We spent a weekend in Verbier during the summer this year and luckily it coincided with the annual Alps en Fête where we saw the Bataille des Reines, see the post here.
The event was held at the Alpage des Grand-Plans, Les Planards, an alpine pasture above Verbier that was reached by public bus and a minibus operating for the day. The scenery is very much like “The Sound of Music” which is really Austrian.
A road led us up from the bus stop to the pasture where the event was held. The road continues, sloping gently upwards. Along the way, there were two restaurants/lodge. They appear to rent out rooms.
One of the restaurants is called La Marmotte. It was nearly full with people sitting on the outside taking in the sun, breeze and view.
We were lucky to be offered a table with a view under a sun umbrella. After we ordered, we were served a free simple starter – olive paste on crispy bread.
We had a generous portion of tomato soup …
… and assorted mushrooms (mostly girolles and possibly some other kinds) in creamy sauce and a puff pastry. The Swiss likes to gather wild mushrooms.
We also had a beef tartare and fries.
All were excellent. The service was friendly and we had great seats facing the wide open space. Looking up, the nets set up to prevent avalanche and/or falling rocks were clearly visible (not in the photo), as are paths that lead up to the top.
The view here is stunning, blue sky with a few clouds – the entire community of Verbier below – the pastures on the other side of the valley, fresh air …
Climbing wall for the energetic.
The inside of the restaurant was open but no one wanted to be indoors.
But we can imagine this wooden lodge, now in December with snow falling outside, it must be very cosy. A classic alpine mountain experience (if it is open).
We said we would come back summer or winter.
Highly recommended.