lightbulb

Megève

- © vwalakte / 123RF
Megève
Megève

A charming resort at the gateway to Mont Blanc.

Megève in short

In a nutshell

Located in the heart of the Alps in the department of Haute-Savoie, between Italy and Switzerland, the commune of Megève has been a major tourist resort since the 1910s. Made famous by the Rothschild family, who made it one of their holiday resorts, Megève's reputation has now spread beyond France's borders. Renowned for its skiing, Megève also offers many other sporting and cultural activities.

Aerial view of Megève

- © ansharphoto / Shutterstock

Most winter visitors to Megève are naturally attracted by the 450 kilometres of ski runs and exceptional snowy panoramas. Snow sports (skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing) are very popular, and the resort is well equipped for the comfort of holidaymakers. But you can also enjoy many other activities, whatever the season, including paragliding, parachuting, accrobranche, mountain biking, hiking, summer sledging, swimming, canyoning and rafting. In winter, you can also play golf on snow. In short, it's hard to get bored in Megève!

Ski slopes in the Megève ski area.

Not far away, Mont Blanc also opens its arms to you. Many tourists take advantage of their stay in Megève to climb to the top of this famous mountain, or enjoy a unique experience by flying over it in an aeroplane. Hikers will also enjoy discovering the Chemin du Calvaire, dotted with little chapels and breathtaking scenery. For families, treasure hunts are organised to discover Megève and its history.

Climbing Mont Blanc is a challenge taken up by many travelers.

- © Soloviova Liudmyla / Shutterstock

Throughout the year, the commune also hosts cultural and sporting events. In July, the streets of the resort are alive with music with the Megève Jazz Contest and the Estivales de Megève, a festival of classical music and promotion of new talent. In January, the New Year kicks off in style with two sporting events: the Megève Polo Masters and the Snow Golf Cup, a very special and almost unique snow golf competition.

In Megève, golf is played on snow, notably during the Snow Golf Cup.

- © Robert Faritsch / Shutterstock

As for religious monuments, in addition to the Chemin des Calvaires (Calvary Trail), the commune is packed with historical and architectural treasures: the Hameaux chapels dating from the 15th and 18th centuries, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, the Croix Saint-Michel and the Creux Saint-Jean. Architecture lovers will also be delighted by the town centre and the structure of the houses, which speak volumes about their past...

Panorama sur le centre-ville de Megève.

- © Benoit Bruchez / Shutterstock

Last articles

Megève: a lively year-round town in the heart of the Alps
Megève

Megève: a lively year-round town in the heart of the Alps

Unlike many ski resorts, which seem to fade away at the end of the winter season, Megève is a dynamic and lively town all year round! From spring to winter, major events are organised...
A week in Megève: what to do?
Megève

A week in Megève: what to do?

Set in a veritable jewel case of nature, in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, Megève is the ideal winter destination for lovers of skiing and luxury. Blending authentic Savoyard...

The must-sees

All the must-sees

How to get there?

The easiest way to get to Megève is by road. The D1212 departmental road runs through the village and is passable all year round. Pay and free car parks are available to park your vehicle for the duration of your stay.

If you prefer public transport, Sallanches station is just 13 km from Megève. Shuttle bus and coach services run daily to and from the station. The same applies to Geneva airport (1 hour's drive) and Lyon airport (2h30).

Chamonix

Flights to Geneva

Find the best flight deals for Geneva
From
£63
Book

Where to stay?

From luxury hotels to wooden chalets and furnished flats for rent, Megève offers a wide range of accommodation. Whatever your needs and desires, don't hesitate to book your accommodation well in advance of your stay: demand is high, especially in high season, and many hotels are fully booked several months in advance.

Top 10 best hotels with spa in Megève
Megève
Top 10 best hotels with spa in Megève
Megève is a famous village and ski resort in the Alps, situated in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif in south-east France. It is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts...

Practical information

Getting around:

For access to the slopes, or to get to the town centre from your hotel, there are several ways to get around Megève with complete peace of mind. The commune has a wide range of transport services, including free "Meg'bus" shuttles (available in high season). Itineraries and timetables are available on the Megève Town Hall website. For bigger budgets, taxis and luxury limousines are also available within the resort.

Ski passes:

To take to the slopes in Megève, you need a valid ski pass. These passes can be bought by the day, by the week or by the season. There are three different ski passes, giving you access to different slopes: the Portes du Mont-Blanc ski pass, the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski pass and the Unlimited ski pass. The Tourist Office advisors are on hand to offer advice and help you choose the pass that suits you best.

You can buy your lift pass online before your stay, or at one of the six automatic ticket machines installed in Megève town centre. They are accessible 24/7.

Pedestrian pass:

Not a fan of snow sports, but still want to use the resort's lifts to explore the area on foot? The Megève pedestrian pass gives you access to the 12 cable cars, gondolas and chairlifts throughout the winter season (or summer, depending on the date of your stay). For example, you can use it to access the mountain restaurants or pick up your children from ski school.

Health and emergencies:

Stay on your guard, especially if you're travelling with young children, as sudden changes in altitude can cause ear infections, sunstroke, dehydration or frostbite.

A number of doctors and other health professionals are available if you need them. Their contact details may change according to the tourist season, so don't hesitate to ask for them at the Megève Tourist Office.

In an emergency, as everywhere else in Europe, dial 112 to contact the emergency services. This number is also valid for operations in the mountains. Finally, there are several self-service defibrillators available in Megève town centre, notably at the Town Hall and in the casino car park.

Respect nature:

It's a piece of advice that applies anywhere in the world, but it's just as important: don't just throw your rubbish anywhere! When you go for a walk, remember to take a bag with you to take your rubbish to a recycling site. Also, be careful not to disturb wild animals; don't make too much noise in the areas (especially in the evening and at night) and don't walk your pet without a lead.

lightbulb_outline Editor's tip

Megève is a lively resort, even out of season! To enjoy the pleasures of the mountains in complete peace and quiet, don't hesitate to organise your stay in spring or autumn. Accommodation prices will also be cheaper than in the middle of February.

Useful links
Megève Tourist Office
Megève Savoie Mont Blanc

explore Try out our comparators

Latest news
Italy
Top 5 of the best Agriturismos in Tuscany
The best places in the world to observe bioluminescence
Edinburgh
Edinburgh to the rhythm of Scottish music
Edinburgh
A literary weekend in Edinburgh
Read more articles
Top destinations
Marrakech
Marrakech
Lisbon
Lisbon
Rome
Rome
Barcelona
Barcelona