France For Foodies: Where To Go?

France is one of the most popular countries for enjoying a ski holiday – and with good reason. Firstly, the skiing is second to none. Boasting some of the largest ski areas in the world, connected by state-of-the-art lift systems, France offers tough competition for the world’s best ski spot.

Next is the iconic après ski scene. Home to the famous Folie Douce, France has become a hotspot for party animals all over the world. With everything from romantic taverns for enjoying a quiet vin chaud, to table-stomping slopeside parties, there is something for every taste and preference.

It comes as no surprise that French resorts are also renowned for delightful cuisine. Whether it’s a fondue Friday or moules mariniere on a Monday, a week ski holiday in France will be sure to get those tastebuds tingling. If you’re a foodie and wondering where’s best to head for your winter break, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our take on some of the top resorts in France.

Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère is one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, delivering access to more than 300km of glorious pistes, courtesy of its position in the Espace Killy ski area. Conveniently, visitors can also ski into neighbouring resort, Tignes. Perched at an impressive altitude of 1,849m, keen skiers can enjoy snow reliability and fantastic conditions for much of the season. The centre of the resort perfectly blends modern luxury with traditional Alpine charm. There are many lively spots to enjoy an après ski tipple and a great selection of restaurants to keep skiers fuelled on their winter break. One of our top picks for dining in Val d’Isère is Edelweiss, a fantastic diner with a cosy interior for snow days, and a glorious terrace for feasting on a bluebird ski day. If you are looking to dine at your own pace, we recommend the self-serve La Fruitière, set within La Folie Douce mountain complex. Enjoy great food, with some top-class entertainment to match.

Val Thorens

Boasting the title of highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens offers some of the best snow conditions in the whole of the Three Valleys ski area. With modern lift systems, skiers can venture into nearby resorts such as Méribel and Courchevel. One of the biggest perks of this beautiful resort is that the majority of accommodations offer ski-in ski-out access. Keen skiers and snowboarders can quickly access the slopes and return with ease to explore everything that the town has to offer. Val Thorens is a great resort for foodies, with plenty of options both on and off the mountain. For traditional fondue, raclette and other mountain favourites, head to La Maison. Chalet du Thorens is a popular spot, serving up hearty meals for hungry skiers. Its most famous dish is the aptly named ‘McThorens’ burger.

Megève

Megève is a particularly pretty resort, with a real sense of old-world charm. Most of the slopes are lined with snow-capped trees, perfect for off-piste adventures and practicing weaving. If you are short on annual leave or are struggling to fit a ski holiday into your busy schedule, Megève is a great option for a short break. With transfers from Geneva airport being just over an hour, visitors can enjoy minimal travel paired with maximum slope time. Megève village is both sophisticated and chic; with smart boutiques, alluring bars and restaurants in abundance. In fact, this resort is home to some of the best restaurants in the Alps. We highly recommend the Michelin-starred restaurant Flocons de Sel for delicious and creative cuisine. On the mountain, Le Refuge offers brilliant, hearty Savoyard and local dishes; well worth a visit for a long lunch.

Chamonix

Set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of the most scenic resorts in the Alps. The ski resort is comprised of six separate ski areas, which means that a bus service is required to travel between them. This gives skiers an incredible amount of ski terrain to explore. From cruisy blues to daring black runs, there’s something for every ability and preference. Just 90 minutes from Geneva airport, Chamonix is also great if you are looking for shorter weekend getaway. The town itself is completely charming, with quaint cobbled streets and snow-topped chalets. There’s a real buzz, with an excellent array of shops, restaurants, bars and other activities to keep visitors occupied off the slopes. For food, we recommend the Michelin star Restaurant Albert 1er, said to be one of the world’s best ski resort restaurants. For something a little more low-key, head to Les Vielles Luges, a rustic, 18th century barn serving warming meals at the base of the Maisonneuve chairlift.

Morzine

Morzine is fantastic resort for keen skiers, with access to hundreds of miles of pistes and sister resort Avoriaz, through its links within the Portes du Soleil ski area. This resort has something for everybody, with a diverse range of slopes and plenty to keep visitors busy off the mountain. Formerly a French farming town, Morzine is bursting with character and Alpine charm. Visitors can enjoy weekly markets, a multitude of traditional rustic chalets and a whole host of luxury accommodation and dining options. For a touch of fine dining, check out the luxurious Atelier at the Hotel Samoyède. For family food, head to La Kinkerne and enjoy traditional dishes that are even popular with the locals.

Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is a large and buzzing ski town offering extensive ski terrain and a fantastic, cruisy glacier. The ski area rises up to an impressive altitude of 3,600m, offering varied skiing for all abilities and preferences. There’s also a freestyle park and glorious off-piste areas to explore. Les Deux Alpes is considered one of the best resorts in the Alps when it comes to après ski, with plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants dotted around the resort and mountain. Across the 2km stretch of village, visitors are spoilt for choice with food options. We recommend Altitude La Toura, which serves fantastic pizzas, salads and other mountain favourites at a great price. For high-end dining, check out the Michelin-starred Le P’tit Polyte, where you can find some truly delightful dishes.

Alpe d’Huez

Perched an impressive height of 1,860m, Alpe d’Huez is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the Alps. Offering skiing for all standards, there’s a great mix of everything from cruisy blues to daring black slopes. The village itself is picturesque, with stunning, sun-drenched views of the southern Alps. With a great record for sunshine, visitors often have the pleasure of bluebird skiing and getting ski goggle tan lines. Those who enjoy quiet evenings with a vin chaud will love the more rustic village of Vaujany. For lovers of the hustle and bustle, the centre of Avenue des Jeux is the place to be. Foodies will feel instantly at home in Alpe d’Huez ski resort. A great mountain restaurant is Chalet du Lac Besson, with delicious meats, all grilled on an open fire and with great service. In the resort, we recommend La Crémaillère, another great spot for superb meat and fish dishes. 

Les Arcs

Les Arcs ski resort has four main purpose-built centres, which are named according to their height. The expertly designed ski area ranges from an impressive 2,000m altitude, all the way down to the base at Bourg-St-Maurice. With such a vast area of terrain, Les Arcs offers skiing at every level, from intense, high altitude to nursery slopes. This is a great resort to master the sport, as there are endless opportunities to challenge your ski ability. There is a great range of dining options across the four centres. To make it easy, we recommend Restaurant Le Dream Spot for a French feast. If you’re after a sun-kissed lunch on the slopes, head to Le 2134 Les Arcs.

To find out more about the best French resorts for foodies, call our ski experts on 020 3944 7241.