Passion Points: Active/Adventure

Courtesy of Voyages Longitude 131
Courtesy of Voyages Longitude 131

Coralie Charriol Paul on Megève Text Size A A A

Coralie Charriol Paul, the creative director of Charriol Swiss watches, has been going to Megève since she was two years old (she was also married there in 2003). Here she shares her favorite spots in the fabled French ski resort.

FAVORITE HOTELS

I love Les Fermes de Marie (Chemin de Riante Colline, 33 (0) 4-50-93-03-10, www.fermesdemarie.com). When it opened, it put Megève into a new category in terms of its hotel scene. It feels really authentic, with its use of wood, but it’s also very polished and high-end.

Also spectacular is the Chalet du Mont d’Arbois (447 Chemin de la Rocaille; 33 (0) 4-50-21-25-03; www.chalet-montarbois.com), which opened in 1928 and is owned by the Rothschild family. I had my rehearsal dinner there, as well as our honeymoon suite. The food is fantastic there as well.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Don’t miss Flocons de Sel (75 Rue St. François; 33 (0) 4-50-21-49-99; www.floconsdesel.com), where chef Emmanuel Renaut is extraordinary. He catered my wedding and is absolutely the food guy to know in Megève. The restaurant has two Michelin stars.

Epoque is a chill place right by the ice rink in Megève; La Sauvageonne (Hameau du Leutaz; 33 (0) 4-50-91-90-81; www.sauvageonne-megeve.com) is a bit more Savoyard in ambience and they serve fondue and raclette. Chez Nano is a great place for pre- or post-dinner drinks (head to the huge upstairs lounge). It’s located a bit outside of town and has been run by the same owner forever. Le Delicium (11, route de Rochebrune; 33 (0) 4 50 21 37 15) is the best pizza place in the city, owner used to be ski instructor and started his own restaurant business

On the slopes, I like L’Alpette (220 Route du Téléphérique de Rochebrune; 33 (0) 4-50-21-03-69; www.restaurant-alpette.com), one of the best restaurants in Megève (be prepared to wait!); L’Ideal (33 (0) 4-50-21-31-26, www.chalet-montarbois.com) for the best viewing terrace and Côte 2000 (_Côte 2000; 33 (0) 6-09-90-30-29; www.domainedumontdarbois.com), also owned by the Rothschild family, which serves Savoyard food.

FAVORITE CAFES

The best crêpes in town are served up at Chez Maria (18 Impasse du Chamois; 33 (0) 4-50-21-22-01). The owner is not the most sympathetic woman in the world but her place is so quaint and she collects antique tea pots.

FAVORITE BARS/LOUNGES

Les Cinq Rue (19 passage de Cinq Rues; 33 (0) 4-50-91-90-69), is a tiny bar, where you see everyone. It’s a jazz bar that turns into a nightclub later on. It’s packed during the wintertime. Finally, there’s Les Jumeaux (the formal name is: Le Chalet des Jumeaux; 43 Chemin St Michel, 33 (0) 4-50-21-07-39), where the food is not so great but the scene is really fun. We always go there to celebrate New Year’s, and the owners also have a place in St.-Tropez.

SECRET WEAPONS

I adore the Fermes de Marie (Chemin de Riante Colline; 33 (0) 4-50-93-03-10; www.fermesdemarie.com) spa. Also, Valerie, the facialist at La Cabine de Valerie in the Mont Blanc hotel, is excellent. As for ski instructors, book a private lesson with Philippe Lafont at the Ecole du Ski Francais (33-4-50-21-00-97; www.megeve-ski.com/ski-school-megeve)

FAVORITE DAY TRIP

If there is no snow in Megève, you can head to Chamonix or Courmayeur. Both have amazing skiing, though the towns are not as pretty as Megève.

Read insider Liz Berman’s favorite places in the Swiss resort of Verbier.

Read about a new wine bar and restaurant, run by one of Europe’s most acclaimed sommelier’s in Courchevel.

Read about the best terrace restaurants in St. Moritz.

Read destination guides to Deer Valley and Vail.

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