Le Petit Reve

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful, grown-up escape where you can truly switch off, reconnect with nature, and spend unhurried time together, Le Petit Rêve at Lac Montriond might be just what you’re looking for. With its timeless Savoie style, modern comforts, and peaceful woodland setting, this charming chalet is made for slow mornings, outdoor adventures, and evenings spent with wine and candlelight.

From the outside, it looks exactly as you’d hope: traditional Savoie style, chocolate box wood cabin, and nestled amongst the trees. Step inside and you’ll find a warm, welcoming space that blends rustic Alpine charm with carefully chosen modern touches and little luxuries that make all the difference.

As you enter the lodge, there’s a handy cloakroom area with plenty of space for boots, coats and gear — ideal if you’ve been out exploring and want to keep the main living space cosy. This small but practical area helps keep the chill of winter air at bay when you come back inside.

The heart of the chalet is an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you need for relaxed self-catering — whether you’re cooking up a simple pasta dish or preparing a romantic breakfast. There’s a comfy sofa where you can curl up together in the evenings, a smart TV with Netflix if you fancy a film, and a small library of books to inspire local adventures (or help you switch off entirely).

The bathroom is on the ground floor, with a walk-in shower, soft towels, and thoughtful extras like a hairdryer, hair straighteners and locally sourced toiletries.

Upstairs is the romantic bedroom — a cosy retreat with a double bed dressed in luxurious linens. There’s a dressing table if you’re getting ready for a special dinner or evening out, and an armchair that creates a lovely spot to sit with a coffee or glass of wine. (If you’re travelling with a little one, the armchair can convert into a single bed, and a travel cot is available on request.)

Outside, there is a patio area with picnic bench to enjoy the secluded garden with views up into the magical woodland behind the lodge. There is a gas barbecue for use in both summer and winter. The slightly elevated position and being surrounded by trees on three sides means the garden provides a sunny, idyllic and private spot while you can still hear the ‘buzz’ of activity from the lake. One of my favourite features is the private garden sauna – a Scandi-style cabin with a large picture window looking out onto the woodland. It’s especially magical after a winter walk, when the air is crisp and the snow crunches underfoot, but even in summer, it’s a lovely ritual – step in, sweat it out, then cool down outside with a cold drink and nothing but birdsong for company.

Located just outside the village of Morzine in the Haute-Savoie region, Le Petit Rêve is close enough to reach easily (just 90 minutes from Geneva) but far enough from the bustle that you can truly switch off. The pace here is calm and unhurried, with the lake, mountains, and forest all on your doorstep. Whether you’re visiting in the height of summer or in the depths of winter, the landscape always feels a little bit magical.

In summer, you can swim in its clear waters, hire paddleboards, or take a picnic and just doze by the shore. The walking trails nearby lead to waterfalls, alpine meadows, and breathtaking viewpoints – or just a scenic café for coffee and cake. In winter, the lake freezes over, and the area transforms into a snowy, storybook landscape. You can snowshoe straight from the door, or hop on a shuttle to access the vast Portes du Soleil ski area nearby.

Le Petit Rêve is made for couples who want to press pause and enjoy a simpler pace of life. It’s perfect for anniversaries, mini-moons, or just a spontaneous few days away from it all. With its thoughtful design, peaceful setting, and access to the best of the Alps in every season, it’s a place where you can truly unwind – together. Le Petit Rêve isn’t a hotel – and that’s its charm. You can pad around in your pyjamas all day if you like. You can cook, read, nap, sit in the sauna, pour a glass of wine at 4pm. It’s a space that gives you permission to stop and savour – a quiet, nurturing kind of luxury that stays with you long after you’ve left.