My Recommendations

I'll be happy to give you my tourist suggestions when you arrive. Here's an overview :

Activities in the village and resort.

We leave the leaflets provided by the Tourist Office in the TV cabinet, but we still advise you to go to the Tourist Office to pick up the information and activities available during your stay, which are constantly updated by the Tourist Office. Between activities in Villarabout, Saint Martin, Les Ménuires (7km) or Val Thorens (17km), there's always something to do around the village and in the valley. Summer and winter alike. If we had to recommend 4 free activities, they would be :

- Take the "Village d'Antan" tour in Saint Martin. It's ideal for learning about the history of the Vallée des Belleville and the history of Saint Martin. It's a guided, digital tour for young and old alike.

- The Musée de Saint Martin, to learn about the customs and history of Savoy villages.

- Notre Dame de la Vie, a magnificent 16th-century church renovated in 2016. Superb! You can get there via the "sentier du pèlerin" (pilgrim's path), which leaves from the center of the village of St Martin. It takes 40 minutes on foot from the center of Saint Martin.

- Go to the village of Chatelard for a breathtaking view of Saint Martin and Villarabout, clinging to the mountain.

Restaurants:

- Good pizzas, "plats du jour" and Savoyard fondues are served at "La Voute" at the foot of the Saint Martin bell tower. A very good address where the locals regularly meet. It has a friendly atmosphere and an excellent menu.

- More traditional and sophisticated dishes are served at "Le Montagnard" restaurant, on the heights of Saint Martin, just above the town center, a 3-minute walk from the church. More elaborate setting, white tablecloths, more hushed atmosphere. Average adult bill around €40.

- The restaurant at the Hôtel Lodji (4* hotel) on the outskirts of Saint Martin, towards the Cochet parking lot, has a more elaborate menu, and prices are relatively higher than at Le Montagnard. The setting is more modern and very cosy chic. We recommend aperitifs on the Lodji terrace. The atmosphere is great and the bar very active.

- The restaurant at the Hôtel M (5* hotel) above the Cochet parking lot, towards the snow front. Prices are high, but the welcome is warm, with live piano providing a jazzy atmosphere. A lovely cocktail bar awaits you. Very nice place. 70 / 80 € per adult, wine included.

- For unforgettable evenings, you have access to the "La Bouitte" restaurant, in Saint Marcel, 2 km after Saint Martin on the way up to Les Menuires. Top-of-the-range restaurant with 3 Michelin stars. Culinary experience guaranteed, despite very (very) high prices.

- For an after-ski drink, or an early evening aperitif, we recommend "L'Art B" in the center of Saint Martin (great atmosphere, with regular concerts), or the bar at Hôtel Lodji (in the evening), which is a great place for an aperitif.

High-altitude restaurants (in winter)

We have many habits. From the simplest to the most sophisticated.

- In the Saint Martin ski area. Le refuge du trait d'union. A former mid-mountain refuge transformed into a charming restaurant and small hotel. Run by mother and daughter. Excellent cuisine in a magical, absolute setting. Traditional one-dish meals at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is truly exotic. Reservations are usually required for the following day. The restaurant is located just below the Saint Martin 1 chairlift (the one that goes up to Tougnette). 25 - 30 € per person, all inclusive.

- In the Les Menuires ski area. On the snow front, next to the medical center, Le Restaurant l'Hacienda. Sunny terrace for pizzas, tacos and salads. Fast, easy and affordable. A warm and friendly welcome. Nice fireplace inside when the weather's not so good. 15 - 20 € per person.

- In the Les Menuires ski area, La ferme de Reberty. One of our best addresses. Superbly prepared cuisine and dishes, beautiful sunny terrace. 25 - 30 € per person for a great time. Very fast service, so you won't be mistaken for a tourist.

- At the top of the slopes in Les Menuires, Restaurant l'Alpage. High-altitude restaurant of excellent quality at very reasonable prices. Ideal on sunny days. One of our favorite high-altitude restaurants.