landmark
Place du Village
The central cobblestone square anchored by Saint-Jean-Baptiste church. Horse carriages line up here for town transit.
Vraag ParleyFrankrijk
Megeve
Rothschild glamour, Alpine heritage, and low-altitude slopes.
introduction
Overview
Megève was built in the 1920s as a French alternative to St. Moritz. Its medieval-style pedestrian core sits at 1,113 metres, surrounded by low-elevation pastures and pine forests. You travel across three connected mountains by horse-drawn carriage, free shuttle, or cable car. Expect steep prices, groomed slopes below the treeline, and Michelin-starred dining.
Arrival from Geneva
Take the SAT Mont-Blanc bus directly from Geneva Airport to Megève. The trip takes 75 minutes and avoids mountain driving.
Rothschild legacy
Noémie de Rothschild founded the resort in 1921. Her family established its architectural code and high-end profile.
Low altitude skiing
At 1,113 metres, snow reliability varies. Book in mid-January or February for guaranteed slope coverage.
Megeve
CBougault · CC BY-SA 4.0
Mont d'Arbois — Secluded luxury estates, five-star resorts, private chalets, and direct access to the golf course.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0
Fondue Savoyarde served with local cheeses and cured ham.
David Monniaux · CC BY-SA 3.0highlights
Highlights
landmark
Le Calvaire de Megève
A 19th-century path of 15 chapels climbing toward Mont d'Arbois. Walk it for quiet views over the valley without taking a lift.
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landmark
Rochebrune Cable Car
France's first purpose-built ski cable car opened here in 1933. It grants immediate access to wide red runs.
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landmark
Mont d'Arbois Summit
The main hub of the Évasion Mont-Blanc area. It links Megève directly to Saint-Gervais with clear Mont Blanc panoramas.
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landmark
Megève Altiport
One of the highest mountain airfields in Europe. You can book scenic flights directly over the Mont Blanc massif.
Vraag Parleyattractions
On the map
areas
Where life happens
Mont d'Arbois
Secluded luxury estates, five-star resorts, private chalets, and direct access to the golf course.
LuxuryGolfQuiet
AfwegingYou need a shuttle or vehicle to reach the village center at night.
DichtbijMont d'Arbois gondola and Golf du Mont d'Arbois.
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Rochebrune
Ski-in, ski-out residential zone with timber lodges and immediate cable car access.
Ski-in ski-outFamiliesResidential
AfwegingFewer evening dining options than the village center.
DichtbijRochebrune cable car and ski schools.
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Le Jaillet
Sun-exposed residential hill with family chalets and views across Megève town.
SunnyFamily friendlyRelaxed
AfwegingRequires a steep uphill walk if you stay above the gondola station.
DichtbijJaillet gondola and sports center.
Vraag ParleyVillage Center
Pedestrianised cobblestone lanes, luxury boutiques, horse sleighs, and historic Savoyard wooden chalets.
BoutiquesDiningApres-ski
AfwegingAccommodation prices are high and noise lingers near central bars.
DichtbijPlace du Village and Chamois lift.
Vraag Parleyfood
Savoyard tradition meets Michelin precision
Megève dining balances rustic Alpine cheese dishes with haute cuisine. Local restaurants serve traditional pela alongside modern dishes created by multi-starred chefs. Expect rich mountain produce: Beaufort, Abondance cheese, and freshwater arctic char from nearby lakes.
Fondue Savoyarde served with local cheeses and cured ham.
David Monniaux · CC BY-SA 3.0- Fondue and raclette etiquette
Order fondue cooked with local Abondance or Beaufort cheese rather than generic Emmental at places like Le Refuge du Calvaire.
- Lunch on the slopes
Book mountain restaurants like La Caboche or Super-Megève by 10:00 to secure outdoor deck tables.
- Michelin dining reservations
Flocons de Sel requires bookings two to three months ahead for winter weekend dinners.
history
A short history
Before 1912, Megève was a quiet agricultural valley living off timber and dairy farming. Baroness Noémie de Rothschild first visited Megève in 1916, during World War I, seeking a French alternative to St. Moritz. She bought land on Mont d'Arbois, commissioning architect Henry Jacques Le Même to design the modern Alpine chalet style.
- 1921
Palace Hotel opens
Baroness Rothschild opens the Palace Hotel at Mont d'Arbois, launching the resort.
- 1933
First cable car
The Rochebrune cable car opens as France's first dedicated passenger ski lift.
- 1950
Jet-set arrival
High society and film stars, including Brigitte Bardot, make Megève an international destination.
- 2017
Four Seasons launch
The Four Seasons opens on Mont d'Arbois, solidifying its luxury standing.
where to stay
Where to stay
Choose your base by your priority: immediate ski access or evening village access. Staying in the village center puts restaurants and boutiques on your doorstep, but you will walk or ride the Chamois lift to ski. Mont d'Arbois offers luxurious seclusion and slope access, though requires transport after dark.
- Luxury seekersMont d'Arbois — Secluded five-star hotels and Michelin dining on the slopes.
Welke buurt van Megeve past bij mijn reis?
transport
Getting around
Megève is compact and largely pedestrianized in the center. Electric Meg'bus shuttles connect the village center to Mont d'Arbois, Rochebrune, and Jaillet gondolas throughout the day.
Vanaf Geneva Airport (GVA)
- Direct Shuttle Bus1h 15m - 1h 30m€25 - €45
Seasonal buses operate directly from GVA terminals to Megève bus station; book ahead in winter.
- Taxi or Private Transfer1h - 1h 15m€180 - €260
Cross-border rate from Switzerland to France; night and Sunday surcharges apply.
- Train & Regional Bus2h - 2h 30m€20 - €35
Take Léman Express train to Sallanches-Combloux-Megève, then transfer to regional bus Y83.
- Rideshare1h - 1h 15m€90 - €150
Availability depends on cross-border driver authorization; BlaBlaCar is common.
Free electric shuttles connect the village center to ski gondolas every 15 to 20 minutes in peak season.
Cochers operate from Place du Village as functional taxis across the pedestrian zone.
Park at Village or Casino underground garages; street parking in the center is restricted.
The nearest train station is Sallanches-Combloux-Megève, 12 km away, connected by regional buses.
cost
What things cost
Megève is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the French Alps. Budget high for dining, accommodation, and ski passes.
- Day ski pass: €59 - €65
Covers 400 km of slopes across Megève, Saint-Gervais, and Les Contamines.
- Fondue dinner: €30 - €45 per person
Includes green salad and cured Alpine charcuterie.
- Horse carriage ride: €30 - €50
Standard fixed rates for short loops around the town center.
- Coffee on Place du Village: €4 - €7
You pay extra for terrace seats facing the central square.
seasonality
When to go
DEC – FEB
Peak ski season. Coldest temperatures and highest accommodation prices, especially during French school holidays.
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Snow
MAR – APR
Spring skiing with warmer days and sunnier terraces. Lower slopes soften quickly after mid-day.
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Snow
JUN – AUG
Summer hiking and mountain biking season. Clear Alpine trails and pleasant temperatures around 22°C.
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Snow
SEP – NOV
Low season. Many cable cars, hotels, and restaurants close entirely between winter and summer cycles.
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Snow
practicalities
Good to know
- Low elevation caution
Base town elevation is 1,113 metres. Check snow reports for low-altitude village return trails.
- Store opening hours
Boutiques close between 12:30 and 15:30 daily, reopening late into the evening.
- UV protection
Alpine snow reflects high UV levels even on overcast winter days; pack SPF 50 sunscreen.
- Ski lift insurance
Add Carré Neige ski insurance to your lift pass to cover mountain rescue costs.
- Pedestrian village etiquette
Watch for horse sleighs in pedestrian streets; they have right of way over foot traffic.