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 tartiflette on a Tuesday, 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 Tignes – Val d’Isère 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. For a relaxing meal with stunning mountain views, check out Refuge de Solaize. If you ski into Tignes, we recommend you try out The Panoramic for great food and phenomenal views.

Stay At:

A five-star property located in the heart of Val d’Isère, with a luxurious indoor swimming pool and home cinema.

Val d’Isère ski holidays

Val d'Isère

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. In fact, there is a total of 16 starred restaurants in the Three Valleys. 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. We also recommend Diamant Noir restaurant for a touch of fine dining, and Chez Pépé Nicolas for a piste side feast.

Stay At:

Sitting at an altitude of 2,300m, Le Fitz Roy is the highest sitting five-star Beaumier hotel in all of Val Thorens. Enjoy its exceptional spa facilities and gourmet restaurant.

Val Thorens ski holidays

Val Thorens

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 speedy transfers from Chambéry or Lyon airport, 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. For an exceptional dining experience, book at table at Le Saint-Nicolas.

Stay At:

Set just five minutes from the centre of town, this five-star hotel is the perfect base for a ski holiday in Megève.

Megève ski holidays

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. With short transfers from Chambéry or Lyon 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. For French dishes with Italian influence, Le Comptoir des Alpes is a great choice. Mumma, set in the town centre, offers a mix of flavours from Asia to South and Central America with a relaxed atmosphere.

Stay At:

Commissioned by the Coutlet family in 1840, this five-star hotel has become a landmark of Chamonix. Enjoy its relaxing ambience and luxurious facilities.

Chamonix ski holidays

Chamonix

Avoriaz

Avoriaz is fantastic resort for keen skiers, with access to hundreds of miles of pistes and its sister resort Morzine, 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. With distinctive buildings and dramatic scenery, Avoriaz is one of the most unique ski resorts in the Alps. The pedestrian only town centre is busting with character and charm. What’s more, the lifts are set conveniently close to the accommodation, so skiers can make the most of their time on the slopes. There’s a great mix of restaurants in Avoriaz. The cosy, wood-panelled L’Etage feels relaxed and welcoming and is the perfect setting to tuck into rustic, hearty French dishes after a long and rewarding day on the slopes. On the mountain, we recommend Les Trappeurs, who serve delicious Savoyard dishes on a glorious sun terrace.

Stay At:

Chalet Beluga is a fantastic chalet in Avoriaz. The location is sensational, just a few metres from the top of the Prodains lift, ski school meeting point and piste side bars and restaurants.

Avoriaz ski holidays

Avoriaz

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 feasts and 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 plates. If you’d like to taste some of the best cheese dishes in the Alps, try out Taverne du Brichon.

Stay At:

The historic Hotel Chalet Mounier is in a great location in the heart of the resort with a Michelin stared restaurant.

Les Deux Alpes ski holidays

Les Deux Alpes

Alpe d’Huez

Perched at 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. For authentic fondu and raclette head to Taverne du Brichon. The Au Chamois d’Or restaurant blends local favourites with a modern touch.

Stay At:

The Daria-I Nor Hotel is a modern five-star hotel with ski-in ski-out access, just 50 yards from the Telecabin Alpes Express ski lift.

Alpe d’Huez ski holidays

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. Plus, the resort is just a seven minute cable car ride from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station. 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.

Stay At:

This five-star hotel has a fabulous ski-in ski-out location and the ski lifts and ski school meeting point are just opposite.

Les Arcs ski holidays

Les Arcs

Courchevel

Synonymous with luxury and sophistication, Courchevel attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the globe every winter. Part of the largest ski area in the world, The Three Valleys, Courchevel offers access to 600km of marked pistes and a treasure trove of delicious gourmet experiences. This A-lister ski resort is known for its opulent atmosphere where everything is high-end from spotless ski slopes and state-of-the-art lift systems to 5-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. With a premier culinary reputation, Courchevel is a place to indulge. Enjoy the finest dining experience of Le 1947 which showcases Michelin-star excellence with elegant dishes that burst with flavour. Hungry slopeside? Dip into the Cape Horn, a mythical mountain restaurant that offers sumptuous seafood dishes, an exceptional rotisserie and an extensive wine list.

Stay At:

Found at the foot of the pistes of Courchevel 1650, the charming Hotel Portetta is a friendly 4* with easy access to the superb ski area.

Courchevel ski holidays

Courchevel

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

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