Courchevel

Courchevel is best known as the ski resort town to see and to be seen, attracting an upscale crowd of socialites and royalty. With one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants, Courchevel is not only a favorite destination for seasoned skiers but a magnet for food connoisseurs with a taste for haute cuisine. Let your elite getaway coincide with Winter Olympics excitement or embark on a last minute escapade to the soul of the French Alps, this all season destination dazzles far and wide. An excellent selection of aprés-ski bars offers everything from dancing in ski boots to enjoying a glass of wine or cocktails in a cozy bar by an open fire. A fashionista’s haven, Courchevel’s streets are lined with designer boutiques and shops in a catwalk display that will have guests swooshing down the slopes in style. This quaint village setting delivers plenty of surprises with a diverse itinerary of experiences ranging from cutting edge galleries, mammoth water parks to seductive nightclubs and torch-lit descents.

The dedicated LVH team ensures all guests receive the ultimate in service and satisfaction during their stays. LVH can arrange for private chefs, private jets, exotic cars, luxury yachts, and anything else you might require to make your vacation stay truly remarkable. Choose a one-on-one session with a certified yoga or pilates instructor, time with a private tennis pro to up your game, or complete pampering sessions with a massage therapist, hair stylist or barber, nail technician, and makeup artist.

Luxury home rentals, with full services and support, can be arranged to accommodate groups of varying sizes and are ideal for lavish events. A wide roster of specially curated properties makes up the lists of the world’s most exquisite vacation estates. No matter what your chosen destination, when you are seeking the best homes, you have the most elite selection from which to choose when booking your stay with LVH.

AREAS

Every area of Courchevel is pristine, fresh and lovely. These five are favorites:

Chenus

Chenus is a lovely area near the Courchevel 1850 location. It is far enough away from the bars and lounges to be quiet, but close enough for easy access for a night out on the town. The Gondola of Chenus lift will take skiers to the hill for some exemplary downhill action. Chalet La Datcha Courchevel is located in this popular area, just 90 meters from the slopes. The chalet is built on six floors connected by stairs and an elevator. It has room for up to 10 guests, the ideal number for a skiing getaway. After a day on the slopes, travelers staying at the chalet can take advantage of the lovely spa, swimming pool, massage room, and fitness lounge on a lower floor.

Courchevel 1850

This picturesque hamlet is renowned for being the height of luxury during the winter ski set. Courchevel 1850 is where many of the rich and famous choose to vacation. Catering to its wealthy clientele, the village has a wide variety of shops, a number of which are luxury brands. Courchevel 1850 is also the location of Chalet Edelweiss. Truly a ski in, ski-out residence, this chalet is one of the most exclusive and sought after in Courchevel. Guests are privy to every luxury amenity including a palatial indoor pool with a jetted tub and waterfall feature, a large fitness room, a hammam and sauna.

Courchevel Moriond

Courchevel Moriond has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. It is a favorite area for many British vacationers. The center of Moriond village is based along the main road linking Courchevel Village with Courchevel. This is where the majority of shops, bars and restaurants can be found. The Moriond slopes are where many skiers and boarders choose to spend their days since it gets the best sunshine in the Three Valleys. And luxury vacationers can be close to all that sunshine at Chalet Licorne Des Neiges. This stunning ski-in, ski-out chalet is a beautiful luxury chalet Courchevel has to offer. Guests can take advantage of the indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. This chalet also includes a ski locker, fireplace, and an elevator.

Courchevel Village 1550

Being quiet, Courchevel Village 1550 is very popular with vacationing families. During the summer the area is esteemed for the various outdoor activities on offer. The village has access to a number of walking routes. In the main part of Courchevel 1850 there are a few lifts open giving mountain bikers and walkers access to several different trails on the mountain. Vacationers can also get involved in canyoning, archery, golf, horseback riding, cooking courses and kayaking. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Le Praz

Le Praz is a peaceful, traditional village with direct lift access to Courchevel. It is an authentic French Alpine village filled with beautiful traditional wooden chalets. Situated at 1,300 meters, it is easily accessible throughout the winter months, but still has plenty of snow to keep even the keenest snow sports enthusiasts happy.

RESTAURANTS

There are many restaurants in Courchevel to suit many different tastes. Here are five of the most popular for fine dining:

Baumaniere

Located in Le Strato Hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant has a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors with a hint of mountain cuisine. They only use the freshest ingredients: truffles, sea urchins, giant crab from Alaska, and such. The menu includes dishes like leg of spring lamb roasted with potato gratin; lobster from Brittany cooked in chestnut leaves, and classic vegetables with black truffles. The onsite master patissier turns to French classics such as the Mont-Blanc.

Gaia

This fine restaurant in the Manali Lounge, serves delicious cuisine in a refined, upscale environment. With a modern and chic interior, this is the place to come for a romantic evening or a special occasion. Expect rich French and international cuisine with contemporary touches and nods to local produce. After dinner, a DJ and professional dancers liven up the night.

Le 1947

Le 1947, in the Cheval Blanc Palace Hotel, has an incredible three Michelin stars. Located at the foot of the slopes, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience. The interior has been carefully decorated, opening the kitchen to the dining room so guests can see the masters at work. Specialties include modern tartiflette with black truffle and reblochon snow; gnocchi with féra fish from the lake; black truffle and buttermilk; scallop vapour with celeriac and caviar, and chocolate fondant over a meringue mikado, seaweed biscuit and yuzu sherbet.

Le Chabichou

Le Chabichou, a Michelin-starred establishment, draws on modern techniques and sublimates the grandest ingredients. The chef revisits all-time classics with a certain unique flair. Chef Stephane Buron challenges himself and offers guests a choice of an experience menu of five, seven or nine dishes. This menu changes according to the chef’s desires and inspirations for a surprise discovery. The mantra at Le Chabichou is, “simplicity is an art of perfection.”

Le Montgomerie

This Michelin-starred eatery was named after the climber who gave the K2 mountain its name in 1865. The interior is refined and chic. Chef Pieter Riedijk moves mountains of flavors and techniques and draws on Courchevel’s magical ambiance to create a stunning feast for the palate. The brilliant creativity of pastry chef Sébastien Vauxion, concludes a memorable gastronomic experience.

THE ARTS

When vacationers aren’t on the slopes or indulging in an apres ski cocktail, they might want to check out the amazing artistic works at these three venues:

Daniel Besseiche Art Gallery, Courchevel 1850

Daniel Besseiche Gallery has favored modern and contemporary art for more than 35 years and represents some big names. But the gallery has always been committed to supporting artists on the road to recognition as well. True art lover, Daniel Besseiche now owns seven galleries around the world, one of which is in Courchevel’s upscale 1850 area. The exclusive gallery is the ideal spot for contemporary art collectors to find that wonderful, new piece to add to their collections. Some notable artists whose works are in the gallery include: Moens de Hase, Utrillo, Nathalie Cohen and Mulhem.

Galerie Marie-Christine Grulier

Marie-Christine Grulier and her daughter, Johanna, invite art lovers to discover their two exhibition spaces at the exclusive Courchevel 1850 area. Paintings, sculptures and prints are on exhibit and all are of the contemporary vein. Collectors will find works of artists like Deville Chabrolle, Isabelle Scheltjens, Juliette Clovis, and Paolo Medicipittore.

Galerie Saint Martin

Since 1970, the Galerie Saint Martin has focused on permanently presenting the major works of contemporary artists on the international scene, but also supporting the works of young, emerging artists. Whether they are painters, sculptors or digital painters, artists highlighted at Galerie Saint Martin offer collectors the best of themselves. Some of those artists include: Debra Frances Bean, Fred Meurice, and Johanne 8.

NIGHTLIFE

Once the ski lifts stop and the last flicker of sunlight fades over the jagged horizon, Courchevel undergoes a metamorphosis into nightlife mode. Vacationers can find the ideal spot for the evening whatever their style. Here are five unique nighttime venues:

L’Aventure

This restaurant doubles as a bar with a distinctly unique atmosphere. The very stylish retro environment (think rustic farmhouse meets decadent nightclub) entices an upscale clientele. The place often has live music and DJs playing later on into the night, making it a popular place to call in for a drink even if not dining. Regular theme nights and parties together with a 4 a.m. closing make the atmosphere move from relaxed dining to one of spirited dancing as the clock ticks on.

La Grange

Take a place at a VIP table to loosen up in opulence with on-demand bottle and table service. Feel the vibes, and dance the night away with superstars. State of the art sound and lighting systems combine with the live music, legendary DJs, exquisite cocktails in a luxurious setting to elevate La Grange to the VIP category. Walk the streets near La Grange at night to see lines of cars dropping guests on the doorstep of this legendary Courchevel hotspot.

La Mangeoire Lounge & Nightclub

Enter a world of unrivaled soul and atmosphere in a vintage mountain setting. La Mangeoire piano bar leads the way as the heart of Courchevel nightlife. Step through the doors in the early evening and stay until dawn. Enjoy a drink in the lounge while relaxing to beautiful piano melodies. Sip on a cocktail or an after-dinner drink. Musicians raise the tempo to a crescendo over the night for a euphoric atmosphere and an unforgettable evening.

Le P’tit Drink

Expect generous servings of excellent French wine at Le P’tit Drink. There is also tapas for sharing including freshly homemade duck foie gras, blue raw oysters, hot goat cheese, and risotto with local mushrooms. This place is wonderful to duck into for apres-ski. It’s cozy, tastefully decorated and has excellent food and beverages.

Les Caves de Courchevel Nightclub

Les Caves de Courchevel is now the place to be seen and one of the most raved about nightclubs in the Alps. There’s nothing to do but dance the night away until the very early hours while brushing shoulders with celebrities. Champagne and Grey Goose flow as the DJ sets the mood to high for the evening. Don’t worry about being late to the party, since everything really starts going at around midnight with the doors staying open until at least 5 a.m.

EVENTS

There is more to Courchevel than skiing. Many events take place year-round. Here are three of those:

Bastille Day

Bastille Day, May 14, is a federal holiday in France and the residents of Courchevel celebrate it with big-bang fireworks and other various activities. The holiday is in memory of the storming of the Bastille on the same date in 1789. Visitors will see many people wearing the French colors of blue and red. One of the much-awaited events of the day is the Bastille Ball.

Fête de l'Air

Fête de l'Air or Air Show has been a part of Courchevel since 1997. Organized by the Courchevel Flying Club, the show coincides with the annual World Ski Jumping Championships, creating a weekend of airborne daredevil feats. The show introduces the public to the activities of the flying club. The impressive line-up often includes fighter jets, acrobatic flying teams, vintage aircraft, army helicopters and parachute commandos. As well as the thrills of the aircraft there is also live music, fireworks displays and other entertainment making for a great day out.

International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art

Each year, more than 8,000 spectators come to see pyrotechnic artists from around the world compete in one of the most beautiful shows of its kind. Each fireworks performance is judged on a variety of factors and the winner is announced at the end of the festival. Entertainment starts off the festival with street performances on the snow front followed by a traditional torch-lit descent by local ski instructors. The main fireworks show starts afterwards with a different team performing each evening. Indulge in a bit of mulled wine and marvel at some of the most astounding firework displays ever to be seen.

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES

Courchevel is definitely the place to be if adventure is on the itinerary. These four activities are sure to get the heart racing:

Dog Sledding

What could be a more unique experience than taking a dog sledding ride through the infinitely magical forest of Courchevel? Discover the incredible Plateau de Prameruel seated all toasty and comfortably in a sled driven by a professional musher. Particularly beautiful at sunset, the mountains and forests that surround guests will feel otherworldly behind a pack of enthusiastic dogs. This is truly an unforgettable experience.

Tobogganing/Luge

Courchevel is home to a toboggan track that opened in 2018. The track is definitely for adventurous travelers since its three kilometers is a fast descent reaching a gradient of up to 25% in areas. There are also designated luge evenings where the bravest riders can take on the track in the dark through a course illuminated with colored lights. The adrenalin rush is a guarantee.

Skydiving

For an unbeatable rush and to experience the mountains of Courchevel the way most people have never experienced them, skydiving out of a small plane would be the ultimate thrill and conversation starter! Air Mauss Parachutisme takes guests out on a skydive above the beautiful mountains of Courchevel. After an introductory lesson, guests are taken up in a plane and free fall attached to a tandem instructor. The rush of skydiving is addictive and many want to do it again.

Snowmobiling

Travelers who would like to see the area in a whole new way besides on the slopes might consider a snowmobile outing. Seated comfortably on a state-of-the-art snowmobile, enjoy a 23-kilometer ride at night on the snowy summits of Courchevel, a special moment between riders and the mountain. During the hour ride, guests are immersed in a wonderful world under the starry skies of Courchevel.