The premium ski area of Les Trois Vallées encompasses some of the most high-end resorts in the French Alps. From traditional mountain restaurants to venues boasting Michelin stars, there is something for everyone. Villanovo takes a look at some of the best places to stop off for a spot of lunch when skiing in Courchevel and Méribel.
Affectionately 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, a large sun-drenched terrace, an outdoor bar 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 Three Valleys is that those at La Terrasse de l'Ours Blanc just do things better. The food is consistently excellent, with a broad menu incorporating everything from traditional French cuisine to seared octopus and gourmet burgers, all prepared with quality ingredients. The prices are more than reasonable and the staff are a delight. The fact that you often need to reserve at such a difficult-to-find restaurant speaks volumes about the loyalty its customers feel. 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 traditional mountain cuisine, showcasing the region's Savoie influence through classics such as fondue and raclette, while enjoying the warm atmosphere created by the restaurant's friendly staff. Combining this with a varied menu featuring both local Savoyard specialities and 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, the staff will happily bring you blankets.
Formerly the sheepfold and ripening cellar for 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 presented. With a first-class selection of local pastries and desserts, and an awe-inspiring view of Mont Blanc from its magnificent 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, attentive service and outstanding views make it well worth a stop. 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 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 fresh seafood platter, rotisserie dishes and a generous homemade dessert buffet. The menu also highlights carefully sourced produce from local producers, adding another layer of authenticity to the dining experience. 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 throughout the French Alps and are sure to draw large crowds of young people to their spacious terraces and lodge-style interiors with the promise of cabaret, live music and a lively party atmosphere. On sunny days, the terrace becomes one of the most vibrant places in Val Thorens. While it's more often associated with drinking than fine dining, La Fruitière's lunch menu offers 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 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 your energy levels up. Be sure to try the tartiflette – a real speciality!
A cosy, rustic spot perched at an altitude of 2,700 metres between Méribel and Courchevel, and blessed with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and a large terrace from which to enjoy them. Traditional French gastronomy is on offer, as well as a snack-bar option for those in a hurry. The attentive staff and generous portions make every visit worthwhile, while pedestrian access also allows non-skiers to enjoy the restaurant with ease. Good food, a welcoming atmosphere, a spacious terrace and a cosy fireplace, perfect for enjoying a vin chaud on colder days, make Les Pierres Plats well deserving of its place on our list and a wonderful stop during your next ski holiday in the Three Valleys.
Discover Villanovo's exclusive collection of luxury chalets in the Three Valleys, carefully selected in some of the Alps' most sought-after ski resorts, including destinations renowned for their Michelin stars and exceptional gastronomy. Located in Courchevel, Méribel, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Val Thorens, our properties combine refined alpine interiors with exceptional comfort, just moments from the slopes. Depending on the chalet, guests can enjoy an indoor heated swimming pool, private spa, sauna and cinema room, as well as generous living spaces ideal for gathering with family or friends after a day in the mountains. Choose from self-catered or fully catered chalets, all selected to offer an exceptional stay in the French Alps.
Every stay is enhanced by Villanovo's personalised concierge service, available from the moment you book until your departure. Before your arrival, your dedicated concierge can organise airport transfers, ski passes, equipment hire and grocery deliveries, ensuring everything is ready when you reach your chalet. Throughout your stay, they can arrange private ski instructors, childcare services, private chefs and tailor-made mountain experiences. Their expert local knowledge also allows them to recommend the region's finest restaurants, activities and hidden gems, creating a seamless and memorable stay in the Three Valleys.
