Bar Guide
The La Tania pub crawl - quick guide
This will involve starting at the top of the Lanches 4-man chair at Roc La Tania, ski (and a short climb) to Chenus, then ski to La Soucoupe, traverse around and down to Le Bouc Blanc.
Then down to the resort and ski through the trees to Hotel Telemark, ski straight over the piste to Le Farçon (Pub l'Arbett) Chrome Bar and then on up to Pub
Le Ski Lodge and next door to the Sausage Shop for a bottle of Genepi.
Down to the Sherpa Supermarket for some cans, a bottle from The Bakery, a quickie in The Ferme and Les Chanterelles, a can of beer from Snow Food and then a quiet beer in The Piano Bar in The Montana Hotel.
Then down the lift and across the road to La Taiga - then obviously hitch to Dicks T-Bar (stopping at Lodge du Village) and get stranded there at 4 in the morning.
Well that's 15 for starters - before you even get to Méribel....
Bars in La Tania:
Pub Le Ski Lodge is the main bar and social centre of life in La Tania. Drinks include Tarentaise Bitter, Murphys, Strongbow, Heineken and Amstel. Try the evil Absenthe, Genepi and Chartreuse for a quick hit and don't forget the infamous Ski Lodge Cocktail (ask the staff for details). Magners, Smirnoff Ice, Corona etc also available.
Decent prices, good food and big party nights make this a place you'll spend a lot of time in. Be there on a Tuesday for the biggest night of the week (it's chalet girls day off tomorrow) when bands such as Shibboleth, Four Play, or Bring Your Sisters perform to a rowdy crowd.
All the live sports events are on satellite TV including all Premiership games (some live 3pm Saturday kick offs sometimes) and don't forget Cash or Breast too! The SSSC (Sad Saturday Soccer Club) meet there every Saturday tea time to watch the football results coming in on the videprinter.
Le Farçon (Pub L'Arbatt) - the restaurant has now been extended for Winter 2007/8 with no bar area for non-diners. The owner however owns what was the Creche (Maison des Enfants) and this is a new bar for 2007/8.
The new bar is called Chrome Bar, when it's busy it's cozy and there's occasional live music, which can create a good atmosphere. Quiet so far and although it's open they're still putting it together in Feb 2008 during opening time....
Hotel Montana has a piano bar, a good place to get away from the crowd and chill. Occasional live jazz acts add to the atmosphere. More pool downstairs. Now run by Eurogroup and more Saisonnaire friendly.
La Taiga (referred to as The Tiger) the upmarket lounge bar for the older more sophisticated crowd in La Tania - nice cocktails in a chill out place, but still a lively night on band and party nights. Top food upstairs too.
Hotel Telemark - Bar and Bistro Restaurant situated in the forest next to the chalets overlooking La Tania. Excellent Bistro menu with aprés ski bar often featuring live bands plus all the live sport on plasma screens.
Bars and Clubs further afield:
Trips to Dicks T-Bar night club in Méribel at 1am (they're open 'til 4) are quite popular - not so the getting back however, it's easy to get stranded. This can be preceded with a quick Méribel pub crawl taking in Jacks, The Tav, The Pub and The Ice Café. The Rond Point is of course a compulsory stop on any Aprés Ski itinerary.
Lodge Du Village in Méribel Village (from the same team as The Ski Lodge) means an almost compulsory stop on the way to / from Méribel. Great place for lunch on the sunniest balcony in The Three Valleys too.
The Jump in Courchevel 1850 is a popular spot (especially at lunchtimes) with La Tania locals as are Le Bubble, Rockies (or the newly re-furbished Signal for the evil Mutzig lager) in 1650, Chanrossa in 1550 and Le Darbeilo in 1300 (Le Praz).
The Frog and Roastbeef is the British pub in Val Thorens and claims to be the highest pub in Europe. Good place to refuel on a quick pint and something with chips when you're doing the full Three Valleys tour - or do the yard of ale and get stranded there. Always a lively aprés scene here.
TC's Bar in Tignes, Lavachet is another haunt as former La Tania resident and legend TC opened up his own drinking den in December 2000 - now featured in the ski brochures!
Le Brasero also in Tignes, Lavachet is another compulsory stop as ex-La Tania workers Nic and Karen now own it.
Brewskis in St Martin de Belleville was a great place to stop for lunch when heading over to the third valley but unfortunately it is now only open in the evening - under new management for 2006/7. Memories of the fun (& gorgeous) staff, a great terrace, draught Stella and Hoegaarden (that cloudy stuff), their famous pies and that night in the jacuzzi with the toffee vodka will last forever....
Restaurant Guide
Eating out in La Tania:
The Ski Lodge is excellent value for money with big helpings and tasty pub food - see the Restaurant Review below.
Le Farçon has gone well upmarket recently with some really fancy dishes and was awarded a Michelin Star in 2006 - see review below.
La Taiga is now owned by The Ski Lodge / Lodge du Village team. Great bar downstairs and great food upstairs - see review below.
Hotel Telemark Bistro menu highly recommended - see review below.
The other restaurants in resort La Ferme, Les Chantarelles and Les Marmottons all offer Savoyarde fare with Les Chantarelles specialising in Crepes and La Ferme in Fondues & Raclette.
The Hotel Montana has a varied local and international type of menu and non-residents can dine there too.
Snow Food has sandwiches and pizza to eat on the terrace or takeaway. You can also grab something to takeaway at the Bakery (like pizza slices) or there's cooked rotisserie chickens at the Sausage Shop or Sherpa Supermarket.
And don't forget Extreme Cuisine delivery curries - always delicious!
Nic the Greek's Restaurant Review
Some more please Nic (or send your own to nico@latania.co.uk)
Sponsored by www.accommodationinthealps.co.uk
1. Pub Le Ski Lodge - La Tania
No better value in the Three Valleys. Big, big helpings of speciality burgers, ribs, chili, tandoori,
steaks, pasta and vegetarian dishes. There's always a daily special dish and the soup at lunchtime on
cold days is fantastic. They'll do a group of you a hot rock or fondue with as much salad, chips and
wine as you can manage for a decent price. Check out their web site at www.publeskilodge.com
for the full menu.
2. Bubbles Bar - Greece
Outstanding! Can't say any more. Check out Bubbles Bar
- Nidri, Lefkas
3. La Chrismamara - Mottaret
Situated at the foot of the slopes next to the "Down Town Bar". Open all day serving paninis,
sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, chips, omelets, beers etc. Good value fast service to be found here but
with the usual lack of charm that only the French so superbly deliver! However if your looking for a
fast eat and a sunny south facing terrace (yes I have a burnt nose) then La Chrismamara is quite possibly
the place for you.
4. La Taiga - La Tania
Situated across the main road in La Tania. Cocktail bar downstairs with restaurant upstairs, modern Savoie fare plus generous inventive salads. Excellent onion jam with the Fois Gras and tasty Venison. Home made deserts are worth leaving room for. Fondu and Raclette options too.
5. Lodge du Village - Méribel Village
Excellent Italian Cuisine, choose from fresh Pastas, Pizzas, Salads and authentic Italian dishes. The
Lamb shank is to die for and the steaks are superb. Try the pizza with raw spinage sprinkled on top - different
but very tasty. A lively lounge bar on the first floor has a happy hour every day and regular live music.
See their web site at www.lodgeduvillage.com for details.
6. La Tsaretta - Les Allues
Nice menu including pizzas, steaks and local specialities. Theme nights (usually on A Friday) include
Fish & Chips, Curry, Chinese etc. Good atmosphere, occasional live music, friendly English staff
and they can even organise free transport for you too.
7. The Jump Bar - Courchevel 1850
A favourite spot for lunch in the centre of 1850 below the Hotel de la Croisette. Large salads, sandwiches
and chips for lunch are good value (especially for 1850) and they always have the latest English
newspapers. I particularly enjoyed the Lasagne and they do some great thick soups too.
8. Le Farçon - La Tania
The food here has gone very upmarket in recent years and with a refurb and extended restaurant area for 2007/8 there's plenty more tables. There's a tasting menu for around €60 which goes on and on and on. This includes
lots of small, delicate portions with some unbelievable flavours. Some of the dishes
we've enjoyed are king prawns with scrambled egg, lamb medallions on a bed of creamed
carrots, local fresh water fish in cream and snails with very strong garlic ice cream!
Awarded a Michelin Star in November 2005 - well worth a splurge if you like your food French, rather fancy and don't mind spending a bit.
9. Chateau de Feissons - 12km from Moûtiers
You can see the Chateau from the main dual carriageway up on the left hand side as you drive
from Albertville to Moûtiers. The not very classy red neon sign of a plate with knife
& fork can be seen on top of one of the turrets! It is a fantastic setting and the
restaurant is in a large hall with uniformed staff - but not too stuffy and they're
helpful if you're struggling with your French. The food is wonderfully French and not
as expensive as the setting would make you think. Imaginative soups and several fish
dishes on the menu. A great place to impress someone.
10. Le Coq Rouge - Moûtiers
One of the best kept secrets of The Three Valleys. Situated near the cathedral, this restaurant
is superb value for money with top notch food. Excellent value set menu at lunch
or dinner and try the bargain quality house wine.
11. The Zig Zag - Méribel Mottaret, near Plattieres
bottom gondola station
Great value 3 course lunch here for €15. Well worth finding this place, must try it
in the evening some time too. Plat du Jour's always look very tasty and staff are welcoming
and friendly.
12. The Bistro - Hotel Telemark, La Tania
Outstanding quality of food with superb Steaks, as good you'll get anywhere in the Three Valleys. Head Chef Chris changes the menu around every month with a small selection of excellent starters and delicious mains. The Lobster profiteroles and Steak Tornadoes in a Chinese type sauce are truly wonderful if they happen to be on the menu when you're there. Not cheap, but always feels like value for money because it's that good - a must try.
13. Le Plantin - En route to Méribel Village - RE-BUILT & RE-OPENED DEC 2006!
The table top cooking of your steaks and the party atmosphere with Chalet Girls dancing on the tables has not returned - a lot more up market, good food but service a bit dodgy (suppose it was early season when we went though).
14. The Frog and Roastbeef - Val Thorens, on the top road, high up
The highest pub in Europe with good value English style pub food. Small terrace outside for sunny days and plenty of room inside for bad weather days when the soup, burgers and steaks really come in to their own. Steve (Ski Lodge 2003/4 is running The Frog in Winter 2006/7).
15. Pizza Express - Méribel
Situated above the famous Dick's T Bar night club with regular live music. Pizzas and most menu items similar to the UK but always seems more expensive - or is it the drinks bill that causes that? Can be fairly wild with table dancing when there's a Beatles tribute band on or a real chill out experience when a laid back pianist is providing background music.
16. Brewskis - St Martin de Belleville - Under new management 2006/7
Another sad loss for lunch from the Three Valleys as now only open in the evenings but with live music and events on most nights.
From past trips: A warm welcome and Chicken Curry Pie after the lovely ski down - what better! Also daily specials, more pies, great burgers, Stella beer, a pool table and a sunny terrace. It's easy to get stuck down here and miss the last lifts back!!! The new 8 seater gondola makes getting back so much quicker now - check out www.brewskis.fr for more details.
17 Le Ferme - La Tania
We always seem to end up having meat and cheese fondues here. Not sure why, maybe it's because there's always someone who hasn't had one and you've got to experience it on a ski holiday at least once! Good value place, tasty salads and decent wine prices too.
18 Le Bouc Blanc - Above La Tania
Just above La Tania and handy for non-skiers who can gain access via the gondola and enjoy lunch up there on the sunny terrace with great views. Good value, tasty set menu changes daily and the omelettes are a good buy too.
19 Chalet de Caron - Val Thorens
A big self service place towards the bottom of the big main piste below VT. Huge terrace with a room through the back of the main restaurant area where you can often find a spare table. Often very busy and quite a queue but generous portions (although not cheap) with the Lasagne particularly good (but €14). Full menu on their website
20. Le Bel Air - Above 1650, top of gondola
Fantastic stepped sunny terrace, always busy and booking recommended. Good value Plat du Jour and house plonk. Savoie menu - not your burgers and chips place but always something tasty on the menu. Worth it for the terrace anyway and access via the gondola for non-skiers too.
21. La Casserole - Above 1650, bottom of Signal Chair
Large sunny terrace, good pasta dishes and omelettes. Savoie fayre in the main and not too expensive even when sitting down inside the old building - some fascinating pics on the walls.
Other favourites out of resort
Reports to follow...or email your own in:
Le Refuge, La Taverne, Le Cro Magnon, Le Darbeilo, Scott's, Le Yaca, Le Boa A Mil, Le Blanchot, Les Allobroges etc etc...
Summary of the rest
Mountain Restaurants
On the mountain, Le Soucoupe, Roc Tania, Chenus and Le Bouc Blanc above & around La Tania plus Le Bel Air and La Casserole above 1650 tend to be quite a bit cheaper than those on the 1850 & Méribel sides of the ski area. Don't be surprised at paying more than £12 for a gin & tonic in a smart chalet type restaurant above 1850 towards the Altiport...
For cheaper options when out skiing shoot down to Le Jump or the baguette shop in Courchevel 1850, Le Bubble in 1650, Le Rond Point in Méribel, Fast Food in Mottaret (and similar in Val Thorens) and Dahlia in St Martin de Belleville for a reasonably priced sandwich/burger/pasta/chips and beer. The Ski Lodge in La Tania and Lodge du Village in Méribel Village are great places for lunch on a sunny day with South facing sheltered terrace and balcony.
McDonalds - The nearest:
En route to Tignes: At Bourg St Maurice - almost exactly half way around 40 minutes from La Tania.
En route to Geneva: In Albertville at junction 30, again around 40 minutes on the turn off to Annecy and also about 8km south of Annecy near the lake. There is a further one in Annecy on the Bourg en Brasse road near a big Decathlon and Intersport - well worth a look for cheap gear.
En route to Chambery: You'll pass the 2 in Albertville (J30 and J26) and there's one in Chambery too.
En route to Lyon: As Chambery above - plus there's one between the airport turn off and the Lyon ring road Autoroute. There's a big retail park here with an IKEA (often 30% cheaper than the UK - but note it's closed on Sundays).
En route to St Ettienne: As Lyon above plus the one at the entrance to the airport - there's nothing much at all inside the terminal building, so it's quite handy.
Finally, I can just remember there's a drive thru on the way to Chamonix when you pass through Morzine.
