Are you looking for an idea for a weekend getaway this winter? Then follow the guide! Let me take you to Megève, a village in Haute-Savoie renowned for its immense charm and international prestige.
I invite you to check the Megève Tourisme website and the events planned for this winter: https://www.megeve-tourisme.fr/evenements/. This will help you decide whether or not to plan your weekend around them. Next, it is essential to book your accommodation before arriving, especially at this time of year. Avoid school holidays to save money and stay away from the crowds. Additionally, during the holidays, some accommodations might not offer single-night bookings but require a minimum of 2 nights or more. Therefore, opt for a weekend in January or March, outside of school holidays.
Where to stay in Megève
You have plenty of choices, all depending on your budget. The most economical approach is to stay in the surrounding areas: Praz-sur-Arly, Demi-Quartier, or even Combloux. Otherwise, in the village center, you have 3* hotels: Hôtel Au Vieux Moulin, Hôtel Au Coin du Feu, La Grange d'Arly; 4* hotels: Novotel Megève, Les Loges Blanches, Mamie Megève; and 5* hotels: Les Fermes de Marie, Le M de Megève, Le Soleil d'Or. AirBnb accommodations are also available via the Welkeys concierge service (generally a minimum of 2 nights).
Your arrival in Megève
Arrive on Friday evening (for example, to stay for 2 nights, depending on the dates and availability you find) or early Saturday morning. If you are a skier, head straight up on the Rochebrune cable car. Parking is available on-site. Here is a map of the ski area and access to buy your ski passes in advance: https://www.megeve-tourisme.fr/sports-hiver/domaine-skiable/
On the other hand, if you prefer to enjoy the village on foot, park near the Palais de Megève. You will find spaces more easily and the parking is cheaper. Bundle up and head towards the famous red cable car (at the main roundabout with the Novotel on the corner). Walk up and you will reach the famous pedestrian street, Charles Feige. There you go, you are in the village center, enjoy strolling around. Clothing stores, luxury boutiques, home decor, real estate agencies, art galleries, etc. If you have money to spend, you are definitely in the right place. Otherwise, why not go check out the Casino? Who knows, it might be your lucky day! ;)
Dining in Megève
You will be spoiled for choice. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the village to get an overview and then select whatever catches your eye.
For a coffee, hot chocolate, or sweet treats, the chocolate shop at the Grand Hôtel le Soleil d'Or is pure bliss. In the evening, at the same location but on the top floor, you can enjoy a delicious cocktail with a superb view over the entire village. Another option just a few meters away: Bar le S, which is also a popular spot for a drink.
For lunch, I recommend several addresses: the Hibou Blanc on the main square with a view of the shops and the famous Allard boutique (a prominent Megève family). The restaurant has 2 floors as well as an outdoor veranda area. The food is excellent, though it is quite expensive. If you want to enjoy the sun and a beautiful terrace, head instead to Amore Hibou, next to the ice rink. A high-quality Italian restaurant, slightly cheaper than the previous one. If you prefer high-top tables and oysters, head to the La Jane oyster bar on Rue Saint François.
For dinner (and it is also important to reserve this in advance, at the same time as your accommodation), Megève is famous for its festive restaurants (Annie Famose Group and Paris Society). These establishments are highly appreciated for their festive atmosphere from 10:30 PM onwards. If you enjoy the good life and love to party, book a table at the Ferme Saint Amour for the 10:00 PM service on Saturday evening. Highly recommended in my opinion! Other options in the same spirit include Café Megève, le ChaCha, and le Piaf (next to the Novotel). Budget about €100 per person on average, including drinks. A bit more intimate yet just as festive, there is also the Café de la Place. For a quieter romantic evening, book a table at L'Alpaga!
Activities in Megève
The next details: depending on your night before, wake up leisurely and have breakfast. I recommend relaxing for 2 hours at the Balnéo du Palais de Megève, which features a sauna, hammam, and a pool with both indoor and outdoor baths. You will be wonderfully warm in the water with a view of the snow-capped mountains. It is really lovely! In the afternoon, you can go on a visit to the reindeer farm, where you can feed and pet them; they are so beautiful and gentle. Alternatively, you could go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, etc. Everything is possible matches your desires.
I hope this short itinerary inspires you. Of course, I have plenty of other addresses to share, so feel free to contact me for any specific requests.
