Our love for Méribel
Méribel is the central resort in the Trois Vallées, the world’s largest interlinked ski area with over 600km of pistes, four glaciers, over 2,000 snow canons and 180 lifts. The world-famous skiing is suitable for people of all abilities.
Travelling to Méribel
Geneva (GVA) is the most popular airport for international visitors coming to Méribel. Transfers from here will take 2-2h30mins or so. The other main option is Lyon (LYS), which has the same transfer time though considerably fewer flights.
If you want to make a stop, Lake Annecy is about half way with stunning vistas. You could do worse than opt for lunch at La Brasserie Irma, one of legendary chef Paul Bocuse’s restaurants.
If travelling by train, the TGV from Paris stops at Moûtiers, which is only 25km away.
ESF – the largest ski school, with English speaking instructors available
Official Méribel guide
Official 3 Valleys guide
Accommodation in Méribel is mostly in upmarket chalets, but there is also a good selection of hotels and self-catering apartments.
Hotels
Adray Télébar
A cosy and welcoming chalet-hotel offering a spa and two restaurants with an unbeatable location on the piste, just below the Rond Point in Méribel 1650. Reached via snowmobile, this unique place with exposed beams and large fireplaces is a firm favourite with Méribel aficionados.
https://telebar-hotel.com/en/meribel-hotel-and-restaurant
Le Coucou
Le Coucou Méribel is a ski-in, ski-out 5 star contemporary take on a mountainside lodge. Situated in the middle of the Belvédère piste, there are only 55 rooms, 39 of which are suites. It has a swimming pool, superb spa and first class restaurants.
https://www.lecoucoumeribel.com/
Le Grand Coeur
This hotel is an authentic Savoyard chalet, nestled at the foot of the slopes in the centre of Méribel. The interior is luxuriously decorated in warm woodwork, sumptuous fabrics and embroidery. This was the second hotel built in the resort way back in 1952, though its 43 rooms and suites have recently all been refurbished. For many this traditional Relais & Chateau hotel is the hotel in Meribel.
https://www.legrandcoeur.com/en/
Le Savoy
Located in the heart of Méribel, this hotel opened in 2011. Now with brand new and upgraded facilities, including a warm and friendly restaurant, a library with a fireplace and an elegant bar.
https://www.hotel-savoy-meribel.com/accueil-hiver/
Le Kaila
The first five star hotel in Méribel with an aqua-spa, large pool and fabulous restaurants, this hotel boasts 42 rooms and 2 suites. The refined décor and use of muted tones creates a cosy but ‘oh so chic’ atmosphere.
https://www.lekaila.com/en/luxury-hotel-meribel
Allodis Hotel
This hotel has recently been completely renovated and has an exceptional position in the Belvédère area of Méribel, right alongside the main piste.
https://www.hotelallodis.com/en/
Refuge de la Traye
This high-end mountain refuge is situated at 1650 metres on the Plateau de la Traye. Completely renovated and expanded in 2019, the accommodation consists of seven luxury bedrooms and a chalet set deep in the mountains, boasting five-star facilities including a gorgeous spa. Sleeps a maximum of 19 people at a time. The gourmet restaurant, La Table de la Traye, serving regional cuisine, is worth getting a guide to take you off piste to!
https://refugedelatraye.fr/en/
La Bouitte
Finally, although not in the Méribel valley, this fabulous 5 star hotel with only 15 rustic-chic rooms and a lovely spa run by a father and son team needs to be on this list. One of France’s greatest 3* Michelin restaurants for those who are serious about their food and wine, located in St Martin de Belleville. Their Bistrot Simple & Meilleur in the same town is also worth a visit.
Antares Residence
The Antares Residence, with 63 ski-in/ski-out apartments and specialist spa-clinic in the Belvedere area opened in late 2022.
https://www.antares-meribel.com/en
Residence L’Hévana
Premium Residence L’Hévana opened in 2019 and brings a new wave of up-market self-catering to the resort. There are 95 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments including 17 which are rated “exceptional” with private sauna and fireplace.
https://www.pierreetvacances.com/gb-en/fp_MMA_self-catering-premium-residence-l-hevana
Options range from family-friendly, good value pizza-type places, traditional savoyard to hotel fine dining, and, unusually for an Alpine resort, there’s also a tasty Indian option.
L’Ekrin
L’Ekrin is a Michelin star dining experience at Le Kaila hotel in the centre of Méribel. An elegant and warm atmosphere, refinement and rich black velvet mixed with gold tones showcase the inventive cuisine. You can also get some dishes from the menu at their take-away deli.
https://www.lekaila.com/fr/l-ekrin-restaurant-gastronomique-meribel-savoie
Le Cèpe
Le Cèpe’s menu, as the name would suggest, is heavily influenced by all types of wonderful mushrooms, including a decadent cepe burger and a mushroom cappuccino. Many alternative options too on the menu which has a Michelin bib gourmand rating.
https://www.facebook.com/RestaurantLeCepe
La Fromagerie
Shop upstairs with a huge selection of cheeses. Downstairs is the restaurant for the ultimate cheese-fest: fondues of course, but also great raclette and tartiflette with charcuterie and vegetarian options.
https://lafromagerie-meribel.com/en/
Le Grand Coeur
Le Grand Coeur is the main restaurant at one of Méribel’s top hotels. Smart restaurant with elaborate mains and formal service. Lunch on the small terrace is a hidden gem.
https://www.legrandcoeur.com/en/
Brasserie Le 80
This beautifully decorated restaurant offers a traditional brasserie style menu based on simple timeless recipes. The décor is evocative of the great literary explorers of the last century – Jules Verne, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Blériot…, whilst retaining a few Alpine touches in the exposed stonework and large roaring fireplace. Located in the Chaudanne hotel.
https://www.chaudanne.com/fr/restaurant-bar-meribel-le-80
Lilie
Totally revamped space replacing the old Bistrot de L’Orée. Ideally situated at the “Rond Point des Pistes”, Lilie encompasses a bar, restaurant and delicatessen catering shop. A cosy and warm atmosphere serving home-made French cuisine. A Coeur Blanc favourite
Allodis
Based within the Hotel Allodis, close to the Rond Point, the menu offers refined flavours and local specialities in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with excellent service. Great location – you can ski in and ski out if you want to come for lunch and fantastic views from the panoramic terrace.
Tsaretta Spice
Indian restaurant in Les Allues. Great addition to the restaurant scene with a relaxed vibe – showcasing the spices and flavours of the subcontinent, with authentically cooked, contemporary Indian cuisine.
https://tsarettaspicefrance.com/fr/
The Brewer’s Den
If you’re craving slow cooked BBQ and craft beer, then this is the place to go. Finest BBQ in the Alps – think ribs, pulled pork, burgers…. Also has live music some nights. You can head straight down to O’Sullivan’s night club afterwards!
Adray Télébar
Amazing south-facing terrace in the middle of the piste just below the Rond Point. Signature dish is veal escalope with cream and mushroom sauce. Finishing line for the Coeur Blanc challenge!
https://telebar-hotel.com/en/meribel-hotel-and-restaurant
Le Blanchot
Le Blanchot is situated close to the Altiport lift and you can ski or drive to it. Great views from the dining terrace. Serving gourmet French cuisine with a focus on fresh local produce.
https://leblanchotmeribel.com/
La Fruitère
In the same building as the Folie Douce après bar, at the mid-station of the Saulire gondola, it has a wacky interior with white tables and eye-catching tiled walls. Impressive 360 panoramic views – for large groups try the whole roast chickens to share followed by their unique pudding pyramid. Head straight to the wildest après in Méribel afterwards!
Maya Altitude
Maya Altitude is a fabulous new mountain side restaurant, located near the top of the Tougnette lift in the Méribel Valley. Gorgeous interior as well as a great terrace with unmissable views. The extensive high-end menu is based on Savoyard specialities, using both a charcoal and Tandoor oven. Fine wine list!
https://www.maya-altitude.com/?lang=en
Pizzeria du Mottaret
A Mottaret institution, this restaurant is located at the foot of the slopes, close to the Tourist Office, making it a convenient lunch stop. The décor is charmingly old-fashioned, but the pizzas and other hearty traditional French dishes are excellent and great value too.
Le Clos Bernard
Hidden away in the woods above the resort near the Altiport, accessible by foot or in their horse drawn carriage, with a terrace and spacious interior dining area, Le Clos Bernard specialises in open-fire cooking. Cosy and friendly ambience.
https://www.closbernard.com/en/
Le Bel Air
Though not in Méribel, this list would not be complete without a reference to the Bel Air. Accessible by skiers and pedestrians via the Ariondaz bubble, this place is an institution in Courchevel. Excellent views from the triple decked terrace. They serve a daily Plat du Jour and also omelettes, great salads, steaks and Savoyard dishes. Booking essential.
The best spots for après ski in Méribel:
La Folie Douce – located at the middle station of the Saulire Express cable car. This Ibiza-style après ski venue is situated right on the slopes and packed with acrobats, dancers, singers and musicians from lunch until five pm.
Le Rond Point (Ronnie’s) – this cult institution hosts live music daily – expect dancing (in ski boots) on the tables once the infamous toffee vodkas have been drunk.
Jack’s Bar – The self-proclaimed ‘social hub of Méribel’ brings lively après ski, homemade pizzas and cocktails to the centre of Méribel. At the bottom of the slopes just across from the Chaudanne ski lift.
Sully’s (O’Sullivan’s) – Formerly Dick’s Tea Bar, this nightclub is the go-to spot for late night revelry. Basement bar with alcoves which opens at ten, though the party doesn’t really start before midnight. Non-stop resident DJs, live music and theme nights will keep you dancing until five.
Doron Pub (Le Pub) – Located right in the centre of Méribel, the Doron Pub is the biggest and liveliest bar in town. It’s a huge space with big screens showing plenty of sport. Live bands and DJs play 7 nights a week.
Barometer – recently renovated, this contemporary bar and restaurant in the heart of Méribel is slightly more relaxed, serving classic French bistro dishes and arguably the best pizzas in town.
