Haute-Savoie (French Alps)Megève

Megève is a village in the French Alps best known for its ski resort. The story goes that Noémie de Rothschild was shocked to encounter Germans in certain Swiss ski resorts (this was between world wars) so she started to look for a place to ski in France. She decided on Megève, where some already skied and bought land and built hotels. Some 90+ years later Megève is still going strong, built on its chic, jet setter reputation.

But don't let Megève's chic reputation put you off. No need to be a jet setter to ski in Megève, in fact its ski passes are comparable to other nearby resorts and in general cheaper than in North America. If you live in the region you can also save money by buying skis at a bourse aux skis (ski swap) or renting them for the season.

The center of Megève hasn't lost its rural Alpine feel. Many of the buildings look like farms and during the winter you can take a horse drawn carriage ride, they start in front of the church. You can also stroll along the narrow winding streets where window shopping is a must! In the summer you can hike in the mountains (like the Col du Jaillet) or do summer luge.

Megève is unique in that it's home to two Mairies (village halls) one for itself and another for the village of Demi-Quartier, that borders Megève. Both Mairies are in the main village square across from the church.

Megève sits above the Arve Valley, overlooked by three mountains, Mont d'Arbois, Mont Joly and Rochebrune. The Arly River runs through Megève.

Megève is on the D1212 road and can be accessed off the A40 Autoroute, exit 20 coming from Geneva/Paris or exit 21 coming from Chamoinx. Megève doesn't have a train station but there are local buses and a free 'ski bus' during the winter.

Megève Then & Now

Megève by Night

American ski instructor in Megève

Hotels in Megève

Time-Lapse Photography of the Rochebrune lifts in Megève.

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