Skiing in the French Alps is a fabulous experience, especially in a resort town that has committed itself to exquisite grooming and modernizing of its lifts and infrastructure. This is only one issue that sets Val D’Isere apart from neighboring alpine towns. After all, it has remained fully committed to upgrading over the years and features multi-passenger gondolas and express shuttles that make it easy and fun to head to all points within the resort.
However, even the best snows and resorts will be found lacking if they have nothing to offer after skiing is done for the day. This too is something that helps Val D‘Isere stand apart, and its little village is a remarkably vibrant place full of appealing architecture, dazzling nightlife, excellent dining and activities for those who didn’t burn up their energy on the slopes.
The Village
Established in the 1600s, the village of Val D’Isere was essentially built around its utterly charming Baroque church. Today, it is home to a wonderful array of charming shops and restaurants. Its appealing high street is like something out of a picture postcard as it is framed by mountain scenery and full of appealing buildings and architecture. Stone and wood ensure that visitors feel the classic warmth of this locale, though it is far from sleepy.
The center is lined with high end boutiques, sports shops, bars, and fabulous restaurants. The transport shuttles make constant stops enabling visitors to reach any point in the resort within moments, and of course, this is also where the bustling nightlife and amazing restaurants are found too.
Dining
Unlike many neighboring resorts that are spread out over the face of their respective mountains, Val D’Isere is centered in its village. Here you can savor some remarkable dining experiences that range from five star to fast and tasty. Some of the must-try options include La Fruitiere, Le Signal, and La Peau de Vache. History buffs will want to visit La Grande Ourse as it opened in 1936 and has remained one of the finest spots throughout the decades. Michelin star rated La Table de L’Ours is also a must try as well as L’Atelier d’Edmond, another Michelin star recipient.
If seeking authentic Savoyard food, try La Casserole with its raclette and other cheese dishes, or Le Lodge known for its masterful handling of beef. For the local scene, head to Sur La Montagne and sample their unique fusion dishes. Don’t ignore the pubs and bars that also offer some fun and filling foods.
The Aquasportif
Another destination within Val D’Isere that has to be enjoyed during a visit is their Centre Aquasportif. Here, guests can head to the Beach World, the Sports World, the Well-Being World, Lounge World or the Spa World and soak up the setting. As their names suggest, each of the worlds is full of activities that encompass the full array of experiences contained in the name.
Beach World, as a prime example, offers a leisure pool, water cannons, aqua gym, and river currents feature among others. The Spa World is also as it sounds, with saunas, spas and steam baths. The Sports World is for the adventurous with its climbing walls, weight rooms, treadmills, trainers and much more. And when you have had your fill of action, head to Well-Being World for your full body massage, facial, waxing and other body treatments. Top it all off with a visit to Lounge World and enjoy something from the Water Bar or a nice herbal tea. This is also where various simulators let you play golf, drive a high-speed sports car, and more.
There is truly something for everyone when you experience the delightful Val D’Isere resort area in the French Alps.