St Martin de Belleville — The Three Valleys' Affordable, Authentic Base
A real Savoyard village with 600km of skiing on your doorstep — at half the price of Courchevel.
St Martin de Belleville is the Three Valleys' best-kept secret — a genuine Savoyard village with stone chalets, a Baroque church, and 600km of interconnected piste on your doorstep. While Courchevel charges luxury prices and Val Thorens hums with party energy, St Martin offers the same skiing at a fraction of the cost.
Getting There
Fly to Geneva (GVA, 2.5 hours) or Chambéry (CMF, 1.5 hours). Lyon (LYS, 2 hours) is another option. Take the train to Moûtiers, then a 25-minute bus or taxi up the Belleville valley. Saturday transfer services are plentiful in peak season.
Where to Stay
Hotel Saint Martin is right by the gondola with a pool and spa. La Bouitte is a double-Michelin-starred hotel-restaurant for a splurge. Self-catering chalets and apartments are the sweet spot — from €70/night for a group-sized place. The village is small, so everything is walkable.
On the Mountain
The St Martin gondola connects you into the heart of the Three Valleys — the world's largest linked ski area at 600km. You can reach Méribel in 15 minutes, Courchevel in 30, and Val Thorens in 45. St Martin's own slopes are gentle and sunny, perfect for warming up before heading out into the bigger circuit.
Where to Eat
La Bouitte is one of only two double-Michelin-starred mountain restaurants in the world — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. L'Étoile des Neiges serves excellent Savoyard classics at honest prices. On the mountain, the Corbeleys refuge has character and good plats du jour.
Local Insider Tips
- Book accommodation in St Martin rather than Méribel or Courchevel — you'll save 30–50% and the Three Valleys access is identical.
- The village market on Wednesday mornings sells local cheeses, charcuterie, and vin chaud.
- Ski to Val Thorens for lunch and back in an afternoon — the route via Méribel-Mottaret is the scenic way.
- Visit the cheese-making cooperative for Beaufort tastings — it's the region's signature cheese.
Budget Breakdown (7 days, per person)
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (return) | £80 | £180 |
| Transfer | €50 | €100 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | €350 | €750 |
| 6-day lift pass (3 Vallées) | €354 | €354 |
| Equipment rental | €90 | €160 |
| Meals & drinks | €180 | €400 |
| Total | ~€1,104 | ~€1,944 |