SAVOIE & THE THREE VALLEYS
Savoie & The Three Valleys is the heart of the French Alps, a land of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and world-class skiing. It seamlessly blends alpine tradition with modern adventure.
This region is where mountain grandeur meets winter sports luxury. It is a spectacular landscape of iconic peaks, from the vast ski domains to the serene natural beauty of the Vanoise National Park.
Most Popular Attractions
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Château de Chambéry: Tour the historic residence of the Dukes of Savoy, with its Gothic chapel and impressive trompe-l’oeil paintings.
Take a Boat Trip on Lac du Bourget: Cruise on France’s deepest and largest natural lake, passing by the magnificent Abbaye d’Hautecombe and the shores of Aix-les-Bains.
Hike to the Dent du Chat: Summit this iconic mountain near Lac du Bourget for a stunning, panoramic view of the lake, the Alps, and the Chartreuse massif.
Wander the Medieval Streets of Chambéry: Get lost in the Old Town (Vieille Ville), exploring its covered alleyways (known as allées or traboules) and charming squares.
Relax at the Thermal Baths in Aix-les-Bains: Experience the city’s spa heritage with a day of relaxation and therapeutic treatments at one of the famous thermal centres.
Cycle the ViaRhôna Trail: Rent a bike and cycle a section of this famous route that follows the Rhône river, offering flat, scenic paths ideal for a family outing.
Visit the Wine Cellars of the Savoie Wine Route: Stop at local caves (cellars) near towns like Jongieux or Apremont to taste crisp local white wines like Jacquère and Roussette.
Go Canyoning or Rafting on the Isère River: Experience a thrilling day trip in the nearby valleys, navigating rapids or descending natural waterfalls with an experienced guide.
Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Lac d’Aiguebelette: Enjoy the turquoise, warm waters of this smaller, protected lake, perfect for gentle water sports.
Visit the Musée Savoisien: Explore the history, archaeology, and ethnography of the Savoie region in this museum located in Chambéry.
Sample Local Cheeses at a Fruitière: Visit a local cheese cooperative (fruitière) to see how regional cheeses like Beaufort and Tome des Bauges are made and enjoy a tasting.
Ski the Entire Three Valleys Area: Spend a day challenging yourself to ski across the entire, interconnected domain—the largest in the world—linking Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Méribel, and Courchevel.
Try Snowmobiling or Dog Sledding: Experience the slopes after dark or take a scenic forest ride on a powerful snowmobile or a traditional dog sled with a musher.
Experience a First-Track Ski Session: Sign up to be one of the first people on the slopes in the morning, enjoying freshly groomed snow and incredible views as the sun rises.
Go Glacier Hiking on the Vanoise Massif (Summer): With a guide, hike onto a glacier, learn about its geology, and enjoy breathtaking views far above the tree line.
Mountain Biking (MTB) in Méribel (Summer): Ride the extensive lift-assisted downhill and cross-country mountain bike trails, catering to all levels from beginner to expert.
Dine at a High-Altitude Mountain Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Savoyard lunch of tartiflette or fondue at a charming, secluded restaurant accessible only by ski, gondola, or snowshoe.
Try the Tyrolienne (Zipline) in Val Thorens: Experience the world’s highest zipline, soaring between the Orelle and Val Thorens peaks at nearly altitude.
Go Ice Skating on an Outdoor Rink: Lace up your skates at the picturesque outdoor rinks found in resort centres like Méribel or Courchevel 1850.
Hike a Via Ferrata Route (Summer): Climb fixed routes on cliffsides using cables, ladders, and bridges, offering an accessible, thrilling way to experience rock climbing views (routes in Courchevel and Les Menuires).
Take a Snowshoe Hike at Dusk: Join a guided snowshoe trek through the silent, snow-covered forests, often ending with a warm drink or traditional dinner in a mountain hut.
Relax at a Luxury Spa with Mountain Views: Indulge in a massage or swim in a heated outdoor pool, enjoying the crisp mountain air and panoramic Alpine vistas.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential (but tricky in the resorts): A car is the most practical way to explore the wider Savoie region (Chambéry, the lakes, Vanoise Park). However, many ski resorts (especially Courchevel and Val Thorens) operate on a strictly controlled/limited parking system, and often restrict car use within the resort to maintain tranquility and safety. Check resort parking rules in advance.
High-Speed Rail Access: The nearest major TGV stations are Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux and Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains (the main access point for The Three Valleys). During the winter season, direct trains from Paris and other major European cities run to Moûtiers, making train travel a fantastic option.
Local Bus & Coach Networks: From major train stations like Moûtiers, dedicated coach services (like those by Transdev or local navettes) connect directly to all major ski resorts. Many resorts offer free shuttle buses (navettes) within the resort for skiers, connecting accommodation to the slopes, ski schools, and main centers.
Mountain Driving in Winter: If driving to the resorts in winter, it is mandatory to have either snow tires (pneus neige) or snow chains (chaînes à neige) accessible in your vehicle from November 1st to March 31st in mountainous regions. The police will check vehicles during heavy snow.
Embrace the Alpine Schedule: In the high-altitude resorts, the day revolves around skiing. Lifts open around 9:00 AM, the lunch rush on the slopes is between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, and many lifts close around 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Après-ski starts immediately after, and dinner is typically earlier than in Spain, often starting around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
The Savoyard Diet: Savoie cuisine is rich, hearty, and built for the cold. You must try the essential dishes:
Fondue Savoyarde: Bread dipped in a pot of melted local cheese (Comté, Beaufort, Emmental).
Raclette: Scraped melted cheese served over potatoes, charcuterie (cold cuts), and pickles.
Tartiflette: A decadent bake of potatoes, Reblochon cheese, onions, and lardons (bacon bits).
Après-Ski Culture: The transition from the slopes to the evening is an essential part of the experience. Many bars on or near the slopes, like La Folie Douce, offer open-air music and dancing in ski boots starting mid-afternoon. It’s lively and a great way to wind down the skiing day.
Respect the Mountain Environment: The area is fiercely proud of its protected natural spaces, especially Vanoise National Park. Stick to marked trails, never feed the wildlife (especially the ibex), and take all rubbish with you. If venturing off-piste, hiring a certified high-mountain guide (like those from the ESF – École du Ski Français) is highly recommended for safety and local knowledge.
Hidden Gems
Lac de Tignes (Summer): In the summer, the lake is a hub for water sports like paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing, offering a completely different perspective from the winter ski runs.
Le Baroque (Chambéry): This historic café and theatre in Chambéry is a beautiful spot for a coffee or a glass of local wine, reflecting the city’s intellectual history.
The Fruitières (Cheese Co-ops): Visit a small, local cheese cooperative—the place where the milk from several local farms is pooled and processed. They often have small shops where you can buy Beaufort or Tomme cheese directly from the source.
Col de l’Iseran: The highest paved mountain pass in the Alps (when open, usually June to October), offering truly breathtaking views and a challenging, iconic cycle route.
Top Restaurants
La Ferme de Victorine [€30-€50] – A charming traditional restaurant in Le Planay, famous for classic Savoyard fare like Escargot, Fondue Savoyarde, and Pot-au-feu.
Le Montagnard [€35-€60] – A delightful, rustic, family-run restaurant in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (part of the Three Valleys) serving great Alpine food with a cozy, indoor atmosphere for a snowy day.
Le Cèpe [€40-€70] – Located in Méribel-les-Allues, this restaurant offers traditional cuisine in an authentic mountain setting, known for its take on classics.
Le Lodge [€30-€50] – A welcoming spot in Samoëns (Savoie) with a focus on traditional cuisine and a cozy, mountain lodge feel.
Rendez-vous [€40-€80] – A classic, traditional Courchevel restaurant (in the Three Valleys) known for its warm atmosphere and hearty Savoyard dishes.
La Table de Jeanne [€30-€50] – A very popular restaurant in Tignes (Savoie/Three Valleys area) that is famous for its excellent Tartiflette.
La Ferme des 3 Capucines [€30-€50] – A highly-rated spot in Tignes, beloved by locals and visitors for its superb Fondue Savoyarde and authentic atmosphere.
Le Grenier [€30-€50] – Located in Saint-Pancrace (Savoie), this restaurant is a local favorite, known for its hearty Savoyard specialties like Fondue Savoyarde and Tartiflette.
L’Altitude [€45-€80] – Found in Courchevel (Three Valleys), this high-end but traditional spot offers classic mountain cuisine with a refined touch.
Le Bouc Blanc [€25-€45] – A popular, mid-range mountain restaurant accessible on the slopes in Courchevel, offering a menu with a focus on Savoyard specialties.
Chez Pépé Nicolas [€30-€50] – A beautiful, rustic restaurant in the Belleville Valley (Three Valleys/Les Menuires) offering hearty French cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients.
La Fromagerie [€30-€55] – Found in Courchevel, this restaurant is dedicated to the region’s excellent cheeses, offering various fondues and raclettes in a cozy setting.
Chalet de la Marine [€35-€60] – Located in Val Thorens (Three Valleys), this authentic mountain chalet is a great spot for lunch on the slopes, with a warm interior and traditional French food.
Le 80 [€40-€70] – Situated in Méribel, this restaurant within a hotel offers traditional cuisine with a focus on regional dishes in an elegant setting.
La Table des Bauges [€35-€60] – A restaurant in La Biolle (Savoie) focused on the farm-to-table concept, offering refined dishes based on local and seasonal produce.
Le Farçon* [€70-€120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Courchevel-La Tania (Three Valleys) where Chef Julien Machet creatively reinterprets traditional Savoyard cuisine with a modern touch and focus on authentic flavors.
La Cave des Creux [€45-€80] – Located in Courchevel 1850, this popular on-slope restaurant blends tradition and creativity, offering refined French dishes alongside Savoyard specialties.
La Fine Fourchette [€35-€60] – A modern cuisine restaurant in Belley (Savoie), known for its contemporary dishes and focus on fresh ingredients.
L’Ekrin by Laurent Azoulay* [€100-€180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Méribel (Three Valleys) known for its inventive and refined cuisine, celebrating the art of marrying food and wine.
La Rotonde des Trésoms [€60-€100] – Located near Annecy (Savoie area), this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience with a stunning view of the lake, blending flavors from Southwest France with local Savoyard ingredients.
Le Clos Savoyard [€30-€50] – Located in La Chapelle-d’Abondance (Savoie area), this spot offers a blend of traditional cooking, grill, and cheese specialties, often using local products from small producers.
Maya Altitude [€40-€70] – Perched at the top of the Tougnète chairlift in Méribel (Three Valleys), this elegant restaurant offers Savoyard specialties revisited with a modern touch, featuring a charcoal grill and Tandoor oven.
Le Bistrot [€25-€40] – Located in Chambéry, this modern bistro offers a contemporary take on traditional dishes.
La Bouitte** (René & Maxime Meilleur) [€150-€300] – A celebrated two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (Three Valleys), where father and son craft an exceptional, delicate cuisine inspired by Savoyard heritage. Reservations are essential.
Flocons de Sel*** [€200-€400] – A three-Michelin-starred institution in Megève, led by Chef Emmanuel Renaut, offering creative mountain cuisine with chef-picked herbs and greens.
Le 1947*** [€250-€500] – Located in Cheval Blanc Courchevel (Three Valleys), this three-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Yannick Alléno is a temple of innovation and exquisite, contemporary dining.
Restaurant Gastronomique le Cinq* [€120-€200] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant at Au Cœur du Village Hôtel & Spa in La Clusaz, known for its creative cooking and refined experience.
Le Clos des Sens*** (Hôtel Restaurant Clos des Sens) [€200-€400] – Located in Annecy-le-Vieux (Savoie area), this three-Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on plant-based and lake-sourced cuisine, often featuring local products in an exceptional setting.
L’Esquisse* [€80-€150] – A one-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant in the heart of Annecy (Savoie area) with a subtle and unique cuisine, playing with textures and unusual combinations.
La Table de l’Ours* [€100-€180] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant at Hôtel Les Barmes de l’Ours in Val d’Isère, offering creative cuisine with local Savoyard flavors.
Auberge du Père Bise – Jean Sulpice** [€180-€350] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant on the shores of Lake Annecy (Talloires – Montmin), where Chef Jean Sulpice creates a refined, creative cuisine that honors the local environment.
Albert 1er* [€100-€180] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant at Hameau Albert 1er in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, specializing in creative cooking.
Le Baumanière 1850* [€120-€220] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Courchevel 1850 (Hotel Le Strato) offering an authentic and refined cuisine harmonized with the best regional products.
Le Bistrot Simple & Meilleur [€30-€50] – A more casual bistro alternative to the fine dining experience at La Bouitte in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, offering high-quality, simple, and delicious food.
Folie Douce Méribel Courchevel [€40-€80] – More than just a restaurant, this on-slope spot in Méribel (Three Valleys) offers an exceptional party atmosphere with cabaret shows, followed by an afternoon electro set with DJs.
Bagatelle [€50-€100] – Located at the top of the Chenus gondola in Courchevel 1850, this restaurant combines contemporary French and Italian cuisine with a lively, festive, ‘dolce vita’ inspired atmosphere and a panoramic terrace.
Cap Horn [€45-€80] – A well-regarded on-slope restaurant in Courchevel, known for combining good food (including a great burger) with a really fun atmosphere for a boozy lunch.
Chalet de Pierres [€50-€90] – Located on the slopes in Courchevel 1850, this classic mountain restaurant offers a buffet and à la carte options, known for its setting and magnificent terrace.
Le Clos Bernard [€35-€60] – A chalet restaurant nestled in the Altiport forest in Méribel, accessible by ski, foot, or horse-drawn carriage, offering grilled meats by the fireplace and regional dishes.
La Fruitière [€40-€70] – A famous on-piste restaurant in Val d’Isère, which becomes a popular party spot in the afternoon with live music and cabaret shows.
Le Bouche à Oreille [€25-€40] – Located at the top of Roc des 3 Marches in Les Menuires (Three Valleys), this is a spot for middle-range, cheerful mountain grub.
Beef & Lobster [€40-€70] – Located in Val Thorens, this restaurant offers a focused menu of, as the name suggests, beef and lobster in a contemporary setting.
La Laiterie-Altapura [€30-€50] – A cheese-focused restaurant in Val Thorens (Three Valleys) offering fondues and other classic mountain dishes in a modern setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Le Bar de Madame (Courchevel 1850): Found within the luxurious Hotel La Sivolière, this is a refined, speakeasy-style bar with a warm and intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails by an open fire after a day on the mountains.
Copiña Tapas Bar (Courchevel Moriond 1650 & Méribel Centre): A stylish bar with Spanish influence in Courchevel Moriond, and a sister bar in Méribel, known for its creative, intricate cocktails, high-quality ingredients, and a warm, sociable ambiance.
Cap Horn (Courchevel 1850): This is more than a bar; it’s a legendary nautical-themed restaurant and bar located on the Pralong piste. It’s famous for its extravagant, champagne-fueled après-ski and expertly crafted cocktails on one of the resort’s best sun terraces.
Le 1971 Bar du Val Thorens (Val Thorens): Located in the Hotel Le Val Thorens, this sophisticated bar offers a cozy, refined setting with a log fire, making it an ideal spot to unwind with a classic cocktail or fine spirit, easily accessible on skis or foot.
Le Bar de L’Apogée (Courchevel 1850): An elegant and glamorous bar located within the five-star L’Apogée Courchevel hotel, offering vintage champagne and sophisticated cocktails in a luxurious setting with live music.
Savoy Bar (Méribel Centre): Situated in the Hotel Le Savoy, this is one of the trendiest bars in the Three Valleys, offering a chic spot to enjoy a cocktail in Méribel’s center.
Fire and Ice Bar (Courchevel Moriond 1650): A terrace bar at the bottom of the main piste, part of Hotel Portetta, offering a relaxed vibe with log burning fires and flaming torches. Great for a casual cocktail or hot wine in a cozy setting.
L’Équipe Bar (Courchevel 1850): A warm, welcoming spot in Courchevel 1850 with a rustic charm, including wooden beams and a fireplace, offering a great atmosphere for post-ski drinks and cocktails.
The Crewzer (Val Thorens): Located on the famous bar street, this pub is a lively spot known for its wide selection of drinks, including house-made cocktails, and for broadcasting major sporting events.
Le Zinc (Val Thorens): Known as a hybrid bar in Val Thorens, it features a warm, inviting atmosphere and offers local specialties and a great selection of drinks, perfect for a friendly gathering.
Barometer (Méribel Centre): A vibrant and stylish restaurant and bar in the heart of Méribel town center, known for its international atmosphere and offering delicious food and a good selection of cocktails.
Aux Petits Oignons Bar (Méribel Morel area): A cozy bar and restaurant in Méribel, popular for its large central fireplace and typical French atmosphere, ideal for a quiet evening cocktail or nightcap.
La Fabrik (Brides-les-Bains): Located near the Casino, this bar has a modern, industrial-loft inspired décor and is noted for its creative and local drink menu, including homemade cocktails.
Bar du Toré (Saint-Martin-de-Belleville): A popular bar in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, offering a friendly atmosphere for post-ski drinks.
La Folie Douce (Méribel-Courchevel & Val Thorens): A legendary high-altitude, slopeside outdoor bar/clubbing experience, accessible on skis. Located at the mid-station of the Saulire Express cable car (Méribel-Courchevel) and near the Pionniers gondola (Val Thorens), it hosts live bands, DJs, and dancers for an extravagant afternoon party that is a must-do après-ski experience.
Les Caves de Courchevel (Courchevel 1850): An iconic and exclusive nightclub in Courchevel 1850, known for its elegant, glamorous atmosphere and attracting a sophisticated crowd with international DJs playing house and remixed hits until dawn.
Le Malaysia (Val Thorens): Located on the Place de Caron, this is one of the largest nightclubs in the Alps. It is known for its massive dance floor, impressive line-up of international DJs, and staying open until the early morning hours.
Le Rond Point (Le Ronnie) (Méribel Centre): More than a bar, this Méribel institution is famous for its wild après-ski parties on its sun terrace along the Rhodos green piste, transitioning into a lively venue with live bands and DJs.
Klub Summit (Val Thorens): A prominent nightclub on Val Thorens’ bar street, known for its high-energy atmosphere, late hours (open until 5 am), and resident DJs spinning a mix of commercial, house, and electro music.
Sully’s (Méribel Centre): A late-night institution in Méribel, this club is renowned for its electrifying vibe and diverse music from house to pop, with a dance floor that keeps the party going well past midnight.
Jackie (Val Thorens): A chic and upscale club in Val Thorens, attracting a glamorous crowd looking for high-end evenings with an eclectic music lineup in a sophisticated setting.
Le Baramix (Val Thorens): A cozy bar that transforms into a popular party venue and club, often featuring themed and dress-up nights, located in Val Thorens.
La Ferme Saint-Amour (Courchevel 1850): A unique spot that starts as a fine-dining restaurant and transforms into a festive club with live performances and DJs, blending gourmet food with an elegant party atmosphere.
Le Privilège (Méribel Mottaret): A favorite among electro and techno music enthusiasts, this club in Méribel Mottaret offers a modern setting with high-quality sound and lighting, staying true to the European electronic scene.
Le Blue Night (Brides-les-Bains): Located within the Casino des 3 Vallées, this is a popular nightclub in Brides-les-Bains known for its festive atmosphere and varied music, from current hits to classics.
L’EnKore (Courchevel Moriond 1650): A modern and vibrant club in Courchevel Moriond, offering an energetic party atmosphere as the unofficial after-dark hub of Courchevel 1650.
Les Saint Pères (Méribel Centre): A refined, high-end nightclub in Méribel with elegant décor, offering a sophisticated experience with VIP service and a music selection spanning house and remixed classics.