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The premium ski area of Les Trois Vallées encompasses some of the most high-end resorts anywhere in the Alps. None more so than Méribel and Courchevel, which every year gather the rich and beautiful atop their first-class pistes and terraces and under the roofs of their celebrated restaurants and bars to bask in the elegant atmosphere and breath-taking panoramas on show. Villanovo takes a look at some of the best places to stop off for a spot of lunch when skiin g in Courchevel and Méribel.
Affectionally referred to as The Ronnie, the popular Le Rond Point, located near the Rhodos Gondola Mid-Point Station, provides a warm welcome for anyone looking for a quick pit-stop bite, a long, sit-down lunch, or to start the day’s festivities early. With a varied menu (spanning both traditional Savoyard cuisine and burgers and fries), large sun-drenched terrace and an ebullient atmosphere featuring live music, it's easy to see why this is such a firm favourite among visitors to the Trois Vallées area. Very much the sort of place you might come to for lunch and end up staying for the après-ski!
Blessed with spectacular views from its sunny terrace and an interior featuring crisp décor bathed in sunlight, first impressions of La Terrasse de l'Ours Blanc are indeed impressive. However, those who choose to stop there for lunch will soon find that what really sets it apart from other slope-side restaurants in the Trois Valleys is that those at La Terrasse de l'Ours Blanc just do things better. The food is consistently excellent - a broad menu incorporating everything from traditional French cuisine to snacked octopus and gourmet burgers - the prices more than reasonable and the staff a delight. The fact that you often need to reserve at such a 'difficult-to-find' restaurant speaks volumes of the loyalty that customers feel to the place. A top tip!
An excellent choice for a spot of lunch on a south-facing terrace by the slopes of Courchevel 1850. Le Chalet de Pierres is the perfect place to indulge in some traditional mountain cuisine such as fondue and raclette and to enjoy the warm atmosphere laid on by the restaurant's friendly staff. Combining all this with a varied menu, including local Savoyard and a good selection of hearty Italian dishes, Le Chalet de Pierres stakes a strong claim as one of the best restaurants in Courchevel, for lunch on the slopes. A nice touch is that if it gets a little chilly on the terrace then staff will come and bring you blankets.
Formerly the sheepfold and ripening cellar for the local alpine cheese, the rustic setting of La Cave des Creux sits somewhat in contrast to the refinement of its culinary offering, a sophisticated blend of local specialities and Asian fusion cuisine, expertly prepared and beautifully arranged. With a first-class selection of local pastries and desserts and an awe-inspiring view of Mont Blanc from the restaurant's south-facing terrace, La Cave des Creux is among our top picks for a coffee and cake (or something more substantial) close to the piste. Excellent wine list.
Not everything in Courchevel needs to be a sit-down, fine-dining experience. Sometimes when you're skiing you just need something to tide you over for a few hours. For those looking to refuel while passing through the Courchevel 1650 area, Le Bel Air Snack Bar offers exactly that. For those wishing to stay awhile inside, the crackling log fire is sure to appeal, as will the varied wine list...
Good food, and service, the fact that the view is outstanding is no bad thing either! An excellent reputation does, however, mean that it's essential to book in advance.
The oldest mountain restaurant in Courchevel, Cap Horn first opened its doors to hungry skiers way back in 1954 and has been charming visitors with its marine-inspired interior, sophisticated cuisine and excellent wine list ever since.
Widely-considered one of the top mountain restaurants in the world, Cap Horn offers some truly delectable culinary delights, including a fantastic fresh seafood platter and rotisserie and homemade dessert buffet. Whether you're staying for lunch or opting for an evening meal, it is highly recommended to book in advance.
Branches of the popular chain of mountain restaurants La Folie Douce can be found scattered throughout the French Alps and are sure to draw large crowds of young people to their large terraces and lodge-like interiors with the promise of cabaret, live music and a party atmosphere. While it's more often associated with drinking than fine-dining, La Fruitière's lunch menu does offer an excellent array of dishes, well prepared and tastefully presented at reasonable prices.
Hearty food, a cosy fireplace and a wine list to cater to all budgets welcome you to this popular spot found next to the Loze ski lift, with a terrace overlooking the nearby slope. This is just the sort of place you're after if you're looking for a ski-in, ski-out lunch on the slopes with an atmosphere to keep the energy levels up. Be sure to try the tartiflette - a real speciality!
A cosy, rustic spot perched at an altitude of 2700 between Méribel and Courchevel, and blessed with a great, panoramic view of the mountains and a large terrace from which to enjoy it. Traditional French gastronomy is on offer, as well as a snack bar option for those who have places to be. The staff are attentive and the portions generous. Good food, a great atmosphere, a large terrace and a cosy fireplace, perfect for cradling a vin chaud next to on those cold days... Les Pierres Plats is well deserving of its place on our list and a great spot to stop off on your next ski holiday in the Trois Vallées.
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