Megève – at the foot of the Mont Blanc
Those familiar with Megève in the French Alps tend to associate the area with winter, skiing, and snow-covered mountains. But visit in summer, and you’ll discover a completely different side of this elegant alpine village. As the snow melts, the landscape opens up into green meadows, flower-covered hillsides, and sweeping views of the mighty Mont Blanc. There’s almost a “Sound of Music” vibe to it. The atmosphere is calmer than during ski season, yet still distinctly sophisticated
Megève is located in Haute-Savoie in France, just an hour’s drive from Geneva, making it easily accessible year-round. As you approach the town center, it quickly becomes clear why it has earned such a strong reputation. This is a traditional, authentic alpine village—not one of the purpose-built ski resorts filled with high-rise hotels and modern concrete. Instead, you’ll find classic chalets scattered across the landscape around a charming center of cobbled streets, small squares, and cozy restaurants.
The Alpene are also a summer destination
In summer, it’s easy to linger in the town center. Outdoor cafés overflow with flowers and fill up with both locals and visitors. There are luxury boutiques, but also small shops selling everything from regional food products to handmade crafts. It’s a lively town with a strong restaurant scene and plenty of nightlife options.
But a great evening out starts with a great day. You don’t come to Megève just for food, drinks, and nightlife. Nature takes center stage here. The gondolas that carry skiers up the mountain in winter also take summer visitors up to hiking trails and viewpoints, unless you prefer to cycle your way up. From the top, the Alps stretch out in every direction, with the Mont Blanc massif as the undeniable star and views that can take the breath away even from seasoned hikers.
The mountains around Megève are perfect for both short walks and longer hikes. We cycled up to a small alpine farm for lunch. Many of these farms have animals grazing freely on the lush green meadows, while others produce local cheeses.
We enjoyed a traditional lunch with classic cheese-based dishes and, of course, sampled the local spirit Génepi afterward. It’s made from alpine herbs that grow only in the region. We first discovered it on a ski trip to Les Saisies a few years ago.
These traditional mountain restaurants are often located right on the ski slopes in winter. In summer, they’re accessible by bike or car and a wast array of hiking trails. The area is crisscrossed with well-marked trails. If you’re into golf, Megève also offers several beautiful courses surrounded by mountain scenery.
Megève pairs perfectly with “the Venice of the Alps,” Annecy. Just about an hour away, you’ll find a charming town by a crystal-clear blue lake, offering plenty of relaxing water activities once you’re done exploring the mountains.
The hotel of the Rothschild family
While the natural setting is spectacular, the story behind Megève is just as fascinating. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was still a relatively unknown alpine village. Everything changed in the 1920s, when the wealthy Rothschild family decided to create a French winter sports destination to rival the glamorous but, in their view, a bit too “German”, St. Moritz in Switzerland. The family invested heavily in the development of the area, gradually transforming Megève into one of the Alps’ most elegant destinations.
The family still owns the property that once served as their private residence. Today, it’s a beautiful hotel set on the mountainside just outside the center. Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois is one of the area’s most iconic luxury hotels. It consists of several traditional chalets named after the family’s three daughters. These chalets can be rented by large families or small groups seeking privacy, or booked as individual hotel rooms.
Cosy “cabin hotels”
Another similar property is Les Fermes de Marie. Built from multiple small houses and buildings relocated from across the valley, it forms a five-star hotel closer to the town center. It has everything people associate with cozy cabin living: thick wooden beams, timber interiors, and fireplaces. They may look rustic on the outside, but behind the façade you’ll find modern comforts like a spa, and top-class restaurants. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, yet refined. It’s luxury without being flashy. Simply put, five-star cabin coziness.
Les Loges Blanches is another centrally located hotel built around several chalet-style buildings, though with a more modern feel. It features an outdoor pool set between the four buildings that make up the hotel. There are restaurants, bars, and it’s within walking distance of the town center, with views toward the ski slopes.
If you prefer a more contemporary hotel, Novotel is also very centrally located, within walking distance of the town center while still close to the slopes.
Grand Hôtel Soleil d’Or is worth a visit even if you’re not staying there. Stop by for a drink on the rooftop terrace or browse the cheese shop located right next door. Le Coeur de Megève as the name suggests, sits right in the heart of town in the middel of the pedestrian area.
Cheese is food
Gastronomy is another key part of the Megève experience. The town has developed into a small culinary hub, with several restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, making it a paradise for food lovers. The Savoie region is known for hearty alpine dishes based on cheese, potatoes, and local ingredients. Classics like fondue, raclette, and tartiflette appear on many menus, and naturally, should be paired with a local white wine. So you can start with cheese for breakfast, have some ham and cheese for lunch and finish off with cheese for dinner!
What truly sets Megève apart, however, is its atmosphere. Many alpine destinations are primarily ski resorts, but Megève feels like a real village. Horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop through the streets, flowers decorate balconies in summer, and the ever-present view of Mont Blanc constantly reminds you where you are.
One of the Alps’ largest ski areas
The Alps in general and Megève in particular are, after all, best known for skiing. Megève is part of the vast Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, offering more than 400 km of slopes. Here you’ll find everything from wide, family-friendly runs to more challenging descents.
The advantage of this system is the variety of terrain and the stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif, almost no matter where you are.
Megève also offers much more than alpine skiing in winter for those looking for variety. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canyoning in frozen rivers, ice climbing, and sledding are all available.
No matter the season, Megève also features a large indoor and outdoor aquatic center—perfect if you need a break from outdoor activities. There are multiple pools, spa areas, an ice rink, and plenty of activity options.
Megève may not be the cheapest destination in the Alps, but that’s not really what they are aiming for either. The experience is all about the combination of stunning nature, French lifestyle, and a history that still shapes the place today. Whether you come for skiing in winter or relaxed mountain days in summer, Megève is an alpine destination that manages to be both luxurious and charming at the same time.
Hotels I have visited:
- Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois
- Les Fermes de Marie
- Les Loges Blanches
- Novotel Megève Mont Blanc
- Grand Hôtel Soleil d’Or
- Coeur de Megève
Restaurants and hot spots about town:
- Le Café Megève – Restaurant with great food and live music
- Le Refuge du Calvaire – Restaurant without car access. You have to walk 10-15 minutes from town
- Club les 5 rues – Bar/pub with rock music and dancing
- Rooftop Restaurant & Bar – Grand Hotel Soleil d’Or – Roof terrace with wonderful views
- Restaurant og bowling Cosa Papa – Italian restaurant/pizzeria with 3 bowling lanes
- La Petite Fontaine – Traditional ski restaurant on the slopes. Reachable by car or bike
This article contains so-called «affiliate links» to hotels at Booking.com. That means that if you book directly from one of them, I will get a small cut. You will not pay more.
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