THE 3 BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE FRENCH ALPS

Gastronomy is an important part of France’s heritage, as much as our countryside and our monuments,” declared French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius at an exclusive Michelin hosted Gala.
Mr Fabius was proudly introducing this year’s Michelin guide to France’s best restaurants, including two restaurants that were newly awarded with the prestigious 3 stars this year.

Comprising a Savoyard father-and-son team, Rene and Maxime Meilleur took the guide’s second new three-star award for their restaurant LaBouitte in the French Alps. Although an extraordinary achievement, such highly acclaimed gastronomy is in fact quite ordinary in the French Alps.

There are in fact many Michelin-starred restaurants to be discovered and Heli Securite offer their recommendations for the best establishments on the slopes this winter.

LE CHABICHOU

Besides taking a helicopter to Méribel to visit the wonderful La Bouitte, nearby Courchevel has plenty to admire in gastronomy, with more luxury hotels than any other French city outside of Paris. In addition, the Alpine town boasts an impressive seven restaurants in the Michelin guide, five of which have two stars.

One of those restaurants is Le Chabichou which delights the diner with “subtle, refined, inventive and bountiful flavours” from the freshest local produce. With a dramatic mountain backdrop to accompany Michel Rochedy and Stéphane Buron’s fine warm regional and international dishes, this is one of the finest dining experiences the French Alps has to offer.

FLOCONS DE SEL

Flocons de Sel also enjoys a two Michelin star reputation thanks to Emmanuel Renaut’s daring and unique flavour combinations. Signature dishes such as his suckling lamb with black radish and prune purée, roasted pigeon perfumed with juniper, and fine pike stuffing with lake crawfish are just some examples of his unconventional style.

Menu prices range from €39 to €139. Charter a luxury helicopter to Mègeve to discover the delights of Flocons de Sel.

LES AIRELLES

Chef Pierre Gagnier’s restaurant produces dishes that combine a passion for art and food.

Not only is the restaurant immaculately decorated with jewel-toned silk curtains, Hermès tableware, and Saint Louis chandeliers, but also his food is beautifully presented. The carefully assembled malabar-peppered goose liver soup with green lentil gnocchi, the colourful carob-rubbed red mullet oven baked on bread and Indian Jelly are to be savoured as much by the eyes as by the tongue.

There is little wonder as to why Les Airelles is a two Michelin starred restaurant and why Courchevel continues to be respected as a haven for fine dining. Be prepared to spend anywhere from €200 to €600 per person.