Saint Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires are two neighbouring gems within France’s expansive Three Valleys ski area. Both offer easy access to 600 km/372 mi of pistes, yet they differ significantly in charm, atmosphere, and appeal. Saint Martin de Belleville exudes authentic Savoyard charm with a tranquil, village feel, while Les Menuires is a more functional, family-focused resort offering exceptional value and ski-in/ski-out convenience.
This guide breaks down the differences to help you decide which resort best suits your skiing preferences, budget, and holiday vibe.
St Martin de Belleville or Les Menuires?
- Quick comparison table
- Ski area & terrain
- Snow fall history
- Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Après-ski & dining
- Families & beginners
- Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Activities beyond skiing
- Accessibility & transfers
- Cost and value for money
- Which one should you choose?
| Feature | St Martin de Belleville | Les Menuires |
|---|
| Resort elevation | 1,450 m (4,757 ft) | 1,800 (5,906 ft) |
| Highest lift | 3,200 m (10,498 ft) | 3,200 m (10,498 ft) |
| Total pistes (km/mi) | 600 km/372 mi (shared) | 600 km/372 mi (shared) |
| Best for | Scenery, traditional charm | Families, intermediates |
| Village atmosphere | Authentic, quiet, scenic | Functional, friendly |
| Accommodation | Chalets, luxury hotels | Apartments, family hotels |
| Après-ski scene | Cosy and low-key | Relaxed, more variety |
Ski area & terrain
- Saint Martin de Belleville serves as a peaceful base to explore the vast Three Valleys. The local slopes feature gentle green and blue runs ideal for beginners, with progression opportunities toward red pistes. Its Jerusalem run is famed for its scenic views and gentle challenge.
- Les Menuires caters particularly well to intermediates with its smooth, rolling blues and reds spread across La Masse and the Pointe de la Masse area. It also offers direct access to more advanced terrain in Val Thorens and Méribel, as well as fun Liberty Ride zones for those looking for ungroomed trails.
Check out Saint Martin de Belleville piste map and Les Menuires piste map
| Month | St Martin de Belleville | Les Menuires |
|---|
| December | 35 cm/13.7 in | 35 cm/13.7 in |
| January | 31 cm/12.2 in | 31 cm/12.2 in |
| February | 24 cm/9.4 in | 25 cm/9.8 in |
| March | 25 cm/9.8 in | 27 cm/10.6 in |
| April | 16 cm/6.2 in | 17 cm/6.6 in |
(ref: snow-forecast.com)
Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Saint Martin de Belleville is steeped in rustic Alpine charm. Its baroque church, stone buildings, and charming village square evoke a postcard-perfect vibe. Accommodation leans towards traditional chalets and high-end hotels, all nestled in a peaceful setting.
- Les Menuires presents a more practical layout with modernised buildings and a ski-in/ski-out design. While it’s less visually quaint, it’s family-friendly, lively, and full of convenient lodging from self-catered apartments to mid-range hotels.
Explore some accommodation options in Saint Martin de Belleville and in Les Menuires
Après-ski & dining
- Saint Martin de Belleville offers refined, relaxed après-ski. Expect low-key bars like P Bar and Le Dahlia, and gourmet dining from traditional Savoyard bistros to Michelin starred La Bouitte.
- Les Menuires, while still relatively quiet, offers more variety in its après scene. Spots like L’Atelier and Le Mousse provide laid-back social settings, while the resort boasts over 70 restaurants, including family favourites and mountain hideaways like La Loy and L’Étoile.
Families & beginners
- Saint Martin de Belleville is quieter, ideal for families seeking a more intimate holiday. It has a well-equipped nursery slope and offers a serene environment, although fewer kid-specific activities may mean older children might prefer Les Menuires.
- Both resorts are family-friendly, but Les Menuires earns special recognition as a “Famille Plus” certified destination. It features free magic carpets, kids' clubs, ski schools, and extensive beginner-friendly zones. Its central accommodation makes getting on and off the slopes a breeze.
Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Saint Martin de Belleville appeals to off-piste adventurers and mogul fans. Though fewer black pistes are nearby, experienced skiers can quickly access steeper challenges and Liberty Ride zones around La Masse and beyond.
- Les Menuires offers convenient access to advanced slopes, including the challenging backside of La Masse and Liberty Ride zones. Freeriders and boarders enjoy snow parks like BK Park and the new Pixel Area for freestyle fun.
- Saint Martin de Belleville offers a quieter but charming alternative, with heritage walks, yoga sessions, a museum, and occasional outdoor escape games or sledging. It’s ideal for visitors looking for tranquillity or a culturally rich experience.
- Les Menuires stands out with its wide range of non-ski activities: from escape rooms and cinemas to fat biking and spa centres, there’s plenty to do off the slopes.
Accessibility & transfers
- Saint Martin de Belleville: Quicker access, around 1 hr 20 min from Chambéry and about 2 hrs from Geneva, Grenoble, or Lyon.
- Les Menuires: Slightly longer transfers, around 2 hrs from Chambéry, 2 hr 30 min from Grenoble, and about 3 hrs from Geneva or Lyon.
Cost and value for money
- Saint Martin de Belleville leans towards the premium side, particularly in terms of dining and accommodation. However, the village offers a more picturesque and intimate experience that many find well worth the price.
- Les Menuires is known for offering some of the best value in the Three Valleys. Its accommodation and food options tend to be more budget-friendly, with ski-in/ski-out convenience that enhances overall value.
Explore our Saint Martin de Belleville deals and Les Menuires deals
- Choose Saint Martin de Belleville if you're looking for a peaceful, charming Alpine village with gourmet cuisine, scenic beauty, and easy access to world-class skiing.
- Choose Les Menuires if you’re travelling with family or intermediates, want ski-in/ski-out convenience, great value, and a larger variety of amenities and après-ski options.
