Once a month, Luxus Magazine sets sail for a destination in France or elsewhere to discover the most elegant addresses, all personally experienced and carefully selected. Characterful hotels, fine dining, rare boutiques, cultural getaways… Our guide is like a magic key for discerning travelers. After Mauritius, it’s time for Megève – an iconic resort that is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
There are places where time stands still. Megève is one of them. Perched at an altitude of 1,113 meters, facing Mont Blanc, this resort, created in the 1920s by Baroness Noémie de Rothschild, has been cultivating the art of discreet escape for a century. Far from the ostentation of some neighboring resorts, Megève whispers its elegance rather than shouting it. Its cobbled streets wind between century-old chalets with carved wooden balconies, its baroque bell towers watch over snow-covered squares, and its illuminated shop windows promise alpine warmth in the winter night. Here, luxury is experienced on a human scale, combining Savoyard authenticity with contemporary refinement. People don’t come to Megève just to ski—although its 445 kilometers of slopes are certainly appealing—but to experience a certain mountain lifestyle, where every sense is engaged, heightened, and awakened.
🔑 Historical key: the Rothschild family, pioneers of the resort
Born out of an aristocratic gamble, Megève entered history in 1914 when the Rothschild family decided to create a French alpine resort there that could rival St. Moritz. Conceived from the outset as a way of life, the resort combines elegance, sport, and social life. Between the wars, Megève became a meeting place for a cosmopolitan elite, seduced by its revisited Savoyard architecture and preserved village spirit. A pioneer in recreational skiing and discreet luxury, Megève has gone through the decades without losing its soul, cultivating a timeless refinement where tradition, nature, and excellence interact harmoniously.
🔑 Key to sleep: Chalet Alice on Mont d’Arbois
At the Mont d’Arbois, sleep takes the form of a refuge designed like a family home. The latest addition to the Chalets du Mont d’Arbois created by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, Chalet Alice is part of this discreet and lived-in Alpine tradition. Behind its light wood façade, six bedrooms and two suites are arranged around communal areas designed for sharing: a living room with a fireplace, a dining room, and an open kitchen. The atmosphere combines light wood, works of art, and contemporary lines. Guests can enjoy hotel services, a spa, and concierge services as they wish, without sacrificing the privacy of a private chalet.
🔑 Key to the must-see: the church square
A visit to Megève begins at the Palais Megève, an iconic building combining contemporary lines and Alpine references, and continues in the historic center. The historic heart of Megève, the Place de l’Église has structured village life for centuries. Lined with chalets with traditional facades and shops, it is dominated by the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a Baroque building rebuilt in the early 18th century on older foundations. Its bulbous bell tower is a central landmark of the village. A daily thoroughfare, the square is a hub of activity, with terraces and access to pedestrian streets, affirming its role as a natural meeting point in both summer and winter.
🔑 Key to the dawn walk: snowshoeing at sunrise on the Christomet plateau
Located in the hills above Megève, the Christomet plateau is a well-known starting point for snowshoeing routes. At dawn, before the slopes open, the site offers a particularly calm atmosphere, conducive to observing the landscape and gentle walking. The marked trails pass through forests and clearings, with unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. This morning outing allows you to discover the mountains at a leisurely pace, as daylight gradually settles over the snow-covered peaks.
🔑 Key to the secret getaway: the hamlet of Planay and the chapel of Villard
For a secret getaway, head to the hamlet of Planay, one of the best-preserved in Megève. Its authentic farms and peaceful trails offer a timeless immersion. Further on, the Chapelle du Villard, discreetly positioned facing the peaks, invites you to reflect and contemplate. Here, the silence is broken only by the wind and footsteps in the snow. A private interlude, ideal for experiencing the mountains in their most intimate form.
🔑 Key to a walk in the great outdoors: the Chemin du Calvaire
Located in the hills above Megève, the Chemin du Calvaire is a short and accessible walking route connecting the village center to the hamlet of Villaret. Built in the 17th century, it is dotted with listed chapels and oratories illustrating the Stations of the Cross. The gradual climb offers unobstructed views of the bell tower and the roofs of the village. This walk combines religious heritage, alpine scenery, and proximity to the heart of the village.
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