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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > France > Montgenèvre

Montgenèvre Information

Apres-ski

There's a growing range of après-ski bars in the resort, with now around 20 combined bar/restaurants in total. Due to the full events calendar organised by the tourist office and a cross-border enthusiasm emanating from the proximity to Italy, Montgenèvre has a reputation as a fun and often lively resort when the sun goes down.

Popular venues include Le Graal Café (tel: +33 492 218 635) wine bar and Le Jamy (tel: +33 492 219 262). While at the base of the slopes, Les Chalmettes (tel: +33 492 450 196) offers a variety of drinks (and meals) in a scenic outdoor seating area.

O Millesime (tel: +33 492 543 712) is a more chic and stylish venue for quieter drinks or cocktails.

Eating out

There are around two dozen restaurants in Montgenèvre, with most eateries serving dishes originating from both France and Italy.

For Italian dishes, you can't do much better than Le Transalpin (tel: +33 492 219 269), which is managed by a team from Rome. Another good Italian choice, Le Capitaine (tel: +33 492 218 984), can also rustle up delicious takeaway pizzas.

If you want to stick to French flavours, then try Le Refuge (tel: +33 492 219 297), which offers traditional dishes such as galette. Alpine staples such as raclette, fondue and tartiflette (a savoury cheese, bacon and potato dish) are served up at L'Estable (tel: +33 681 701 059). Alternatively, the small and continually busy, Caesar's (tel: +33 607 162 772) has a reputation for good French and international food, with affordable three course set menus.

For something a little more upmarket, try La Cloche (tel: +33 492 219 138), which adds a contemporary twist to traditional dishes.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Off-slope facilities, as with most other services in Montgenèvre, have improved in the past few years. There's a cinema (tel: +33 960 494 916), while some of the relatively new accommodation options such as the Résidence Le Chalet des Dolines (tel: +33 492 255 780) have spa facilities.

Back on the snow, there's tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, a natural ice rink, speed-skating courses and dog-sled excursions. There's also the longest toboggan run in France, the 1.4km-long (0.8 miles) Monty Express, which is more of a downhill 'monorail' than a traditional track in the snow.

For something a little more unusual, spend a night (or part of it) riding the slopes inside a trail groomer, to see how the slopes are maintained. This is a popular activity and places are limited, so apply at the tourist office on arrival in the resort.

Family fun

Child-friendly activities in Montgenèvre include three free sledging areas (one of which is reserved for younger children) and snow playgrounds that enable the little ones to play safely away from skiing adults.

On the slopes a nursery facility caters for babies and toddlers from six months to six years; and for those aged 3+ there is a 5-hectare (12-acre) beginners' zone that contains state-of-the-art facilities and a treasure hunt slope.

The Piou Piou Kids Club (tel: +33 492 219 046; www.esf-montgenevre.com) teaches youngsters (three to five years) to ski in a child-friendly area that includes two easy-to-use carpets lifts. Older children meanwhile can join group lessons at the resort's ski school.

Retail therapy

Montgenèvre's shopping is limited to around 20 shops that are primarily there to serve winter sports holidaymakers – this is not a destination for those whose principal activity is spending hours perusing designer outlets. More than half of the shops in Montgenèvre are ski shops, with the remaining convenience stores – including several small supermarkets, a post office, newsagents, several boulangeries, a chemist and a couple of gift shops.

Splashing out

Snowmobiling is a popular activity around the resort in the evenings after the ski runs close. A snowmobile excursion around the local area lasts for approximately one hour, departing hourly from 1730. Alternatively, ride the snowmobile over the border into Italy and dine in an Italian mountain restaurant, before heading back to French soil. Excursions can be booked through the tourist office (tel: +33 492 215 253).

Hotels

Accommodation in Montgenèvre is mostly in the form of apartments; although there are a handful of hotels graded up to 4-star and a selection of bed and breakfast guesthouses is also available. In-keeping with its ongoing renaissance, some of the most recent additions are high-quality and spacious modern complexes, as well as some top-spec privately owned chalets.

Luxury

Hôtel Anova & Spa

Boasting very good access to the slopes, a spa and a swimming pool and poolside bar, this chic hotel is among the resort's more recent luxury additions.

Address: , Hameau de l'Obélisque, Montgenèvre, F 05100
Telephone: +33 492 544 804
Website: http://www.anova-hotel.com

Hôtel Le Chalet Blanc

A relatively new luxury hotel, Hôtel Le Chalet Blanc provides ski-in/ski-out accommodation, a lavish spa and a gourmet restaurant serving French fare.

Address: , Place de l'Obélisque, Montgenèvre, F 05100
Telephone: +33 492 442 702
Website: http://www.hotellechaletblanc.com

Moderate

Le Hameau des Airelles

A modern 4-star apartment complex with a spa, Le Hameau des Airelles is located in the new Obelisque sector of the resort. Access to the slopes from here is relatively straightforward, with the nearest lift just 200m (656ft) away.

Address: , , Montgenèvre, F 05100
Telephone: +33 492 222 500
Website: http://www.mmv.fr

Le Pot de Miel

This cosy, eco-friendly chalet boasts a Jacuzzi and sauna with exceptional views of the mountains. It can also organise cookery courses, which provide the perfect afternoon for non-skiers.

Address: , Quartier de l'Obelisque, Montgenèvre, F 05100
Telephone: +33 492 219 355
Website: http://www.lepotdemiel.com

Cheap

Hôtel Valerie

This friendly 2-star hotel in the centre of the village features cosy, traditional wood-panelled rooms and a small restaurant.

Address: , Rue de l'Église, Montgenèvre, F 05100
Telephone: +33 492 219 002
Website: http://www.hotel-montgenevre.com

Hôtel Le Chalvet

This recently renovated 2-star offering is located towards Briançon and has a Wi-Fi zone and on-site parking. Accommodation is available on a bed and breakfast or half-board basis.

Address: , Route d'Italie, Montgenèvre, F 05100
Telephone: +33 492 219 014
Website: http://hotellechalvet.monsite-orange.fr
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