Flaine is a pretty popular choice for skiers looking for a relaxed winter break: the skiing is superb, the pedestrianised nature of the resort gives it a very laidback kind of feel and, even though it’s one of the quieter resorts in the Alps, it has just enough of an après scene (albeit more sedate) to keep things interesting.
If you are planning a short break to Flaine to ski or simply an escape from the madding crowd for a little alone time, one thing you won’t be is hungry! The resort has a decent selection of eateries, and if you have a little bit of insider info (and you do now!) you’ll be able to seek out some very tasty meals right on the slopes.
La Pente à Jules
Meat lovers of the world unite! Or if they don’t, they should here at La Pente à Jules. In a stunning location right on the Alamandine piste, the restaurant specialises in rotisserie and meats from the flame grill. While vegetarians may be squirming in their ski boots, meat eaters will be in their element with the huge selection of juicy meat-based dishes (the Cote de Boeuf is truly melt-in-your-mouth), alongside hearty favourites like lasagne, seafood pasta, risotto and doorstopper burgers. It’s a fantastic place for lunch on the terrace overlooking the slopes, and just one more beer or a vin chaud might slip down quite nicely, thanks very much.
Tip: The dessert selection is nothing short of spectacular. Go on – you can always ski off those calories!
Le Blanchot
Serving up traditional Savoyard cuisine with views over the Serpentine piste, both the restaurant and the snack bar at Le Blanchot get busy, busy busy during the season, but the food is worth waiting for. In the restaurant, specialities like Croûte au Fromage, Saucisses Savoyards, Tarte Myrtilles and the classic Tarte aux Pommes decorate the menu, alongside favourites like Potage de Legumes and Jambon Grillé. Dining on the terrace beneath the foreboding gaze of the Grand Massif adds to the experience, and even dining alone feels comfortable, relaxed and very authentic.
Tip: Wink wink, nudge nudge – try the fabulous Gratinée à l’Oignon (onion soup) from the restaurant upstairs, not the snack bar downstairs.
Le Desert Blanc
If you don’t mind spending a little more, Le Desert Blanc, at the top of Grande Platières cable car, is worth every penny – for the food, but also for the jaw-dropping views. If you can drag yourself away from the vista, which faces off to Mont Blanc, give the menu your attention and you’ll discover an array of traditional and contemporary dishes – including pastas, salads, anti pasti and specialities like Millefeuille of Avocado, Goat Terrine and Mountain Charcuterie. If you’re in a hurry you can also dine in the more casual brassiere downstairs.
Tip: The food may be a bit expensive in the restaurant, but the views from 2800m? Priceless…
Chalet Michet
Open for lunch and dinner, Chalet Michet serves up innovative French cuisine in a wonderfully ambient setting. Located in a century-old sheepfold in a picturesque woody setting, this traditional Savoyard restaurant introduces its own creative twist to tempt even the most discerning taste buds. The extensive and often-changing a-la-carte menu covers everything from homemade foie gras (oh yes) to their own very special version of raclette, fondue and tartiflette (yes, yes, yes!).
Tip: If you don’t save room for dessert you’ll be missing the best part of the meal – the Crème brûlée des Chalets is quite simply out of this world!
L’Epicéa
For home-style food with portion sizes to rival the Grand Massif, L’Epicéa – located on the run between Forêt and Forum – is a top place to stop for lunch to refuel on the piste. But it’s not just for the food this place gets such a thumbs up; the warm, casual atmosphere is incredibly appealing and the friendly staff go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Even for solo skiers, sitting at one of the long benches on the terrace rubbing shoulders with other customers is the perfect way to make new friends. Oh, and the food’s great too, with plenty of hearty soups, massive salads and decadent hot chocolates (with cream, of course!) to set you up for your afternoon ski adventure.
Tip: This place does get really busy, so if you’re coming with a group it generally pays to book in advance.
Food Glorious Food
While most people come for the skiing, of course, if you’re a keen foodie Flaine will definitely not disappoint in the gastronomy department – from cheap and cheerful lunch fare to fine dining at a high point of Europe.
Tip: If you’re new to skiing and wondering if Flaine is suitable, this blog post may set your mind at rest.
How to Get to Flaine
Getting to Flaine is easy, with the option to fly into a number of airports. At just 90 minutes away by air, Geneva (GVA) is the most popular, with the airport well facilitated by about 265 direct flights a week from the UK, and a transfer time of around an hour to Flaine. You can also fly into Grenoble (GNB) or Lyon (LYS), both of which are around two hours away by road from the resort.
Whichever airport you choose, once you land the easiest way to complete the final part of your journey to Flaine is with a fast, convenient transfer from Shuttle Direct. You can choose from a shared or private service and you’ll be met at the airport and driven the rest of the way to the door of your accommodation.
Where to Stay:
Résidence Pierre & Vacances La Forêt: A standout in Flaine in terms of high-end accommodation, the Résidence Pierre & Vacances La Forêt offers spacious, contemporary rooms with a luxury feel. With plenty of opportunities for pampering, including an outdoor heated pool, Turkish bath and hot tub, you’re just a short walk from bars and restaurants in the the heart of Flaine.
Dormio Resort Les Portes du Grand Massif: Every window is a picture at the magnificently positioned Dormio Resort Les Portes du Grand Massif. With a wellness centre, cosy bar and restaurant and balconies to soak up the grandeur of the Flaines Massif, this classy, chalet-style accommodation is the perfect base for a leisurely ski break.
Pierre & Vacances Premium Flaine Les Terrasses d’Eos: Just a short walk from the ski station within the embrace of Flaine’s town centre, the spacious, modern apartments in the Pierre & Vacances Premium Flaine Les Terrasses d’Eos provide chic and stylish accommodation in which to enjoy the stunning surrounding scenery. Close to restaurants and with everything at your fingertips, this is classic Savoy hospitality at its best.
About Shuttle Direct:
If you’re looking for the most trusted name in airport transfers all over Europe, Shuttle Direct fits the bill. We offer a wide range of both shared and private transfers from any cruise port, train station or airport, including winter ski transfers to anywhere in the French Alps. We have a service to suit any group size and budget, and our easy-to-use booking system means you can make an online booking and have your transfers confirmed before you leave home.
Our fixed price services are highly efficient and our friendly, experienced team will take all the hassle out of your onward travel arrangements.
