Megève is a charming ski resort village nestled amongst the well-known mountains of Mont d´Arbois, Rochebrune, Cote 2000 Mont Joly and Le Jaillet. Although a relatively low resort, sitting at 1,027–2,485 m, it still presents a great ski and snow sport experience; with tree lined downhill runs, snow park and cross-country trails whilst in summer guests can enjoy hiking. biking and golfing. The resort is known for its chic-chalets, luxury hotels, designer boutiques and exquisite mountain style gastronomy. The pedestrianised cobbled medieval streets, 12th century buildings and horse-drawn carriages add to its picture-perfect charm.
Eat
Flocons de Sel
Awarded 3 Michelin stars in 2020, this homely 5-star Relais & Châteaux property offers imaginative cooking in its charming Alpine hamlet setting. Chef Emmanuel Renaut is at the helm and believes in creating an emotive, immersive experience – even inviting diners to join him for forest walks foraging for mushrooms, herbs and medicinal plants. Everything is locally sourced, with bespoke dishes inspired by the seasons. With an emphasis on privacy and refinement, it’s ideal for a long-sophisticated lunch with friends or an intimate dinner. And the wine list is as exquisite as the a la carte and set menus.
La Ferme de Mon Pere
For sharing dishes, fine wines and delectable cocktails, La Ferme de Mon Pere is the place to be. It’s cosy and relaxed, with its farm theme creating a wholesome and earthy, yet gourmet ambience. The product-driven menu is divided into charmingly named sections: The Vegetable Patch, Farm Classics, The Table, The Pond and classic desserts. Xavier Pouzin works under the leadership of chef Julien Burlat to create modern cuisine with French specialities such as liquorice scented frog legs and Foie gras pâté. Don’t miss the range of unique house wines and if you’re seeking something lighter mid-afternoon – pop in for one of La Ferme’s delectable fresh pastries.
Le 1920 at the Four Seasons Hotel
Dine with a remarkable view at this internationally renowned hotel group, the Four Seasons. Its traditional French restaurant in Megeve, Le 1920, boasts a stunning vaulted ceiling and the option to take meals outside on the terrace. Chef Julien Gatillon received his first Michelin star in 2014 and brings his expertise in modern haute cuisine to this elegant venue. Dishes feature high-end ingredients such as caviar and truffles, with beautiful garnishes and attention to detail. The decor is warming and contemporary, with modern Alpine accents and picture windows revealing the epic mountains on the hotel’s doorstep.
www.fourseasons.com/megeve/dining/restaurants/le-1920/
Le Refuge
Pay a visit to La Refuge and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in the middle of nowhere. Yet it’s conveniently accessible even in the depths of winter. This cosy spot offers hearty Savoy cuisine that’s both rustic and refined, served on heavy wooden boards and in black skillet pans. The mountain specialities are a real highlight, particularly the black truffle Swiss fondue, and the rotisserie lamb (for two or more hungry diners). La Refuge’s chalet home is reminiscent of a Heidi novel, with wood panelling, dairy pitchers, authentic bric a brac decoration and a wooden terrace for sun-drenched lunches. Child-friendly choices and a relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for families.
www.refuge-megeve.com/fr/home/
Le Vieux
More Savoyard cuisine and decadent cheesy delights can be found at Le Vieux, a popular and centrally located eatery, renowned for its fantastic raclette. Here you can feast on everything from rich hot stone meat fondues to mountain farm salads – and there’s a special menu for younger palates. Stone walls, wood panelling, a roaring fire, trestle tables and red tablecloths provide a traditional and authentic feel to this 45-year-old family-run establishment. In summer, enjoy alfresco dining and watch the world go by from the terrace, flanked with colourful blooms and hanging baskets. Book in advance, especially in high season, as Le Vieux gets very busy.
Do
Ski / Snow sports (Winter)
Of course, the biggest draw to this area is the slopes. Offering world-leading ski and snowboarding opportunities, Megeve has been a hotspot for well-heeled skiers since the 1920s and is increasingly popular for snowboarders. The highest lift in the resort goes up to 2,350m with a total piste length of 445km. There’s a place for every level of expertise and all ages, although it tends to attract intermediate skiers seeking carefully-tended, recreational pistes and those who like to combine activity with some high quality après. Choose Evasion ski pass for local access, or Unlimited for access to more challenging slopes further afield as far as Verbier and Chamonix.
Mountain Bike or Hike (Summer)
Megeve isn’t just for winter. Travel here in summer and you’ll discover an entirely different vibe, but with equally plentiful activities. The terrain is a dream for hikers and mountain bikers and as the village is car-free it’s one of the safest and most enjoyable places to explore cycling, or on foot. There are over 300km of trails, with the option to take a lift (buy a mountain bike pass for special access to the Mont d’Arbois and Jaillet cable cars) and enjoy some leisurely lunches with stunning views. Use Megeve’s own skiing, hiking and mountain biking app for itineraries, routes and an interactive geolocation facility.
Helicopter Ride over Mountain Ranges
IC: Megeve Helicopters
There’s no shortage of stunning vistas to enjoy in this region, but why not explore from an alternative perspective? See the mountains from an entirely different viewpoint with a helicopter ride, either in the form of a super speedy airport transfer service or as a sightseeing trip. Fly over Annecy, Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the area’s huge inaccessible glaciers, as far as the Italian border. Or take a day trip to Milan or Lyon with transfer times of under an hour. Flights can be combined with champagne, afternoon tea or full dining experiences and are offered by a range of providers in Megeve.
Spa Experience at Pure Altitude Spa Les Fermes de Marie
No trip to the Alps is complete without a spa visit. The region boasts some of the most innovative and restorative in the world, such as this one at Les Fermes de Marie. Multisensory treatments take inspiration from nature’s elements: wood, fire, stone, plants and water, while Pure Altitude’s unique cosmetic range uses mountain plant extracts and minerals with rare active anti-oxidant and balancing ingredients. Take an indoor or outdoor Jacuzzi and sauna, detox in the steam room and Ofuro baths, work out in the gym and bliss out in the relaxation room. There’s also a hair and make-up studio, and indoor pool with stunning bay window views. With a peaceful and imaginative interior design reflecting its Alpine surroundings, it’s the perfect place to escape and recharge.
Horse and Carriage Ride
The medieval cobbled streets of Megeve create a wonderful old-worldly sense which is perfectly complimented by the traditional horse-drawn carriages stationed in the centre of the pedestrianised village. A gentle ride, snuggled under the heavy alpine style blankets is one of the most romantic ways to explore Megeve.
Aper Igloo
For a truly magical experience don your snowshoes and let local mountain guides take you to an evening of great food and drink hosted in a secret igloo. These guides were born in the mountains and live and breathe its every changing moment so built the igloo so that visitors can also enjoy nature at its best and feel a special connection with the mountain. An entirely unique experience!
https://www.facebook.com/pg/aperigloomegeve
Sleep
Les Fermes De Marie
Established by local couple Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet in 1989, this chic chalet hotel hosts many high-profile guests and families preferring discreet service, luxury, a dreamy spa and superb food. Stroll from the front door to the village centre in just ten minutes, close enough to be convenient, but far enough from high season bustle. The building was even designed by its owners and made from wood from the original farm buildings. Interiors are muted and sophisticated, with dove grey tones, baroque objects, antiques and touches of understated glitz. Book the Mont Blanc suite for a huge balcony with a roaring fire.
Read our Les Fermes de Marie review here
Le Lodge Park
Fur, stag heads, antler chandeliers, animal skin and leather textiles give Le Lodge Park an air of Game of Thrones’ Winterfell. The four-star hotel’s interior design is impressive, artistic and bold, showing an adventurous flair, yet still in keeping with its Alpine surrounds. Super handy for skiers – the lift is right next to the hotel – Le Lodge Park’s centrality works well for young guests making the most of the local scene and honeymooners seeking an opulent, quirky and romantic place to stay. In addition to its 49 rooms, there’s a spa and a superb safari styled restaurant, Beef Lodge.
Read our Lodge Park review here
M de Megeve
M offers 42 rooms in traditional Savoyard style, with a contemporary twist. The decor makes use of natural fabrics, exposed wood, cosy furs and vintage accents. Colour palettes are mostly neutral with brighter splashes in the soft furnishings. A Balneotherapy area is a special highlight, with Cinq Mondes therapies, a hammam and a swimming corridor. For dinner, create your own personalised fondue in the soMMet restaurant, or snack on smaller plates in Le Bistrot du M. M de Megeve is popular for all ages and stages, but is an especially popular family getaway, with a programme of mountain activities for children during the school holidays.
Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois
Imagine being greeted from a day of skiing with steaming hot chocolate, crepes, or vin chaud. This is daily life at Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, a resort made up of three opulent chalets. Owned by the Rothschilds (formerly one of their homes), it became part of the Four Seasons group, with a 10-million-euro overhaul overseen by Thierry Curty and Pierre-Yves Rochon. Oil paintings, Persian rugs and oversized fireplaces create a country residence feel, blended with the stripped pine synonymous with Alpine architecture. Slip down to the basement for a massage at the Bamford Spa with an outdoor pool, or a Michelin-starred meal at Prima. Guests also have access to the facilities at nearby FS Megève, another Four Seasons property.
www.fourseasons.com/megevechalets/
Hotel Le Fer a Cheval
A great choice for both gastronomy and wellness breaks, this 53 room, five-star hotel has two restaurants. Le Traditionnel serves authentic Savoyard cuisine, while L’Alpage, focuses on innovative contemporary dishes. There’s Ayurvedic treatments at Spa by Carita & Decléors, as well as a hammam, steam bath, saunas, indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness room and treatment rooms. For the ultimate romantic getaway book a grand fireplace suite with beamed ceilings, or a roomy family suite if travelling with children.
