From the Slopes to the Sea: Our 7 favourite European summer destinations

From the Slopes to the Sea: Our 7 favourite European summer destinations

This summer, journey to warmer climes and indulge in a European villa escape with us. Since becoming a part of Le Collectionist in July 2021, we have been able to offer our winter guests, who know and love our service, a beautiful selection of summer homes across the globe. Here, you will enjoy the same exceptional levels of care, attention, and quality that you are accustomed to with Bramble Ski – as well as some essential summer sunshine.

If you are a visitor to our Alpine destinations in winter, then we have put together this guide for you – giving you the ultimate rundown of our top summer destinations, whether you’re after a low-key luxury trip or a lavish villa holiday with all the trimmings.

From Lech to Provence

Tucked into stunning mountains and alpine meadows, the village of Lech has a rich history of offering the very best in luxurious alpine charm and culture. Horse-drawn sleigh tours through the timeless village and sparkling snow-cloaked forests, serene cross-country skiing tracks, and a glamorous gastronomic and après ski scene are just some of its highlights.

If you love the understated luxury and rich history of Lech, experience summertime in sprawling hilltop Provençal villas such as Mas de la Citadelle, or charming renovated farmhouses set against the tranquil countryside – perfect for those who dream of privacy, panoramic vistas and fresh air. This peaceful region in southeastern France bordering the Meditteranean is known for its diverse landscapes, from rolling vineyards to sun-baked olive groves, shady pine forests to vibrant lavender fields.

Picasso, Cezanne, and Monet, among many others, were inspired by the streets of Provence, and we are certain that the region’s beautiful medieval hamlets and stunning scenery will capture your imagination, too.

From St. Anton to Mykonos

The Austrian village of St. Anton is both stunningly picturesque and traditionally alpine. In the winter months, the Arlberg ski area offers 340km of fantastically varied pistes and some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. After an active day exploring, the après ski and nightlife scenes come alive both on and off the mountain. From the legendary Mooserwirt and Krazy Kangaroo après bars to restaurants with live traditional music and nightclubs pumping tunes late into the night, this resort is a hive of activity, with something for everyone.

Mykonos shares the same exciting duality. A once-sleepy Greek island whose shores are lined with fishing boats and traditional white-washed architecture, it is now a bustling destination for both culture-seekers and party-goers alike. Villas here are chic, airy, and modern, with vast sun terraces dropping away into sea views that meet the horizon – perfectly exemplified at Villa Adriane.

In the day, if you are not reclining with a cocktail in hand at one of the iconic beach clubs, explore Little Venice and dine on the freshest seafood, or Greek salads (adorned with a generously-sized hunk of feta cheese), with an ocean breeze. Mykonos’ pristine turquoise waters beckon you to explore by boat and below the waves – where you can find octopuses, urchins, and an array of pretty fish.

As the sun sets, the streets hum with anticipation for the night ahead. Start at a seafront cocktail bar for sunset, such as Kastro or Negrita. Then, venture to Paradise Beach, which regularly draws the attention of world-class DJs, where you can dance the night away.

 From Zermatt to Corsica 

Situated at over 1,600ft and in perfect view of the staggering and iconic ‘Toblerone mountain’, Zermatt is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful and snow-sure ski resorts in the world. A gastronome’s dream, the culinary scene here encompasses everything from Michelin-starred haute cuisine to time-honoured Swiss specialties, and flavours are harnessed from the bountiful Alpine landscape. Zermatt is blessed by a shared border with Italy, which you can ski to for a day trip (stopping for lunch to indulge in fresh truffle tagliatelle and prosecco, of course!)

Corsica is also a melting pot of culture; technically French territory but nearer geographically to Sardinia. Luxury accommodation here ranges from clean, minimalist structures which showcase the landscape, like Casa Magiorre, to typical Corsican villas, and even the odd chateau or two. Famous for its stunning scenery, the island boasts beautiful sandy beaches such as Palombaggia in Porto-Vecchio, crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs. Not as well known, however, are the wild swimming opportunities beyond the beaches. Take a dip in the enchanting emerald streams of the Gorges de la Restonica, just south of Corte.

Utilising the abundant fragrant herbs and chestnuts, traditional Corsican cuisine is varied and unique, equally attractive to foodies as that of Zermatt. Sample their excellent charcuterie – made from free-roaming wild boar who feast on the fallen chestnuts – as well as flavorsome stews, delicious honey, delicious goat and sheep milk cheeses, and freshly-caught fish like red mullet.

From Courchevel to the French Riviera

Courchevel 1850 is defined by its luxurious shops, ultra-classy restaurants and lavish chalets. Peruse the glittering storefronts after dark following a day of skiing, crack open a bottle of champagne and soak in your chalet hot tub before heading out for an elegant fine-dining experience (Courchevel boasts no less than 13 Michelin-starred restaurants in total!).

Where better to venture to in the summer months than the gorgeous French Riviera, where old-timey seafront glamour meets cobblestone villages, star-studded events are a regular occurrence and breathtaking coastline welcomes an imposing fleet of superyachts each year. Enjoy an elegant seaside vacation here in an art-deco mansion overlooking the ocean, or a sprawling James Bond-esque estate such as Villa Euphoria in Gassin.  

Cannes is regarded as the ‘sister city of Beverly Hills’, with the Film Festival annually welcoming global film stars and revered directors to its red carpets and exclusive offshore soirees. Along the Côte d’Azur, Antibes is a chic and timeless city, where glossy designer stores sit juxtaposed with cobbled streets and 16th-century ramparts. A day trip away is the independent principality of Monaco – the world’s second-smallest country – famed for its palatial architecture, iconic casino, lush gardens, and Grimaldi royal family. 

St. Tropez’s fortunate positioning at the edge of a peninsula explains its chain of crystal-blue, white-sand beaches. From the Vieux Port sprinkled with sophisticated restaurants ideal for people-watching, to the old fisherman’s district ‘La Ponche’, made trendy in the age of French New Wave cinema by the likes of Brigitte Bardot; St Tropez has a unique history and charm, not to mention an exclusive party scene both on and off the water.

From Méribel to Cap Ferret

Méribel has all the allure and atmosphere that one would hope for in one of the top ski resorts in France. The pretty village is dotted throughout with quaint chalets and is a true alpine haven, on the doorstep of the expansive and renowned Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world. With a decidedly more tranquil atmosphere than its neighbours Courchevel and Val Thorens, visitors to Méribel appreciate its understated luxury.

If you love Méribel in the winter, retreat to Cap Ferret in South West France, located around two hours’ drive away from bustling Bordeaux. Cap Ferret lies on a headland in the Bay of Arcachon and is a laid-back surfer’s haven, perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. Relaxed beach houses welcome you with bohemian interiors and wooden decks perfect for a sunset Apéro, accompanied by the sound of the waves lapping at the shore at the likes of the stunning Villa Elisabeth.

Ascend the lighthouse dating back to 1947 to soak up stunning views across the fragrant pine forests to the vast ocean. Spot the golden sands of the Dune du Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe. Enjoy a lazy lunch at a casual (yet delicious) al fresco dining spot with sand between your toes and salt in your hair. Cap Ferret has its own oyster village – which is known in French as the Village Ostréicole. Oyster bars are common all around the Bay of Arcachon and serve up simple menus consisting of the finest quality oysters and other ultra-fresh seafood.

From Verbier to Ibiza

With its beautiful wooden luxury chalets and apartments, Verbier still has an authentic Alpine village feel. However, the luxe stores, lively bars, restaurants, and indulgent spas lining its picturesque streets are decidedly sophisticated. The ‘home of freeride’, Verbier caters to high-end holidaymakers and adrenaline seekers alike, a welcome and unique contrast that is woven into the fabric of this energetic resort.

Enjoying a similarly diverse atmosphere, the stunning Balearic island of Ibiza is known by Verbier locals to be its summertime counterpart. Renowned for a slow pace of living contrasted with the vibrant nightlife and gastronomic scene, Ibiza epitomises cool, down-to-earth luxury. Almost as well-known for holistic offerings as it is for hedonism, you’ll find an endless choice of wellness retreats and spas across the island, for example Atzaró, which sits within a serene agritourism complex surrounded by citrus and olive groves.

Rich with history, explore the renaissance fortifications of Ibiza Town, or delight in lounging by the pool at your ultra-cool, whitewashed Ibizan villa with ocean views such as Villa Palm. Here, the sea is your playground. Charter a yacht around the craggy coastline, jet-ski, parasail or water-ski over crystal-clear waters, or opt for a chilled afternoon paddleboarding or kayaking. Later, catch the sunset at Cafe del Mar, and head out to see world-famous DJs at the likes of Pacha, Amnesia or DC10.

From Val d’Isère to Comporta

Val d’Isère maintains a strong sense of history through the 17th-century church that still stands proudly in the village. Beautifully illuminated by night, it watches over the village and is a picturesque reminder of its modest roots as a farming village.

Just over an hour from Lisbon, the Comporta region located in the Rio Sado Estuary Nature Reserve is a tranquil paradise. This unspoiled corner of nature offers an unexpected landscape of wild beaches, rippling dunes, dense forests, and rice paddy fields. The crop has been cultivated here since 1925, and is an important part of the region’s heritage. You’ll find natural, bohemian decor in abundance here – harnessing the atmosphere and raw beauty of the region. Stay at beautiful Villa Monte, surrounded by fragrant pines. Plenty of our properties sit within a stone’s throw of the untamed, golden coastline. Portugal is renowned as one of the best surfing destinations in Europe, so a morning surf lesson is a must!

Discover the photogenic port of Carrasqueira, which sits on stilts suspended between sea and sky. Refuel with a delicious lunch of fresh seafood, as you observe the fishermen working along the shoreline. Typical of the Alentejo region, peruse the quaint streets of Melides, pausing at the colorful local market for a coffee. Explore rice paddies and dunes on horseback, or gallop along the ever-stretching beaches at sunset. Finish your day with a crisp glass of vinho verde and delicious tapas on the lawn of Gomes Casa de Vinhos & Petiscos, in the heart of the village of Comporta.

Create unforgettable summer memories with every last detail tailored just for you by our expert concierge team. They’ll curate the perfect setting for your villa stay, along with hand-picked experiences to make your time extra special. After many years of experience, we are on hand to make your summer extraordinary. All you need to do is get in touch.

4^th July 2023