Valloire - eat, drink, party
Village restaurants
At the end of the day, the L’Equipe bar on the side of the Christiania Hotel has a congenial, warm atmosphere and is where the ski instructors and their older pupils seem to head for an aprés-ski vin chaud. Elsewhere, there are plenty of activities for younger people including the outdoor ice-rink (open every day except Saturday), bowling at the adjacent Le Mafayo (+33(0)4 79 83 30 20), a cinema which screens some films in English (VO), the Slalom discotheque (free entry, open from midnight every night) and the Mast’Rock Café (+33(0)4 79 05 34 52 ) which has a season-long programme of music and live concerts. Le Moussequif Pub on the Route des Villards (+33(0)4 79 59 09 58) shows televised football matches.
Mountain restaurants
The Crey du Quart sector has most choice for on-mountain dining. The Auberge de l’Archaz (+33 4 79 59 78 28) is a cosy restaurant accessible on foot from L’Archaz (last bus stop), or by skiing the blue Lutins piste. Expect generous portions of Savoyard specialities served inside, or on a balcony with a great view. Les Mérégers (+33 6 11 28 19 83) is accessible to skiers via the Selles blue piste from Le Grand Plateau. A no-nonsense menu includes pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. Add quick and friendly service plus amazing views and you can see why this is a popular lunchtime stop. Le Chalet de Montissot (+33 6 25 91 43 43) has a relaxed ambience with music on the terrace, tasty food and efficient table service. The Chalet de la Brive (+33 4 79 59 59 39 ) and the Château Ripaille (+33 4 79 83 31 34) are large self-service caféterias though Chalet de la Brive (accessible by pedestrians) does have a restaurant area with table service. The large sunny terraces are popular for a snack and a drink. If crowds put you off try Les Chalets de l’Arméra (+33 4 79 59 29 41). Situated right beside the Grapil blue piste, this satisfyingly remote-feeling restaurant enjoys valley views from a stone terrace, or you can warm up inside near an open fire.
There’s just one mountain restaurant in the Sétaz sector. Le Thimel (+33 4 79 05 36 65) is at the top of the gondola so is accessible to pedestrians. Though often very busy, it’s a good self-service restaurant with a great atmosphere.
In the village
There’s plenty of choice in Valloire, restaurants to suit most tastes and budgets, and it’s easy to ski down to the village at lunchtime. Midday menus can offer good value, as do snacks such at the ever-popular Kôsa Krûta sandwich bar, a short walk from the Brive gondola (+33 6 81 58 28 01). Inside it’s a tight squeeze, but worth a few minutes wait to get a table if it’s busy. You can phone your order in advance, or take away a picnic, complete with back-pack, thermos, something to sit on and a rubbish sack. Vegetarians should not be put off by the menu, as all sandwiches are made to order.
Bistrot Chez Fred (Avenue de la Vallée d’Or, +33 4 79 59 08 32) in the centre of Valloire is a must do for many regular visitors. Its gourmand bistro-style menu includes typical Savoyard food served in a relaxed, cosy bar, or on the terrace when weather allows. La Poutre (+33 4 79 59 08 75), in the hamlet of Bonnenuit off the Route de Galibier, is 10 minutes drive from Valloire. Here you’ll find authentic Savoyard dishes in a traditional-style restaurant with exposed stone walls and simple, warm ambiance. Advance booking recommended. For more local and regional specialities, visit the recently-opened Chalet des Saveurs (+33 4 79 59 21 44 ) behind the Tourist Office on Place de l’Eglise. With a salon de thé, épicerie, WiFi hotspot and restaurant, and you’ll find a warm welcome and delicious food at any time of day.
For a special evening, try Le Hameau Gourmand in the Patchwork Altitude Hotel where you’ll find a varied choice of menus using fresh local produce. Alternatively, the Christiania hotel restaurant in the centre of the village offers a contemporary dining experience with a modern, refined menu using fresh ingredients.