In and around La Tania and The Three Valleys
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, (now named Restaurant 1928), then a short climb
to Chenus, 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 and down across the piste in time for Happy Hour at Pub
Le Ski Lodge and next door to the La Saucisse Savoyarde (now named Saveurs des Alpes) for a bottle of Genepi.
Down to the Sherpa Supermarket for some cans, a bottle from The Bakery, a quickie in
La Ferme and a can of beer from Snow Food, a red wine in Chrome Bar followed by a relaxing quiet beer in The Piano Bar in The
Montana Hotel (or play pool or video games).
Then down the lift and across the road for cocktails in La Taiga - then obviously hitch to Dicks T-Bar (now named O'Sullivans Sully's) stopping at Lodge du Village in Méribel Village on the way) and get stranded there at 4 in the morning.
Well that's 14 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 Guiness, IPA, Heinekin,
Moretti, Amstel and a draught Cider plus a guest craft beer is normally available. 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). Smirnoff Ice, Budweiser, Corona etc also available - Of course it's Jäger Bomb Heaven and the de rigueur Flavoured Vodkas (not just toffee) are available plus the mandatory ubiquitous choice of Gins has caught on here too. A new outside bar for Winter 2021.
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 playing have included The Dominos, Ska Wars, The Loud Hailers, The Cheerleaders (Sunset Sons), Les Trois Tetes, Live Wire, Super Fly (The Feeling), Four Play, Dr Bruce, Bring Your Sisters, a bit of Bjorn Again & Shibboleth performing to a rowdy crowd from 10:30pm. Happy Hour every day from 4pm to 6pm and Aprés bands from 5pm Wed/Thu/Fri.
All the
live sports events are on satellite TV including all Sky Premiership games plus BT Sport / Pay Per View stuff & some live 3pm Saturday kickoffs sometimes too - but beware the clashes with the Rugby! The SSSC (Sad Saturday Soccer Club) meet there every Saturday tea time to watch
the football results coming in on the videprinter.... Add in the theme nights, drinks promos, Toss the Boss and don't forget Cash or
Breast too!
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 with leather sofas, glass tables and a warm fire. Still can be a very lively and very packed night on band and party nights though. Top modern, Savoyard food upstairs too.
Hotel Telemark Bar & Bistro Restaurant The Bar is open from 3pm every day, our takeaway pizza service is available from 5pm and The Bistro Restaurant from 7pm. Very handy for an Après Ski or Après Dinner drink if you're staying in the main chalet area. Great value Cocktails & Happy Hour plus bar snacks, draught Stella, Leffe & Guinness plus all the live sport on TV and occasional chilled out live acoustic music. Table reservations and takeaway pizza orders: +33 (0)479 22647 (TBC for 2019)
Hotel Montana was managed by Alpine Elements who sadly called in The Administrator on 8 Dec 2020. The owners family are now running the hotel for Winter 2021, opening on 20 January for the season. Plenty of special offers and up to 30% off room rates for the start of the season and flexible booking periods available.
Chrome Bar - Situated in the original Crèche (Maison des Enfants) and opened in December 2007, this is the replacement for Le Farçon (Pub L'Arbatt) whose restaurant was extended instead of a bar area for non-diners. When it's busy it can be quite cosy and atmospheric plus there's occasional live music and the odd Euro Trash DJ playing. A new bar extension for Winter 2021.
Bars and Clubs further afield:
Trips to Dicks T-Bar (now O'Sullivans but always Dicks to the veterans) night club in Méribel at 1am (they're open 'til 6) 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, Fifty 50, Evolution, Barometer, The Pub, The Ice Café, Meribar, Le Poste, L'Abrevoir and The Opina Bar (new for 2018) or whatever's opened, shut or renamed since your last visit....
Le Rond Point above Méribel is of course a compulsory stop on any proper Après Ski itinerary. Watching the live bands at 5pm every day then skiing down in the dark in December, in marginal conditions with the snow cannons blowing hard after too many toffee vodkas is all part of the Ronnie Experience..... Usually easy to get a taxi back to La Tania at 7pm from the square near the Tav (except on a Saturday) - around €30 for 4 people in 2017.
The Hotel Courcheneige was a regular stopping off point above 1850 when the new Australian owners took over in 2010. Pints of Stella for €5 and bottles of Veuve Cliquot Champagne for €50 and a cheap buffet made it a bargain for on-mountain drinking in 1850. We even had our own La Tania Bean Bag Corner... Unfortunately it was taken over by French owners and the prices (and service) reverted to type for Courchevel 1850. On a bad weather day in 2017 we saw 7 staff manning the outdoor bar (obviously no one was outside) yet no one was available to take our order on the sofas inside...
However...
The Aussies have now bought the Hotel La Pomme des Pins just above the Chabichou below the Courchevel Stade - a sunnry terrace, good value buffet and reasonable beer and champagne prices - instantly becoming a regular place to stop once again...
Check out the Vertigo Bar for great views upstairs and a service button to order your beer - the pizzas are good and excellent value here too.
However again...
For Winter 2021 it is now rebranded La Pomme and now comes under the Maison Tournier umbrella which will probably mean an end to the good value food & drink.
La Folie Douce in Méribel opened for Winter 2013 with the same formula as it's Val Thorens (and others) formula. Like a cabaret show plus cool DJs, expensive drinks and food with too cool for school Saisonnaires & Punters - but somehow it all works. The sound system is quality and the party atmosphere generated every day makes it a must visit at least once in a 6 day holiday. Even if it is just to watch people pretending to enjoy themselves, taking Selfies in the VIP area along with (allegedly) Russian gangsters and their young "girlfriends".
Lodge Du Village in Méribel Village under new management from Winter 2015 still has plenty of lively Après ski and a great place for a lunch on the sunniest balcony in The Three Valleys too. Apres out on the terrace now in a heated, covered area.
The Jump in Courchevel 1850 was a popular
spot (especially at lunchtimes) with La Tania locals - although new management and non return of young Jim was always going to mean a change of scene and sadly there is no more of a bar scene here.
Le Bubble, The Funky Fox, Rockies (or the rebuilt Signal for the
always available evil Mutzig lager) in 1650, Chanrossa in 1550 and Le Darbello
in 1300 (Le Praz) are other popular haunts.
The Drop-Inn (now Le Jardin for Winter 2021) and The Cave des Lys Wine Bar (now with a more restaurant type feel in 2020) in Le Praz have been compulsory refreshment stops since 2010. The Drop Inn from the Pleisure guys is popular with Saisonnaires with TV Sport and Pool while the Cave des Lys is a great spot for some wine and nibbles. The Pizzeria is now L'Elephant with the stable formula or live music, bar food and TV Sport continuing.
Also worth mentioning is Hotel Les Peupliers in Le Praz - simply the best Vin Chaud ever. Automatically makes you start singing after 3 of them...
La Boulotte owned by the infamous Katie is a compulsory stop in 1650 - great crack, good lunch food & breakfast baps at reasonable prices with occasional bands at Après Ski too - famously rammed on Après evenings for Bring Your Sisters. A fire in the hotel above the bar in March 2011 caused this place to close down for almost a year, however it re-opened on 13 Feb 2011 and is back to it's best with some crazy Après ski nights and food better than ever.
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 Après 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 - featured in the ski
brochures back then but with the Rail Jam, Tennis Tournament, Big Biking Day Out, Ski Picnics etc it's an established part of the Tignes scene.
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 no more.... Memories of the fun (& gorgeous) staff, a great
terrace, draught Stella and
Hoegaarden
(that cloudy stuff), their famous curry pies and that night in the jacuzzi with the toffee vodka will last forever....
The loss of Evolution and the original Jack's Bar in 2018 was partially fixed with the return of Jack's where Meribar was near La Chadanne in 2020.
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. Menu here
Le Farçon has gone well upmarket
in recent years with some really fancy dishes and was awarded (and maintained) a Michelin Star in 2006 since chef Julien returned from Le Bateau Ivre - well worth a splurge, see review below.
La Taiga Great cocktail bar downstairs and great food upstairs - a sort of modern Savoie twist.
La Ferme offers great local specialties including Fondue Savoyarde (with cheese), Raclette (toasted cheese with potato and ham), Tartiflette (bacon potato and cream) and Fondue Bourguignonne (with beef) - Order a sack of new potatoes on the side too! Menu here
Hotel Telemark serves good value traditional evening meals in their Bistro Restaurant which opens from 7pm every night, takeaway pizzas and bar snacks too - book a table on 0479 226471.
Les Chantarelles which is part of La Ferme specialises in Crepes both savoury and sweet.
Les Marmottons has a cozy atmosphere with varied Savoyarde
fare plus decent pizza. Is under new management from Winter 2013 and maintaining a good reputation.
Le Chrome Bar has a small menu with burgers, chips etc at lunch time with occasional hog roasts too.
Hotel Montana will be under new management for Winter 2021 after the sad demise of Alpine Elements who called in the Administrators on 08 Dec 2020. Good luck to Ambra and Téodore!
Takeaway options in La Tania:
Next to Le Farçon restaurant is La Tania's Delicatessen. It's the place for picnic lunches, hot homemade meals to go such as the lasagne & tartiflette plus rotisserie chickens, a selection of local cheeses, charcuterie, wine, sadwiches and good pizzas too.
Snow Food has
sandwiches and pizza to eat on the terrace or takeaway.
The Bakery has pizza slices, croissants and cakes to grab on the run. Open all day in main season.
The Sherpa Supermarket is also handy for quick snacks opens - Open from 8am until 7:30pm but closed from noon until 2:30pm.
Some more please Nic (or send your own to nico@latania.co.uk)
1. Pub Le Ski Lodge - La Tania
No better value in the Three Valleys. Big, big helpings of speciality burgers, ribs, chilli, 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. Le Brasero - Tignes, Lavachet
Outstanding, can't say any more! Le Brasero for more details. NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
3. La Chrismamara - Mottaret
Situated at the foot of the slopes next to the "Down Town Bar". Open all day serving panninis,
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. Relaxed cocktail bar downstairs with restaurant upstairs, modern Savoie fare plus generous inventive salads. Delicious onion jam with the Fois Gras and really tasty Venison. Home made deserts are definitely worth leaving some room for. Traditional Fondue, Raclette and Hot Rock options too. The menu is at www.easytaiga.com
La Taiga skiers lunch is a good option on a bad weather day, less crowded than main areas with three course menu skieur for €18, 2 courses €15 or Plat du Jour only €11.90 in 2018. For example Lentil soup to start with, Steak and Chips with an Apple tart to finish.
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 spinach 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.
NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT & NO PIZZAS BUT STILL A GREAT TERRACE TO EAT ON
6. La Tsaretta - Les Allues
Nice menu including pizzas, steaks and local specialties. 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. NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT AND "MONKEY" CHEF FROM THE ROND POINT IS THERE. GREAT REPORTS, RECOMMENDED.
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 went very upmarket from 2006 when a Michelin Star was first awarded and the restaurant was extended replacing the old Bar L'Arbatt. 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!
Worth a splurge and the lunchtime set menu is a good deal for the quality being offered. The Michelin Star has been retained for 13 years.
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 - a great place to impress someone. NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
10. Le Coq Rouge - Moûtiers
One of the best kept secrets of The Three Valleys. Situated near the cathedral, look for the sign down the alley way, 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. Le Plantin - En route to Méribel Village
The whole place was re-built and re-opened in December 2006, the table top cooking of your steaks and the party atmosphere with Chalet Girls dancing on the tables has not returned - it's a lot more up market now. Great food, but not cheap at all - excellent steaks though and service can be a bit hit and miss.
13. 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. NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT (but still good).
14. 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 a smaller portion and 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. CLOSED - NOW "THE DEN"
15. Brewskis - St Martin de Belleville
Another sad loss for lunch from the Three Valleys as now only open in the evenings but with live music and events on many nights can be a great night out.
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. NOW CLOSED
16. The Bubble - 1650
Always been a popular spot for many years, great for a quick baguette / panini and now plates of Nachos & Chilli, perfect for a quick refuel over on the 1650 Moriond side. TV Sport & Live Music plus plenty of theme nights too. If only they could get the delicious Hot Mulled Cider that they had a few years ago back on...
17. La 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! They are good though with large helpings, great bags of spuds and value for money. Tasty salads and decent wine prices too. Website here
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. Excellent value, tasty set menus and the Plat du Jour changes daily - usually excellent especially with the Dauphinoise Potatoes. The omelets are huge and a good buy, but prices have creeped up in recent years. Plat du Jour up from €12.50 to €18.90 from 2012 to 2020.
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 in 2016). Full menu on their website
20. Le Bel Air - Above 1650, top of gondola
Fantastic stepped, sunny terrace, always busy and booking recommended. Fairly pricey 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. Loaded Hot Chocolate with Cognac a fairly reasonable €6.60 in Jan 2012 (often €10 or more around 1850).
21. La Casserole - Above 1650, bottom of Signal Chair
Large sunny terrace, good pasta dishes and omelets. Savoie fayre in the main and not too madly expensive even when sitting down inside the old building - some fascinating pics on the walls. New Gourmet Burger section added from Winter 2014.
22. Le Saint Roch - Bozel
With quite an ex-pat community living down in Bozel this is becoming a popular meeting, drinking and eating place. Great terrace in the Summer and good atmosphere with some delicious pizzas - just get extra hot sauce on them!
23. Hotel Telemark - La Tania
The Bar is now open from 3pm every day, pizza takeaway from 5pm and the Bistro from 7pm. Bar snacks, draught Stella and TV sport with occasional live music. Good modern bistro menu, book a table on 0479 226471. NO LONGER OPERATING AS A HOTEL / RESTAURANT FROM WINTER 2020
24. FaceWest - Val Thorens
The Club Sandwich and chips is good quality, a big portion and decent value for money. The rest of the menu is a bit overpriced to be honest. Very central situation at piste side in VT though.
25. La Boulotte - 1650
aka Katie’s. Compact bar/restaurant serving home cooked specials (Tandoori Wrap and the Soup of the day are our favourites). Owner Katie and Dog (Cubbie) are "characters" in this popular Saisonnière haunt which manages to cram live music in at Après Ski too.
25. Courcheneige Hotel - On Piste above 1850 near Pralong Chair / Top of Bellecote Drag
We were first in here in December 2017 under the new management and thought it was reasonably priced with good pizza even if service was a bit slow (but as first customers this was understandable). However by January the prices had shot up and service had reverted to type for Courchevel 1850. Disappointing. Seasonnaire discounts are now available making it a bit more affordable for some and they'ver rebranded the outside to Waikiki Bar to try and create some Après vibe.
26. Le Clos Bernard - New in Winter 2016
Le Clos Bernard (ski in to the forest at the bottom of the Loze Express chair and follow the signs) deserves a mention for their Wednesday night offering with a huge traditional Savoyarde meal plus Cheeses, Genepi, Coffee, Vin Chaud etc for €49 including a torch-lit walk to the Blanchot bus stop!
It really is a stunning setting. Lunch from 12:00-16:30, mains from around €25 with the 1Kg Côte de Boeuf for two at €79 (2017).
27. La Pomme de Pin - 1850
Just above the Chabichou below the Courchevel Stade Piste with a large sunny terrace and large bar and restaurant inside (plus the lounge area above too). Ex-owners of the Courcheneige Hotel and famous for its €6 pints of Stella (and €50 bottles of Veuve Cliquot Champagne). The Skiers Menu includes the buffet plus soup, main course and dessert trolley - well worth a splurge... Cheapest Pizza in Courchevel 1850 for sure from €11,50 (2019). NOW LA POMME FOR WINTER 2021 - PRICES EXPECTED TO RISE
28. La Chabotté - 1850
Part of the Chabichou situated underneath the piste but with an affordable 3 course quality set meal - the sandwich deal however is where the smart people go - huge Ham & Cheese or Chicken Salad baguettes for €5 available. Summer 2017 prices. NOW A LOUNGE / BAR / RESTAURANT FOR WINTER 2020
29. Nammos - On Piste near Biollay
Great setting, sunny terrace and beautiful staff (the guys pretending they're Presidential Secret Service Security) but ridiculously over priced. 2017 - Draft 50cl €15 so we haven't been back.
30. Le Manchu - Meribel on piste above Rhodos I and the Rond Point
Good sunny spot and decent food, but fairly expensive. Large wine selection and a good Sunday Brunch offered too. 2018 - Draft 50cl €9, Caesar Salad €23, Aberdeen Angus Burger €27.
31. Copina Courchevel - 1650
Tapas type menu in this new spot in 1650 for Winter 2019 following the success of their similar place in Meribel. Small place with friendly staff and well presented, tasty food. Not one of the cheapest options in 1650 but worth a trip there every now and then.
Other favourites out of resort to be added
More reports to follow or email your own in...
Azimut (Michelin Star at affordable prices in Le Praz), Le Refuge, La Taverne, Le Cro Magnon,
Le Darbello, Le Boa A Mil, Le Blanchot, etc etc...
Other Mountain Restaurants
On the mountain, Roc Tania (now Restaurant 1928) and Le Bouc Blanc above & around La Tania tend to
be a bit cheaper than those on the 1850 & Méribel sides of the ski area. Chenus is under new management for 2020 and is not longer a value for money place, just a typical 1850 rip off (great view though).
Don't be surprised
at paying more than £15 for a gin & tonic in a smart chalet type restaurant above 1850 towards the Altiport... Check out our Value For Money in The Three Valleys page.
For cheaper options when out skiing shoot down to 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. Check out our Value For Money in The Three Valleys page
McDonalds
After a season out here - it's strange what you miss sometimes....
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 Chambéry: You'll pass the 2 in Albertville (J30 and J26) and there's one in Chambéry
too plus a KFC near the airport!
En route to Lyon: As Chambéry 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 Etienne:
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.
Back to top
page last updated 09/12/20
