St-Martin-de-Belleville is a very pretty, very quaint and very quiet mountain village, nestled at 1,400m between Meribel Mottaret and Les Menuires in France’s massive Three Valleys ski area. Home to a beautiful old church plus a fine cluster of traditional chalets, St-Martin boasts excellent lift links into the Three Valleys — but the queues to get up there can be long. If you’re searching for an inexpensive place to base yourself to explore the Three Valleys, or you’re looking for a luxury 5* chalet and a little peace and quiet, St-Martin is well worth consideration.
To access the Three Valleys network from the base village of St-Martin-de-Belleville, skiers hop on the gondola out of the village then switch to the chairlift to reach the Tougnete peak. From here, Meribel, La Tania and Courchevel lie to the left and Les Menuires plus Val Thorens lie to the right. Surely one of the best spots in the French Alps for a keen skier to find themselves?!
Widely reputed for the high standard of its chalets, St-Martin offers many independently run properties of superb quality. Haute cuisine and wonderful service levels in many of the chalets here make St-Martin a great resort choice for skiers looking for something a bit special, but there’s nothing with UK flights and transfers included so you have to sort travel separately.
St-Martin-de-Belleville may be tucked away high in the Three Valleys, but it’s reassuringly easy to get to. Chambery Airport is a mere 2 hours’ drive away, and the airports of Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble lie within 3 to 3.5 hours’ drive.
If you're keen to try the train, Moutiers train station sits at the bottom of the valleys, with services running from London and Paris. From the resort itself, public busses serve the neighbouring resorts of Val Thorens and Les Menuires.
St Martin de Belleville is located in the heart of the three valleys so has access to the expansive ski area and with runs suitable for all abilities. St Martin is a quiet and traditional town so is a popular choice with families and therefore does get busier during school holidays. The resort is relatively high altitude and links with higher three valley resorts so has good snow conditions all season long.
St Martin de Belleville is relatively small with a selection of apartments, chalets and hotels. Its small size means you will never be staying too far from the slopes.
St Martin is a relatively small resort with a cluster of chalets and shops/restaurants so everything is walkable. If you wanted to visit other resorts within the three valleys then you would either have to travel by piste or drive/take a taxi. There are no direct bus services connecting the resorts. If you wanted to travel by bus then you would have to go via Moutiers.
Après-ski is low-key in St-Martin-de-Belleville, and the village is far better suited to families and groups happy in their own company. Groups of après skiers looking for lively nightlife are better off in nearby Val Thorens, Meribel or Courchevel. That said, there are a couple of lovely bars with live music and a friendly après ski atmosphere. If you’re in resort and in search of a spot to park up for a drink, try Le Dahlia, Bar le Joker or L'Eterlou. The Pourquoi Pas piano bar is a great place for a relaxed atmosphere.
St-Martin is home to a small but diverse selection of eateries and restaurants, where diners can find cheap-and-cheerful dishes all the way up to Michelin-starred dining.
Good for Couples Etoile des Neiges Place de l'Église
St Martin de Belleville +33 4 79 08 92 80 |
Good for Couples La Bouitte Hameau de Saint Marcel
St Martin de Belleville +33 4 79 08 96 77 |
Good for Family La Voute Place de la Mairie Saint Martin
St Martin de Belleville +33 4 79 08 91 48 |
Good for Friends Le Dahlia Rue Notre Dame Les Grangeraies St Martin de Belleville +33 6 61 90 83 95 |
|
|
|
|
St-Martin is a sleepy little spot, but there’s a good range of non-ski activities for visitors in search of a little adventure away from the pistes. Parapente is a popular pursuit in the warmer months, when thermals rise from the valley floor to the peaks above and beyond. You can also explore the surrounding forests on a snow-shoeing adventure, or zoom along wooded trails on a dog-sledding course.
For something a little more sedate, there are beautiful walking trails to explore, a museum which brings the region’s farming heritage to life and a sports hall with a good range of indoor facilities. For a little rest and relaxation, you can try La Béla Vya Mountain Spas or Ô des Cîmes Chalet du Gypse.
Dog Sledding
St Martin de Belleville +33 4 79 00 20 00 |
Paragliding Les Menuires
St Martin de Belleville +33 6 80 10 79 20 |
Spa
St Martin de Belleville +33 4 79 08 96 77 |
|
|
|
|
|
Ski schools in St Martin are very good, if perhaps a little limited compared to neighbouring Meribel.
St Martin is a relatively small resort with a cluster of chalets and shops/restaurants so everything is walkable. If you wanted to visit other resorts within the three valleys then you would either have to travel by piste or drive/take a taxi. There are no direct bus services connecting the resorts. If you wanted to travel by bus then you would have to go via Moutiers.
Parents in need of child care facilities can turn to the ESF’s Piou-Pou Club, where staff welcome kids from 30 months to five years of age. Children from 3 years and older can take ski lessons too.
Ski schools in St Martin are very good, if perhaps a little limited compared to neighbouring Meribel.
There are a few ski hire shops in resort which offer a good range of the latest sport equipment. Make sure that you pre-book as many of the stores will offer online discounts.
1450m
5km
3230m
198
600km
Found 13 results matching your search .