Valloire Information

Apres-ski

Not the liveliest of destinations, but not the quietest either, après-ski in Valloire comprises a dozen good bars and other night spots, ranging from relaxed wine bars to lively, atmospheric clubs.

For evening relaxation, Le Mast'Rock (tel: +33 479 053 452) offers live music, while Le Moussequif pub (tel: +33 479 590 958) has a large range of beers. Additionally, the Bar Restaurant Le Beau Sejour (tel: +33 479 593 785) has a south-facing terrace that is wonderful on a sunny day.

Night owls should head to the Le Slalom/Odyssée nightclub (tel: +33 610 951 283; www.leslalomdiscotheque.noziris.com), which offers late night revelry.

Eating out

Given the resort's location, it's no surprise the 40 or so restaurants in Valloire are almost all purveyors of traditional French mountain cuisine.

La Poutre (tel: +33 479 590 875) is one of the best restaurants in the resort and famed for its speciality dish, 'The Gallows' which includes various meats such as duck and beef hanging above the table and flambéed in cognac. Le Chalet des Saveurs (tel: +33 625 833 790) located behind the tourist office is also excellent for French favourites including foie gras, snails and a deliciously creamy tartiflette. Bistrot Chez Fred (tel: +33 479 590 832), with its wood-clad walls, is another cosy eatery serving popular Savoyard specialities.

With Italy only a few miles away, there are also a number of Italian options, including the popular La Pizza (tel: +33 479 590 914) that houses a wood-fire oven.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Away from downhill skiing and snowboarding, those who are confident on their skis or board can try speed riding (tel: +33 610 820 169), which involves skiing or boarding with an attached parasail, offering the chance to grab some big air.

One- or three-hour dog sledding trips with Run Arctic (tel: +33 619 521 119) are available for anyone aged 10 or older, while llama treks (tel: +33 626 238 324) provide a more unusual alternative.

A number of companies offer snowshoeing expeditions, including the École du Ski Français (ESF) (tel: +33 479 590 073; www.esf-valloire.fr), which runs farm visits and night hikes as options.

Amongst the options in the village itself is a cinema (films in English and French), fitness centre (tel: +33 479 833 912), wellbeing centre (tel: +33 479 203 691) and an ice rink (tel: +33 479 590 418), where ice hockey is played.

Visitors can also explore one of a number of local farms, including the chance to see the cheese-making process at La Ferme du Pré Clos (tel: +33 4 79 83 3 787) on Tuesdays.

Family fun

Valloire is a great destination for families, particularly those with young children, as its old mountain feel and relative serenity make it a great place to explore.

Facilities here include the Le Aiglons nursery (tel: +33 479 590 398), which offers non-ski care for children from six months to six years old.

Ski lessons are possible for children from the age of three with the École de Ski Valloire (tel: +33 4 7959 0518; www.esivalloire.com) ski schools (although these usually only operate at peak holiday periods). For older children, the ESF offers the standard French national course, with tailored lessons according to age and ability.

The Les Loupiots play centre (tel: +33 4 7983 3985) is located on Rue des Grandes Alpes and offers weekly themed activities.

Retail therapy

There are roughly 50 shops within the resort, the majority of which are either ski outlets or food retailers. The latter category includes butchers, greengrocers and half-a-dozen bakeries, including Le Fournil des Bergers (tel: +33 479 590 074), which produces particularly wonderful cakes and confectionary.

Gift shops worth a visit include La Cartepostalerie (tel: +33 479 590 194) with its excellent photographs of the local area and, further along the street, Le P'tit Savoyard (tel: +33 479 833 525) for its range of souvenirs.

Splashing out

Valloire has a range of options for viewing the stunning scenery from high above the slopes. Scenic flights in a light aircraft are available from the Aéroclub de Valloire (www.aeroclub-de-valloire.com). Another option is paragliding, with tandem jumps offered all season (weather permitting) by Envergure (tel: +33 610 820 169; www.parapente-speedriding.fr).

Hotels

As with most French ski resorts, accommodation in Valloire is primarily based in apartment-style complexes, but because of its long-standing popularity, there are also more hotels than usual for a ski centre of its size in the country. Hotels in Valloire range from 1- to 3-stars, so those looking for ultra-luxury tend to rent an apartment or chalet.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap