We stayed at Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois in Megève

The pitch | The historic Chalet du Mont d'Arbois revisited and updated

After the end of the First World War, Noémie de Rothschild grew tired of winter vacations in Saint-Moritz. She commissioned an instructor to identify a French village where she could develop her own ski resort. They suggested Val d'Isère and Megève, whose accessibility, sunshine and gentle slopes finally convinced her. Noémie de Rothschild acquired hundreds of hectares of land on Mont d'Arbois, created the Société Française des Hôtels de Montagne and launched construction of the Hôtel du Mont d'Arbois. Throughout the 20th century, celebrities flocked to the Mont d'Arbois, and numerous parties were held in the legendary Palace des Neiges.

Now sold and transformed, the hotel gave way to the Chalet du Mont d'Arbois in the late 1970s. In 2017, the Rothschilds unveiled a brand-new establishment destined to establish itself as one of the most luxurious hotels in the Alps - the Four Seasons Hotel Megève - and took advantage of the opportunity to renovate from top to bottom the Chalets, the resort's historic jewel. In 2024, a new page is turned with the arrival of Beyond Places, already known for Le Hameau des Baux in the Alpilles, which adds Les Châlets du Mont d'Arbois to its collection of boutique hotels: Les Petites Maisons. A new wind blows over the peaks.

What's the hotel like?

The hotel in the Alps consists of three independent chalets with a total of 40 keys. Chalet Noémie, built in 1927 for Baroness de Rothschild, is the family's former private chalet. The exterior and interior walls are adorned with original paintings, the mountain views are majestic, and the décor combines exposed beams and wood with the plush comforts of modern times. Chalet Ève, acquired in 1960, is the largest of the three buildings. It comprises most of the common areas, the reception, precious lounges, the bar and terrace, the forest-like restaurant, the Susanne Kaufmann spa area and 25 rooms and suites. This is undoubtedly one of Megève's most charming hotels.

The latest addition, Chalet Alice, is located at the far end of the park. Its traditional architecture blends into the landscape, making it a cosy nest of seven rooms and suites, complete with a private spa and communal living area. Like Chalet Noémie, it can be privatized.

A very exclusive hotel, the Chalets du Mont d'Arbois form a harmonious, warm and pleasant whole. Contemporary ethnic photographs, a collection of Baron Edmond's walking sticks - while the design is by palace specialist Pierre-Yves Rochon, the Rothschild touch lends an extra touch of soul throughout. The plastic and the choice of works of art give an aristocratic tone to the place, which nevertheless remains familiar and intimate.

As Ariane de Rothschild likes to define this "rooted luxury", dinner is served in a vegetal décor of 300 branches and twigs, Amélie Darvas' new home for the season. The chef from the Apönem restaurant in the Hérault region of France does much more than just sign the menu. She is present every evening, and has spent several months preparing for winter by meeting with local producers and devising a tasting menu in the form of a story, in close partnership with her sommelière-conteuse, who takes us from the island of Limnos in Greece to the Loire Valley, before making a detour to the wines of Mercantour and the sakes of France. The food is just as good, vegetal without being vegetarian, poetic, cerebral, sometimes a little too much, but always surprising and gentle. The 100% all-female team enjoys telling us about the crispy vegetable tops "planted" in edible compost with raw cocoa and ginger, or the Château Castillone caviar served on mother-of-pearl, barbecued potato and pear, hay-infused sabayon and citrus zest. A haiku menu and a beautiful moment of taste and humanity.

And the rooms?

Extremely comfortable, they are distinguished by their traditional architecture, thanks to their location in wooden chalets, and their classic style. The suites feature superb mountain views, large dressing rooms, beautiful marble bathrooms, sitting areas and fireplaces, where tradition always rhymes with luxury, art and modernity. They cultivate an atmosphere of intimate luxury in the heart of a property with a family history. As for the rooms, they often have a balcony with a view of the valley, from which you can see deer, alpine furniture and carpets, fabrics and curtains that give the whole a cosy cocoon feel.

What makes the difference?

The singular soul of the place, at once mountainous yet full of nobility. Contemporary works of art contrast with the exposed beams, but ultimately blend perfectly. The place is studded with precious objects, the signature of Edmond de Rothschild Héritage, including a fabulous collection of cuckoo clocks, which fortunately don't strike the hour...

Where is it?

On Mont d'Arbois, just outside the village of Megève, about ten minutes by car from the Mont d'Arbois ski lifts and golf course. You can also walk down to the village via the Chemin du Calvaire in 25-30 minutes.

Things to remember

An interesting alternative to the village's ultra-luxury hotels, the Chalets du Mont d'Arbois completes the Alpine resort's offering with a unique style and concept of family-friendly luxury hotels housed in tastefully renovated traditional chalets.

5 things we loved about Les Chalets du Mont d'Arbois

• The traditional architecture of beautiful wooden Alpine chalets, set on a mountainside among fir trees
• The spacious, luxurious suites and original murals in Chalet Noémie, featuring ibex and wildflowers
• Kids Club for children in season
• Âme, the ephemeral gourmet restaurant by chef Amélie Darvas
• The bar and its intimate terrace overlooking the forest, a haven of chic charm.

How much does it cost?

Rooms from €640 per night in winter.