Our all time top ten for bars, clubs and eateries in Val d'Isere
What could be more fitting to kick off the year 2022 than an all top time top ten! And who better to vote than those that represent the font of all Val d'Isere knowledge - our wonderful Le Chardon staff, who advise our guests throughout the season. Fear no more – from the best burgers to melt in your mouth hot chocolate, a view to die for or cosy, log fire feel – find the best of Val d'Isere, rated by Le Chardon.
1/ What is the best piste pit stop
With a fabulous sun terrace and low key, funky feel, Bar de l'Ouillette Plage is the perfect spot for a petit café, chocolat or thé with a dazzling array of gourmet pastries, tartelettes and petits pains to refuel the reserves. Pink and green ‘grass' umbrellas and exotic plants give it an edgy feel in the spring – you could be in the tropics if it weren't for the surrounding white stuff.
2/ What is the best lunch time spot with a view
As per its namesake, Le Panoramic is unsurprisingly the top scorer in this spot! At the top of the Grande Motte funicular, this restaurant commands spectacular views across the whole of Espace Killy. There is a self-service restaurant for quick snacks and sit down area too with good, all round standard of cuisine.
3/ What is the best cosy, fire side restaurant on the mountain
A favourite of the Rennie family, Le Signal wins the prize for invitingly toasty, regularly stoked log fire, served with a warm creamy carbonara or lasagne – the perfect mountain comfort food. Meanwhile you can pop upstairs for more of a ‘fine dining' experience. Situated at the top of the Le Fornet cable car, it's a good choice for meeting non skier friends too.
4/ What is the most tempting menu on the piste
Carpaccio of scallop, mille feuille de foie gras poele or traditional steak hache with a basil, parmesan and pine nut twist…. mmmm! Tete de Solaise has a tantalising menu of melt in the mouth delights, which some of us have been lucky enough to sample. One not to miss – Solaise side!
5/ What is the best restaurant for all time Frenchness
A favourite with our guests, Edelweiss oozes traditional French charm as it nestles alongside the tree lined runs of Le Fornet. Perfect for a hot choc stop or a relaxed lunch, the cuisine never fails to disappoint although be warned, it's difficult to get a table and don't expect any favours!
6/ Where is the best mountain burger
There is something about ski hunger that only a burger can satisfy! And if it's a burger you want, La Peau de Vache delivers in spades. Beef burgers, duck burgers, lamb burgers… all delivered with the warmest, most extraordinary service on the mountain (thank you Didi). With a funky ambiance and décor, it's refreshingly good value too.
7/ Where is the all time top spot for mountain ambiance
Some habits die hard! Folie Douce still undoubtedly retains the mantle of best all time mountain spot with its crazy French techno beats, array of fancy dress clad regulars and perfectly placed, dance compatible tables – ready to kick off reliably from 3pm every day come snow or shine. Hardly a secret but there we go! Meanwhile all eyes are on new après-ski bar, Cocorico, with live bands and a shiny new terrace promising to rival Folie Douce. Certainly worth a visit, which leads us to…
8/ Where is the best place to ‘party like it's 1999'
With a music play list that transcends the ages, Cocorico (formerly Le Chalet) is the place to party if techno isn't your thing. Meanwhile it's reported that Firekind, an indie band made up of three British chaps who won Battle of the Bands a few years ago, and who play live from 4pm at Cocorico on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are worth the trip, while long time, Ed Mullit covers Tuesdays and Thursdays.
9/ Where is the best bar for VIP treatment
Popular with our corporate groups, Doudoune offers a dedicated VIP area with table service to avoid the inevitable scrum at the bar, for an agreed fee. Sit and savour the Belvedere Vodka or bubbly and enjoy the big name DJ beats on the ever well attended Saturday night.
10/ Where is the all time favourite drinking corner with the locals
Off the pistes there are a few drinking holes that we love. Café Face is a long running favourite but Coin des Amis is hard to beat for a few jars with the local Val d'Isere folk. Small, tucked away in the main square, Coin des Amis does some great shots, serves up good tunes and offers an all round ‘feel good' buzz.
Did we miss any?