Dining

While you’re in the Haute Savoie region, try some of the great local specialties. Most restaurants in La Clusaz will serve Raclette, a fun dish that drips melted cheese over potatoes; Tartiflette, a dish of potatoes with tasty, creamy Reblochon cheese melted over it; Matafan, big potato fritters; Farcon, a mixture of mashed potatoes, cabbage, pears, raisons, and chestnuts; Les Diots, little pork sausages prepared in white wine; Les Atriaux, roasted pieces of pork wrapped in ‘voilettes’; or La Tomme Blanche, reblochon cheese that is not yet mature.

Le Bercail (450 02 43 75; photo left) on the Massif de L’Aiguille is one of the finest dining experiences that can be found at any international ski resort. It is accessible by skis and at night by sleigh or snowcat. Unforgettable dinners, available only by reservation, include typical Savoyard dishes served in a rustic farm setting around two blazing fireplaces. The fixed menu offers plenty of options for a good deal. The Degustation Menu offers a palate-expanding meal with many, many courses

L’Arbé (450 02 60 54) is the place to go for cheese dishes. For a great fondue or raclette you will spend around €20–€25 with wine.

Le Grenier (450 32 36 06) is a very cozy, wooden place just around the corner from the church. This restaurant specializes in raclette. Huge half-wheels of Reblochon cheese are melted by an interesting contraption. Meals can go for €16–€30.

There are plenty of other excellent restaurants in La Clusaz. Le Symphonie (450 32 68 00), in Hotel Beauregard, is a classic French and nouvelle restaurant. Restaurant de Savoie; Alp Hotel Restaurant; Hotel Des Aravis Restaurant; La Caleche (450 02 42 60) and L’Ecuelle (450 02 42 03) are both cozy, beautiful, old places where wood burns and regional specialties are served.

These restaurants serve tasty dishes for a little less than the rest. La Bergerie (450 02 63 40), offers a €7 child’s meal and dinners for €12–€25. It is a small, cozy pizzeria that also serves regional specialties and Reblochon plates. La Braise (450 02 68 75) serves child’s meals for €7.50, plate-of-the-day for €12–€17, pizza for €8–€10 and for tartiflette €5–€6. La Scierie (450 63 34 68) is a well lit, open restaurant with a fireplace. It serves children’s meals for less than €10 and tasty dinners for €11–€12.

If you cannot decide on a restaurant, check in at any of the inexpensive creperies or pizzerias in town. You can also save by eating a full meal at lunch, when meals generally cost less, or by picking up some bulk food at the supermarket. Sometimes, good French bread and cheese can do the job; this should cost no more than €4.