Backstage in Val d'Isère
Come backstage in Val d'Isère to see what really goes on behind the scenes; you can visit the machine room and find out more about the CATEX system (cable transported explosives).
The beautiful village centre with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains
Val d'Isère centre is an array of lovely shops, restaurants, chalets, hotels and apartments. This bustling village centre is nestled into the valley, complete with classic chalet-style hotels and buildings constructed with stone and wood giving the centre a traditional and warm feel.
The centre is where the heart of the resort lies and it's easy to see why it remains a popular destination for many.
A beautiful village with lots to do, Val d'Isère stands at an altitude of 1,850m, making it one of the highest resorts in Europe. The bustling centre is filled with bars, restaurants and shops and has a wonderfully traditional feel to it.
The centre of Val d’Isère is the place to be if you want to stay right at the heart of the action. It offers easy access to ski schools, shopping and, of course, the town’s legendary bars and nightclubs.
When it comes to accommodation, a lot of what is on offer is ski-in and ski-out. There really is something for everyone here, ranging from luxury five-star hotels to family-friendly chalets and self-catering apartments.
Le Laisinant sits just beyond Val d’Isère and offers modern ski-to-the-door accommodation with easy access to the slopes. While the hamlet has few local amenities, it is well connected to the town centre by ski buses and is ideal if you are looking for a relaxed, convenient base close to the pistes.
| Location | Km from Val d'Isère | Best for |
| Val d'Isere centre | - | Being at the centre of everything |
| Le Crêt | 1 | Charming, traditional village |
| La Daille | 1.8 | Good value for money |
| Le Joseray | 1.2 | Hamlet, ski-in ski-out |
| La Legettaz | 1.2 | Hamlet, ski-in ski-out |
| Le Chatelard | 1.2 | Hamlet, ski-in ski-out |
| Le Laisinant | 1.2 | Modern and quaint |
| Le Fornet | 2.5 | Off-piste haven |
Val d'Isère plays host to a number of winter and summer events, notably the Frostgun freestyle skiing competition and occasionally the Tour de France.
Come backstage in Val d'Isère to see what really goes on behind the scenes; you can visit the machine room and find out more about the CATEX system (cable transported explosives).
Head to the Savonnette piste after closing for some sledging fun with the kids.
Discover the joy of racing head to head with your rival on parallel slalom courses on the floodlit Savonnettes piste.
Sledging of the future! Why not try this snake-like sledging where a group of you are linked together in a chain of up to 10 people.
Compete for the chance to win some great prizes, followed by a barbeque hosted by the snow team.
Free activity where kids can discover what goes on behind the scenes of the ski area.
In the centre of Val d'Isère there is culture and history on display. Unlike the hamlets which have developed and grown with the popularity of the resort and are relatively modern, the centre and the old town has been around for many years.
Notably the church is one of the oldest buildings in Val d'Isère, built in 1664 and named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, the patron saint of mountain dwellers. One of the few churches that wasn't destroyed by the French revolutionaries, it still stands today in the heart of the ‘old town’ as a testament to years gone-by, regarded by many as a symbol of the strength and soul of the village.
For a little bit of culture you can head to the Jane Griffiths art gallery where you can browse her work and even purchase a piece.
Opened in December 2017 and located in the heart of Val d'Isère, the renovated Maison de Val hosts a museum dedicated to the history of the area.
Community space with libraries, cinema, free WiFi and exhibitions about local history.
With an eclectic mix of restaurants to choose from in the centre there will be something to suit everyone's taste buds. Local French restaurants can be found dotted around the high street along with sushi restaurants, Italian restaurants and the more traditional Savoyard restaurants.
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce après-ski and gourmet hotspot, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes based on traditional flavours.
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce hotspot, enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine prepared by a renowned chef and his Italian team.
Although Val d'Isère has many fine restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice at La Table de l'Ours.
Enjoy lunch on the large terrace on sunny days, or in the evening settle into the welcoming and stylish dining area and enjoy the laid-back ambiance. You can expect a varied menu of sharing platters, salads, grilled meats, generous pizzas, and home-made patisseries and desserts. A children's menu is also available. If you're just stopping in for a quick bite, there's also the snack bar for lighter meals.
Organic coffee, cold-pressed juices and healthy meals are all this cafe is about. The place to recharge before venturing out into the mountains.
There is a bustling nightlife scene in Val d'Isère, from lively bars and lounges at après-ski to nightclubs where you can dance until daylight. Whether you're looking for a more refined place to drink or a dancing on tables kind of bar, there is literally something for everyone here!
La Folie Douce in Val d’Isere is a true mountain icon, offering an unforgettable blend of gastronomy, celebration, and art de vivre. From the moment you arrive, the energy is palpable, making it the perfect spot for après-ski lovers looking to extend the fun well into the evening. Whether you’re here for lively music, spectacular performances, or simply to soak up the alpine atmosphere, every visit promises something special.
Le Blizzard Bar in Val d’Isere is a cosy and welcoming spot where you can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. Sink into the soft, comfortable sofas, warm yourself by the fireplace, and take your time with a book, a chat with friends, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere.
Doudoune Club opened 2008 and has since brought some of the biggest and best club nights to Val d’Isère.
La Cave sur le Comptoir is a warm and characterful wine bar in Val d’Isere, designed for people who genuinely love good wine and enjoy sharing it in a relaxed setting. Part wine cellar, part bar, and part counter kitchen, it offers an intimate atmosphere that feels welcoming from the moment you step inside.
Avancher Bar opens its doors to guests and visitors looking to unwind in Val d’Isere, offering a welcoming spot to relax after a day in the mountains. Step inside and you’ll find a cosy, warm atmosphere that’s ideal for easing out of ski boots and settling in for the evening. The main lounge is comfortable and inviting, perfect for quiet conversations and a laid-back drink.
La Taverne d’Alsace in Val d’Isere offers a warm and characterful dining experience inspired by the traditions of an Alpine winstub. Located beneath Hôtel Kandahar, this cosy Alsatian brasserie is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes or exploring the resort, where generous flavours and comforting dishes take centre stage.
In the winter, the centre of Val d'Isère is a buzzing and vibrant place to be. Boutique, designer and sports shops line the high street, restaurants and bars welcome guests from the cold outside and intricate ice sculptures can often be seen dotted around the pavements. With the regular bus services to and from the Rond Point giving access to both the Solaise and Bellevarde ski area, to La Daille and to Le Fornet you can hop on the bus and be at a ski area within minutes.
The summer welcomes beautiful sunshine, green trees and plenty to do. Mountain biking is a popular activity in the summer with lift access from Val to Tignes allowing you access to the various trails and routes the mountain has to offer. There are also several walking and hiking routes that you can do giving you the freedom to explore the mountains and their breathtaking scenery. Plenty of summer activities are perfect for families and groups; you can even jump in the car and drive over to Tignes to indulge in a spot of summer skiing on the glacier.
The centre of Val is much quieter in the summer but it still has a lot to offer. The sports centre is open all year round so there is access to the swimming pool and gym, as well as some of the sports shops and restaurants on the high street opening their doors.
Sledding tours and adventures in the Tarentaise.
Try something new this winter with a guided e-bike session on snow (from eight years old). Join a sunrise ride above Val d’Isère or hire an electric bike in the afternoon and head off on your own adventure.
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
An evening adventure in the woods of Les Boisses, Tignes
See the village and mountains from a different perspective and fly with the eagles.
Tennis school at the Manchet Parc des Sports offering private coaching, equipment hire and group lessons.
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
This company offers a whole host of watersports activities in and around the local area.
There are a wide variety of chalets to choose from, available year-round and catering for every need and want.
Perched at 1930m in the tranquil Le Fornet area of Val d’Isère, the luxuriously appointed and beautifully decorated Arolay Penthouse offers a unique alpine experience as one of the highest duplex penthouses in the French Alps.
A rustic 125m2 independent chalet with authentic charm, sleeping 8 people.
This gorgeous chalet has been decorated throughout with a mixture of contemporary and classically rustic touches that create a charming and welcoming alpine retreat.
Luxury catered chalet with hot tub, just minutes from the slopes and village centre.
Chalet Face à Face is a sensational blend of traditional alpine-inspired architecture and stunning interior design, offering incredible views from a ski-in/ski-out location.
Stylish and spacious chalet with spa, easy slope access and peaceful location close to the centre.
There are hundreds of apartments and chalet-style apartments to choose from catering for every group size.
This spacious apartment is situated in the heart of resort and offers a rustic comfortable accommodation.
Exceptional and luxurious apartment with hammam, jacuzzi and fire place
Chalet Face à Face is a sensational blend of traditional alpine-inspired architecture and stunning interior design, offering incredible views from a ski-in/ski-out location.
In a very central location with amazing views, this apartment is less than a minute's walk from the slopes, with shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars just around the corner.
Ideally located on the 2nd floor, right in the centre of Val D’Isere, at the edge of the nursery slopes – ski to the door.
Holiday rentals in Val d'Isere
Val d'Isère centre has a number of excellent luxury hotels that are located in the heart of this buzzing resort. Ranging from the traditional and warm to the more modern/boutique style hotels with opulent designs and luxurious interiors. There are plenty of hotels that also have a spa where you can relax and indulge after a hard day in the mountains.
Located on the edge of the resort facing the slopes, the Residence Les Balcons de Bellevarde, with façades of local wood and stone enjoys maximum sun exposure. Entirely refurbished, the apartments are comfortable and welcoming. Balconies offer uninterrupted views over the slopes or the Val d'Isère valley. The Funival railway is 200m away and shops and services 100m.
Located at the entrance to the resort, in the La Daille district, facing the slopes, the residence enjoys an exceptional sun exposure and offers an uninterrupted view over the valley and its traditional village. Between 5m and 100m from shops and restaurants and 1 km from the centre of Val d'Isère.
Hotel les Barmes de l'Ours is one of Val d'Isere's finest accommodations. Superbly situated for the ski area it is located at the foot of the famous La Face piste.
This fabulous hotel offers stylish contemporary accommodation for the discerning traveller just 200 metres from the slopes and in the heart of resort close to all the shops, restaurants and bars.
Situated near to the centre of Val d'Isere, this hotel has a great location and is just 50 metres from the free shuttle buses.
This hotel is in Val d'Isere 1850, the heart of the Espace Killy. It is located at the foot of the ski runs and in the centre of the village, only 2 minutes walk from the mountains.
This company offers reliable private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isère. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
Compact fully renovated studio located in the old town with close proximity to the pistes.
Experience an unparalleled stay in the heart of the resort with this stunning 172.40m2 apartment.
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
South facing apartment ideally located in the prestigious residence 'Le Squaw Valley', close to the slopes and only 50 metres from the church.
This charming 21m² studio apartment is ideally located in the heart of Val d'Isère, just a short walk from local shops and the slopes.
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
Find out what's happening in Val d'Isère and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts, all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsVal d'Isère hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. There are constant ski racing competitions throughout the winter, as well as the much anticipated La Scara youth event each April. In the summer, the resort plays home to some major trail running events such as the High Trail Vanoise in July, with Tour de France stages often passing nearby in July.
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