360-degree views of the French Alps. Its glass-walled rooms let sunlight flood in during the day and offer breathtaking starlit nights—ideal for stargazing in one of France’s darkest sky zones. Both properties provide guided hiking tours to high-altitude meadows and access to thermal baths, blending luxury with nature immersion.

The Old Town (Centre-Ville) is ideal for first-time visitors, offering walkable access to the Town Hall Square, Notre-Dame de la Gruère Church, and bustling markets. It's also adjacent to the Margeraz Ski Lift, making it perfect for winter travelers.

For peace and privacy, opt for the Lakefront District, where boutique lodges and family-run guesthouses overlook serene waters. This area hosts weekend craft fairs, organic food markets, and seasonal events like the Snow Festival, celebrating Alpine traditions with fire torch processions and folk music. Be sure to book early—especially during ski season when demand surges.

Immerse yourself in Savoyard heritage by attending the annual Festival de la Neige (Snow Festival) in January, where locals parade in traditional woolen costumes, carrying flaming torches to symbolize the end of winter.

Visit the Alpine Folklore Museum to explore historic dry-stone hay barns, ancient cheese-making tools, and traditional pastoral practices. Participate in a Reblochon Cheese Workshop, learning how to craft this iconic mountain cheese from raw mountain milk, then enjoy it with freshly baked rye bread.

Every weekend, the Old Market Square hosts a vibrant artisan fair featuring handmade leather goods, enamel jewelry, and wooden carvings—all made by local craftspeople using centuries-old techniques.

Châlons shines as a premier winter destination with world-class skiing at Margeraz Ski Area, boasting over 80 km of slopes across all difficulty levels. Modern lifts and night skiing illuminate the runs under starlight.

Beyond skiing, try snowmobile safaris, ice cave explorations, or dog sledding races through pristine alpine terrain. Afterward, unwind at your hotel with a cup of glühwein and almond brioche, savoring the cozy atmosphere.

Many hotels offer private ski lessons, snow yoga sessions, and wellness packages combining cold therapy with hot tubs—perfect for balancing adventure with relaxation.

Summer transforms Châlons into a green paradise. Hike along the Rhône River Trail, winding through oak forests and wildflower meadows, passing old water mills and cascading streams.

Cycle to Alpage de la Tête Blanche, a high-altitude pasture still practicing traditional transhumance. Interact with shepherds, taste fresh mountain milk, and sample homemade cheeses.

Adventure seekers can tackle the Via Ferrata route across deep gorges, while evenings call for a lakeside open-air concert—firelit, with live folk music, local wine, and grilled sausages. The air hums with cicadas and laughter, capturing the soul of rural Alpines.

For unparalleled natural beauty, book a stay at Les Cabanes du Lac, where each timber cabin faces Lake Gruère, framed by evergreen forests and distant snow peaks. Floor-to-ceiling windows capture sunrise glimmers and twilight reflections on the water.

Or choose Hôtel des Cimes, nestled on a windswept ridge at 1,200 meters. Its panoramic terrace offers sweeping views of the Alps and surrounding valleys. Enjoy guided hikes to Sommet Saint-Hilaire, where you’ll learn about alpine geology and flora.

Both hotels use sustainable materials, integrate with the landscape, and offer forest bathing experiences—blending comfort with deep connection to nature.

Savor authentic Savoyard cuisine: start with Fondue Savoyarde, a rich blend of Reblochon and Comté cheese, melted with white wine and served with crusty bread and boiled potatoes.

Try Bouillon de Bœuf à la Savoyarde, a slow-simmered beef stew with carrots, onions, and thyme, often enjoyed with dark rye bread. Don’t miss Brioche aux Amandes, a sweet almond-filled pastry served warm with coffee or jam.

Join a Family Kitchen Experience—cook alongside a local grandmother, learn time-honored recipes, and share a meal in her sunlit kitchen, complete with stories of mountain life and regional customs.

Hôtel du Château offers "Alpine Explorer Rooms" designed for kids: equipped with mini ski simulators, wooden puzzles, and storybooks. Children receive a special menu with small portions of fondue and fruit yogurt.

Stay at Cabane des Contes, a fairy-tale-themed cottage retreat where rooms are named after classic tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk. Kids can join a treasure hunt with a map, earning handcrafted souvenirs upon completion.

Both hotels provide free cribs, high chairs, and 24/7 concierge service. Daily programs include forest scavenger hunts, storytelling nights, and child-safe cooking workshops—ensuring parents relax while kids play.

Despite its mountain setting, Châlons has excellent transit options. The City Bus Loop (Lines 1 & 2) connects the center, ski lifts, and major attractions with frequent, affordable service.

For longer trips, take the TER Rhône-Alpes train to Chambéry or Grenoble, then transfer to local buses. The nearest high-speed rail station is 35 km away, reachable in 45 minutes.

During winter, check real-time updates via the Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes app—some mountain roads close due to snow. Consider purchasing the Alpes Pass, which covers all public transport and select attractions, offering great value for multi-day stays.

Châlons has a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters (Dec–Mar) are cold and snowy, averaging -5°C to 2°C, ideal for skiing with up to 1.5 meters of snow.

Summers (Jun–Sep) are mild and sunny, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, perfect for hiking and stargazing. However, sudden showers may occur.

Spring and autumn are short and changeable—pack layers and waterproof gear. Due to its 1,100-meter elevation, nighttime temperatures drop sharply even in summer. Always bring a windproof jacket and sunscreen—UV intensity is high at altitude. Prepare accordingly for weather shifts to maximize your experience.