WHERE TO EAT, PLAY AND STAY IN VERBIER

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verbier, switzerland, suisse, verbier infinite playground pass

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the epidemiological situation we’ve been living these past 1,5 years has had some silver linings, but it’s now undeniable that it pushed us to discover (or rediscover) the beautiful country we live in. Just like last summer, my boys and I packed our suitcases and took the train to Verbier – a place that is about to become our favorite family destination and you’ll soon learn why!

First let me introduce you to Verbier; this village is located at 1’500m in south-western Switzerland in the canton of Valais and it’s renewed as a top ski destination. Can you picture these slate-roofed chalets in a magnificent natural setting? That’s Verbier for you! 

By merging with the surrounding communes of Val de Bagnes and La Tzoumaz, the region now offers over 300 km2 of fun and adventure across six charming, yet varied locations. Whether you’re looking for a sporty, relaxing, traditional, stylish, natural, friendly or extreme gateway, I guarantee that you’ll find what you’re looking for in or around Verbier.

And the reason why we headed for Verbier this summer is that, until October 31, anyone staying at least one night in the region and paying the tourist tax is receiving a Verbier Infinite Playground Pass – this VIP pass is the key to a carefree holiday as it gives free or discounted access to more than 100 activities! As you can imagine with a kid this pass is a must, ok without kids it’s a must too, you can check all the advantages and activities list offered with the VIP pass HERE

This time we stayed in Verbier for three days and despite the rather unseasonal weather we experienced we got to do quite a lot of things, things I wouldn’t have even thought of planning but  the VIP pass performed its magic 😉 so find below my little guide on where to eat, play and stay in Verbier!

 

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WHERE TO EAT

La Nonna (Place Centrale 2)

If you have to think of one place to recommend your friends for a chic-yet-cosy night out in Verbier just say La Nonna! This Italian restaurant stole my heart, there are great cocktails, delicious food and very very pretty plates (our waiter told me these are imported from Tuscany). La Nonna is also kids friendly; they have special colorful cutlery and coloring pages – Seven was delighted and us adults could enjoy our pastas in peace.

 

Taratata (Route des Creux 4)

The ultimate date night place-to-be in Verbier! Charles and I left Seven to our nanny and headed at Taratata on our last night on the mountain and we’ve been seduced by the chic interiors, great wine list and succulent menu by chefs Thomas Vado and Aline Ménétrey. At Taratata meat is the star (at the entrance butcher window display showcases the best meat cuts), but I’ve also spotted some pretty elaborated vegetarian dishes.

 

Le Fer A Cheval (Rue de Médran 18)

An iconic Verbier spot known by locals and regular tourists alike – le Fer A Cheval is where retro vibes meet comfort food. The major advantage of the place is that they have a non-stop kitchen, so you can eat anytime between 11:30am and 10pm

 

Les Moulins (Chemin des Moulins 5)

We’ve lunched at Les Moulins when we arrived to Verbier (the restaurant is located 2 min from La Cordée des Alpes hotel). The place is like a typical Swiss chalet, with simple yet hearthy food (my suggestion, take the gratin as a side because theirs is just delicious). Major plus of the place us definitely that it is located above a nursery that has a huge playground for kids.

 

Find more restaurants in Verbier and its region HERE

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WHERE TO PLAY

Cheese making workshop

La Laiterie de Verbier (the Verbier dairy) is run by Marc, who took on the reins of the business from his father. Marc’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s sharing his expertise and passion for his work during the 2 hours of the workshop, helping you step into the shoes of an apprentice cheesemaker. You’ll follow the production process from A to Z, benefiting from Marc’s explanations at each step along the way. And the end of the workshop we left the tommes we made with our own hands to mature at the dairy and Marc offered to send these by post after 3 weeks!

No words to describe how thrilled I was to participate to this workshop, as a real cheese aficionado learning how to make cheese has been on my bucket list for years – and our gateway to Verbier was just the perfect occasion to make this dream come true! Also, it turned out to be a fantastic activity for kids, Seven enjoyed every part of it (including the one when you could try different cheeses at the end of the workshop. My genes for sure.) It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience!

 

Gourmet wild plant foraging

Ever wondered if you could sustain yourself by eating nature’s treasures only? Well wonder no more and join the Gourmet wild plant foraging activity while in Verbier! You’ll be plant picking in the forest with a mountain guide, the 2-hour walk is accessible to everyone, while enjoying the breathtaking views in the region. Afterwards, with the help of your guide, using your harvested products you’ll prepare a surprisingly tasty snack! Our guide, Cherries, was a most amazing person and left a huge impression on me. She knows all plants like I know all shoes (lol) and she is great with children too, explaining everything with simple terms and making everything entertaining.

 

Mont-Fort summit visit

Mont-Fort is the highest peak of the 4 valleys, it is located at an altitude of 3,300 m on a succession of cable cars and gondolas from La Tzoumaz, Verbier and Nendaz. Honestly, the way up is an experience itself but once you’re up there you have a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.

Unfortunately while we were there it was really foggy, but on a clear day you can see the Matterhorn, the Dent d’Hérens, the Grand Combin, the Mont-Blanc and 100 other summits from there!

For the most courageous ones check out the Mont4Zipline, which is the highest zipline in Europe – it speeds at 130 km/h over a distance of 1.4 km and with a drop of 383 m. Impressive right?

 

Mini-golf

I haven’t played mini-golf in ages and it was cool to discover that at Verbier’s Parc de Loisirs there is an 18-hole mini-golf with a stunning mountain view!

 

Find more activities to do in Verbier and its region HERE

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WHERE TO STAY

Hotel La Cordée des Alpes

This is the hotel we’ve been staying in this time, a beautiful establishment with 32 luxury rooms and suites, and 17 apartment. We had a large suite with two rooms and a living room (with a fireplace, oh I do love fireplaces). The staff was adorable and very helpful when it can to lend us their shuttle for our various activities. I’ve also been positively surprised by the hotel’s SPA which has a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a fitness room complete the picture.

 

The W Verbier hotel

We stayed there last year and had a real crush for the place (and its cocktails!), you can find a full review of the W Verbier HERE

 

In collaboration with Verbier Tourism