Where to find the best apres-ski in the French Alps

Wednesday, 28 December 2011 10:04 AM

If you're planning a skiing holiday in the French Alps, you might want to head to Les Menuires, where some of the best apres-ski can be found. For a taste of luxury after you come off the piste for the day, this would be a good choice.

This resort has much to offer skiers of all abilities and whether you're just starting out or already have a set of well-worn ski gear, you are sure to have a wonderful time.

Of course, you can't spend your entire time out on the piste and you will no doubt be ready for some rest and relaxation once you put down your skis for the day.

You will have lots of spas at your disposal if you do decide to head to Les Menuires, such as the one at the Aquaclub. Here, you can spend a bit of time in the swimming pool or getting warm again in the sauna. There is also an aquagym, a solarium area and Turkish showers, as well as a Jacuzzi and a hammam.

Alternatively, you might want to make your way to the Espace Bien-etre, which boasts sunbeds and a wellbeing area, along with professionals ready to give you a water massage - perfect if what you're seeking is a lot of relaxation after putting yourself through your paces on the snow.

If you're keen to escape the resort for a few hours and want to find some delicious French cuisine to tantalise your taste buds, you could head out to the Boucherie Traiteur Les Alpages delicatessen where will find a few delicacies to take back to your hotel with you.

Once you return, you are sure to want to find somewhere good to have a nice evening meal and you may well want to take off your snow jacket and find a table at the Le Medz-e-ry cabaret restaurant, which can be found in the Preyerand district out on the slopes.

You might also enjoy a visit to La Ferme Auberge Chantacoucou in the Chatelard Hamlet. This themed restaurant serves up traditional French regional cuisine, so it would be a good choice for anyone keen to really get a feel for the country.

If you have children with you, you might like to consider some of the apres-ski entertainment that is put on here. Youngsters are sure to want to take part in a sledging contest or play football on the snow and, if this doesn't appeal to you, you can leave them to it while you head off to hear a classical concert during Les Rendez-Vous Musicaux des Belleville.

Want to go sightseeing before you fly back home? You can visit the village of Saint-Martin at night and see it all lit up by torchlight, learning about the history of the valleys and discover the local heritage before trying out some of the local produce.

Alternatively, you could go to the Musee de Saint Martin to find out about the history of the high-altitude valley in Savoie throughout the 20th century. This can be found in the middle of the village in an old Belleville farm and traces the course of 150 years of history.

Wherever you decide to go, make sure you stock up on the essentials at a skiwear sale before you set off!