Summer in the French Alps: Tips To Do in Vallée Des Belleville
February 5, 2026
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You step out of the La Masse gondola at 2,800 metres and immediately feel the crisp mountain air. Everything around you is white, quiet and vast. From the platform, you look out over the valley and realise just how enormous Les 3 Vallées ski resort really is. Les 3 Vallées, literally “The Three Valleys”, is one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world, with around 600 kilometres of slopes linking multiple valleys and villages. The beauty of skiing here? You can explore a different part of the resort every single day without ever repeating the same runs. But with so many options, where should you stay in Les 3 Vallées? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the five main villages — Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville — and explain the differences in atmosphere, altitude, après-ski, and price level, so you can decide which village suits you best.
What Is Les 3 Vallées Ski Resort in France?
Les 3 Vallées, often written as Les Trois Vallées, is one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world and is located in the French Alps, in the Savoie region. The area consists of several villages that are all connected, via mountain roads and, in winter, also via slopes. So you can literally ski from valley to valley without taking off your skis.
What makes Les 3 Vallées ski resort truly special is its size and the variety it offers as a winter sports destination. With around 600 kilometres of slopes, ranging from wide green and blue runs to challenging black pistes, there is something for every level of skier or snowboarder. The lift system is modern and efficient, snow reliability is excellent thanks to the high altitude, and the interconnected terrain allows beginners, experienced skiers and even freeriders to explore the area with ease.
Which villages belong to Les 3 Vallées?
The area consists of several well-known villages, including:
Val Thorens - Europe's highest ski area
Courchevel - chic and luxurious
Méribel - the center of Les 3 Vallées, cozy and very charming
Les Menuires - more family-oriented, lots of fun and plenty of winter activities to experience
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville - lower, authentic mountain homes, quieter and often more affordable
What all villages in Les 3 Vallées have in common is that there’s plenty to do off the slopes, too. If you’re not skiing all day, you can unwind in a spa, go on scenic winter hikes, or enjoy long lunches in cosy mountain restaurants. Les 3 Vallées isn’t just one of the largest ski areas in the world, it’s also a well-rounded winter destination with wellness, gastronomy and outdoor activities beyond skiing.
1. Val Thorens
Val Thorens is located at 2,300 meters, making it the highest ski village in Les 3 Vallées as well as in Europe. The winter season here is long and the chance of good snow is very high. Whereas the good winter sports conditions often decrease from March onwards, in Val Thorens you can often still ski in the months of April and May.
Many accommodations in Val Thorens are ski-in, ski-out, meaning you can step outside and be straight on the slopes. Ideal if you want to make the most of your ski days. Expect wide, open pistes, long runs and a fast, modern lift system that keeps waiting times to a minimum.
Val Thorens attracts a young, international and energetic crowd. It’s especially popular with groups of friends and sporty skiers who come for both the extensive terrain and the lively atmosphere. Among Dutch winter sports enthusiasts, the resort is also famous for the annual Dutch Week. When it comes to après-ski, Val Thorens is one of the most vibrant villages in Les 3 Vallées. Iconic spots like La Folie Douce and the 360 Bar turn late afternoons into full-blown mountain parties.
2. Courchevel
Courchevel is a stylish ski resort that feels impeccably maintained and it attracts the same type of traveller. Known for its refined atmosphere and high-end appeal, it is one of the most prestigious villages in Les 3 Vallées. Courchevel is made up of several distinct levels, ranging from Courchevel 1300 to Courchevel 1850, each with its own atmosphere and price range. This variety allows you to choose where to stay in Courchevel based on budget, location and preferred vibe. Despite its luxury reputation, the resort remains surprisingly accessible and welcoming.
The ski area around Courchevel is dominated by wide blue and red runs, perfect for long, scenic descents. From here, you can easily ski to Val Thorens, Méribel, and Les Menuires, exploring the wider Les 3 Vallées network with ease. Après-ski in Courchevel is more subdued compared to Val Thorens. The focus here is on fine dining, comfort, and top-notch service, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy a more relaxed and refined mountain experience.
3. Méribel
In Méribel, you’ll find a classic Alpine atmosphere, with traditional wooden and stone chalets giving the village a cozy yet lively charm. Its central location in Les 3 Vallées makes it an ideal base for exploring a variety of slopes and ski routes across the entire resort.
What I personally like about Méribel is that it feels less massive than Val Thorens and less fancy than Courchevel. The slopes here are fantastic, with freshly groomed snow and scenic runs weaving through the surrounding forests thanks to the village’s slightly lower altitude. Après-ski in Méribel is relaxed rather than wild. Ideal if you want to enjoy a drink and unwind after a day on the slopes without the party atmosphere.
4. Les Menuires
Les Menuires is my favourite village in Les 3 Vallées. Ski-in, ski-out is standard here, and the village center is lively with plenty of shops and restaurants. While it may not have the classic Alpine charm of Méribel or Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, its relaxed, spacious layout makes it perfect for families and anyone looking for a convenient, stress-free winter sports experience.
Want to know more about what to do here besides skiing? Then be sure to read my article full of winter activities in Les Menuires. And for all the practical tips, such as hotel tips, restaurants and accessibility, you can click through to my comprehensive guide on winter sports in Les Menuires.
5. Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
If you’re looking for a village with charm and character, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is the place to be. It is quieter than the other villages in Les 3 Vallées, so it offers a peaceful, authentic mountain atmosphere. The village is small but features a cosy town square with restaurants and a variety of accommodations.
From Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, you can take a gondola to reach higher slopes, and then a few more lifts to ski over to Les Menuires or even Val Thorens. The journey adds an extra sense of adventure, with long, scenic descents back to the village. Towards the end of the day, the lower altitude of 1,450 metres can make the slopes a bit icier or bumpier, but that’s all part of the fun.
My top tip: if you choose Saint-Martin-de-Belleville as your base, be sure to consider staying at the incredible Lodji, located right at the foot of the gondola lift. It’s the perfect base for easy access to the slopes. See below for my photos from my summer stay.
Les 3 Vallées France: which village suits you best?
Are you deciding between Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires, and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville? In the table below, I’ve compared the villages side by side, including altitude, location, atmosphere, après-ski, and price level, so you can quickly see which one suits your winter sports style best.
|
Village
|
Height
|
Location in Les 3 Vallées
|
Atmosphere
|
Après-ski
|
Price level
|
Best for
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Val Thorens
|
2.300 m
|
High in Belleville valley
|
Sporty and energetic
|
Very present
|
€€-€€€
|
Fanatical winter sports enthusiasts, groups of friends
|
|
Méribel
|
Approx. 1,450 m
|
Heart of the area
|
Cozy and cozy
|
Atmospheric, not extreme
|
€€€
|
Couples, families and friends
|
|
Courchevel
|
1.300/1.850 m
|
Connected to Méribel
|
Elegant and well-kept
|
Quiet
|
€€€-€€€€
|
Comfort, families and couples
|
|
Les Menuires
|
Approx. 1,850 m
|
Very central
|
Relaxed and lively
|
Lots of skiing, convenience
|
€€
|
Present, but no party
|
|
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
|
Approx. 1,450 m
|
Belleville Valley
|
Authentic and village
|
Small-scale
|
€€€
|
Peace and charm, couples and families
|
How do you travel to Les 3 Vallées in France?
Europe's largest ski area is easily accessible, whether by car, train or plane. Whether you go to Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, Les Menuires or Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, there are several ways to get there.
By train to Les 3 Vallées
You may not think of it first, but traveling to Les 3 Vallées is very doable by train. You travel with the Eurostar to Paris (Gare du Nord), transfer to Gare de Lyon with the RER, and then catch the TGV towards the Alps. You can get off at Chámbery and get in a cab, about change trains to Moûtiers (the main winter sports hub in the valley). In the winter season, shuttle buses run to the various villages, and otherwise a cab is easily arranged. Find the best Eurostar deals for your train trip to the French Alps here.
By plane to Les 3 Vallées
It's best to look at flights to Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble or Chambéry. From the airports, you can then choose to take a bus, cab or rent a car to reach Les 3 Vallées. One advantage of flying in the winter months is that many airlines allow you to take your skis or snowboard as checked baggage (check with each flight).
By car to Les 3 Vallées
For many winter sports enthusiasts, driving remains the most convenient option, especially when travelling with a group or carrying a lot of luggage. From cities like Amsterdam, Brussels or Frankfurt, you can reach the French Alps in roughly 9–11 hours by car, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The great thing about Les 3 Vallées is that once you arrive, you barely need your car. Many accommodations are ski-in, ski-out, and regular shuttles or taxis make it easy to get around the village or head out in the evening.
Les 3 Vallées as your ideal vacation destination
What I love about Les 3 Vallées is how flexible your winter sports experience can be. Whether you want an action-packed day on the slopes, a scenic ski tour, a long leisurely lunch, or a stay in a luxurious or charming village, the choice is yours. Once you know what kind of experience you’re after, picking the right village to stay in Les 3 Vallées becomes much easier.
Curious to discover more of what Les 3 Vallées has to offer?
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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