Forbes

"Megeve Hotels 2024: 7 Must-Book French Alpine Mountain Stays" by Forbes

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"The French Alpine village of Megève has long been a favorite destination with skiers, offering a sophisticated yet charming atmosphere and plenty of snowy slopes. Originally modeled after the glamorous Swiss ski resort St. Moritz, Megève owes much of its popularity to the Rothschild family, particularly Baroness Noémie de Rothschild, who transformed it into a luxury ski resort by adding ski lifts and places to stay in the 1920s.

With an elevation of 1,800 meters in the Mont d'Arbois area, just above the main village, Megève draws vacationers all year round for its skiing but also its hiking to mountain tops that are part of the Mont Blanc area. The main village is a quick 10-minute drive away, where high-profile visitors, including past icons like French singer Sacha Distel and artist Jean Cocteau, have come to soak up Megève's charms as the quieter alternative to nearby Courchevel. Recently, Megève's charm reached new audiences as it featured in the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris, putting it back in the spotlight as a must-visit winter destination."

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Hotels in the heart of Megève village

"Look past the newer spots and you'll find local haunts like Le Vieux Megève, known for its hearty raclettes enjoyed by an open fire, and L’Epicerie des Fermes packed with local produce, as well as an ice rink surrounded by little Christmas trees."

Les Fermes de Marie, Luxury Wellness Inside Authentic Alpine Chalets

"Les Fermes de Marie is the epitome of Alpine charm and one of the finest hotels in Megève. Tucked in a residential area a short walk from the main village, the mountain retreat was created by Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet, who have poured their passion for the region into every detail. Built in the 1980s from centuries-old farm chalets transported from across Savoie, the hotel exudes an authentic, rustic feel that makes it seem like it’s always been part of the landscape. On the way to the spa, make sure to check out the series of photos hanging on the wall depicting the beginnings of the project when Mr Sibuet built the chalets with his team.

Since 2011, the Sibuet children Marie and Nicolas have taken over the lead of the family's hotels and restaurants, which include the Mont Blanc and Lodge Park hotels in the village, as well as various restaurants, and properties further afield in St Tropez and St Barts.

At Les Fermes de Marie, 67 rooms and suites are dotted across nine wooden chalets, which give the sensation of staying in a private mountain farmhouse. The rooms are warm and inviting, with an understated Alpine-chic style and have terraces from which to soak up the sunshine while admiring the views of the surrounding Alps.

The heart of Les Fermes de Marie is its lobby bar and the chalet restaurant with a big open fireplace. The bar is often buzzing with a mix of guests and non-guests, and the restaurant serves a seasonal menu blending traditional Savoyard dishes with French classics, all sourced from the finest local producers.

After a day of skiing or hiking, the Pure Altitude spa is the perfect place to book some downtime, offering pampering treatments in a tranquil setting with a deep blue pool that has views of the garden. Also a skincare brand carefully crafted with ingredients from the area, Pure Altitude was created by Marie Sibuet, and reflects the family’s deep ties to the region and commitment to maintaining Megève’s authentic allure.

Whether you’re curling up by the fire with a good book, lounging in one of the many cozy nooks while looking out at the surrounding landscape, or enjoying a game of chess at the bar, Les Fermes de Marie feels like a beautiful home steeped in the art of French Alpine living.

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