Megève

An upscale Alpine resort village famous for luxury shopping, gastronomy, and its charming Belle Époque architecture combined with modern alpine amenities. Excellent skiing in winter and hiking in summer against dramatic mountain scenery.

Things to do

• Skiing at Megève-Mont-Blanc — Access over 400 km of groomed runs across four connected ski areas with terrain for all levels, from beginner slopes to challenging couloirs.
• Palais de Glace Ice Skating — Historic ice rink in the heart of Megève offering skating sessions in a charming Belle Époque setting, popular year-round.
• Summer Hiking to Mont d'Arbois — Scenic alpine hiking trail ascending 1,500 metres with panoramic views of Mont-Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
• Rue Nationale Shopping — Stroll through Megève's elegant main street lined with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and designer shops housed in traditional chalets.
• Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste — Charming 17th-century church at the heart of the old village featuring local religious art and Belle Époque restoration details.
• Lac de Megève Summer Activities — Alpine lake offering swimming, paddleboarding, and picnicking with views of Mont-Blanc, ideal during warm months.

Food to try

• Reblochon Cheese — This creamy AOC-protected cheese from the Savoyard Alps is essential to fondue and local gratins, best sampled at fromageries on Rue Nationale.
• Tartiflette — A warming potato, cheese, and bacon gratin baked in individual portions, the quintessential après-ski comfort food of the region.
• Fondue Savoyarde — Melted Emmental, Gruyère, and Reblochon cheese served with bread cubes for dipping, a social dining experience central to mountain culture.
• Mont-Blanc Dessert — An iconic chestnut cream and meringue confection named after the adjacent peak, available at patisseries throughout the village.
• Raclette — Melted cheese scraped onto a plate and served with cured meats and potatoes, a hearty traditional dish offered at most restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Smartly for Dining — Megève's fine restaurants and upscale bistros expect neat casual to smart casual attire; avoid athletic wear even in this mountain setting.
• Reserve Ahead for Fine Dining — Top restaurants fill quickly, especially during ski season and summer weekends; booking weeks in advance is essential.
• Respect Alpine Tradition — The village maintains Belle Époque charm intentionally; visitors are expected to appreciate rather than disrupt the refined atmosphere and traditional architecture.
• Tipping Culture — While service is included in French restaurant bills, leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not obligatory.