LOCATION
The Folie Douce in Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort – this chain has fi ve other bars to its name
See LEGGETT
IMMOBILIER at the French
Property Exhibition Stand 27
spots to enjoy relaxing after a day on the slopes.
VAL THORENS Starting at the top, Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort, is home to one of the aforementioned Folie Douce bars, as well as Klub Summit, on Rue de Gebroulaz, which has the greatest elevation of all. It plays a range of music from rock to disco to get everyone up on the fl oor. In fact, with more than 40 bars and three night clubs here, the choice is legendary. You could start making your way down off the mountain with karaoke at Red Fox. While the Rue de Gebroulaz
is the place to enjoy the party scene, Malaysia and Baramix (Val Thorens’s two other nightclubs), are across town. Malaysia, the largest, has legendary visiting DJs such as Calvin Harris. Folie Douce has defi nitely got the mix right and is open in fi ve locations – starting in Val d’Isère, it can also be found in Megève, Méribel and Alpe d’Huez.
between. Après ski activities are equally wide-ranging: sophisticated cocktails, great food and electronic dance music rocking round the clock till 4 or 5am, or as simple as a glass of beer or wine in a timber- lined Alpine bar. During my many visits to
the ski resorts of the Alps, I have undertaken ‘exhaustive’ research (I use the term advisedly) into the après ski scene and found some great venues. My list is by no means exhaustive – I’d need to write a novel to include every place I’ve been, there are so many resorts and villages – but here are just a few of my favourite
MEGÈVE The fi rst purpose-built ski resort in the Alps, Megève is full of charm, with chic rustic chalets, upmarket hotels and designer boutiques, with cobbled medieval streets at its pedestrianised centre. For the more energetic, après ski could include night snowshoeing, but for the well-heeled serious partygoer, why not start with tartifl ette at M restaurant, where cheese is selected and tasted with the care of someone sampling the fi nest wines. With a wide choice of clubs
and bars, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Megève: gamble your sous at the Casino, or fi nd Club Cocoon where the locals go, which has possibly more
“Megève is full of charm, with chic rustic chalets, upmarket hotels, designer boutiques and cobbled medieval streets”
€549,000
ELEGANT TOWN CENTRE HOME An amazing town property discreetly situated just two minutes from the centre of Moûtiers, the main access point to Les Trois Vallées. This buzzing town off ers everything you could need, with its own TGV station – a boon in winter – with connections back to the UK. Elegant and charming, the house has four bedrooms, entrance hall, feature staircase, generous living and dining rooms and a lovely garden. Plus there’s a separate one-bedroom house in the grounds – ideal to let or for house guests.
€575,000
SKI-IN, SKI-OUT APARTMENT Light, bright and charming, this two-bedroom apartment in Courchevel is less than 200m fl at walk to the ski liſt . It’s sold fully furnished, you just need to bring your suitcases! The property off ers generous living and has a well-organised kitchen, while outside, there’s a large sunny terrace, heated driveway and covered parking – all within staggering distance of après ski!
attractive prices. Then, if jazz is your thing, le Club de Jazz les Cinq Rues is not to be missed.
CHAMONIX Another day, another resort – this time Chamonix, which has a reputation as one of the world’s premier skiing destinations, with après ski life to match. At Chambre Neuf, it’s standing room only – especially when it’s two-for-one cocktail time. At L’Amnesia, the party goes on till 4am, which sometimes might be best forgotten. La Terrasse right in the centre of town is a popular
spot where revellers enjoying extended happy hour can people-watch and drink in the scene. Then for beer lovers, The Pub is where you can enjoy a pint and watch live sport in an English-styled bar. Again for jazz fans, at Maison des Artistes you can sit in leather-chaired comfort with local vin chaud and drink in music!
MÉRIBEL In Méribel, if you’re still looking for a taste of England, you can have a burger and a pint in La Taverne in its main ‘pub’, or sample a choice of
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