When you think of ski resorts in the world’s biggest ski region, Les 3 Vallées, several names spring to mind but, unless you’re already in the know, St Martin de Belleville is probably not going to be one of them.
But for those who have already discovered St Martin there’s no going back. Unlike the bigger resorts on Les 3 Vallées circuit, this is an authentic French village providing a luxury ski destination, and at a more affordable price too.
St Martin not only provides fast access to all of the amazing skiing of Les 3 Vallées; it’s also a very pretty, charming and traditional resort with a genuine farming heritage. In more good news, for the coming winter the main access gondola has been upgraded with capacity increased by a third to make reaching the top of the slopes easier than ever.
There are also lots of very special experiences to enjoy in St Martin which will make your holiday truly one to remember, including the chance to try a dog sledding adventure with professional musher, Dany, and his team of dogs. Once you’re wrapped up warmly you’ll enjoy being pulled along in a sled by a snowy river. Truly magical!
Foodies will also love the great cuisine waiting to be discovered in St Martin. There are many exceptional eateries, but the family-run “La Bouitte” in the outlying hamlet of St Marcel is the crème de la crème, having gained its third Michelin star in 2015. Run by father and son René and Maxime Meilleur (their surname means “best”), they’re among a very small and elite group of chefs to have been awarded three Michelin stars. The restaurant is part of a 5★ hotel too.
In addition, last season the Meilleurs opened Simple et Meilleur, a fabulous new mountain bistro and tapas bar in St Martin.
This winter a holiday in St Martin de Belleville is set to be better than ever too with the new Lys outdoor spa, where you can relax in one of five hot tubs in the heart of the village open each evening once the lifts close.
The award-winning French Alps ski specialists Peak Retreats, who have extensive knowledge of the area, can book holidays to beautiful accommodation in St Martin de Belleville. They offer a choice of 4★ self-catered chalets, apartments and, newly added for the coming winter, the Hotel St Martin and apartments. It enjoys one of the most convenient and quiet locations at the top of the resort, piste-side on the Biolley run, just 50m from the lift and ski school meeting point and yet convenient for the resort’s facilities. The hotel also has spacious self-catered apartments available too.
Peak Retreats have plenty more alternatives on offer in St Martin too, including the stunning Chalets Caseblanche where Simple et Meilleur is located, and they can also book a stay for you at La Bouitte.
Tel: 023 9283 9310
Photo credits: David André, Cyril Cousin, G.Lansard
