Megève is a favourite as a weekend destination due to its proximity to Geneva Airport. There are countless luxury chalets and hotels and several ski areas offering a range of ski terrain for all levels. Some of France’s best mountain restaurants can be found here and the town itself is full of charm and character, having maintained its traditional Alpine architecture and mountain ambience.
Attracting aristocrats from Paris year after year, the town of Megève is one of the most fashionable ski resorts in the French Alps. Steeped in chic and charm, it boasts a friendly elegance and a very traditional atmosphere. Horse-drawn carriages ply the streets with passengers and pedestrians alike donning fur coats to stave off the cold. The town’s boutiques and restaurants are comparable to those found in the exclusive resort of Courchevel. One of the best times to visit is Christmas when the air turns to magic and families crowd around the ice rink in the centre of town.
Accommodation mostly consists of privately-owned chalets and small, boutique hotels. Warm timber interiors welcome guests and add to the comfort of their stay while here. Megève boasts some beautiful tree-lined slopes which are perfect for intermediate skiers. There are also a number of cross-country trails for those seeking something further afield. In fact, there are more than 27 miles of alpine routes to explore. Since the town is an hour’s drive from Geneva Airport, all of this is easily accessible by travellers from all origins.
Megeve is well known for its gourmet mountain huts, while some are expensive others are reasonably priced. The French who frequent the slopes of Megeve like their long lunches, booking in advance is advisable for table – service places. (You should be able to get a staff member to do this for you at you hotel) Megeve’s Alpette over at Rochebrune has excellent all round views and a good atmosphere inside with excellent food served by friendly staff, not cheap! If you can find the tiny restaurant in the woods near to the La Croix chair then the Raviere is excellent, it’s a rustic hut with delicious French home cooked cuisine. Up at Mont d’Arbois and popular with poseurs with small dogs and fur coats – the Club House and the Ideal 1850. At the base of the Mont Joux lift is recommended Chez Marie du Rosay. Over at Cote 2000 slopes are the restaurants – Auberge de la Cote 2000 and further up is our favourite the Radaz, they do excellent Tartiflette. With so much choice and lots of plentiful helpings, you may not be hungry for you evening back at your hotels in Megeve!
