From the slopes to La Folie Douce: Val d'Isère

A skiing holiday in Val d'Isère is both a time of extremes and a time for balance. Each day consists of excitedly exploring the lofty heights of the Alps, ducking into mountain restaurants to feast on the hearty cuisine that will undoubtedly sustain you for your adventures. In the evening, the adage 'work hard, play hard' rings true at the famous La Folie Douce Val d'Isère, as boot-clad revellers dance the evening away. In the morning, you wake up to the crisp mountain air filling the peaceful valley, excited to do it all over again.

After the physical exertion of skiing, one can reap the rewards by eating well and by celebrating another day in winter wonderland among the technicolour crowd at La Folie Douce Val d'Isère. Head to Val d'Isère - one of our favourite luxury holiday destinations in the French Alps - for an invigorating mountain escape.

The history of La Folie Douce, Val d'Isère

In 1980, La Folie Douce opened its doors. At a time when Val d'Isère had seen the bulk of its growth and was already a favourite of the jet-set ski contingent, La Folie Douce quickly rose to prominence on the slopes thanks to its spirited live music and mesmeric performers. There is now a Folie Douce not only in Val d'Isère, but also in Val Thorens, Méribel, Les Arcs, and Alpe d'Huez. 

How to get to La Folie Douce, Val d'Isère

La Folie Douce Val d'Isère is perched amongst the peaks at a staggering height of 2400m. Fret not, though, because the iconic aprés-ski venue is situated at the top of the La Daille gondola. To access La Folie Douce by car, you can either park in the La Daille car park or other nearby car parks and take the free shuttle, which operates from 8:15 a.m. to 6:35 p.m. If you are coming to La Folie the traditional alpine way, gliding through the fresh snow, you can either get there via the Diebold (blue) and Mont Blanc (green) ski runs. Pedestrians can also take the gondola from La Daille. For those coming from Tignes on their skis, take the Tovière cable car followed by the Edelweiss then Verte pistes. 

Enjoy the slopes down to La Folie Douce, Val d'Isère

Some say that when you set foot on the pistes in the morning, you are on an inevitable and inexorable downhill slope to La Folie Douce's renowned aprés-ski. As part of the Espace Killy ski area, which boasts over 300km of groomed piste, there is plenty of enjoyable skiing to be had for all levels. There are some superb runs in the immediate vicinity of La Folie Douce, such as the red Coupe du Monde "OK", which drops off the mountain before winding between the snow-dusted trees all the way down to La Daille. From here, the gondola can whisk you back up the mountain to the merry aprés-ski atmosphere. 

What to expect at the famous La Folie Douce Aprés Ski

Aside from all the expected - a sea of people in wacky and colourful outfits bobbing and stomping their boots to the sounds of groovy music; marvellous performers and light displays; delicious drinks to quench a thirst built up after a day of skiing - La Folie Douce Val d'Isère has a lot to offer.

The mornings begin slowly before a cabaret lunch at 13h00, where not only is the entertainment satiating, but so is the food. At around 14h30, as the music loudens and the crowds drift in, La Folie Douce begins to step into its reputation as one of the best places for aprés-ski in the French Alps.

La Folie boasts three different restaurants serving a variety of food. Head to La Fruitiére for gastronomic treats prepared by Chef Franck Mischler. At La Petite Cuisine, you can expect warming mountain fare served in a quintessentially Alpine-style canteen, where the exploits of the day flow freely between all the tables.

Stack up on pizza, pasta, french fries, and salads made from local produce before heading back into the snowy afternoon. At Le Butcher, you can bask in the sun on the terrace for a quick burger or a hot dog followed by a sweet crêpe.

Where to stay: Villas a stone's throw from dancing on the tables

Chalet Machapuchare

With its stone and wooden facade, Chalet Machapuchare slots into the landscape with ease, melding with the shape of the hillside. This 14-guest chalet has all the charm of a traditional mountain chalet, but splashes of sleek modernity give it a lavishing finish. The chalet is located in La Daille - a short walk to the gondola that will carry you to the jovial festivities of La Folie Douce.

Penthouse Fleche

Penthouse Fleche is an effortlessly trendy, yet homely chalet-style apartment with ski-in-ski-out access; ideal for making the most of the sporty skiing in Espace Killy. The penthouse boasts stunning views that flit over the bulging rooftops to the mountains that engulf this quaint village.

Begin your Val d'Isère ski holiday by browsing through our collection of chalets and find your perfect home away from home for your luxury France holidays to the Alps.