Cafe Lavancher

You can't beat a good coffee shop walk. There's nothing like a bit of fresh air and some gentle exercise to work up an appetite for a bit of coffee and cake, or perhaps an ice cream.

When I've been out running on the local trails I couldn't help but notice that a few little signs and posters had appeared, advertising a new cafe in Le Lavancher. Now, I have a bit of a soft spot for this little corner of the valley. Along with Montroc a little further up the valley, its elevated above the road and away from the hustle and bustle. As soon as you arrive there's a feeling of peace and calm that you can't get when you're closer to the main drag. Add to that some cockerels disturbing that peace, a few prayer flags flapping in the breeze and the wafting smell of wood smoke and you've got yourself a cracking little hamlet.

So, from the apartment its a short hop across to the Petit Balcon behind the Grand Montets telepherique station, and then a really nice walk down valley to Le Lavancher. Just long enough to get going and give the kids some exercise.

Cafe Lavancher can be found near the top of the village and provides breakfast, lunch and evening meal, plus those all important light snacks for habitual coffee shoppers such as ourselves. Free Wi-Fi and a very pleasant outdoor seating area also come as part of the service.

As does a skateboard. Just for if you get bored when you've podged yourself on ice cream!

Give them a call if you want to book dinner. Tel 04 50 90 83 36

If you want to avoid the (slightly) uphill walk back to Argentiere, then perhaps its worth taking a train timetable with you and heading down the path opposite the restaurant to catch a train from Les Tines. Perfect!