France

St Martin de Belleville

Traditional, pretty chalet-style resort. Easy access to 3 Valleys skiing. 3 star Michelin dining

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St Martin de Belleville resort guide - a general overview

St Martin de Belleville is a totally traditional Savoyard village with an old church, small square, pleasant buildings and very easy links into the entire Three Valleys ski domain. St Martin de Belleville has been voted a 'Top 10 Picture Postcard Resort' by Peter Hardy (travel journalist).

The resort is known for its traditional restaurants (4 of which are listed in the Michelin guide) which serve local Savoyarde dishes with a smile. One of these is the famous La Bouitte Restaurant (3 Michelin stars!) which is located in the neighbouring hamlet of St Marcel - perfect for the chalet staff night off! The village nightlife is not rocking of course but there are enough bars to satisfy.

Being a small resort the local ESF ski school is really very good. The Piou Piou creche takes children from 2.5 to 6 years old and can look after children all day (9am - 5pm) with lunch included. As the creche is located right next to the main lift station it makes this resort very easy for families with younger children. If you prefer children can take half day lessons or care.

There are two spa centres in or near resort. One is part of the famous La Bouitte restaurant/hotel which is located in Marcel, a little hamlet just a couple of km from St Martin de Belleville. This has a Jacuzzi and sauna as well as treatment rooms. The other, La Belle Vie, is in St Martin de Belleville resort. Relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs or at the 'chill-out' area whilst appreciating the magical mountain setting. There is also a herbal tea room and changing facilities. This fantastic new spa facility is open during the winter months 10am - 8pm. There are even aquatic sessions designed for small children from the age of 4 months!

There are some fantastic chalets in St Martin de Belleville which we recommend very highly for comfort, service and food. As the operators who run them are small owner run concerns you are always assured of the best standards.

Photos courtesy of: C. Cousin, G. Lansard, P. Royer, R. Thibaut, V. Lottenberg and D. Andre.

Resort stats

600km

1,400m - 3,195m

Level of skiing

Beginners
Intermediates
Experts
Snow sure
Off-piste
Ski area

Qualities

Charm factor
Non-skiers
Nightlife
Resort layout
Fine dining
Short transfer
Resort value
6 Day Pass
235 euros

Airports

Chambery
2hrs
Lyon
2hrs 30mins
Geneva
2hrs 30mins

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • A very attractive little village and some good modern developments too
  • Easy access to the enormous Three Valleys ski area
  • Long easy intermediate slopes lead down to the village centre
  • Extensive snow making keeps the home pistes going late to the season's end
  • New spa centre, La Belle Vie, with indoor/outdoor pool, wellness facilities and relax area

Cons

  • The home pistes are West facing and therefore get slushy at the end of the season
  • There are no easy green runs for total beginners to progress to
  • The village is quiet and offers little in the way of off-slope entertainment

Restaurants

St Martin de Belleville Resort Restaurants

For a relatively small village, St Martin de Belleville has an strong restaurant scene. La Bouitte, just down the road in neighbouring Saint Marcel, remains the headline. A long lunch here is something to plan properly rather than squeeze between ski runs.

Back in the village itself, Le Montagnard is probably the cosiest Savoyard restaurant in St Martin and consistently one of the hardest tables to get. Le Simple & Meilleur is another standout.

For something more casual, La Voûte and Le Grenier, are good options with a quieter atmosphere and excellent value for the standard of food.

If you are after something slightly different, Maya Altitude brings an unusual Himalayan-inspired taste with Savoyard dishes cooked over charcoal grills and tandoor ovens. Nearby, L’Art B is a smart wine and cocktail bar that is worth visiting.

St Martin de Belleville Mountain Restaurants

For a small resort the choice of mountain restaurants is also surprisingly strong. Le Corbeleys, beside the St Martin Express lift, is one of the best stops.

Further across the valley, Le Trait d’Union, sitting just above the St Martin gondola, is a mountain refuge that combines simple Savoyard food with an off-grid atmosphere and spectacular views.

Towards Val Thorens, Chez Pépé Nicolas or La Ferme de Reberty around Les Menuires are reliable options.

St Martin de Belleville Apres Ski

Après ski in St Martin is much more low-key but that is partly the appeal. Most people finish the day with a drink rather than a full-blown party. Le Pourquoi Pas is one of the better spots for this, with live music and good wine.

The village bars around the church and main square also stay lively in the early evenings.

St Martin de Belleville Nightlife

Nightlife in St Martin is deliberately understated, only a handful of bars stay open late.

St Martin de Belleville Resort Map

Key

  • Funicular
  • Cable Car
  • Gondola
  • Chair lift
  • Drag lift
  • Property