The Cheesy Charm Of Courchevel

Courchevel is a popular alpine ski destination, but this fantastic resort has more to it than meets the eye – it is also a paradise for foodies! Before you get anywhere near a pair of skis, why not try some of the sumptuous cuisine that Courchevel has to offer.

If the seasoned and cured meats from alpine cattle are not enough to tempt your palate, then you could always try one of the lake fish dishes, such as char, trout, pike and perch. And if that still doesn't get your tummy rumbling, then tuck into the ultimate delight of the Alps: its delicious array of local cheeses from Abondance and Beaufort.

No gastronomic trip to the Alps would be complete without sampling its iconic fondue. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to try one in Courchevel. However, like most things French and Swiss, there is an intricate etiquette associated with eating fondue. Here’s how to prepare for your cheesy adventure!

Etiquette 

1. Do not stir counter clockwise: purists say that the cheese must be stirred clockwise or in a figure of eight to stop the cheese from homogenizing right to the bottom. 

2. Twirl away the flyaway strands of cheese and drips around your chunk of bread. And, it goes without saying, don’t double dip unless you want to be labelled uncouth. 

3. Only drink white wine, kirsch or herbal tea. If you drink water, juice or beer, it will cause the cheese to coagulate and form a ball in your stomach, resulting in excruciating indigestion. 

4. Although it sounds tempting, don't follow a cheese fondue with a chocolate one: it is best to round off your meal with chunks of pineapple. The acidity in the fruit will help you digest your meal more quickly. 

Where to Eat

We've scoured all the restaurants in Courchevel to find the best three haunts to fuel your fromage fantasies. Let’s take a look!

Le Petit Savoyard, 1650 – This traditional, cosy little restaurant in 1650 offers wonderful typical Savoyard cuisine. Staples such as fondue, raclette and pierrade all come with potatoes and a salad, meaning that you definitely won't leave feeling hungry. Vegetarians are catered for and the impressive wine list won't bust your budget. Book in advance to avoid disappointment, as this place is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Le Bo A Mil, Meribel Village – If you're willing to go slightly further afield, this homely restaurant is definitely worth a try. Set in a converted barn with a backdrop of farm tools and mill stones, the fondue here is a hearty pleasure. With a slight almondy flavour (due to the generous glug of Kirsch), the fondue is different from what you might expect, but in a good way! For those who want to avoid a cholesterol coma, there is also a well-dressed salad and charcuterie on offer. 

La Table de Mon Grand Pere, Saint-Bon-Tarentaise – We have saved the best for last, as this place is definitely the hands-down winner for the best fondue. Located in Hotel Les Peupliers in Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, it is famous for two things: its vin chaud (mulled wine) and its truffle fondue. It is the truffle oil which gives this cheesy sensation a superstar status, lending it a sumptuous, smoky, heavenly taste. It will surely send any foodie to paradise and back. To quench your thirst, a carefully crafted wine list is also available.

How to Get There

Although Courchevel is located high in the French Alps, it is actually really easy to get to. Most people fly to Geneva Airport (GVA) as it is easy to travel from Geneva to Courchevel. In around an hour and a half, our knowledgeable local drivers will whisk you from Geneva to Courchevel while you relax and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you need an airport transfer from Geneva to Courchevel, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.