Overview
Les Allues is a small commune in the Tarentaise Valley of the Savoie department in southeastern France. It sits in the valley below Méribel and is the administrative municipality that encompasses the broader Méribel resort area, which rises up the valley at several elevations including Méribel Village, Méribel Centre, and Méribel-Mottaret.
The commune is quiet and rural at its lower elevation, with traditional Savoyard stone-and-timber buildings alongside more modern ski-resort infrastructure higher up. Unlike the purpose-built resorts nearby, the lower village of Les Allues retains a more authentic character, with a small church, local farms, and a community that lives here year-round.
Because Méribel falls within the commune of Les Allues, visitors who book accommodation in the Méribel area are technically staying in Les Allues. Most tourist facilities—ski lifts, restaurants, rental shops, and hotels—are concentrated at the higher Méribel elevations rather than in the lower village itself.
Before You Go
Visas
France is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (France Visas portal) for current, accurate requirements before traveling.
What to Pack
- In winter: waterproof ski clothing, thermal base layers, UV-protective goggles or sunglasses (alpine sun is intense), and a helmet if you plan to ski or snowboard
- In summer: light hiking layers, a waterproof shell (afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Alps), sturdy walking shoes or boots, and sun protection
- A European adapter if you use US or UK plugs
Health and Insurance
Travel insurance that specifically covers mountain activities—including skiing and off-piste skiing if relevant—is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from altitude can be extremely expensive without coverage. Confirm that your policy covers the activities you plan to do before departure.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major international airport is Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland, roughly 130–150 km away depending on road conditions. Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) is another option. Both airports have transfer services—shared shuttles and private taxis—running to the Méribel/Les Allues area, particularly during ski season. Verify schedules and book in advance, as demand is high in winter.
By Train
The closest train station is Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains on the Chambéry–Bourg-Saint-Maurice line. From Moûtiers, buses and taxis serve the Les Allues commune and Méribel. Check SNCF (sncf-connect.com) for train schedules and fares.
By Car
From Moûtiers, the D915 road climbs through the Allues Valley directly to Méribel. The drive takes approximately 20–30 minutes under normal conditions, though winter road conditions can slow travel significantly. Snow tires or chains may be required by law in winter; verify current regulations locally.
Getting Around
Within the Méribel ski area, an extensive network of ski lifts connects different elevations during the winter season. The Three Valleys lift system links Méribel with Courchevel, Val Thorens, and other resorts, all accessible with a single ski pass (verify current pass types and pricing at the resort's official ticket office or website).
During summer, some lifts operate for hikers and mountain bikers—confirm which are running and on what schedule before visiting, as it varies by year and weather. Local shuttles and buses also connect Les Allues with Méribel and Moûtiers; check with local tourism offices or your accommodation for current routes.
Cars are useful for flexibility but parking in the upper resort areas can be limited and sometimes fee-based during peak periods. Verify locally before driving up.
Things to See & Do
Winter
- Skiing and Snowboarding: The Méribel/Les Allues area is part of the Three Valleys, widely regarded as one of the largest lift-linked ski domains in the world. Runs cater to all levels from beginner to expert.
- Ski Schools: Several ski schools operate in Méribel, including the ESF (École du Ski Français) and various independent schools. Book lessons in advance during peak weeks.
- Cross-country Skiing: Groomed Nordic tracks are available in the area; verify their current location and condition with the local tourist office.
- Ice Skating and Leisure Facilities: The Olympic Centre in Méribel (built for the 1992 Albertville Olympics) has historically included an ice rink and other facilities. Verify current opening status locally.
Summer
- Hiking: The surrounding mountains offer trails ranging from easy valley walks to demanding high-altitude routes. The Parc National de la Vanoise borders the area and provides spectacular backcountry terrain.
- Mountain Biking: Méribel has developed a mountain biking offer in summer with marked trails and bike parks; verify current facilities at the tourist office.
- Wildlife Watching: Chamois, marmots, and golden eagles are commonly spotted in summer in the higher elevations.
Year-Round
- Exploring the lower village of Les Allues itself offers a glimpse of traditional Savoyard architecture and slower-paced alpine life away from the resort crowds.
Food & Drink
The dining scene in the Méribel part of Les Allues ranges from slope-side snack bars to proper Savoyard restaurants. Traditional dishes to look for include tartiflette (potato, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onion gratin), raclette (melted cheese served with charcuterie and potatoes), and fondue savoyarde. Locally produced charcuterie and mountain cheeses such as Beaufort and Reblochon are regional highlights worth seeking out.
The lower village of Les Allues has very limited dining options; the restaurant and bar concentration is in the Méribel resort zones. Prices in ski resorts tend to be significantly higher than in French towns and cities at lower elevation—budget accordingly.
Local wines from the Savoie region, including Apremont and Chignin whites, pair well with the cheese-heavy local cuisine. Génépi, an alpine herbal liqueur, is a traditional digestif worth trying.
Practical Information
Tourist Information
The Méribel tourist office (Office de Tourisme de Méribel) is the primary source for local information on activities, accommodation, lift passes, and events. Verify its current location and hours locally or on the official Méribel tourism website before visiting.
Emergency Services
In France, the general emergency number is 15 (SAMU, medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire/rescue), and 112 (pan-European emergency). Mountain rescue is coordinated through these services. Always carry a charged phone in the mountains.
Money
ATMs are available in the Méribel resort area. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, though some smaller vendors or market stalls may prefer cash. Verify with your bank regarding international transaction fees.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is generally reasonable in the resort villages but can be patchy or absent on remote mountain slopes. Download offline maps before heading into the backcountry. Wi-Fi is typically available in hotels and many bars and restaurants.
Safety
Mountain safety is the primary concern for visitors to this area. Avalanche risk is real and should be checked daily via Météo-France's Bulletin de Risque d'Avalanche (BRA) before any off-piste activity. Never ski or hike off marked routes without appropriate experience, local knowledge, and ideally a qualified guide.
Always tell someone your intended route and expected return time when heading into the backcountry. Carry a charged phone, water, and appropriate clothing for rapidly changing mountain weather. Altitude can affect some visitors; allow time to acclimatize if coming from sea level, though at Méribel's elevations (roughly 1,400–1,700 m for the village zones) severe altitude sickness is uncommon.
Road conditions between Moûtiers and Méribel can be hazardous in heavy snow or ice. Follow any road closure or chain requirement instructions from local authorities.