Tignes & Val D’isère

About the Region

As one of the largest ski resorts in the French Alps, Tignes and Val D’Isère boast over 300km of pisted slopes, with a maximum altitude of 3,450m and runs that cater to skiers of all abilities. From the icy plains of Glacier du Pisaillas to the iconic needle eye at Aiguille Percée – immortalised in James Bond’s ‘A View to a Kill’ – and the summit of La Sache, one of Europe’s longest black runs, there is no shortage of mountain terrain to glide across.

The skiing itself is fantastic, with wide runs, beautiful scenery, and mogul-mazed pistes. I personally prefer the Tignes side, particularly towards Lac, which in my opinion, is the most scenically appealing side of the mountain. Tignes is slightly better connected, with more ski-in, ski-out options available. As you edge towards Val D’Isère, you’ll rely more heavily on long gondolas and bubbles to get you to the top. Overall, I was pleasantly snow-prised and would return again in a heartbeat!

Après-Ski & Where to Get Piste!

Picture the sun setting behind the mountains as you belt out Queen and dance the night away on tables. It’s the perfect way to conclude a day of skiing, especially on a spring evening in Tignes and Val D’Isère. These destinations have no shortage of après-ski spots, all bustling to life and utterly bonkers! Here are a few of my favourites…

While the Folie Douce has quite the reputation in the French Alps, the ultimate après-ski experience for me is at Cocorico in Val Claret and Val D’Isère from 5 pm to 8 pm. The Folie is undeniably fun, with great music, live dancers, and a fantastic atmosphere. However, its awkward location between Tignes and Val D’Isère means visitors have to get there early, cutting their skiing time short and rushing to catch the last lifts home at 5 pm. On top of that, it’s incredibly overpriced, with premium charges on food and drinks. Personally, I prefer to maximise my skiing time during the day and then enjoy après-ski afterwards. But hey, to each their own!

Another, lesser-known option for après-skiers is Le Bollin in Val Claret. Situated at the top of the Bollin lift, this open-terrace bar offers a unique experience. Keep an eye out for a white gorilla mounting a ski lift, and a bright orange Aperol truck serving an array of sunset spritzes. Conveniently placed on the route back into town if you’re staying in Val Claret, Le Bollin is the perfect second stop on your way back from Folie!

The Après Guide:

Folie Douce: Between Tignes & Val D’isère, on your way down to Tommeuses lift.
Cocorico Val Claret: Next to Les Lanches lift in Val Claret.
Cocorico Val D’isère: At the foot of Solaise and the Face de Bellevarde run.
Le Bollin: Top of Bollin lift, Val Claret

Restaurants & Bars

Across the region there are hundreds of restaurants and bars nestled high on the slopes and in the lower towns and villages. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, hearty dinner, creamy hot chocolate, or something a little stronger, here are a few of my favourite spots in Tignes and Val D’Isère to give you a little helping hand:

Lunch & Coffee

Loulous (Val D’Isère) – 5/5 – This lunch spot is truly luxurious, located at the base of Val D’Isère with stunning views of the mountains and slopes. While it comes with a premium price tag, I can guarantee that the experience is worth every penny. The service is exceptional and the food is simply divine. We opted for the kale salad, a refreshing and flavourful choice to recharge midday!
L’Escale Blanche (Lac de Tignes) – 5/5 – This restaurant was definitely my favourite during our stay. We were lucky enough to secure one of the last outdoor seats on a beautiful, sunny day, surrounded by the stunning mountain landscape of the Tignes region. I opted for the goat cheese salad, which turned out to be one of the most unforgettable meals of the trip – creamy goat cheese wrapped in a crispy coating, accompanied by a warm fig, fresh lettuce, and crunchy walnuts!
Grizzley’s (Val Claret) – 4.5/5 – The cosy little tavern is truly one of the most unique and special spots in the region. The chalet-like pinewood interior is adorned with bear figurines and sheepskin throws, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They serve a range of delicious light lunch bites, and I simply couldn’t resist the warm goat cheese slice, which was absolutely delicious!
La Palet (Top of Tichot lift, Val Claret) – 4/5 – La Palet is the perfect refuge on a snowy, white-out day, with expansive windows protecting you from the elements, while creating a cosy atmosphere inside. The restaurant is a bustling hotspot, especially during lunchtime, where they offer up classic, hearty dishes and delectable pastries to satisfy your hunger after a day of skiing. Additionally, there’s a spacious terrace, perfect for unwinding during lunch on sunnier days!
La Taverne des Neiges (Val Claret) – 3.5/5 – If you’re craving a colossal, freshly-made sandwich, this place has got you covered! We swung by on our first day, as it’s conveniently situated at the base of Val Claret. Taking on this foot-long sub was no joke – it took us a solid half hour to conquer it. But believe me, the fresh fillings in that airy baguette made every bite worth it. Simple can definitely be sensational!
Le Signal (Val D’Isère) – 3/5 – Le Signal is one of the few lunchtime options available on the Glacier du Pisaillas side of the mountain. Despite its limited dining menu consisting mainly of sandwiches and pre-packaged salads, the outdoor terrace offers a stunning view of the valley, making it a great choice for a simple and light lunch. However, it’s worth noting that the prices are a bit on the steep side compared to other dining options in the region – a purchase of two machine coffees can set you back a hefty €17!

Dinner

La Pignata (Val Claret) – 4.5/5 – We stumbled upon this vibrant, cosy, and absolutely marvellous little gem on our second-to-last night, and I can’t help but wish we’d found it sooner! There’s always a radiant energy emanating from this discreet restaurant, with the sound of laughter travelling through the town for miles. They specialise in Italian cuisine, serving up delicious pizzas and pastas – it quickly became my favourite evening spot during the trip. I highly recommend paying them a visit!
Pepe 2000 (Val Claret) – 3/5 – Pepe is undeniably one of the most popular spots in Val Claret, with many hailing it as the ‘best restaurant’ nearby. Despite its charm, delightful atmosphere, and exceptional service, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed with the food on both of my visits. While Pepe is renowned for its pizzas, anything beyond the realm of topping-covered dough is likely to leave you wanting.
Julietta (Lac de Tignes) – 3/5 – As the sister restaurant of L’Escale Blanche, I had high hopes for our experience here. The restaurant, tucked away on the high street, offers a stunning view of the mountains and boasts an enchanting interior. The Italian cuisine is visually enticing, and we were drooling before we’d even ordered our meals. However, as they say, never judge a book by its cover. The pasta, though visually appealing, lacked flavour and was overly al dente. Prior to the pasta, we enjoyed delicious arancini balls, which raised our expectations for the main course. Despite the great atmosphere, it is mostly style, no substance here I’m afraid.

Bars

Admittedly, during our stay in Val Claret, we mainly frequented the local pubs and bars within the town itself, without venturing further afield. Val Claret is renowned for its lively nightlife, with numerous establishments to choose from. I wouldn’t exactly label it as a ‘party town’ like areas such as Les Deux Alpes, but there are certainly some excellent spots to enjoy the evenings!

Le Studio (Val Claret) – 4.5/5 – This spot is without a doubt my favourite in the area. It’s an edgy snowboarder’s bar with live music events, giving it a mysterious and rock n’ roll vibe that’s highly esteemed by locals and French visitors alike. The staff here are top-notch, making our time even more enjoyable with complimentary spiced rum shots and a personal security service (yes, really!). I’ll definitely be returning!
La Caveau (Val Claret) – 3.5/5 – This cavernous grotto is a hidden gem, tucked away discreetly beside Grizzley’s. Burrow inside to discover a cosy and charming pub, boasting a stunning wooden bar and snug seating adorned with animal skin throws. Frequented by locals, it’s the perfect spot for post-dinner drinks.
Ranga’s Bar (Val Claret) – 2.5/5 – It’s entirely possible that we simply didn’t get a real taste for Ranga’s as the club itself feels like it could be great fun. We spotted the strobes and heard loud RnB music from our apartment room, so we headed down to check it out. We were slightly disappointed as it was rather quiet, especially considering that there were two uni ski trips both stationed nearby. However, I have high hopes, as friends who have visited previously have promised me it’s a good time. Maybe I’ll have to check this out another time!

What do you need to know beforehand?

Best Time to Visit: The ski season kicks off in December and runs through until the end of April. Thanks to the region’s high altitude and summer glacier skiing, Tignes and Val D’isere are perfect for spring skiing, usually offering perfectly groomed slopes and delightful spring sunshine until the end of the season.
Length of Stay: Whether it’s a long weekend getaway or a luxurious two-week stay, any amount of time spent on the slopes is worth it. However, I personally believe that a minimum of one week is ideal, allowing ample time to explore all the runs, restaurants, and glaciers.
Ski Pass (Tignes and Val D’isère): Enjoy access to the entire region for €400 for 7 days, or €66 per day. While full access to the region may seem pricey, the freedom and flexibility it offers make it well worth it. You can explore the various options available here, including half day passes and restricted region passes.
Foodie favourites: French mountain food is known for being rich, hearty, and easy to come by. Local favourites such as cheese fondue, tartiflette, cured meats and raclette are readily available at almost every restaurant in the region. After a long day of skiing, these comforting dishes perfectly satisfy every craving, especially following a long afternoon of après-ski!
Getting around: If you won’t be bringing your own car, I highly recommend booking all your airport transfers in advance and staying as central to the surrounding towns as possible. Ubers are not available within the region, and taxis can be few and hard to come by.
A word of warning: Before hitting the slopes, make sure to insure your ski gear, even if you’re renting. Just two days into our trip, my skis were taken from Cocorico in Val Claret, setting me back €350. While opting for a €2 charge per day halved the price of buying new skis, reclaiming the €350 requires coverage at home and a visit to the Gendarmerie Nationale in Lac for a formal insurance claim report.

Gallery

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