Luxury is ubiquitous in the sport of skiing and holidaying in the Alps, it oozes into every area of your daily routine whilst in the mountains. From the delicious breakfasts prepared for you, snugly heated boots to slide your feet into each morning, the driver to take you to the lifts, world-renowned spas & mouth-watering Michelin food both up and down the mountain.
Given the hype surrounding last month's Michelin star announcements, we wanted to put together an update on some of the finest Michelin rated restaurants in the Alps, and Les Trois Vallees in particular.
Le 1947 – Courchevel 1850 – 2 Michelin stars
Hotel Cheval Blanc
In utter intimacy, Le 1947 welcomes a small number of guests per night to create a full culinary immersion whilst looking after the finest of details. The sensual and enveloping decor conceived by Sybille de Margerie opens the heart of the kitchen onto the dining room. Sleek and close, Le 1947 centres around a striking perforated Corian sphere, a behind-the-scenes invitation to discover the chef’s secrets.
The Michelin Inspectors View: The mythical vintage of Cheval Blanc is 1947, and Yannick Alléno runs the restaurant in this eponymous hotel. The menu features a succession of classic dishes, all perfectly mastered and subtly flavoured. It goes without saying that Cheval Blanc dominates the wine list.
Le Kintessence – Courchevel 1850 – 1 Michelin star
Hotel Le K2
Jean-Rémi Caillon unveils elegant, inspired dishes: conceptions that pay tribute to seasonal produce selected to meet the most demanding standards. Sébastien Vauxion creates daringly contemporary desserts, limited only by his imagination.
The Michelin Inspectors View: Quality ingredients, harmonious recipes, aesthetically pleasing dishes - a winning combination, which is enhanced by the intimate atmosphere and discreet service. Cooking that gets back to basics, and there is also a good brunch.
Le Strato – Courchevel 1850 – 1 Michelin star
Hotel Le Strato
Jean-André Charial of the legendary restaurant in Provence’ L’Oustau de Baumanière’ is here full time with his team. This promises to be a memorable gastronomic experience. He has created a Mediterranean inspired menu, with sometimes a delicate mountain influence, but above all it is authentic. Jean-Andre Charial uses the best products: turbot, truffle, Galicia sea urchins, and giant crab from Alaska. For desserts his pastry chef reinterprets great classics like Mont Blanc.
The Michelin Inspectors View: Downhill skiing could serve as a metaphor for the food at Le Strato, which slaloms with precision and elegance between winter influences and the sunny flavours of Provence (the restaurant is affiliated to the famous Oustaù de Baumanière, in Les Baux-de-Provence). Note that at lunchtime you can enjoy a more informal set menu.
Pierre Gagnaire Pour Les Airelles – Courchevel 1850 – 2 Michelin stars
Hotel Les Airelles
Pierre Gagnaire presents a delectable voyage of epicurean discoveries; as an voyager and architect of flavours, the chef, in a space designed in tribute to Sissi of Bavaria, has inspired his team with his talent and delighting gastronomes with his refined culinary creativity.
The Michelin Inspectors View: Expect an avalanche of flavours amid the sumptuous decor of Les Airelles! The inventive spirit fostered by Pierre Gagnaire and his team knows no bounds. Enjoy rare and first-rate ingredients, as well as subtle and unexpected combinations. This lesson in freedom has its price, however: the bill reaches for the stars!
Le Chabichou – Courchevel 1850 – 2 Michelin stars
Hotel Le Chabichou
The international reputation of Le Chabichou relies on the reputation of its gourmet restaurant: imaginative, sophisticated and generous cuisine prepared with fresh, natural products. It also boasts a cozy dining room and a warm welcome by Maryse Rochedy. Observant and discreet service in Courchevel, 2 Michelin stars since 1984, and a mention in the famous “Bottin Gourmand” and “Gault et Millau” guide books.
The Michelin Inspectors View: Le Chabichou is essentially a classic restaurant serving dishes that respect tradition. First-rate ingredients and dishes prepared as they were meant to be, by putting flavours first, quite simply. Alpine decor.
La Bouitte – St Martin de Belleville – 3 Michelin stars
René and Maxime make a remarkable duo: they've been working together for 20 years and will celebrate La Bouitte's 40th anniversary in December 2016. This self-taught father and son team has developed an original and understated cuisine, honest and irreverent, which draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of Savoie while paying homage to them.
The Michelin Inspectors View: The father and son team of René and Maxime Meilleur combine their talents in this delightful restaurant. The art of invention and their love of the Savoie shine forth, epitomised by the finest ingredients, herbs picked in mountain pastures and meticulous preparation and presentation. Cosy guestrooms make the chalet a charming place to stay.
Jean Sulpice – Val Thorens – 2 Michelin stars
This young Savoyard, who trained, amongst others, under Marc Veyrat, provides healthy, creative and authentic cuisine revolving around local, seasonal produce such as a ‘chestnut velouté with a parmesan chaud-froid and grated truffles’. At his side is his wife, Magali Sulpice, who is a Sommelier. She proposes unusual, yet lively and tasty wine combinations.
The Michelin Inspectors View: At this restaurant 2 300m above sea level, the food reaches new heights. Enjoy exceptional ingredients from Savoie, an interplay of textures (fluffy, crisp, creamy), cooked and seasoned to perfection, and a harmony of flavours. Jean Sulpice and his wife, an excellent sommelier, work their magic!
Azimut – Courchevel Le Praz – 1 Michelin star
François Moureaux has inspired the richness of his cuisine from his love of superior products. During the season, a selection of fresh products is demonstrated. His precision and creativity have been awarded with one star in the Michelin Guide.
The Michelin Inspectors View: A pleasant and reasonably priced restaurant, serving up confident food that is simple and contemporary, and made with excellent ingredients. Good wines from the Jura – the region to which the establishment heads in the summer season. Friendly welcome.
Le Farcon – La Tania – 1 Michelin star
“My idea is to find the spontaneity of a kitchen inspired by market finds, nature around me and my meetings with suppliers, producers and other passionate farmers. It is for these reasons that I propose a menu consisting of a starter, a fish or meat, dessert and last a creation of the chef.” Chef Julien Machet
The Michelin Inspectors View: The pleasant chalet-style decor – the handiwork of the chef’s father, a carpenter – is an ode to Savoie. However, the food roams an altogether broader territory of flavours with inventiveness, care and finesse. For a culinary escapade outside Courchevel.
Contact us to discuss the best dining in the Alps, and where to stay between meals... We are the experts on both! Call 01933 899 420 or enquire here.
