10 Questions with Gabriella Le Breton in the French Alps – From Camper Van to Luxury Chalet.
We catch up with ski writer -Gaby Le Breton whilst she tours the French Alps in Camper Van with her Husband researching her next piece. Gaby stopped by Val d’Isère for some much needed R&R to stay in our new luxury alpine apartment- Etoile Filante. We gave Gaby the full Consensio experience: from a Perrier Jouët afternoon tea, to a spectacular 6 course Dinner at Chalet Calistoga showcasing Consensio’s recent collaboration with Duck and Waffle, to an indulgent in-chalet massage from Six Physio. Here is what Gaby had to say:
1. Tell us a bit about Yourself:
I learnt to ski at 2 ½ years old with my family in the Black Forest area in Germany. I spent two ski seasons working in Aspen before I switched to full time writing. I have been a ski writer for over 8 years, writing freelance for publications such as; Conde Nast Traveler, Financial Times, The Telegraph, Ultra-Travel amongst others. I also have published several books, the latest is The Ultimate Ski Book.
2. How long have you been on the road?
Ed my husband and I have been on the road for exactly one week. We are touring around France and Switzerland for the next month in a blue VW campervan.
3. What inspired the trip?
Ed my husband wanted to do the trip, I had already done two similar trips in the USA and Canada but never here in Europe. It sounded like an adventure, giving you the freedom to follow the snow and link many resorts together in one single trip.
4. How does Val d’Isère fit into the trip?
I have been very unlucky on previous trips to Val d’Isère with unfortunate conditions, so I was keen to include it in our itinerary. Ed did a ski season back in 1997 in Val d’Isère and I wanted to understand more about his love for the resort.
5. What are your thoughts on self-catered luxury?
Self-catering is a great option; it provides freedom and flexibility and enables people to make the most from their budget. It enables them to maximize their budget in order to experience luxury accommodation. It also allows people to pick and mix what they want to spend money on, whether it is on eating out, on ski tuition/guiding and allocate their budget accordingly. It is something I would choose to do; it is also a great option for families with children who can save money.
6. How has your stay been in our new apartment- Etoile Filante?
Etoile is a lovely apartment, very comfortable and spacious and is well equipped. The location is great, just 7 minutes’ walk to the piste and less to the center of the resort.
7. Have you been to Duck and Waffle in London?
Yes, I have been lucky enough to eat there twice shortly after it opened. The views were amazing, we visited mid-morning but I would love to go back and see it at a different time of day.
8. What impression did Tom Cenci and Jamie Tully make in their culinary dinner service at Chalet Calistoga?
Dinner was very impressive; the menu was diverse with different styles for each dish and not at all faddy. It was great honest cooking, with Tom providing us an insight into the history of each dish. The dessert was completely over the top but totally delicious. Tom is one of the most humble and relaxed chefs I have met.
9. What was your favourite dish?
My favourite dish was the lentil with sweet onions and toasted buckwheat and nasturtiums (edible flowers
Spinach, sweet onion, organic yoghurt, miso & nasturiums
10. What has been the highlight of your Consensio experience?
The Consensio team is what makes the difference, they are genuine and want to help make your experience the best. They aren’t at all subservient whilst being able to provide exceptional service. The massage from Ski Physio in the chalet treatment room was brilliant and exactly what I needed after a few nights of sleeping in the van. It is going to be difficult to go back to staying in the van having unpacked all my clothes in to the walk-in-wardrobe in Etoile. In fact, it is might be difficult to find the van under the amount of snow which has fallen in the last 24 hours!