
Evening at the chalet: 5 simple ideas to enjoy after dark
Days in the chalet are often busy: a hike in the regional park, a visit to the Val-David market, a bike ride or simply a few hours of rest in the sun on the terrace. But once night falls, a new atmosphere sets in. The evening in a chalet has something special: it slows down the pace, invites calm and transforms the space into a cozy nest.
Soft lighting, the silence of the forest, the subtle sounds of nature in the background... Evenings are often the times when we fully enjoy a stay in a chalet. This is where memories are created: a shared meal, a discussion that drags on, an improvised game, a comforting silence by the fire.
At KM42, our chalets in Val-David offer this ideal setting to experience the evening differently, far from screens and the hustle and bustle of daily life. Here are five simple, accessible and inspiring ideas to transform your evenings at the chalet into unforgettable moments.
Cook yourself a comforting meal and enjoy it without pressure
There are few places where cooking has such flavor as in a chalet. Here, it is not a question of culinary performance or sophisticated recipes: it is rather the idea of preparing together, in a relaxed atmosphere, a meal that warms and brings people together.
Imagine a large board of local cheeses and charcuterie, purchased at Val-David market, accompanied by fresh bread from the local bakery. Or a gently simmered homemade soup, the smell of which fills the kitchen and makes you want to sit down at the table without waiting.
The kitchens of our KM42 chalets are equipped to allow you to easily prepare your favorite dishes. You have everything you need to cook without hassle. If you want to organize a raclette or fondue, just remember to bring your own device, as this type of equipment is not provided on site.
The important thing is not so much what’s on the plate as how you share it. We cook together, we cut the vegetables together, we taste the sauce before serving it. It’s a moment where we slow down, where we laugh, where we already savor before even sitting down.
Enjoy the warm atmosphere of the chalet
Once night falls, the chalet is transformed. The creaking wood, the gentle warmth that settles in, the lamps that diffuse a subdued light: everything contributes to creating a unique atmosphere. No need to add anything, because the authenticity of the place is enough to envelop the evening with natural charm.
The KM42 chalets have an indoor and outdoor fireplace. Nothing brings people together like a fire. Just lighting a few logs, looking at the flames and feeling that comforting warmth immediately changes the mood. Around the home, discussions take on another dimension. We dare to talk about deeper things, we leave room for silences without discomfort, we truly find ourselves.
A blanket, a comfortable armchair, soft light and the warmth of wood: it’s enough to create a soothing and intimate atmosphere.
Go out to admire the stars… or listen to the silence
In the city, evenings are often associated with artificial lights, the noise of cars, and the bustle of people in a hurry. In Val-David, it’s quite the opposite. Here, once night falls, nature takes its place far from light pollution. The stars seem closer, more numerous, more alive. You can sometimes even see a shooting star if you take the time to look.
No need for sophisticated equipment. A simple blanket to warm up, a hot herbal tea prepared in the chalet's kitchen and a quiet corner on the terrace are enough. For some, it will be silent contemplation. For others, an opportunity to share a conversation in hushed tones, with the sky as a backdrop.
What if the clouds cover the stars? Then silence takes over. Close your eyes. Listen to the sounds of the forest, the rustling of leaves, perhaps the distant call of an owl. These are noises that we almost never hear in everyday urban life.
Tip 💡: bring a pair of binoculars or a constellation-finding app on your phone. They transform observation into a fun little game for the whole family.
Take out the games and have a good laugh
Evenings in a chalet are not always calm and contemplative. They can also be an opportunity to laugh, to play, to engage in friendly competition. Board games, cards or even impromptu quizzes have this magical power to bring everyone together around the table.
Some KM42 chalets are suitable for group stays (friends or family), the common spaces are designed to encourage these moments of conviviality. A large wooden table, comfortable chairs, enough space to unfold a game board: everything is there for a lively evening.
Whether you're a fan of classics like Scrabble or Monopoly, fast-paced card games or modern cooperative games, each game becomes a story in itself. Laughter rings out, small game arguments end in bursts of laughter, and sometimes even a simple improvised riddle creates more atmosphere than a TV program.
It’s also a way to reconnect with each other, away from screens. When we find ourselves around a game, we forget about the phones, we no longer think about notifications. We are truly together, here and now.
Tip 💡: remember to slip a few games into your suitcase before your departure. Even a small deck of cards can be enough to transform the evening.
Refocus with a moment for yourself
Finally, not all evenings have to be collective. The chalet is also the ideal place to take some personal time, to slow down and listen to your own needs.
It can be a moment of reading by the fire, with a novel that we never have time to finish at home. This could be a few minutes of gentle yoga or stretching on a mat, just to release built-up tension. This could be writing in a travel journal, noting down your impressions, your emotions, your memories of the day.
The calm of the night, the absence of requests, the comfort of a warm space: everything invites introspection and relaxation. Even as a couple or family, it's nice to take a break just for yourself, before meeting up again around the breakfast table the next morning.
An evening at the chalet is proof that you don't need a lot to be happy. No need for a screen, no need for a busy schedule. All it takes is a simple meal, soft light, a starry sky, a game or a book to transform the night into a precious moment.
At KM42, we believe that true luxury is that of time and simplicity. Our chalets are designed to offer you this warm, authentic setting surrounded by nature. The rest are your moments, your laughter, your silences, your memories.
So, on your next getaway to Val-David, forget about complicated plans. Enjoy an evening at the chalet. An evening to slow down. An evening to reconnect. An evening to savor the present moment.
Discover our KM42 chalets and treat yourself to this simple and essential luxury: time.