The French Alps are eternal. These are, after all, the very peaks that saw the marches of Hannibal and Napoleon, and cradled the musings of philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau. These majestic mountains have seen it all. It is, thus, not wrong for holidaymakers to expect to be imbued with a sense of life being lived at its absolute maximum on their vacations here.
For indulgent alpine adventures laden with world-class dining, spa treatments and breathtaking views, we must turn to the experts. With over 70 years of experience in delivering dream holidays to discerning travellers, travel operator Club Med is a trusted name for where to stay and things to do when visiting the French Alps.
The company has the winning formula for extravagant mountainous escapades: thrilling on-and-off-slope ski experiences blended with a family-first approach, top-notch wellness offerings and refined dining—all wrapped up in a leisurely ambience. Add its all-inclusive model to the equation and Club Med is more than equipped to address your desires on these wintry slopes. Whether it’s heart-pounding ski experiences, unforgettable family moments or the ultimate peace of mind, a la Rousseau, Club Med has it covered.
The company’s Exclusive Collection in the French Alps elevates things even further. As the pinnacle of Club Med’s offerings, the exclusive chalets and villas, which are tucked discreetly within the company’s resorts, offer the peak of alpine indulgence. These intimate spaces, suffused with thoughtful refinement, provide the most personal and profound experience of the mountains, paired with bespoke and unobtrusive service. From premium concierge services to tailored ski experiences, the collection allows you the freedom to experience the mountains at your own pace and with unmatched indulgence.
Whether that means a private ski-in/ski-out experience or the quiet indulgence of sipping champagne on your terrace while admiring the sweeping alpine views, the Exclusive Collection creates a more nuanced form of luxury, predicated on full personalisation and quiet refinement.
Club Med Val d’Isère
Those seeking a mountainous sojourn with a side of sophistication should add Val d’Isère on their list of destinations to visit. Unlike the high-octane energy of Tignes, Val d’Isère offers a more subdued and refined alpine experience. Seasoned skiers will still find plenty of joy in the resort’s iconic black runs, but it is Val d’Isère’s rich history, natural beauty and laid-back alpine charm that set it apart.
Here, you’ll have unrivalled access to the best apres-ski the French Alps have to offer while being perfectly positioned to explore the splendour of the village. Famous for lively venues like cabaret club La Folie Douce, Val d’Isère is packed with cosy wine bars and quiet, fire-lit restaurants to satiate your apres-ski desires. Additionally, the resort’s ski-in, ski-out access makes it easy to move between the slopes and the village’s charming streets are lined with traditional wood and stone chalets that stand in contrast to the snow-capped peaks.
Designed to accentuate its natural surroundings, Club Med Val d’Isère offers guests spacious rooms decked with wooden accents and large windows that frame stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The resort is spacious and welcoming, with family suites providing ample space for multi-generational groups. When not skiing, families can relax at Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes, where adults can enjoy hot stone massages and steam baths while the children are engaged and cared for in dedicated clubs.
Club Med Tignes
The Alps may call for adventure, but even they might suggest catching your breath in Tignes. With over 300km of slopes and year-round skiing thanks to the Grande Motte glacier, Tignes caters to those with an unquenchable thirst for excitement. At Club Med Tignes, you’ll find the perfect partner for your extreme alpine adventure.
Located at the heart of the action, the resort provides seamless ski-in, ski-out access, so your time is spent on the slopes rather than shuffling through ski lockers. The best part: its premium, all-inclusive offerings mean all you need to do is pick your activity of choice and let the resort handle every detail on your behalf.
When it’s time to unwind after a day of skiing, you’ll retreat into a serene, mountain lodge-style resort. Its plush interiors, combining modern, sleek designs with a sense of cosiness and warmth, will wrap you in homely comfort. Opt for Le Sommet, the resort’s Exclusive Collection Space, for an elevated stay.
With luxury suites, a dedicated concierge and exclusive amenities, it offers maximum privacy and a serene opulence. To rejuvenate, take a dip in the resort’s pool (the largest of its kind in the Alps) and enjoy the uninterrupted view of the surrounding peaks, courtesy of its glass walls. Or indulge in post-ski recovery treatments at Club Med Spa by Sothys, where you can soothe tired muscles with a hot stone massage or unwind in the hammam.
And as the day winds down, the lively Equinoxe Bar ensures that your apres-ski transitions into vibrant evenings filled with laughter, live music and a cocktail (or two). After all, who says luxuriating in maximum comfort can’t be exhilarating?
Rousseau may have preferred the solitude of the Alps, but he didn’t have the option of an opulent resort catered for families, now did he? Nestled in the heart of the Paradiski region, one of France’s largest ski areas with 450km of slopes, Club Med Les Arcs Panorama takes full advantage of the picturesque vistas of the surrounding Tarentaise valley and the majestic Mont Blanc to offer a stunning stay.
Where this resort shines is in its family-friendly offerings. Whether you’re skiing together on gentle slopes or teaching your child how to snowboard, there’s no shortage of experiences for all ages. The resort houses a full range of dedicated children’s clubs for every age, such as Petit Club Med for toddlers and Club Med Passworld for teens.
While parents enjoy some well-deserved relaxation at Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes and the indoor heated pool, children can embark on their own adventures, which can range from ski lessons to creative workshops.
For the most immaculate experience, opt for the resort’s Exclusive Collection Space at Le Belvédère which is perched at the top of the resort. The private enclave offers luxury suites, a dedicated concierge and an exclusive lounge that provides uninterrupted and breathtaking views of the alpine landscape.
Photography: Club Med
Previously published on Robb Report Singapore
