Introducing St Martin de Belleville
Let us let you in on a secret…
When you think of the Three Valleys ski area, big-hitting resorts like Courchevel and Meribel spring to mind. But nestled in the same valley as Val Thorens is the pretty village of St Martin de Belleville; a much more manageable size for families, this traditional resort has its roots in farming yet is part of the world’s biggest ski area. After a day on some of the world’s best pistes, skiing back to St Martin you instantly feel like you’ve come home, to a very well kept secret!
St Martin de Belleville’s traditional stone and timber-clad farms may now be home to cosy chalets and beautiful restaurants, but it has lost none of its authenticity. The atmosphere suits families; it’s all about unpretentious luxury.
Here are the top 6 reasons we think that St Martin de Belleville should be on your resort shortlist for your family ski holiday this season.
1. Superb skiing
When it comes to mythical skiing, the Jerusalem run from the top of Meribel at more than 2100m altitude down to St Martin de Belleville ticks all our boxes. This blue piste is tranquil Three Valley skiing at its best and will delight families with competent little skiers or older ones. The slope is of historical interest too. It was the site of Resistance work during the Second World War, when Resistance workers used the barns alongside the slope to hide the vulnerable.
The resort’s nursery slope is great for beginners, and if they make good progress there’s plenty of terrain to explore, making St Martin ideal for families with children who already know how to ski and want to do more.
The brilliant ESF French Ski School offers lessons for children from the age of three in St Martin. Club Piou Piou lessons are specifically for three year olds. They’ll who’ll have plenty of fun playing in the snow, whilst learning the basics. Club Piou Piou also encompasses a Mini-club for children from 30 months to 5 years old who don’t want to start skiing yet. Children aged four and over join group lessons, which are graded by level from beginners (Ourson, or bear cub) through to Gold Star. Under 5s get a free ski pass! St Martin also has a nursery for little ones from 3 months old to 30 months old, giving parents freedom to ski.
Where to stay: Les Chalets du Gypse
4* Self-catered apartments | largest sleeps 10
The 4-star apartments at ski-in/ski-out Les Chalets du Gypse are right on the slopes. The 30 luxury apartments have superb facilities including a lovely indoor pool, and a hot tub, sauna and steam room.
Price: 7 nights in a two bedroom luxury self-catered apartment sleeping up to six from £2,064 per apartment, including Eurotunnel with a free FlexiPlus upgrade (based on week commencing 30/3/19).
2. Magical moments
Take the family on a Nordic dog-sledding adventure with professional musher, Dany, and his team of dogs. Discover the winter landscape from a different angle, pulled along in a sled alongside the snowy river you could imagine you were in Narnia. Truly magical!
Where to stay: Chalet Rose & Chalet Violet
4* Luxury self-catered chalets | Rose sleeps 14, Violet sleeps 8
In a great location to make the most of the skiing (across the road and just 100m from the gondola) Chalet Rose and Chalet Violet real feel like a home from home with cosy bedrooms, comfy sofas and everything you could need. Chalet Rose has a lovely terrace with spectacular views, an open fire and a pool table in the living area. Plus a teen-pleasing home cinema room! Both have an outdoor hot tub.
Price: A week in beautiful 5 bedroom Chalet Rose, which sleeps up to 14, is from £6,791 for the whole self-catered chalet, including Eurotunnel with a free Flexiplus upgrade (based on week commencing 30/3/19).
Chalets Caseblanche
3. Unforgettable apres ski
Adults and children age 12 and over can give ice hockey a go on the mini-skating rink in the centre of St Martin in special taster sessions. Children will love skating under the stars by the beautiful church in the heart of the village when the mini-ice rink opens for evening skating sessions.
The resort organises events that will appeal to all ages at various dates throughout the season from a family snow carving competition (think Bake Off Showstopper with snow!) to fireworks and a torchlit descent on skis by the ESF French ski school instructors.
Where to stay: Chalets Caseblanche
4* Self-catered chalets & apartments | largest sleeps 14
These stunning self-catered chalets and apartments are superbly appointed, with living areas that boast floor to ceiling windows, beautiful views, a wide terrace or balcony and a décor that effortlessly mixes the contemporary and the traditional. Each has either an open fire or wood burner and most have a private sauna. They could not be in a better position, just 50m from the gondola giving access to the Three Valleys.
Price: Contact Peak Retreats for a quote
La Bouitte
4. The best of the best
St Martin de Belleville is home to not one but two chefs with 3 Michelin stars. Father and son, René and Maxime Meilleur (their surname means best), run La Bouitte in the hamlet of St Marcel, which gained its third Michelin star in 2015. Excitingly, the Meilleurs are launching a new venture at the Chalets Caseblanche, which will open for the 2018/19 season in St Martin. The new restaurant will serve deliberately simple cuisine that will showcase the best local produce, complementing La Bouitte perfectly and the relaxed friendly atmosphere will suit families. Our mouths are watering already!
Where to stay: La Bouitte
5* Hotel, restaurant with 3 Michelin stars and Bela Vya spa | rooms & suites
As well as a superb restaurant, La Bouitte is an outstanding 5-star hotel and spa, which enjoys an idyllic rural location. Its reputation as one of the most welcoming, convivial places to stay in the French Alps is richly deserved. For families, there are luxurious suites that sleep up to four.
Price: 7 nights B&B from £1,450pp including Eurotunnel with free FlexiPlus upgrade (based on two adults sharing a Comfort room).
5. Step back in time
St Martin has a long and fascinating history, while away an afternoon walking the village heritage trail. There are 12 places to discover on the trail, which starts at the village church. You’ll see the communal bread oven, the ‘bachal’ (wash house), and end at the beautiful 17th century baroque chapel of Notre Dame de la Vie.
Where to stay: Alp Hotel
3* Hotel | standard and triple rooms available
The Alp Hotel is a charming hotel right at the bottom of the slopes (and right by the ski school meeting point so perfect for families). The rooms have great views of both the slopes and the surrounding mountains. There’s a cosy restaurant and a terrace for soaking up the winter sunshine. We like the fact that although standard rooms sleep a maximum of two, a reduced child rate applies even if two children share or if one adult and one child share.
Price: 7 nights half-board from £731pp including Eurotunnel with free FlexiPlus upgrade (based on two adults sharing a standard twin/double).
The Trait de l’Union refuge
6. Unique experiences
Spend one blissful night of your ski holiday in your own luxurious mountain refuge, perfect for marking a special occasion. Ski to this gorgeous hideaway or walk up on snowshoes from the hamlet of St Marcel and enjoy a champagne aperitif (for the adults), traditional Savoyard dinner, night away from it all and the best breakfast, all served by Viviane and her family.
Where to stay: Chalets Home
4* Self-catered chalets & apartments | largest sleeps 12
These über-stylish self-catered chalets and apartments have plenty to love. All bedrooms are en-suite and the chalets have their own sauna. Enjoy curling up by the fire in the evening. In the morning take the private shuttle bus to the resorts centre and lifts, the ultimate in convenience when you’ve got the whole family to get ready and out the door.
Price: 7 nights in a three bedroom luxury apartment sleeping up to 8, from £2,657 per apartment, including Eurotunnel with a free FlexiPlus upgrade (based on week commencing 30/3/19).