About Us – Who We Are
Laurence, Dominique, and Damien – three passionate lovers of the Alps, nature enthusiasts, and mountain and tourism professionals – are the founders of Poudre d’Escampette! Authenticity, epicurean pleasure, sharing, discovery, respect for nature and others, knowledge sharing, wonder, and attentive listening… these are the values we stand by!
You’ll know everything about us — or almost!
Laurence Girard
Laurence – National Certified Guide & Sheep Farmer
High-Savoyard (and Alsatian) tourism holds no secrets for her! With over 30 years of experience in rural and mountain tourism, including 17 years as director of a tourist office, Laurence knows the most unusual corners of the region and loves sharing her passion for local heritage, breathtaking panoramas, and the finest local products and producers.
As a Thônes et Marthod sheep breeder, she also offers an immersion into the world of High-Savoyard agropastoralism, letting you discover her hardy mountain flock.
Her credo: Be amazed – step off the beaten path – explore the region differently – cherish meaningful encounters. She is committed to preserving the territory she holds dear.
An ambassador of our regions, Laurence also has expertise across many areas of tourism and cultural mediation.
Credentials:
National Certified Guide-Lecturer
Dominique Mislin
Dominique – Mountain Guide, Cycling & Canoeing Instructor
A true lover of wide-open spaces and the mountains, Dominique has built extensive experience with diverse groups over many years. He knows how to adapt hikes and routes so that everyone can go at their own pace while making each outing a rich and unforgettable experience. His goal is to help you experience nature differently, with an ethical and mindful approach.
Dominique encourages you to slow down, observe the surrounding wildlife and flora, and simply savor the present moment. His credo is simple: preserve today so that future generations can continue to enjoy these natural treasures.
A cycling specialist, his expertise in this field is invaluable.
Credentials:
Certified Mountain Guide
Cycling / MTB Instructor
Canoe-Kayak Instructor
Damien Bertrand
Damien – Paragliding & Ski Instructor, Tourism and Mountain Sports Professional
Paragliding and ski instructor, founder of the Les Grands Espaces Paragliding School in Talloires, former Mountain Guide, and avid fisherman on Lake Annecy. Co-founder of the cycling café “Le Bon Wagon” in Duingt.
With nearly 40 years of experience in mountain sports and tourism, Damien actively supports Laurence and Dominique at Poudre d’Escampette with technical and logistical expertise. A true native of Haute-Savoie, he knows the region inside out and loves to share his knowledge.
As a breeder of Thônes et Marthod sheep, he is passionate about pastoralism. A gourmet and self-taught cook, he readily shares his recipes—though not his secret mushroom spots!
Learn more about Poudre d’Escampette
Laureate of the Initiative Faucigny Mont Blanc Network
Our project has been selected and is supported by the Initiative Faucigny Mont Blanc Network through an honorary loan!
