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SKI: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOTELS IN THE FRENCH MOUNTAINS
Discover the STAY SOME DAYS selection of the best hotels to settle in the mountains, in the most beautiful French ski resorts, offering comfort, luxury, and charm.
Winter is coming, bringing with it the irresistible desire to retreat into a snowy cocoon, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In France, the mountains offer an exceptional playground for nature lovers, discreet luxury seekers, and adventurers alike. From the legendary peaks of the Alps to the hidden gems of the Pyrenees, each destination tells a story, inviting you to a winter getaway where refinement and authenticity meet.
Wherever you set down your bags, winter in the French mountains is a celebration of well-being and the art of living. After a day spent on the slopes or exploring snow-covered trails, indulging in gourmet delights becomes inevitable. Mountain specialties – from Savoyard fondue to comforting dishes made with local cheeses – satisfy those seeking warmth and flavor. And while the call of the peaks is undeniable, the French mountains offer much more than ski runs. It’s a destination where people come to recharge in extraordinary landscapes as much as to enjoy moments of calm, far from the bustle of city life.
Whether you choose the glamour of Courchevel, the altitude of Val Thorens, the charm of Megève, or the wild tranquility of the Pyrenees, the French mountains offer an endless array of possibilities. These destinations reinvent themselves every winter, with a shared promise: to provide a luxurious, authentic, and deeply rejuvenating escape. In these snowy settings, time seems to stand still, allowing you to savor each moment with rare intensity.
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From the Alps to the Pyrenees, here is our top 8 list of the most beautiful hotels with quintessential French charm for a mountain vacation:
Experimental Chalet
Hotel in Val d’Isère
Alps
L’Aigle des Neiges has joined the Experimental Group and is now called Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère. The new hotel features 113 rooms, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, a spa, and meeting spaces. It’s a place to relax, indulge, and experience the thrill of skiing in the world’s most beautiful ski area.
La Voie Lactée
Hotel in La Mongie
Pyrenees
Nestled in the heart of La Mongie, an iconic resort in the Pyrenees, La Voie Lactée hotel is a true haven of well-being and comfort in the high mountains.
Le Diamond Rock
Hotel in Tignes
Alps
Le Diamond Rock is the newest 5-star hotel in the Tignes resort in Savoie. It offers stunning views of the valley, inviting guests to a daily escape.
Le Coucou Méribel
Hotel in Méribel
Alps
Directly at the foot of the Rond-Point des pistes and nestled on the mountainside, Le Coucou Méribel hotel exudes the elegant charm of a traditional chalet.
L’Alpaga
Hotel in Megève
Alps
L’Alpaga was designed to stand out from other hotels in the area, using warm materials such as velvet and wood.
La Mourra
Hotel in Val d’Isère
Alps
Located in the heart of Val d’Isère, La Mourra consists of a 5-star hotel with 8 suites, a Susanne Kaufmann spa, a Japanese-fusion restaurant, a lounge bar, and 5 private luxury chalets, all subtly connected like a mountain hamlet.
M Lodge & Spa
Hotel in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Alps
A haven of luxury and refinement, the M Lodge is the new lifestyle destination in the Savoyard resort of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, in the heart of the 3 Valleys. The hotel features 25 rooms and suites with mountain views, a restaurant, a wellness area, a gym, and a 16-meter swimming lane.
Auberge Du Père Bise
Hotel in Talloires
On the shores of Lake Annecy, yet close to the mountains, this starred hotel combines peaceful nature with exceptional gastronomy. Jean Sulpice, a two-star chef, offers a memorable culinary experience in this enchanting setting.
These hotels offer not only exceptional stays but also unique experiences, combining well-being, gastronomy, and immersion in nature.
Courchevel: Elegance at its peak
When talking about the French Alps, Courchevel immediately resonates as the essential jewel of alpine luxury. In this iconic resort nestled at 1,850 meters above sea level, winter feels like a fairy tale. The powder is perfect, the slopes are endless, and après-ski becomes an art of living. Beyond its glamorous image, Courchevel enchants with breathtaking panoramas and access to the Trois Vallées ski area, the largest ski domain in the world. The chalets, resembling grand refuges, blend into an immaculate setting where every detail is designed to combine comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the fresh air and mountain landscapes, Courchevel offers an unforgettable experience. Here, elegance is experienced both on the slopes and in the bustling streets where art galleries mingle with designer boutiques.
Val Thorens: The call of altitude
A few valleys away, Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe, offers an adventure focused on sports and adrenaline. Situated at an altitude of 2,300 meters, this destination is a dream for seasoned skiers and thrill-seekers. Its varied terrain entices with a diversity of slopes, as well as a youthful and dynamic atmosphere. Here, the altitude ensures exceptional snow coverage throughout the season. Val Thorens also invites conviviality. After a day on the slopes, the atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated. Whether you settle on a terrace to enjoy the sunset or venture into the streets for a gourmet break, the resort offers a palette of unique experiences, infused with mountain spirit.
Val d’Isère: The perfect blend of sport and refinement
Perched at an altitude of 1,850 meters, Val d’Isère is another icon of the French Alps, known for its sporty elegance and alpine charm. Nestled in the beautiful Tarentaise Valley, this resort is a paradise for ski enthusiasts, with access to the Espace Killy ski area shared with Tignes. With its challenging slopes and legendary descents, it attracts seasoned skiers as well as families and beginners, thanks to its varied facilities. Far from being limited to sports, Val d’Isère also embodies a certain art of living, with traditional wooden and stone chalets lining picturesque streets, offering a chic and warm atmosphere. After a day on the slopes, après-ski is a true institution here, alternating between gastronomic breaks, moments of relaxation in sumptuous spas, and shopping in the village’s luxury boutiques. The atmosphere is both cosmopolitan and authentic, making Val d’Isère a must-visit destination where elegance marries the energy of a world-renowned ski resort.
Megève: Timeless charm
If you’re looking for a more intimate alternative, Megève perfectly embodies the essence of a traditional mountain village. Less glamorous than its neighbors, this resort in the French Alps enchants with its authentic charm and rustic chalets. The village’s cobbled streets, illuminated by winter decorations, invite leisurely strolls. In Megève, the art of mountain living is reflected in simple pleasures—such as a carriage ride or a snowshoe walk—as well as in moments of relaxation at a spa nestled in nature.
The Pyrenees: Wild escape
Far from the Alps, the Pyrenees reveal a different facet of winter in the mountains. Less crowded, this mountain range that stretches along the border between France and Spain offers wild and preserved landscapes, perfect for an off-the-beaten-path getaway. The Pyrenean resorts stand out for their authenticity and friendliness, with more modest yet enchanting ski areas. Here, the atmosphere is different: the Pyrenees invite a more intimate connection with nature. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts will be thrilled by the trails winding through snow-covered forests and secret valleys. Well-being is a priority, with thermal breaks in naturally warm springs nestled in the heart of the mountains.
Happy holidays in the mountains!
Images courtesy Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère, La Voie Lactée, Le Diamond Rock, Le Coucou Méribel, L’Alpaga Megève, La Mourra Val d’isère, M Lodge & Spa Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Auberge Du Père Bise, Stay Some Days.
Article updated on October 21, 2024
