As the summer sun casts its warm embrace across Europe, discerning travellers are seeking refuge from the sweltering heat and overcrowded beaches. Enter Megève, the enchanting Alpine village tucked away in the heart of the French Alps, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional summer destinations. With its cool mountain air, culinary delights, and boundless opportunities for adventure, Megève beckons as the quintessential summer sanctuary for those in search of a truly unforgettable experience. 

Nestled amidst snow-capped peaks and verdant meadows, Megève boasts a timeless charm that captivates visitors year-round. Here, travellers can bask in the tranquil beauty of the Alpine landscape, where the air is crisp and invigorating, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.

But Megève is far more than just a picturesque retreat – it is a gastronomic haven, where culinary delights await at every turn. From charming local bistros serving up hearty mountain fare to Michelin-starred restaurants offering innovative cuisine, Megève tantalises the taste buds with its rich culinary heritage.

For those with a thirst for adventure, Megève offers an array of exhilarating activities to suit every taste and preference. Whether it's hiking through pristine alpine forests, mountain biking along scenic trails, or paragliding above the breath-taking landscape, there is no shortage of ways to explore and embrace the great outdoors. And for those seeking a more leisurely pace, Megève's charming village streets beckon with boutiques, art galleries, and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. 

So why settle for the ordinary when you can experience the extraordinary? This summer, escape the crowds and discover Megève – where cool weather, delicious food, and days filled with adventure await. 

Check out the latest press pack here and keep reading to discover what's new this summer…

What's new this summer?  

Become a barmaid for the evening at Les Loges Blanches in Megève, France
A new experience awaits guests at the Bar des Cochers. Amidst the picturesque setting, the bar is abuzz with the excitement of mixology workshops tailored for apprentice bartenders. Both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts gather to explore the artistry of crafting both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Under the expert guidance of Anissa, a passionate and experienced barmaid, participants delve into the world of spirits, syrups, and detox drinks. Anissa's expertise shines as she shares her knowledge, assisting guests in concocting their favourite libations and imparting invaluable tips for replicating the experience at home. For the grown-ups, the workshop offers the opportunity to experiment with infusions of gin, vodka, or rum, each participant leaving with a personalised flask to continue their mixology adventures beyond the confines of Les Loges Blanches. Amidst the clinking of glasses and laughter, guests immerse themselves in an unforgettable journey of taste and creativity, embracing the essence of French hospitality in every sip. The workshops are priced from €24 / £20.50 pp for an hour session of cocktail creating and tasting.

Discover the secret world of plants
Set against the stunning backdrop of Megève, France, this engaging two-part programme is designed to enhance the joys of hiking. Participants embark on a scenic walk through mountain pastures and forests, led by Sabrina, a knowledgeable mountain guide with a deep passion for the wonders of plant life. Throughout the journey, Sabrina invites guests to immerse themselves in the sensory experience of observing, touching, smelling, and even tasting various plants, all while soaking in the breath-taking panoramic views and listening to her captivating stories and insights. The adventure culminates in a hands-on workshop where each participant crafts their own balm using an oily macerate of mallow or plantain infused with beeswax. Priced from €175 / £150 for a group of one to eight people, this three-hour private session promises an unforgettable exploration of nature's treasures and the art of herbal skincare.

Murmures des Sous-Bois exhibition by Léa Layeux
Megève is presenting an exhibition devoted to Léa Layeux, also known as Oxaléa, a visual artist with a passion for the forest, wildlife, trees, plants and mushrooms. Her life in the heart of the Val d'Arly, where she immerses herself in nature, inspires her to create compositions using plants that she collects revealing the beauty of the microscopic. Inspired by the arrangement of foliage, grasses and bark, Oxaléa excels in botanical art. The subject deals with our relationship with nature with certainty. Her message is determined and luminous: "It's time to observe what's at our feet before looking up to the sky". Over the course of the summer, in keeping with her approach to raising awareness and education through discovery, she will be organising two workshops to create herbariums for children and to gild plants with gold leaf for older children. The exhibition will take place at the Palais and run from 6 July to 1 September 2024, and admission is priced from €3 for adults and free for those under the age of 16.

A unique setting for two intimate tables
Building on the triumph of 'Nous', inaugurated three years ago by Julien Gatillon, the former double Michelin-starred chef at the Four Seasons, and his wife Sonia, the couple has unveiled two new culinary ventures in the heart of Megève. Coexisting within the same locale, the dual concepts encompass 'Vous', showcasing gourmet French cuisine that elevates prime ingredients sourced from exceptional producers, and 'Anata' ('You' in Japanese), catering to aficionados of Japanese gastronomy with both à la carte and omakase menus available exclusively in the evenings. Central to the experience is an open kitchen format, complemented by counter seating for a maximum of 14 and 12 patrons respectively, affording diners an immersive view of their dishes being expertly crafted and presented by chefs Jean Pastre 'Vous' and Keiji Ishii and Yohan Delhommeau 'Anata'. Guests can indulge in a tasting menu or omakase experience starting from €180 / £155 pp, or alternatively opt for the à la carte offerings.

The Palais Megève, on the road to new tourism
Approaching its 55th anniversary, Palais Megève is poised to embark on a transformative journey within its expansive 33,000 m² premises, marking the commencement of its third renovation phase. This ambitious endeavour will introduce a state-of-the-art conference room and a dedicated MICE area, catering to the burgeoning demand for business tourism starting this summer. The addition of these new facilities is complemented by the establishment of a specialised commercial entity focused on enhancing the seminar offerings, leveraging Megève's unique strengths. Positioned amidst a vibrant local economy, with thriving enterprises from the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region and the canton of Vaud, Megève is primed to capitalise on its strategic advantages. The initiative aims to streamline the visitor experience by curating comprehensive packages that seamlessly integrate local stakeholders, including activity providers, accommodation facilities, and gastronomic establishments. This strategic pivot underscores Megève's commitment to stimulating economic growth and enriching the visitor experience, with the inauguration of the new facility scheduled for 22 June. 

Go There:     

Megève is only one hour from Geneva Airport, which benefits from direct, low-cost flight access from London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva with easyJet are priced from just £49 pp during the 2024 summer season.     

For more about Megève please visit: visitmegeve.uk

(images copyright of Commune de Megève)