St. Martin de Belleville, or St. Martin as it is more commonly known, can be found within the mighty Three Valleys ski area in the heart of the French Alps. Wonderfully traditional, the resort is unspoilt and remains picturesque, one of the little-known gems of the Three Valleys. Approximately two and a half hours from Geneva or Grenoble, or a little less from Chambery, it is the perfect resort for keen skiers to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains.
Situated in between the central resort of Méribel and the resorts of Les Menuires and Val Thorens in the Three Valleys, St. Martin enjoys incredibly easy access to the whole of the 600 kilometres of slopes that the area provides and a wide array of runs suitable for all abilities. With the nursery slopes found in the heart of the village and one of the best runs in the Alps leading back down to resort, the well known and revered Jerusalem, many will have skied to St. Martin before but not appreciated all that it has to offer.
With a respectable altitude of 1,450 metres, easy access to the heights of Mont Vallon at 2,952 metres and Val Thorens at 2,300 metres, as well as good snow-making facilities, it is the perfect choice for families and those who don’t desire the Folie Douce’s and nightlife that its neighbouring resorts provide. Coming off the slopes, locals and tourists alike enjoy a drink in the afternoon sun at the bottom of the home run, drinking in the view of the Three Valleys.
The focal point of St. Martin is the traditional church and village centre, with a selection of shops and restaurants as well as bars, this is no sleepy village but a resort which provides plenty for all but those in search of a party. Full of character St. Martin enjoys entertaining with the likes of Pourquoi Pas hosting live music and sporting events like the Six Nations, it is an excellent choice for a post-dinner drink and entertainment.
Culinary delights aplenty can be found across the village, home to one of only a handful of three Michelin star restaurant in the Alps: La Bouitte. Innovative menus meet exceptionally inventive cuisine and carefully sourced ingredients to surprise and delight in the setting of a two hundred year old spinning mill. For a long afternoon lunch in the sun there is no better place than La Ferme de La Choumette, found just before you reach the resort on the ski run back home. With large outside terrace, attentive waiters and beautiful dishes, this is a working farm with homemade produce where you can meet the farm animals after dining.
An unspoilt secret and full of charm, just don’t tell too many people about St. Martin de Belleville, one of the Alps’ best kept secrets!
