Every possible kind of opulence, Yannick Alléno

I find the sheer power of the mountains inspiring. All these vast, magnificent landscapes stimulate me, awaken my creativity, and sharpen my sense of inventiveness.

Each panorama offers its own history and its own food for the imagination - on an increasingly grand scale. Infinite inspiration for limitless creativity.

The mountains have ever greater treasures to offer in terms of their cuisine, their architecture, their crafts - and now more recently in terms of their properties. What I love is the combination of all these various different facets.

What with the prestigious chalets and exclusive 5-star hotels everything is in place to offer an atmosphere and a level of comfort almost beyond one's wildest dreams. The services are ever more upmarket, offering a quintessence of everything that is outstanding and authentic in the French art de vivre. A little bit of paradise, but one that is full of exuberance.

At the "1947" in Courchevel - where I spend the winter season - I enter my own little bubble of creativity. I embark on a journey where I am forever fine-tuning my experiments. I am continually educating my palate to new flavours and new aromas, and thanks to the region I can discover a wealth of new references and horizons.

I love these mountains with all their gastronomy and sensual indulgence - they are a pure delight for all aesthetes and true Epicureans.