St Martin de Belleville

A charming Alpine village lower down the valley, with direct access to the vast Three Valleys ski area

Location: Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Imprint: Updated 6 June 2026

St Martin de Belleville combines traditional French village charm with the convenience of modern skiing. You can wander cobbled streets, sample local cheese and pastries, then hop on the lift to explore the largest ski area in the world. With small welcoming hotels, luxury catered chalets and peaceful evenings, it’s perfect if you want world-class skiing without the bustle of a big resort.

St Martin de Belleville (1,450m) is often called the hidden gem of the Three Valleys, offering all the charm of a traditional French village with the bonus of direct access to the largest ski area in the world. Once a farming community, it still has a wonderfully authentic feel, from authentic restaurants serving local produce to scenic snowshoe walks leading to working dairies. The St Martin 1 and 2 lifts at the top of the village link you straight into the vast Three Valleys network, so you can enjoy world-class skiing while staying somewhere steeped in Alpine character.

Accommodation here is mostly small-scale and high quality, with a handful of charming hotels, catered chalets and self-catered apartments, many right by the slopes. Catered chalets are especially popular, often offering a luxurious stay with fine dining and excellent wine after a day on the mountain. Life in St Martin is relaxed, with just a few bars, a small selection of shops, tempting patisseries and a local supermarket for essentials. It’s a place for those who want to enjoy exceptional skiing by day and peaceful village life by night.

Location	Km from Val Thorens	Best for
Val Thorens	0	Being in the heart of the largest ski area
St. Martin de Belleville	12	Charming alpine village with quaint hotels and luxury chalets
Les Menuires	5	affordable ski-in, ski-out accommodation

Villages of Val Thorens

Events in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Fête de la Musique

Next event date
21 June 2026
Location
Chamonix

The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day

Next event date
14 July 2026

Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
European Heritage Days

Next event date
19 September 2026
Location
Cannes

Exceptional locations around France, including Val Thorens, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Beaujolais Nouveau

Next event date
19 November 2026

The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.

History & Culture in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

St Martin was the last resort to join the Belleville ski area, being developed in the 1980s. Greater care was taken with regards to the architecture and layout thus preserving the French village feel. The local style was respected and the size of the development restricted, which is definitely evident now when comparing St Martin to other resorts. The village implements limited height restrictions for building projects, and traditional architecture has to be adopted with visible stonework and slate roofs to keep the style. Development continues today in the same vein with few large hotels and the concentration largely on renovating existing buildings into chalets.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

St Martin is often described as a French village with a ski lift, being a really picturesque destination rather than a purpose built ski resort. Being in a central location you have fantastic views towards Meribel/Courchevel to the left and Les Menuires/Val Thorens to the right, perfect on bad weather days to assess the best place to ski. In the summer areas that are out of bounds during the winter such as Vallée des Encombres open up for great walks with cascades and refuges.

See our Main Attractions

Dining in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

St Martin has some fantastic restaurants including the Michelin-starred La Bouitte who have recently received their third star, and the well-known Montagnard restaurant. Taking it down a notch you have La Voute with a varied and good quality menu and in a central location opposite the church. For a good value 'menu du jour' and a terrace at the bottom of the slope there is the L'Eterlou. If you are just looking for takeaway you can visit O P'tit Snack or check the dates for Pizza del Capo who visit a different hamlet of St Martin each evening.

See our Where to Eat Guide

La Bouitte Restaurant

Location
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Working hand in hand with their loyal staff, day after day, the duo René, Marie-Louise, Maxime and Sophie Meilleur compose subtle gastronomic scores in the idyllic setting of their Savoyard chalet.
La Loy Restaurant

Location
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

This restaurant is located on the Biolley piste on the way back to Saint Martin de Belleville. La Loy serves classic French food and snacks, and boast a large sunny terrace.
La Voute Restaurant

Location
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Along the valley from Val Thorens, you will find this pizzeria in Saint Martin de Belleville. In an ancient chalet located in the heart of the village, along with pizzas you can enjoy local Savoyard specialities and traditional French cuisine. The warm and friendly atmosphere makes this restaurant a popular choice amongst locals and tourists.

Nightlife in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

There's no beating around the bush, St Martin is a quiet ski resort with just three bars open in the evening. For après you have La Loy on the bottom of the Biolley piste to enjoy the last of the sun. In the village, there is La Dahlia and Alp'Hotel at the bottom of the St Martin 1 ski lift. Into the evening there is the Pourquoi Pas Bar with live music, Le Joker Bar offering a real French bar feel and Le Billig Bar with pool table, table football and sports TV.

See our Nightlife Guide

Jacks Bar

Distance from location
6.6 km

Jacks Bar in Les Menuires, the sister venue of the popular Méribel hotspot, has quickly become a favourite for great food and lively entertainment. Conveniently located at the foot of the piste and close to the shopping area, parking, and nearby chalets or apartments, it offers easy access alongside a unique dining experience.
La Folie Douce Bar

Distance from location
10.5 km

This renowned après-ski venue styles itself as 'the dance floor at the top of the world'. They can't be far wrong when they are situated at a height of 2600m.
Le Baramix nightclub

Distance from location
10.7 km

A cosy bar that turns into a party venue with some great themed and dress-up nights!
Wild & Savage Bar

Distance from location
10.8 km

Wild & Savage Bar is a must-visit spot in Val Thorens for anyone looking for a fun night out. Popular with both locals and visitors, it offers a cool, underground vibe that’s perfect for drinking, dancing, and socialising. Regular live bands and talented DJs keep the atmosphere lively, with crowd-pleasing tunes that keep everyone on their feet.
La Bicicleta Bar

Distance from location
10.8 km

Bowling Bar in Val Thorens is a lively and welcoming spot, perfect for meeting friends after a day on the slopes. With a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a mix of entertainment, food, and drinks that make it a popular choice for skiers and snowboarders looking to unwind.
Le Malaysia nightclub

Distance from location
10.8 km

This huge 1500sqm nightclub has the biggest dancefloor in the Alps. It also attracts some of the most famous names in the DJing world.

Things to do in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

St Martin is the lowest resort in the Belleville Valley at 1,450m but has a great central location to access the Three Valleys ski area. Along with skiing and snowboarding there are also great cross-country skiing tracks and walking paths from St Martin. If you want a more relaxing way to enjoy the snow you can hop on the dog sled which runs along the track towards Châtelard with outings from 30 minutes to one hour available. In the summer months St Martin has some fantastic mountain bike tracks with the lifts open two days a week to access the full Three Valleys area. There are some fantastic walking routes to explore which are easily accessible without opting for a ski lift. The detailed walking maps give a coloured grading for the level of difficulty. An area normally off-limits during the winter months opens up for a great via ferrata route up to Le Cochet just above St Martin. There is also a great forest adventure circuit for children and adults along with horse riding and archery.

See our Activities Guide

Husky Sledding, St Martin de Belleville

Location
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Spend an exhilarating trip being pulled in a husky sled. Excursions for 30 minutes or 1 hour are available from the tourist office in St Martin.

Watersports in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Rafting In The Alps

Distance from location
31.7 km

White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Hydrospeeding

Distance from location
31.7 km

This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.

Chalets in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

There are lots of self-catered and catered chalets on offer, some extending into the surrounding hamlets of Chatelard and Villarabout.

Aries Chalet

Distance from location
3.2 km

This chalet apartment is situated on the first floor within a residence in a peaceful area with fantastic views. The ski bus stop is situated right outside the residence making it easy to get around resort and the pistes are just 200 metres away.
Rainbow Chalet

Distance from location
7.6 km

Located in the Bruyeres area at the foot of the pistes and close to the shops, restaurants and bars, this traditionally built chalet of wood and stone is styled in a contemporary fashion with modern furnishings.
Purple Chalet

Distance from location
7.7 km

Located in the Les Bruyeres area, this large 350m2 chalet is at the heart of Les Menuires close to all the bars, shops and restaurants and only 100m from the pistes.
Lumiere de Soleil Chalet

Distance from location
10.5 km

This chalet is in a great location, just 120 from a green run leading to the lifts and just a 2 minute walk from the centre of town where you will find plenty of bars, restaurants and shops.
Verseau Chalet

Distance from location
10.5 km

This chalet-apartment is great for those that want easy access to the slopes, right outside is the ski resort bus stop or you can walk to the closest piste which is just 200 metres away. This homely chalet style apartment sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms.
Libra Chalet

Distance from location
10.5 km

This chalet apartment is situated within a residence in a peaceful area with fantastic views. The ski bus stop is situated right outside the residence making it easy to get around resort and the pistes are just 200 metres away.

Holidays Rentals in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

VAN571 Apartment

North facing studio of 18m² at 5th floor with balcony. Kitchenette with mini oven, refrigerator and electric hobs. Bathroom with shower and toilet. SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS LIving room with pull out sofa bed (2 single beds) Resort WIFI network payable on condition that apartment has sufficient coverage.
HV409 Apartment

South facing studio of 20m² on 4th floor with balcony. Kitchenette with electric hobs, refrigerator and oven. Bathroom with bath and toilet. SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS Living room with pullout sofa bed (2x1 person). Resort WIFI network payable on condition that apartment has sufficient coverage.
RPC16 Apartment

South facing studio of 26m² with balcony. 4th floor slope side (2nd floor from building entrance). Kitchenette with oven, electric hobs & refrigerator. Dining area. Bathroom with bath and toilet. SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS Living room with pull out sofa bed (2 x 1 person). Hallway with single folding bed (separated by a curtain). Resort WIFI network payable on condition that apartment has sufficient coverage.
RB145 Apartment

Studio of 18m², 4th floor, facing north without balcony. Kitchen with micro wave oven, electric hobs and fridge. Bathroom with bath and toilet. SLEEPING : Living room with a pull out sofa bed. Resort WIFI network payable on condition that apartment has sufficient coverage.
RB153 Apartment

Studio of 24 m², 4th floor, facing south west with balcony. Kitchen with micro wave oven, ceramic hobs, oven, mini dishwasher and fridge. Bathroom with bath and toilet. SLEEPING : Living room with a sofa convertible in a double bed. Entrance with bunkbeds Resort WIFI network payable on condition that apartment has sufficient coverage.
LL203 Apartment

South- west facing studio of 24m² on level 4 from the exterior of the residence (floor 2 from building entrance) with balcony. Kitchenette with combined oven, refrigerator, electric hobs and dishwasher. Dining area. TV Bathroom with bath. Separate toilet. SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS Hallway with 2 bunk beds. Living room with pullout sofa bed (2 x 1 person). Resort WIFI network payable on condition that apartment has sufficient coverage.

Hotels in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

There is only a handful of hotels in St Martin with the main accommodation tending to be away from the resort's centre.

La Bouitte Hotel, Hameau de St Marcel

The name of the hotel, "La Bouitte", means little house in the Savoyard dialect. This is a gastronomic hotel with a Michelin starred restaurant.

How to get to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

See our Getting Here Guide

Private airport transfers

The team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
Shared bus airport transfers

A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
Private and shared airport transfers

Helping holidaymakers enjoy seamless airport transfers since 2008. From prompt and professional drivers, to stylish and well-maintained vehicles. A journey with them is more than just a transfer. Their aim is to ensure all their customers travel in comfort and with confidence.
Shared airport transfers

Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
Private airport transfers

From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
Private and shared airport transfers

This company offers a great value shuttle service as well as private transfers from Geneva Airport to Val Thorens. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.

Property For Sale in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Apartment for Sale

Distance from location
5.8 km

Exceptional Apartment in the Heart of Les Menuires – Hameau des Marmottes
Apartment for Sale

Distance from location
52.1 km

Spacious apartment on the slopes with private terraces, flexible sleeping for eight, and exclusive wellness facilities.
Apartment for Sale

Distance from location
52.1 km

Spacious new-build ski-in, ski-out apartment with four bedrooms, bunk room, and sweeping views of both slopes and valley.