Orsières

At an altitude of 900 metres, Orsières is home to a number of architectural treasures, the undisputable jewel in the crown being the church and its bell-tower.

Orsières enjoys a mild and relatively dry climate, being protected by the imposing mass of the surrounding mountains, including Le Catogne. On its slopes grow innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants, used to make herbal and iced teas, or in the manufacture of beauty and healthcare products.

Orsières claims a multitude of attractions, not least of which is Samuel Destaing (Restaurant des Alpes), who worked for eight years with Jean-Maurice Joris and awarded a score of 15/20 in the Gault Millau restaurant guide.

Excellent food is available not only in the superb local restaurants, but also from local, traditional producers who, with the knowledge of previous generations, have perpetuated the traditions of salting, cheesemaking (including the famous raclette AOC), producing red fruits, mountain honey, rye bread and wine. All these products can be combined in a gift or display basket; see ‘La Corbeille d’Entremont’.