Was it the bark of a dog or the crow of a cockerel that woke me from my deep, childlike sleep? I rub my eyes and step out on to the balcony, to be greeted by another sunny day in the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen.  I drink in the stunning scenery before me: a rocky, seemingly sculptured mountain to the south; a couple of more gently sloping peaks and intriguing valleys opposite; and the lovely garden below me.

Just minutes away from the bustling southern French town of Briançon, yet high up in a charming mountain hamlet, you will find this beautifully restored, privately owned farmhouse, well preserved in old mountain style, yet with all modern facilities and that little extra touch of exquisite taste.  No white paint or pine wood, but lovely aged larch beams and warmly welcoming and cosy rooms.  Every one of them is decorated in an individual style that makes you feel at home. But who gets treated like a lord at home?

The skiing is great, as well as different from my previous Alpine experiences. Not just in Serre Chevalier, but also in the smaller resorts in the surrounding valleys of the Hautes Alpes, as the whole region is called.  Although it has modern skiing facilities, there is a southern French relaxed atmosphere and charm about it.  There is something most genuine, especially when you find out some locals still keep their sheep in their houses during the winter!

So there you have it.  Matthew and Hélène's idea is simple yet sophisticated.  They do everything for you, beginning with a gentle knock on your door with your first chocolat chaud and croissant of the day, and then you decide which of the 8 ski domaines you should try today. Or, if you fancy, you can try something different, such as the Via Ferrata - an Alpine walk which takes you to new heights. 

It doesn't take long to realise that this is the El Dorado of active holidays.  It has some of the finest rock and ice climbing in the Alps, as well as river-kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, walking, paragliding, canoeing, to mention just a few activities. In winter, there is downhill skiing and heliskiing (Italy) in the resorts of Sestrière, Montgenèvre, Serre Chevalier, Puy St. Vincent, La Grave and Les Deux Alpes.  There is also brilliant touring on cross country skis, snowshoes, etc.  You won't get bored during your stay, I promise you.

And so to bed...