<p>Discover everything this picturesque resort has to offer.</p>
Photo: Mairie de Megève/Simon Garnier

The Ultimate Guide to Megeve

Discover everything this picturesque resort has to offer.

Resort Guides
Published at: 24 Dec 2019
Last updated at: 13 Jul 2023

Explore our definitive guide to Megève & discover everything you need to know to enjoy a luxury ski holiday in this picturesque resort found in the French Alps.

Alicia Bryan
Alicia Bryan

About Megève

Located in south-eastern France near the Italian and Swiss borders, Megeve is a picturesque resort with cobbled medieval streets and stunning views of Mont Blanc. At just over an hours drive from Geneva Airport, Megeve is ideal for a convenient Alpine getaway. Founded as a ski resort by Baroness de Rothschild in 1916, Megeve still maintains its ancient medieval centre with car-free streets, designer shops and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Whilst Megeve’s core is only about 300m across, the resort has spread for miles along the road from Sallanches to Albertville. Ski buses link the Rochebrune, Le Jaillet, Mont d’Arbois and Cote 2000 lift bases and there is a wide range of accommodation to choose from.

Snowy horse carriage ride in MegevePhoto: Mairie de Megève/Simon Garnier
Christmas in Megeve at nightPhoto: Mairie de Megève/ C bougault
Curling in MegevePhoto: Mairie de Megève/Simon Garnier

Skiing in Megève is suitable for all abilities with 445km of pistes spread over the three main mountains of Mont d’Arbois, Rochebrune and Le Jaillet. Mont d’Arbois is the main skiing area and is spread over several valleys going down to the neighbouring resort of St-Gervais.

Above the village are excellent beginner slopes and progression to longer runs couldn’t be easier with green runs down the length of all the main gondolas. With an extensive network of friendly slopes, Megeve is a great resort for building confidence yet there is plenty of red (and easy black) skiing too. Chamois on the Mont Joly and the women’s downhill course at Cote 2000 provide the most challenging skiing and there is plenty of off-piste terrain to explore. Freestyle skiers can practise their tricks in several terrain parks including on Mont Joux, Rochebrune and at the top of the Jaillet gondola.

Alternate winter activities in Megève include an open-air ice skating rink, ice climbing, snowshoeing and husky sleigh tours. For a bit of retail therapy, Megève also has a vast array of designer shops from Hermès to Yves Salomon.

Snowboarding in MegevePhoto: Mairie de Megève/Andy Collett
Skiing on fresh powder by trees in MegevePhoto: Mairie de Megève/Nicolas Joly
Megeve ski areaPhoto: Mairie de Megève/Simon Garnier

Where to Stay in Megève

Luxury Ski Chalets in Megève
Luxury ski chalet Chalet My World MegevePhoto: Chalet My World

With a selection of exceptional five-star hotels, Megève also has a vast array of luxury chalets in which to enjoy your alpine holiday. Just a two-minute drive from the centre of Megeve, Chalet Mont Blanc is a ski-in/ski-out property on the Jaillet piste with outstanding spa facilities including both a heated outdoor infinity pool and a heated indoor pool with jet streams. Another ski-in/ski-out gem is Chalet Izoard, a large property with state-of-the-art amenities including an indoor pool and entertainment area.

Ideal for large groups, Ultima Megève is just a few minutes walk from the centre, and can host up to 18 guests. Complete with its very own private nightclub and a well-stocked wine cellar, this property is the epitome of luxury. With everything you could possibly need, Ultima has incredible spa facilities including a hammam, massage rooms, swimming pool and fitness area. Guests can also enjoy an afternoon movie in the cinema room.

For something more traditional, Chalet des Fermes is a beautifully restored mountain farm which can accommodate 10 guests in five en-suite bedrooms.

Where to Eat & Drink in Megève

From Michelin stars to traditional alpine charm Megève can cater for all with its extensive collection of restaurants. For a fine dining experience, Emmanuel Renaut’s Flocons de Sel is a three Michelin-star restaurant with sweeping views of the Alps from its secluded location. Casually elegant in an intimate setting, dishes include fillet of venison and smoked chocolate tort. Le 1920 also holds two Michelin stars and has an excellent vintage wine list. Found in the Four Seasons hotel in Megeve, Le 1920 has a modern take on classic French Haute cuisine with a range of exceptional ingredients and original dishes.

If you’re looking for traditional Alpine charm, look no further than L’Alpage. This mountain restaurant serves typical Savoie favourites such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette. For the sweet-toothed of the group, Le Prieure is well known for its artisan teas and desserts which include lemon meringue pie and cheesecake. Finally, La Ferme de Mon Pére focuses on local French products to produce exquisite dishes such as black truffle risotto and liquorice-flavoured frogs legs.

Top Events in Megève

In December to launch the winter season, the Christmas tree is lit and a spectacular concert takes place in the village square.


However, it is the International Jazz Festival taking place every March which attracts the most interest. Lovers of jazz music can revel in performances from internationally renowned artists which in the past have included the likes of Gregory Porter and Norah Jones. Whilst next years programme has yet to be announced, you can be sure it will be a stellar line up so book your tickets now!

Mountain biking in MegevePhoto: Mairie de Megève/Simon Garnier

With over 300 km of hiking and mountain bike trails to explore as well as paragliding and via ferratas, Megève has plenty to offer in the summer months. Purchase a Megeve Pass from EUR 40 and enjoy unlimited access to cultural and sports activities for three or seven days. Activities include access to specific cable cars, various swimming pools, the ice skating rink and three runs at Luge 4S.

The adrenaline seekers of the group can go canyoning at La Belle aux Boi; an activity which combines jumping into pools of waters, abseiling down a waterfall and sliding down rock canyons. Not an experience for the faint-hearted! If you’re looking to relax after a long hike on the mountains, look no further than La Palais which has an extensive range of face and body treatments with spa facilities including a toning shower, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi and relaxation ponds.