Megève Travel Guide - Discover the Chic Ski Resort of the French Alps in Wintertime

Explore the allure of Megève, a sophisticated ski resort nestled in the picturesque French Alps, as we guide you through the wonders of this charming destination during the enchanting winter season.

It's certainly not the first time we're telling you this but Rafael is a real winter fan, while I (Thomas) am a little less so — maybe because in my home region (Northern France), snow usually means everything comes to a halt! Growing up in Rio, Rafael only saw snow in movies — especially during Christmas time — making it feel almost magical! That's why every winter, he insists we travel somewhere snowy! After Füssen and the Taunus Mountains in 2018, Oslo in 2019, and Chamonix in 2020, we decided to go to the French Alps (again) in 2021. We stayed in the La Clusaz area for a week but decided to go on a day-trip to one of the most famous French ski resort: Megève!

Megève is a charming Alpine town, known for its unique mix of elegance and tradition. On one side, Megève offers luxury with its grand hotels, designer boutiques, and fine dining, while on the other, it holds onto its authentic Savoyard charm, with traditional chalets, horse-drawn carriages, and a rich mountain heritage. This travel guide gives you a glimpse of both sides of Megève in just one day, with some of our favorite snapshots of the town. Whether you’re strolling through its picturesque streets or hitting the slopes for an unforgettable ski experience, we’ve got you covered!

GENERAL INFORMATION

Megève is located in the famous Alps region, more particularly in Haute-Savoie. Haute-Savoie is a French département which is internationally known for its mountains, lakes and numerous ski resorts such as Chamonix, Morzine or La Clusaz. Megève's ski resort is located at the crossroads of the pre-Alpine massifs of the Giffre to the north, the Aravis chain to the west and the Alpine massif of Beaufortain to the southeast, which makes it an ideal place for skiing and hiking enthusiasts who can quickly immerse themselves in the mountainous nature.

This chic ski resort town is located at an average altitude of 1,113 meters (3,650 feet). Due to its altitude, the village offers a magnificent panorama of Mont Blanc and Megève's ski slopes offer breathtaking views on the surrounding mountain ranges. Megève is a tiny urban center located at high altitude and has just over 3,000 inhabitants; although this number seems relatively small, its population increases dramatically during the high tourist season. In short, as soon as you set foot in this mountain village and stroll through its streets, stone bridges and alleyways, you quickly understand why it became so popular!

HISTORY

Since the dawn of time, legends around the foundation of Megève did not stop spreading! One of these legends is the one involving Sire Faulignac de Gibertain, a knight who killed a dragon, whose blood formed the valley where the current town stands. But an even more famous legend is the one of Muffat and Grosset, two journeymen who are considered today as the founders of Megève. When they arrived in Megève, the place was a dreadful desert, haunted by horrible monsters and where thieves often came. And legend has it that a "flying viper" that devoured everyone it met was the reason why Megève was so uninhabitable. Muffat faced the ugly beast with his arrow while Grosset, his faithful companion, followed him with his heavy stick full of iron spikes. It was not without pain and fear that both of them managed to crush the big head of the viper and were finally able to kill it. From that moment, shepherds from the surroundings came to cultivate the land and settle in the village; this is how Megève was born.

However, as it was the case for most villages in the French Alps, Megève has been forgotten by history throughout the centuries. It was only during the Roaring Twenties (1920's) that the modern history of Megève began. In post-war France, the increase in salaries and the adoption of labor laws led to a new idea: vacation travel. And the richest did not want to be left out of this new era. This is why the famous Rothschild family decided to change Megève's peaceful peasant lifestyle. The family's goal was to build a French ski resort to compete with the neighboring Swiss resort of Saint-Moritz. Their desire was to create a winter sports resort bearing the symbols of the French art of living: luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. The resort developed fast and the first gondola was built in 1933, it was France's first gondola to be built for the sole purpose of bringing tourists to the top of the mountains so they could slide it down. Since then, Megève has been highly coveted by people from all over the world who come to visit this almost century-old chic resort.

GETTING THERE

Megève is easy to reach by plane, train, or car, making it a great destination for travellers heading to the French Alps.

• By plane: The nearest airports are Geneva (70 km, 1h), which has many international flights; Chambéry (85 km, 1h15), which mainly serves seasonal flights; and Lyon-Saint Exupéry (190 km, 2h20), a major airport with both domestic and international connections. From these airports, you can reach Megève by rental car, private transfer, or shuttle.
• By train: Megève does not have a train station, but you can take a train to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, the nearest station. Travellers from cities like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille must first go to Annecy, then take a regional train to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (about 2h10). From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Megève.
• By car: Driving to Megève is a great option, allowing you to explore the beautiful surroundings. The resort is easy to access, with key distances as follows: Chamonix (34 km, 45 min), Annecy (60 km, 1h20), Geneva (70 km, 1h10), and Lyon (190 km, 2h20). Roads are well-maintained, but in winter, snow tires or chains may be needed.

No matter how you travel, reaching Megève is simple, with stunning views along the way.

BEST THINGS TO DO

In this blog post, we've put together a list of the best things to do when visiting Megève, so you can make the most of your time in this charming village. Whether you're strolling through the town, enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride, ice skating in one of the village square, or hiking the scenic Sentier du Calvaire, there's plenty to explore! And of course, don't miss the opportunity to hit the slopes at the famous Megève ski resort, which offers something for every level of skier.

As mentioned above, Megève is a well-known ski resort that offers a unique blend of glamour and authenticity. On one hand, it exudes a jet-set charm, with luxurious hotels, high-end boutiques, and elegant designer shops that give the village a sophisticated feel. On the other hand, Megève has managed to preserve its authentic Savoyard character, with generations of carriage drivers, traditional baroque-style architecture, and breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif that showcase its deep-rooted heritage.

Megève is home to beautiful chalets, elegant hotels, designer boutiques, and art galleries. Its pedestrian-friendly center, with charming cobblestone streets and picturesque stone bridges, makes for a delightful walk. We love strolling down Rue Charles Feige, the main street lined with shops and cafés. From there, you can head to Quai du Glapet, where you'll spot the famous stone bridge. Another highlight is Place de l'Église, a lively square that, during the holiday season, features one of the most stunning Christmas trees in France. Just behind the square, you'll find a small street with yet another charming stone bridge. A visit to the Pré de Saint-Amour is also a must, where the iconic Megève ski cabin offers the perfect spot for a souvenir photo.

The cobblestone streets in the pedestrian-friendly center make for a lovely walk, and in winter, it’s the perfect place to stop for a hot chocolate and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village. For great photo spots, be sure to check the map above (see camera icons), which highlight in our opinion the best places to capture the beauty of Megève. We think a whole day can be spent on a nice, slow walk through the city, just take it easy and enjoy the calm atmosphere that emanates from this charming little village!

When visiting Megève, we found a peaceful break at the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, located in the heart of the village. This church, with its iconic wooden bell tower and copper roof, is one of the oldest and most important landmarks in Megève. Built in the 13th century, the church has undergone several renovations, with the most significant changes made in the 19th century. The building’s design combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, reflecting its long history.

We were grateful for the warmth inside, which offered a welcome escape from the cold winter air. The church is heated, a lovely perk in this wealthy town, and it’s open all year round, 24/7. Inside, the wooden interior and stunning stained-glass windows create a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for a quiet moment. Though still an active place of worship, it’s also a beautiful spot for visitors to reflect and learn about the town's rich history.

The church has always been central to Megève’s community, especially during the 19th century, when the village began to grow as a popular destination for wealthy families. Its location in the center of town, near Place de l'Église, makes it easy to visit while exploring the village. Stepping inside, we felt the calm atmosphere and a connection to Megève’s rich past — a perfect way to take a break from the cold and learn a bit more about the village’s history.

| Opening hours |

all year round 24/7

| Admission - free of charge |

As you stroll through Megève, you’ll be charmed by the sight of horse-drawn carriages, a tradition that adds to the village’s unique character. The carriage drivers are often descendants of families who have been deeply connected to the town’s equestrian heritage for generations. Megève is also home to the "cheval de Megève", a special breed of horse. Known for their strength and grace, these horses are perfectly suited to the rugged mountain terrain, reflecting the village’s blend of elegance and natural beauty.

A ride with Les Traîneaux de Megève is a lovely way to explore the town. You’ll ride through its beautiful streets, enjoy the stunning views of the mountains, and listen to the gentle sound of the horses’ bells. Though it’s a little pricey, the experience offers a special way to see Megève. The carriages leave from Place de l'Église, so it’s easy to find and enjoy this classic tradition (more information here).

| Opening hours |

all year round from 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

| Admission - 35 EUR (15 minutes) |

A great winter activity in Megève is a visit to the outdoor ice rink at Place de la Résistance. This 1,600 m² rink is open during the winter season, providing a fantastic place to skate with family and friends. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, it's the perfect spot to glide across the ice and enjoy the crisp mountain air. For those visiting outside the winter months, Megève also boasts an Olympic-sized indoor ice rink that remains open year-round (more information here).

During the holiday season, Place de la Résistance also transforms into a magical Christmas village. The square is filled with festive lights, cozy stalls, and a joyful atmosphere, making it a wonderful spot to experience the spirit of the season. It's the perfect place to enjoy a warm drink, browse unique gifts, and soak in the charm of Megève during the holidays.

| Opening hours |

from January 19 to March 9 2025

from 1.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

| Admission |

Adults: 6 EUR - Children: 4.60 EUR

Skate rentals: 3.90 EUR

The Sentier du Calvaire is a beautiful and historic trail in Megève that we really enjoyed. It’s an easy walk, though we did find it a bit slippery when leaving the village center, so it’s good to be cautious, especially in winter. Once on the path, you’re surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, making it a peaceful and scenic experience.

The trail follows the Calvary of Megève is a fascinating piece of Savoyard heritage. Located on a hill just outside the village, the site consists of 15 chapels built between 1840 and 1878, under the guidance of Father Ambroise Martin, the village’s parish priest. These chapels represent the Stations of the Cross, telling the story of Christ’s journey to Golgotha, with lifelike wooden figures depicting key scenes. This sacred site earned the village the nickname "Savoisian Jerusalem" due to its historical importance as a place of pilgrimage.

The trail is easy to follow and well-lit, making it accessible for most. It starts in the village, near the casino car park and the Vieux Megève restaurant, with steps leading up to the Saint Michel cross. Along the way, you’ll pass the first chapel, Our Lady of All Graces, and the Refuge du Calvaire restaurant. The path continues through several chapels representing scenes from the Stations of the Cross. The hike takes about 1 hour and ends at the Mont d'Arbois plateau, where you can either retrace your steps or take a shuttle back to the village during the winter season (more information here).

In the summer, the hike can be extended to the Creux Saint-Jean, offering an even longer and more immersive alpine experience with more views of the region (more information here). Whether you’re enjoying the chapels and oratories or the surrounding nature, we found this trail to be a perfect way to experience both history and the beauty of Megève.

Megève, the birthplace of skiing in France for over 100 years, is renowned for its beautiful slopes and charming atmosphere. As part of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, which links eight resorts and offers over 450 km of slopes, it is a top destination for skiers of all levels. With stunning views of Mont Blanc, this area provides a memorable experience for both beginners and experts alike (more information here).  

The resort features more than 160 slopes, including 29 green slopes for beginners, 49 blue slopes for intermediate skiers, 34 red slopes for advanced skiers, and 23 black slopes for those seeking a challenge. The variety of slopes, combined with breathtaking scenery and a welcoming village, makes Megève a favorite among skiers who come together to share unforgettable moments.  

Although we didn’t get the chance to ski in Megève, we’ve had the pleasure of skiing in the region before, with experiences in Chamonix in past years and Le Grand-Bornand, both of which also offer incredible slopes.

| Admission |

61.50 EUR for a one day ski pass

Although we didn’t have the chance to see Megève from above, we’ve heard that a hot air balloon ride offers breathtaking views of the Alps and the village below. Floating peacefully over the mountains and valleys, you can take in the stunning landscapes, including the Mont-Blanc Massif, Swiss Alps, and Italian Alps — just like Jules Verne once imagined. While it can be a bit pricey, it seems like an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the region from a unique perspective. The hot air balloon rides depart just outside the village, making it easy to find for anyone looking for this amazing adventure (more information here).

| Admission - 295 EUR (45-minute ride) |

We didn’t try dog sledding in Megève ourselves, but we thought we’d mention it here as it’s a special experience to have in the area. Led by a team of huskies, you get to glide through the snowy landscapes, exploring forests and valleys in a unique way. It’s a fun and exciting activity for all ages, though it’s on the pricey side. If you’re looking for something different and memorable, dog sledding is definitely worth considering. Excursions typically start near the main ski areas or just outside the village (more information here).

| Admission - 225 EUR |

FINAL THOUGHTS

We had a wonderful time in Megève! This charming little village is a great place for a mountain escape, whether you're here to ski or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The cozy streets, stunning views, and elegant atmosphere make it a special destination. However, it’s also one of the most expensive ski resorts in the French Alps, so if you’re planning to stay more than a day, be prepared for high prices!

And now it's your turn to share your experience, thoughts and also tips to visit the chic town of Megève. Have you already been there? We look forward to reading your comments in the section below.

Tags: France