Our first holiday in Megève

We always enjoy hearing about owners’ experiences with their homes and their new surroundings – especially when visiting for the very first time. Here, an owner family shares their personal story and first impressions from a winter holiday in Megève.

Arrival and first impressions

Our flight lands in Geneva at 7:30 pm on Monday, and an hour later our skis, boots, and suitcases are loaded into the minibus arranged to take us directly to the door. Using our own key, we unlock the chalet apartment, and after unpacking and settling everything into the wardrobes, the cozy home already begins to feel like our own.

The apartment is located in one of Megève’s three main areas, Rochebrune. From here, it’s just a short walk to the nearest ski lift and approximately 600 meters to the town center.

The next morning, we stroll to the local bakery to pick up freshly baked croissants, followed by a visit to the nearby grocery store further down the road. Coffee and tea are already available in the apartment, but we enjoy a cup in the sun at a small café near the recommended ski rental shop.

Quiet slopes and a lively town atmosphere

It’s Tuesday morning, so the rental shop is quiet, and we quickly get fitted with helmets and poles. Skis and boots are stored free of charge at the shop, conveniently located next to the Rochebrune lift. On the way back, we purchase lift passes, and after a quick lunch, we finally click into our skis.

The first few days are spent exploring the terrain around the Rochebrune lift, which covers about a quarter of the ski area. It offers something for both experienced skiers and beginners alike. The slopes are wide and მშვიდ, allowing us to enjoy long, sweeping turns across the pistes.

The people we don’t encounter on the slopes, we instead find gathered at the mountain restaurants at lunchtime. The waiters are busy but welcoming, and the food arrives promptly. We enjoy delicious local dishes such as tartiflette, salade de chèvre chaud, charcuterie, and grilled lamb chops. The ski days typically end with either a cup of hot chocolate or a cold beer.

On Friday, the town center hosts its weekly market, offering everything from sheepskins and cashmere sweaters to street food and local produce. Megève has a wonderfully atmospheric charm, with a clear emphasis on quality. Walking through the cobbled streets, we pass one inviting restaurant, café, and bar after another. Towards the end of the week, we discover our favorite spot: a charming, authentic French café with oil lamps and closely set tables, where the evening ends with live music.

Evenings at home and farewell

Most evenings, we shop locally and cook dinner in the apartment. The kitchen is fully equipped, and with a speaker, an aperitif, and snacks at hand, it’s the perfect way to unwind after an active day. Later, we gather in the comfortable armchairs to chat or watch a film. This week’s choice is Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino, as we are currently making our way through the classic must-sees.

The week passes far too quickly, and before we know it, Sunday has arrived, with an early departure scheduled for Monday morning. Overnight, fresh snow has fallen, and Megève lies quiet and still beneath a thick white blanket as we make our way to the airport.

We are already looking forward to returning to our new home in the French Alps.