An independent guide to luxury ski chalets
From approx £21,430 in winter,
£9,370 in summer
Out-of-this-world luxury chalet in
private 5-star hamlet near Megève
usp
Le Chalet des Fermes de Marie is a stunning old wood 18th century private chalet that has been fabulously and luxuriously refurbished and interior designed. It sits in a private hamlet that has its own 5-star hotel nearby, meaning you can rent the chalet completely separately, on a self-catered basis, or you can make use of the hotel services or even have a chef come in and look after you. It’s all very flexible and extremely gorgeous.
location
Les Fermes de Marie, the hamlet in which the chalet is situated, is just minutes from the charming, properly French and thoroughly chic resort of Megève. The chalet sits quite separately, so that it is perfectly private, but the hotel is also just a short stroll away so the restaurant and spa facilities can be easily accessed.
style
Lush old wood everywhere, from overhead beams to wall panelling (Le Chalet des Fermes de Marie was an ancient Alpine farm house that was relocated to the hamlet, together with all the other buildings), with jewel-bright woollen fabrics and Louis XV chairs. The main living space is a haven of chocolates and every possible shade of brown, all fur throws and leather upholstery. Just divine. It is an immensely cosy, three-floor chalet covering 400 sq m, and every inch is beautifully styled. ^
rooms
The rooms are all spacious and full of light, focused on individual colour schemes of powder blue/chocolate brown, burnt orange and warm red. The master bedroom is a giant 50 sq m and has an open bathroom with big dressing room, plus magnificent views of the Massif du Jaillet – and gorgeous faux fur bed-head. The toiletries are by Les Fermes de Marie’s own cosmetic line, Pure Altitude. ^
food & drink
You can cook for yourselves, bring in a chef, or simply dine in one of the hotel’s three charming restaurants. One is smarter and classic, serving up traditional, local à la carte dishes, the second is a more contemporary mountain Alpine eaterie, offering cheesy, simple dishes for hungry skiers. The Table du Chef also serves up traditional dishes inspired by the Cour de Savoie. Breakfast and afternoon tea are included in the basic price and are served in the chalet. ^
service
This is completely flexible. The chalet rental price includes 5-star hotel services, including a daily maid and a concierge service as well as children’s concierge, shuttle service to the slopes and parking, with endless possible add-ons such as a nanny service and private chef. ^
spa facilities
Le Chalet des Fermes de Marie has its own immaculate and extensive spa facilities, including a Jacuzzi, sauna, massage table and fitness machine, but guests also have use of the main hotel’s Pure Alititude Spa facilities too, which include an indoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, outdoor sauna, numerous treatment rooms, hammam and even herbal tea room. ^
children
The hotel is made for families and children, and the chalet even more so. Besides all the necessary facilities such as baby beds and chairs and so forth, there is also Le Hameau des Enfants, a specially dedicated kids-only indoor space that includes a kitchen where little ones can learn to cook, a video game zone, a stage for performing on and even a mini mazot complete with wooden toys. ^
extras
The chalet has its own private sheltered terrace for dining on in the summer or even in the winter if you feel brave enough. There is wi-fi throughout too, and private parking. ^
for skiers
Megève is a charming, traditional French resort favoured by chic French families. It has a lovely sunny setting and is excellent for those skiers who enjoy attractive scenery and undemanding, relaxed cruising. Best for intermediates wanting to ski pretty wooded slopes, the woods also making it a great resort in bad weather. There is good off-piste too, however, and the advantage is that expert skiers don’t have too much competition -- unlike in nearby Chamonix, it is still possible to find fresh tracks days after a big snowfall. ^
for non skiers
Many people visit Megève who do not ski. There is plenty of lovely shopping to do, with numerous gorgeous interiors, antiques and fashion shops to browse in, as well as several art galleries and a local history museum. There is also gentle hiking in the nearby mountains (snow shoes necessary in the winter), the Fermes de Marie hotel spa, and tennis courts that are bookable by the hour in town. ^
best thing
The chocolate-box, deeply lush interiors. ^
worst thing
You might prefer to be in a more genuinely stand-alone chalet, but the convenience of the nearby hotel facilities is unarguable. ^
getting there
The nearest airport to Megève is Geneva. Transfers can be arranged by the concierge at an extra cost. ^
bottom line
The chalet costs from €24,000 in the winter and from €10,500 in the summer (including breakfast and afternoon tea/snacks for 10 persons, daily newspapers, access to the hotel spa and a dedicated governess to ensure the smooth running of the chalet on a daily basis). ^
bookings & enquiries
If you would like to make an enquiry or a booking, please email enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk. Remember, we have visited all the chalets we feature so can give you totally unbiased, independent advice on all of them. The prices we quote are also the list prices quoted by the chalets themselves, so there is no advantage in going to the chalets direct.
Chalet - 10
Service - 9
Room - 10
Food & Drink - 9
Luxury - 9
Dress smart. This is a very French resort and Les Fermes de Marie is full of very chic people.
Quickfinder
• USP
• Location
• Style
• Rooms
• Food & Drink
• Service
• Spa Facilities
• Children
• Extras
• Skiers
• Non Skiers
• Best Thing
• Worst Thing
• Getting There
• Bottom Line
• Bookings & Enquiries
• Summer
• Other chalets in Megève
how to book
Email: enquiries at chicchaletguide.co.uk Telephone:
+44 (0)7772 853996
Photographs: Les Chalet des Fermes de Marie / Rights reserved
guest book
N/A
summer
Le Chalet des Fermes de Marie is open and costs from €10,500 including breakfast and afternoon tea/snack, daily newspapers, access to the hotel spa and a dedicated governess to ensure the smooth running of the chalet on a daily basis.
See which other chalets open in the summer.
ski weekends
& short breaks
Le Chalet des Fermes de Marie offers short breaks and long weekends. Price on application.
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