The French Alps are often associated with family ski holidays and active adventures. But, what about a romantic retreat? Despite what many may think, the French Alps are an incredibly romantic destination for couples wanting to spend quality time together in a unique setting.
In this post, we list the most romantic ski resort in the Alps and the activities couples can enjoy whilst visiting. We’ll be covering activities in…
- Megève
- Chamonix
- Portes du Soleil
- Aravis
Read on to find out more…
1. Megève
Megève is a high-end ski resort in the Haute-Savoie region in the French Alps. With stunning panoramic views, and quieter pistes than some of its neighbouring resorts, there is a more exclusive feel here.
Romantic activities include…
Dine at the Flocons de Sel
As a special treat, we’d recommend trying the nine-course tasting menu at Flocons de Sel. This Michelin star restaurant is the perfect spot for couples wanting a memorable dining experience whilst on holiday in Megève. For more options of places to eat out see here.
Visit Les Fermes de Marie Spa
Visiting a spa is a great romantic activity for couples who want to unwind together. Visitors can choose from luxurious treatments such as a massage, facial, exfoliation or acupuncture off the spa menu. After your treatment, you can swim in the pool, relax in the hot tub, head to the sauna or kick back in the relaxation room. Find out more on their website.
Have a lakeside picnic in summer
In summer, it’s well worth taking a hike around Lake Javen. The scenery is beautiful and there is a restaurant or you could pack a picnic for two.
Visit an Igloo
As a totally unique experience, why not snowshoe to this secret igloo for an aperitif? This is an incredibly memorable way to explore the mountains and sample some locally sourced specialities including mulled wine, hot chocolate, cheese and charcuterie whilst you’re there!
Take a horse and carriage ride
If you’re looking for a typically romantic activity, from 17€ per session, you can explore Megève on a horse-drawn carriage! Check the website and reserve here.
Take a hot air balloon ride in Praz-sur-Arly
A short car journey from Megève, Praz-sur-Arly is well known for its famed hot air balloon rides. This unique experience is perfect for couples looking for romantic activities!
Leaving from Praz-sur-Arly, you can take in the views of the Mont-Blanc range, the Aravis, Beaufortain and much more on this unique embarkment.
Prices range from 180-260€ per person, depending on age and number of passengers.
The length of flight varies between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on weather and flight conditions.
Overall, the experience lasts between 3-4 hours including a Champagne on landing and the trip back to the meeting point. Take a look at the website for more information.
Find Romantic Ski Chalets for 2 in France
2. Chamonix
Visit the Aiguille du Midi
Those looking for an activity with a ‘wow factor’ should visit the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix. Named the ‘world’s highest museum’, visitors can learn about the history of mountaineering and marvel at the incredible views.
If you’re feeling brave, why not ‘step into the void’? This specific part of the attraction allows you to step into a glass box with transparent walls and floor, so you feel like you are floating above the mountains beneath you! Enjoy the breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in Europe as well as the Bossons Glacier – a completely unique experience!
Learn more about the Aiguille du Midi and how to get there via this website.
Take the Montenvers train
For a fun day out, couples can enjoy a train ride together on the Montenvers train, which has its own station next to the main train station in Chamonix. This funicular railway climbs steeply to a viewing point above the Mer de Glace. From the top of the line at Montenvers, it’s a lovely walk down to the glacier and an ice cave.
Book a couple’s massage at QC Terme
QC Terme is an idyllic spa set in a spectacular location, with stunning views of Chamonix. There are two different types of couples’ massage on offer to choose from including a 25-minute treatment for 98€ and a 50-minute treatment for 172€.
QC Terme‘s evening entrances are extremely popular amongst couples. With sessions beginning at 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm, you can enjoy a romantic spa experience under the stars from 52€ per person.
Spend the night in a bubble
If you’re a couple on holiday with a larger group, why not escape for the night and sleep under the stars in a bubble suspended from the trees? Situated next to the Mer de Glace, this completely unique experience is perfect for couples who want to embrace the mountains together and have a truly exceptional experience. Find out more here.
Ice skating in Les Houches
For a light-hearted bit of fun, couples can visit the free outdoor ice rink (skate hire is 3.50€) in Les Houches, opposite the exit toward the train station and the motorway. Find out more information here.
Dine at Le Caphorn
Couples can enjoy dishes from French, Japanese and European origin on the menu at Le Caphorn, along with three-course lunch and dinner menus, and a very extensive wine list. The cellar bar is a popular place to start the evening, and on a warm evening, there’s plenty of seating on the terraces. Book ahead to make sure of a table.
Browse romantic ski chalets in Chamonix
3. Resorts across the Portes du Soleil
Avoriaz
If you’re looking for a resort with an enchanting ‘winter wonderland’ feel, then Avoriaz is a must. The town is often twinkling with fairy lights and as the resort is entirely pedestrianised, visitors can travel around the resort by horse-drawn carriages, adding to the overall charm of this romantic destination.
Partners can enjoy the fun of ski joering together, where you can explore the mountains on skis whilst being towed by one or more horses. Read more about this activity by clicking here.
Morzine / Montriond
In summer, Morzine and the neighbouring town of Montriond are packed full of things for couples to enjoy together. Our top recommendation would be heading to Montriond lake for a summer picnic or taking a hike together on one of the many great walking trails in the area. Find out the best hiking trails on the tourist office website here.
Les Gets
The Alta Lumina light show is the ideal romantic experience for couples visiting the Portes du Soleil. Couples can embark on a 1km walk through this enchanted forest and immerse themselves in a story told through light, colour and sound. Buy tickets online for 19€ per person.
4. Resorts across the Aravis
La Clusaz
The Deep Nature Spa in La Clusaz offers a variety of treatments such as massages, facials and body scrubs – perfect for partners looking to wind down after a day in the mountains.
Another experience to try together is a visit to the Distillerie des Aravis to sample their authentic Génépi liqueur. A popular drink best enjoyed after a meal, Génépi is a must-try digestif made using local herbs and plants – the perfect souvenir for friends and family!
Manigod
Approximately 30 minutes drive from La Clusaz, the neighbouring town of Manigod is also home to idyllic backdrops, perfect for a romantic retreat in the French Alps.
We’d recommend a visit to La Maison des Bois, the Michelin Star restaurant by local chef Marc Veyrat, based at the Col de la Croix Fry. Stunning scenery and world-class dishes are available here, so book in advance to avoid disappointment!
So those were our top picks of the most romantic ski resorts in the Alps! If you’re heading to the French Alps on your next holiday, be sure to visit the destination section of our blog to find out more about the resort you’re staying in.
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