SAINT MARTIN DE BELLEVILLE - Introduction
St Martin de Belleville is a wonderful sunny, quiet, inexpensive, and attractive traditional village, which offers easy access to the whole of the extensive Trois Vallees ski area. The old village is set on a steep slope, and centres on a pretty old 16th century church, which is lit up at night to great effect. The village is good as a base for exploring the area, as by taking the gondola then the fast quad, Méribel and Les Menuires are easily reached for skiers, along with their respective terrain parks for boarders. The area is well suited for skiers of all abilities, and with very few queues and a massive skiable area, St Martin de Belleville is a good choice for people seeking a cheap ski holiday with great access to the slopes.
Skiing
With over 600km of piste, there’s something for everyone. Expert skiers can enjoy the large areas of gentle and deserted off-piste, and the runs from La Masse and Roc de Fer, whilst Intermediates undoubtedly enjoy the greatest range in the whole area.
Snowboarding
Snowboarders can either enjoy the great local off-piste freeriding, or travel to Les Menuires or Méribel via the gondola and high speed quad, and use the terrain parks there.
Ski Schools
The Ecole du Ski Francais has 20 qualified bilingual ski instructors and offers services including high mountain guides, specialised children’s teachers, and specialists in snowboard, powder and moguls.
Eating Out
On the local run down to the village itself, there are 3 mountain restaurants, all with good food and atmosphere, whilst at the bottom of the Granges chair, guests will find the Grand Lac, with its cheap, great food and service. St Martin itself has its own variety of restaurants, serving everything from Savoyard food to pizza and pasta, with Montagnard offering a very good atmosphere and Savoyard fare as a favourite. Just outside the village, at nearby St-Marcel, is the Michelin starred La Bouitte, which offers very high standard and varied food, before ferrying you back to the lifts after skiing in.
Bars and clubs
There are 3 bars in the centre of the village, with the Pourquoi Pas offering a roaring log fire, comfortable chairs, friendly staff, contributing to a welcoming, cosy feel, whilst the Dahlia provides a good meeting point after a hard day on the slopes.
Off the slopes
St Martin, as a relatively small village does not have the most activities for the area. However, visitors can go dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, winter walking, use the sports hall, and enjoy the musical events held at the church.