The French Alps are perhaps the most stunning and evocative corner of Europe, with everything from snow-capped peaks and translucent lakes suspended in the mountains, to flowery alpine meadows being grazed by sheep and goats, the heady smells of spruce, fir and pine, and a rich local gastronomy. In the Savoie region, locals Kevin and Karen Appleton set up Into the Alps so that visitors can experience the Alps in a unique way, with bespoke French alpine experiences, from walking to wellness, gastronomy experiences and bucket-list adventures.
Discover Savoie
The fresh air, silence of the mountain air and the sheer scale of the scenery encourage you to slow down and spend your days outdoors. It is a place that soothes the soul as much as it invigorates the body. After the skiers retreat, the melting snow reveals an area that is steeped in local traditions and character, rich in thousands of years of history, and the sort of place that you can both lose and find yourself in, if you know where to look.
Karen and Kevin know this corner of the French Alps in a way that only comes from making it home. Having lived in the region for more than a decade and raised their family here, they have immersed themselves in its landscapes, traditions, food and communities, building the sort of local knowledge that simply can’t be found in a guidebook.
For more than five years they have been welcoming guests, sharing not only exceptional accommodation but also the benefit of their own experience. They know the quiet mountain paths with the finest views, where you are most likely to spot local wildlife (such as ibex, chamois, and marmot), the restaurants cherished by locals, the hidden corners that many visitors never discover and where to find the region’s finest cheeses, wines and artisan produce. Their aim now is to help every guest experience the Alps as they do, not as tourists passing through, but as temporary locals.
Drawing on backgrounds in luxury brands and psychological care, Karen and Kevin have created an approach to hospitality that blends comfort, wellbeing and genuine personal service. With their combination of local knowledge, thoughtful hospitality and a genuine love for the region, staying with Karen and Kevin is a rare chance to immerse yourself in a region. Rather than offering a standard holiday, they invite you to experience the authentic rhythm of Alpine life whilst creating an itinerary for you that matches your interests and expectations.
Local luxury
A stay begins in a beautifully restored Savoyard chalet, where traditional Alpine character sits effortlessly alongside modern comfort. Rustic stone walls, exposed timber beams and handcrafted pine furniture create an immediate sense of warmth, while every room has been thoughtfully designed to offer peace, privacy and relaxation.
At the heart of the chalet is a welcoming farmhouse kitchen, where food becomes part of the experience. Meals are created by the private chef, showcasing the flavours and traditions of the region. Breakfast, lunch and dinner become leisurely occasions, inspired by the finest local ingredients.
If you love nothing better than a morning coffee with a view, or an evening meal under the stars, then you may not want to leave the chalet. Private gardens enjoy panoramic views towards the peaks of the Trois Vallées. Enjoy breakfast in the fresh mountain air, wake up slowly with yoga sessions against an unforgettable backdrop, and linger over long lunches that stretch into lazy afternoons in the dappled mountain sunshine. In early summer, the gentle sound of cowbells announces the annual journey of the herds towards the high mountain pastures, while late in the season, the chalet’s cherry tree may be laden with fruit.
Good food and wine are central to life in Savoie, and Karen and Kevin delight in introducing guests to the flavours of the region. Browse vibrant local farmers’ markets, discover artisan producers, learn the secrets of traditional Savoyard cooking during hands-on cookery experiences, or enjoy demonstrations by talented local chefs. Wine lovers can explore nearby vineyards and discover the distinctive wines that have been produced in these Alpine valleys for generations.
Bespoke French alpine experiences
The chalet is only part of the story. Karen and Kevin also have a carefully chosen collection of activities designed to help you experience the Alps in whatever way suits you best.
From gentle strolls through flower-filled Alpine meadows to more demanding hikes leading to breathtaking viewpoints, head off on a walk that is tailored to your interests and ability. There is never any rush. The emphasis is on enjoying the journey, pausing to admire the scenery, capturing those unforgettable photographs and perhaps stopping at a traditional mountain refuge for a hearty Savoyard lunch or a leisurely picnic surrounded by spectacular scenery.
For those seeking rest and renewal, wellbeing is woven naturally into the experience. Gentle yoga sessions, guided meditation and carefully selected spa experiences offer the chance to relax, recharge and reconnect.
And if your idea of the perfect holiday includes a little more adrenaline, the opportunities are almost endless. Take to the skies and discover the Alps in a tandem paraglider, hot-air balloon, helicopter or light aircraft. Tackle white-water rafting or a thrilling via ferrata or challenge yourself on an iconic Tour de France climb with the assistance of an e-bike.
Or why not create an itinerary that combines all of these different experiences in a holiday of a lifetime? Whatever your interests, Karen and Kevin’s aim is always the same: to create a holiday that reflects you and is shaped around your passions, allowing you to experience the French Alps in a way that feels personal, authentic and genuinely unforgettable.
For more information or to book: intothealps.co.uk
