It isn’t a stretch to say that France is one of the culinary capitals of the world, with French cuisine often being seen as the pinnacle of lavishness and luxury.
There are dishes of unparalleled quality to be found in every corner of the home of the Michelin star, including, as it turns out, high in the mountains. French ski resorts pair stunning food with breathtaking views, helping to create some of the most memorable culinary experiences a person can have.
To help pinpoint just a few of the locations where experiences like this are possible, the experts at Ski Solutions have put together a list of the top French resorts with an incredible dining scene, complete with restaurant recommendations.
Val d’Isère
One of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, Val d’Isère delivers access to over 300km of pistes with consistently excellent conditions. The centre of the resort perfectly blends modern luxury with traditional Alpine charm, creating the ideal atmosphere for some magnificent restaurants, with 58 in the region rated at least 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor.
A top pick for Val d’Isère dining is L’Edelweiss, offering both a cosy, ski cabin-esque interior for heavier snow, and a gorgeous terrace for awe-inspiring views of the Alps whilst you enjoy good food on a clear day. For those looking to dine at their own pace, La Fruitière offers self-service catering throughout the day, including roasted leg of lamb, beef steak tartar, and a classic tiramisu. Refuge de Solaise, meanwhile, sits atop a cliff-edge overlooking the mountains, with miles of stunning vistas to take in whilst you enjoy traditional seasonal cuisine, crafted with local produce.
Val Thorens
Boasting the title of the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens offers a large number of ski-in ski-out accommodations, allowing skiers to quickly access the slopes and explore the many eateries Val Thorens has to offer. The resort is home to 52 eateries rated 4 and up on Tripadvisor, so you won’t have to venture far from your stay to discover some excellent food.
La Maison offers traditional fondue, raclette, and other warming mountain favourites, whilst Chalet du Thorens offers hearty meals after a day on the slopes. For those looking for a more fine-dining experience, Le Diamant Noir offers gourmet cuisine at Europe’s highest 5-star hotel, for a truly unique evening atop the mountain.
Megève
A resort filled with old-world charm, Megève is one of the most picturesque spots you could hope to visit, with snow-capped trees lining its pistes and a village centre radiating sophistication and chic. The resort also plays host to some of the best restaurants in the Alps, with 8 in the area featured in the Michelin Guide.
One such restaurant is the Michelin-starred Flocons de Sel, offering guests incredible, creative dishes that will stick with them for years to come. There are plenty of options whilst on the mountain too, such as La Refuge, which serves fantastic local and Savoyard dishes that make it the ideal spot for a long lunch before an afternoon on the slopes.
Chamonix
Located at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a must-visit location for any ski enthusiast. The resort comprises six separate ski areas, giving visitors an unparalleled amount of ski terrain to explore, and of course, restaurants to visit. There are an astonishing 174 eateries rated 4 and above in the area on Tripadvisor, with 7 being featured in the Michelin Guide, so it’s safe to say you’ll never be short of quality choices.
Holding a Michelin star, Restaurant Albert 1er is an icon of Chamonix, serving delectable food with impeccable service for over 100 years. Set in the town centre, Mumma stands out with its mix of flavours from Asia to South and Central America, all with an amazingly relaxed atmosphere. Le Comptoir des Alpes, meanwhile, offers a fantastic selection of French dishes with an Italian influence, giving a true taste of the Alps.
Avoriaz
A fantastic resort for keen skiers, Avoriaz has access to hundreds of miles of pistes available to explore. Not only is there a diverse range of slopes surrounded by dramatic scenery, but the pedestrian-only town centre is overflowing with character and charm, and this extends to its restaurants.
The wood-panelled walls and ceilings of L’Etage help to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere that’s perfect for tucking into rustic French dishes after a long day on the slopes, whilst for mountain-dining options, Les Trappeurs serves delicious Savoyard dishes set on a sun-bathed terrace.
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Dining and Cooking