Published by Lyn on 8 July 2016
After a cold descent of Col de Joux Plane, Andy Hodges checked into The Nest at Les Gets.
Full overview of cycling in the Morzine/Les Gets area
The Nest
5052 Route des Grandes Alpes, 74260 Les Gets
(Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes)
View map
Official website
This recently renovated chalet – which offers both catered and self-catered accommodation for up to 11 people – is a real Alpine pearl. Hosts Karl and Cara run a family-friendly luxury chalet near to Les Gets – within 10 minutes' ride of the village, the chalet offers a fabulous home from home with a welcoming log fire for early or late season cycling, home-cooked five-course dinners and uninterrupted views of the mountains from the large balcony off the spacious living room.
5 things we liked
1. Cara's home-cooked dinners were amazing; she produced a mouth-watering sweet potato and carrot soup, delicately poached salmon fillet with seasonal vegetables, a lovely salad and a suitably rich chocolate dessert all washed down with high quality local wine. Breakfast was equally impressive and set us up for a day in the saddle.
2. The spacious and effective drying facilities were particularly welcome after a unseasonably cold and wet descent from Col de Joux Plane earlier in the day. The drying room shared the space with the huge boiler, meaning every dripping piece of Lycra was dry for another challenging ride the following day.
3. After a long day's cycling, the large lounge and sumptuous sofas were a perfect place to reflect on the day's achievements over a glass of wine and share stories of the day's adventures whilst poring over route maps for the following day's plans. With a roaring log fire and a well-stocked honesty bar, it was hard to find the motivation to move.
4. Being away from the centre of Les Gets and Morzine means The Nest is a peaceful place to stay. Despite being close to the main road, there is no traffic noise to disturb a well-earned night's rest. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated making for a relaxing break with plenty of space to spread out and sort kit for the next adventure.
5. Karl and Cara really are interested in catering to cyclists. They were keen to share their plans to open a bike-specific chalet, The Hive, which Karl is currently renovating to a similarly high standard. It will provide a second base for road and mountain bikers alike.
The Nest was more of a palace, beautifully renovated by Karl and expertly catered for by Cara. Although not cycling specific, Cara and Karl both fully understand cyclists' needs and are more than capable of providing for them.
Andy Hodges has been a frequent visitor to the Rhône-Alpes since 2004. He has since ridden, climbed and walked hundreds of kilometres in the region – you can follow in his trail by picking up a copy of his Mountain Adventures in the Maurienne guidebook. You can read his overview of the Maurienne here.
