Les Gets Information

Apres-ski

Les Gets is a family-friendly resort, but there are plenty of lively après-ski venues, though not quite so hedonistic as some of the options in bigger resorts like Chamonix or Val d'Isere.

Interestingly the majority of Les Gets' après-ski nightspots seem to be themed venues, with a popular Irish bar, Le Pub Irlandais (tel: +33 450 758 602), drawing in a fun-loving crowd. Equally as busy are the Australian- and Canadian-themed bars, both located a short distance away. There is also a nightclub, L'Igloo (tel: +33 450 758 500; www.igloo-chaletclub.com), and the bowling alley also has a late-night bar located on site.

Eating out

Les Gets' strong agricultural roots have attracted some innovative and talented chefs to the resort in recent years.

Among the purveyors of traditional regional cuisine, Fruitière des Perrières (tel: +33 450 798 922; www.fruitiere-lesgets.com) is a good choice with its selection of fondues and raclettes. For a lighter bite, Mémé Confiture (tel: +33 450 798 090) is highly regarded for its wide choice of freshly made crêpes; while those who prefer to eat in their chalet or apartment can order a piping hot pizza from Pizzalino (tel: +33 450 747 410).

Gourmands will love Le St Laurent (tel: +33 450 758 000; www.labrador-hotel.com) in the quirky Hôtel Labrador, which is recognised as being one of the best in the area for haute cuisine.

But Les Gets cuisine scores at all levels and one of the most talked about dining venues is actually a low cost fast food emporium – the O Kariboo Rider Snack (tel: +33 982 366 831) which people say serves the best burgers in the Alps. Try the Les Gets burger – you won't be sorry.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Les Gets has the usual list of resort facilities, but with the additions of unique attractions in keeping with its natural heritage and a busy events calendar each winter.

The Sereni Cimes Spa (tel: +33 450 798 609; www.hotel-marmotte.com) offers a wide range of beauty treatments; while there's a library, cinema, bowling alley and an outdoor ice rink in the village centre. Paragliding down from Mont Chery is a popular activity for sporty types, who can also try their hand at skijoring (being slowly towed behind a horse on skis), dog sledding, ice climbing or snowshoeing on the mountain.

More unique to Les Gets is the captivating French National Museum of Mechanical Music (tel: +33 450 798 575; www.musicmecalesgets.org) and the Fruitière des Perrières dairy (tel: +33 450 797 004; www.fruitiere-lesgets.com), which offers free guided visits each Wednesday at 0900.

Family fun

Les Gets has established a reputation as one of the best French ski destinations for families due to its natural ambience and its excellent facilities, and has consequently been awarded the official Family Plus label by the French government.

The resort has its own its own nursery, Les Fripouilles (tel: +33 450 798 484), located in the village centre, which accepts children from six months to four years. Older children, aged three and up, can be cared for by the French Ski School's (tel: +33 450 758 003; www.esf-lesgets.com) kindergarten, with fun activities in the centre's snow garden.

A special family ski pass is also available with a discounted price for families, while off the slopes, a cinema and bowling alley are on hand to keep children entertained.

Retail therapy

Les Gets has the usual choice of ski shops and small grocery stores as well as the more unique outlets, such as locals' stalls at the village market every Thursday morning and a small selection of artisan shops. Among the best for regional produce is La Cave Getoise (500 rue du Centre), while Jean-Claude Bonhomme is the local cheesemaker. There are also several butchers stores and a chocolatier, Le Chalet du Chocolat (342 rue du Centre).

Splashing out

Air Libre (tel: +33 607 992 682; www.airlibre.fr) provides a number of activities in the area, including paragliding, microlight flights and snowmobiling. Arguably its best offering is a 90 minute hot-air balloon flight over the Alps between Morzine and Les Gets (dependent on weather conditions), with fantastic views of Mont Blanc.

Hotels

There is a great selection of chalets and mid-range hotels in Les Gets, which is itself an attractive chalet-style village. Les Gets offers something for everyone, whether luxury chalets or budget-friendly accommodation. Those looking for self-catering facilities have a large assortment of apartments from which to choose, while visitors preferring hotel accommodation have a range of 2- to 4-star establishments at their disposal.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap