Located at the crossroads of the Val d'Arly and the Sallanches basin, Megève has established itself as one of the leading international winter sports resorts. Inspired by the Swiss resort of Saint-Moritz, Baroness Noémie de Rothschild initiated the creation of the Mont-d'Arbois Palace in 1922 to cater to an aristocratic clientele. Built away from the original village, on the heights of Mont d'Arbois, this 450-hectare estate offers an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc. And it's sure to delight visitors from all over the world once again this winter. Here's a closer look at the resort's must-sees.
1. Enjoy the ski area
It goes without saying that skiing is the number one reason to stay in this Haute-Savoie resort, as it is in all the best mountain destinations. The Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area links Megève to six other resorts (Saint-Gervais, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Les Contamines-Montjoie Hauteluce, Combloux and La Giettaz), offering skiers over 450 km of pistes. This vast territory combines mountain pastures, forests and wide-open spaces, linked by modern, high-performance infrastructures. In the heart of exceptional landscapes, with views of Mont Blanc, what a pleasure it is to ski... Warm up well!
2. Strolling through the village
Megève, one of France's most popular ski resorts, was once an agricultural village dating back to the 14th century. It has preserved its cobbled streets around the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church and its central square, true testaments to the resort's history and authenticity. In 1926, under the impetus of the young architect Henry Jacques Le Même, the village's architecture evolved to meet the expectations of a city-dwelling clientele, while preserving its identity. Today, Megève has become one of the most prestigious resorts in the Alps, successfully blending the charm of its traditional architecture with the authenticity of its landscape. Despite the clichés of sleighs, horse-drawn carriages and the glitz of luxury boutiques, it has a unique atmosphere!
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3. What to do in Megève in winter Visit the Musée du Haut Val d'Arly
Housed in an authentic 19th-century farmhouse, this museum offers a journey back in time through a collection of antique objects and period photos. Founded in 1987 by doctor and historian Charles Soquet, this non-profit ecomuseum is dedicated to traditional life in the Haut Val d'Arly. A true testament to the social and mountain life of Megève's inhabitants, it offers a real contrast with the sophisticated atmosphere of the resort. Visitors can immerse themselves in the day-to-day life of Savoyards of yesteryear, thanks to a meticulously designed scenography combining objects, furniture and reconstructions.
Unusual activity to book: Enjoy an incredible paragliding flight in Megève near the Mont-Blanc mountains by booking this discovery paragliding flight. An unforgettable experience guaranteed!
4. Meditate at the Calvaire
In Megève, you'll want to visit the calvary, the only one of its kind in Haute-Savoie and the only one listed as a historic monument. Nestled in an enchanting setting, it offers an ideal place for a stroll, with a breathtaking view of the Haut Val d'Arly and the foothills of Mont Blanc. Designed by Father Ambroise Martin, parish priest of Megève from 1820 until his death in 1863, this calvary is the fruit of a life dedicated to depicting the Passion of Christ. It comprises 15 chapels and oratories retracing the stations of the Stations of the Cross symbolically leading to Jerusalem's Golgotha, with remarkable attention to the original distances and gradients. In summer, it's also an ideal short hike to warm up before tackling some of Savoie's finest hikes.
5. Taste the local gastronomy
When you think of the Alps and gastronomy, the image of a hearty fondue accompanied by a harsh wine in an uninviting resort restaurant may come to mind. Yet the Alps and gastronomy make a perfect pair. The mountains abound with exceptional products: excellent cheeses made from cow's or goat's milk, tasty charcuterie, beef or lamb from the Hautes-Alpes, honey from Provence, walnuts from Grenoble, lake fish, as well as vegetables, fruit, wines from local grape varieties and refined spirits. A true culinary treasure trove! In Megève, there's no shortage of authentic places to enjoy it. Bon appétit!
6. What to do in Megève in winter? Lake Javen
Lac de Javen is an enchanting place to discover even in winter in Megève. Its water, a brilliant blue thanks to the cool temperature, majestically reflects the surrounding massifs and mountains. Quiet and easily accessible, it's ideal for a picnic break. A restaurant on site serves delicious local dishes, perfect for completing this getaway in the heart of nature.
7. A walk in the heart of nature
If you're not a skier, Megève is also an ideal spot for long snowshoe hikes. Whether you're on a guided tour or following a signposted itinerary, you can set off on an adventure by day or night. More original, you can also take on the role of a musher from the Far North on a dog sled through the fir trees, far from the crowded pistes and in sumptuous scenery. The perfect way to delight children, just like in the best family ski resorts.
To book: Let yourself be amazed by the nature around Megeve in the middle of winter, an incredible sight you won't soon forget when you book this snowshoe trek in Megeve, facing Mont Blanc.
8. What to do in Megève in winter? Try some unusual activities
A winter holiday in Megève is also an opportunity to try out some original activities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, you'll be able to try your hand at ice climbing. Fans of the little white ball can work on their swing on the snow version of the Mont d'Arbois golf course, while thrill-seekers can take to the skies above the resort in a paraglider. Unique experiences!
9. What to do in Megève in winter? Bathing
Le Palais? the largest leisure complex in the Alps offers a wide range of activities for those who don't want to tackle the big ski area. The main attraction is the huge aquatic area, with indoor pools and an outdoor Olympic pool, saunas, hammam and a 675 m2 balneotherapy area with a counter-current river, massage beds and massage alcoves. Before a spa treatment at the Four Seasons, one of France's top spas.
10. Fun at the Palais
What else can you do at the Palais? In addition to long dips in the indoor and outdoor pools or the spa, the largest leisure complex in the Alps offers a multitude of activities. On the program: ice skating on a vast indoor rink, enhanced by DJ evenings. Sports enthusiasts can also try their hand at climbing, fitness or snowshoeing, while book lovers will find plenty to do in the media library. In winter, a large outdoor skating rink is set up in the heart of the village, adding a magical touch to the long winter evenings.
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What to do in Megève when you're not skiing?
Forget eternal downhill skiing, there's plenty to do in Megève if you've decided to leave your skis at the bottom of the locker. Walks around the village, snowshoe hikes to Lac de Javen, rock climbing, relaxing at the spa or balneotherapy sessions... there's plenty to do! And, of course, you can round off the day with a long evening sampling Savoyard products in one of the resort' s good restaurants or partying in one of the village bars. Cheers!
Where to stay in Megève?
When it comes to accommodation in the resort, there are plenty of good addresses to choose from, and they're always top-quality.
- The most family-friendly: L'ALP HÔTEL
An interesting boarding house that you can book hereit makes the resort accessible to all budgets. In addition to unbeatable value for money and simple, quality catering, the owners offer a charming welcome.
- The most luxurious : LE FER À CHEVAL
A 5-star hotel with a perfect blend of mountain hotel tradition, luxury and modern comfort. A blend of Savoyard and Austrian styles, comfortable rooms and suites, a cosy bar, two restaurants and a spa. A luxurious establishment with top-of-the-range amenities to book right here.
- The most exclusive : LES CHALETS DU MONT D'ARBOIS
Immerse yourself in the world of the Rothschild family ! Just 500 meters from the Mont d'Arbois ski slopes and golf course, this estate of three exceptional chalets is the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay book here offers a high level of comfort in an elegant and refined atmosphere.
