Méribel Village Guide: What to Do, Where to Eat & How to Get Around
Méribel is not just one village.
The resort stretches along the Méribel Valley through several different neighbourhoods, including Les Allues, Méribel Village, Méribel Centre and Méribel Mottaret — each with its own atmosphere.
If you are looking for somewhere a little quieter than Méribel Centre but still want easy access to skiing, walking, restaurants and the rest of the resort, Méribel Village is one of the best places to base yourself.
With traditional Alpine chalets, mountain views, its own shops and restaurants, direct ski access in winter and walking trails on the doorstep in summer, Méribel Village manages to feel peaceful without feeling isolated.
Here is our local guide to Méribel Village, including what to do, where to eat and drink, how to get around and what makes this little corner of Méribel worth discovering.
Where Is Méribel Village?
Méribel Village sits below Méribel Centre, at approximately 1,400 metres altitude, on the road connecting Méribel with La Tania and Courchevel.
It is one of the distinct neighbourhoods that make up the wider Méribel resort.
Méribel Centre is approximately 2 km away and can be reached easily by car or using the free Méribus shuttle.
Despite being close to the centre, Méribel Village has a noticeably different feel.
The village is smaller, quieter and more residential, with traditional chalet-style architecture and a sunny central area. There is a bakery, supermarket, sports shop and places to eat and drink, so you don’t necessarily need to head into Méribel Centre every time you want something.
Is Méribel Village the Same as Méribel Centre?
No.
This is actually one of the most useful things to understand when planning a holiday in Méribel.
Méribel Centre is the main hub of the resort, with the Chaudanne, Tourist Office, Parc Olympique, shops, bars and a larger choice of restaurants.
Méribel Village is a separate neighbourhood a little further down the valley. It is smaller, more relaxed and particularly popular with people who like the idea of staying somewhere quieter while still being connected to the main ski area and resort.
The two are linked by the free Méribus service.
Can You Ski From Méribel Village?
YES and this is one of the biggest advantages of staying here in winter.
The Golf chairlift starts directly from Méribel Village and takes skiers towards the Altiport area, from where you can continue into the Méribel ski area and the wider 3 Vallées.
At the end of the day, the blue Lapin piste winds through the forest and brings you back down into Méribel Village.
That means you can start and finish your ski day in the village without needing to travel to the Chaudanne first.
And finishing your last run of the day at the bottom of Méribel Village also puts you in a particularly convenient position for a well-earned apres ski or dinner.
Where to Eat in Méribel Village
We may be slightly biased here.
La Terrasse du Village has been part of Méribel Village since 2014 and is open throughout the year for lunch, dinner, drinks and plenty of long afternoons on the terrace.
You will find us at 21 Chemin de la Duis, close to the bottom of the Golf chairlift and Lapin piste.
In winter, that makes La Terrasse an easy stop after skiing back into the village.
During summer, we are equally handy after a walk, bike ride or day exploring the valley.
Our menu changes with the seasons and includes meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes, with gluten-free options and adaptations also available.
And because we are open all year round, La Terrasse is also one of the places you can rely on when visiting Méribel outside the main winter and summer seasons.
Walks From Méribel Village
You don’t need to drive somewhere else before starting a walk.
Several routes begin directly in or close to Méribel Village.
The Plantin Walk
One of the easiest is the walk from Méribel Village to Le Plantin.
Starting from the village square, the official summer route is approximately 2.3 km with 78 metres of ascent and takes around an hour return.
It is a lovely option if you want a relatively gentle walk rather than committing to a full day in the mountains.
Conveniently, you can finish back in Méribel Village in time for lunch.
Walk Towards Les Allues
You can also head downhill through the forests towards Les Allues.
The official route from Méribel Village towards Les Allues passes through spruce woodland and sections alongside the Doron.
It is a great way to explore some of the older villages and hamlets that make up the Méribel Valley rather than seeing only the main resort.
Walk Towards the Altiport
For more climbing, trails lead upwards from Méribel Village towards the Altiport and surrounding forest.
These routes reveal a very different side of Méribel, particularly outside the busy winter season when the woods and mountains become considerably quieter.
Always check current trail and weather conditions before setting out.
Méribel Village in Summer
Méribel Village isn’t just a winter base.
When the snow disappears, the surrounding forests, roads and ski pistes become walking and cycling routes.
Summer in Méribel brings hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, golf, paragliding and access to the wider network of activities throughout the valley.
Méribel’s summer lift network normally operates during July and August, although individual lifts, operating days and dates vary each season.
Méribel Village is also particularly convenient for road cyclists heading towards the Col de la Loze, one of the best-known cycling climbs in the area.
Afterwards, coming back down to the village for lunch, a cold drink or dinner is considerably easier than trying to climb another mountain.
What to Do in Méribel in Summer
Méribel Village in Winter
Winter is when Méribel Village really comes into its own.
You have the atmosphere of a small Alpine village but direct access to one of the world’s great ski areas.
The Golf chairlift connects the village with the Altiport sector and onwards into the Méribel and 3 Vallées ski areas, while the Lapin blue piste provides the ski return.
For anyone travelling with a mixture of skiers and non-skiers, it is also a practical base.
Non-skiers can use the free shuttle to explore Méribel Centre and other parts of the valley rather than being stranded away from the action.
What Can Non-Skiers Do in Méribel Village?
Quite a lot.
You can explore the winter walking routes around the village, head towards Le Plantin or the Altiport, take the shuttle into Méribel Centre or simply make lunch the main event.
Méribel Centre’s Parc Olympique also provides indoor activities including swimming, climbing and wellness facilities, making it useful for non-skiers and bad-weather days.
What to Do in Méribel When It Rains
And sometimes the best non-skiing activity is simply finding a sunny terrace, ordering lunch and watching everyone else exhaust themselves.
We can help with that one.
How Do You Get From Méribel Village to Méribel Centre?
The easiest option is the free Méribus shuttle service, which connects the different areas of the Méribel Valley.
The journey from Méribel Village to Méribel Centre takes only a few minutes.
This means you can stay or eat in Méribel Village and still easily access the Parc Olympique, shops, events and nightlife in Méribel Centre without needing to drive.
During summer, check the current timetable as services change according to the season.
Is Méribel Village Good for Families?
Yes.
For families who prefer a quieter base, Méribel Village is a particularly appealing option.
You have ski access in winter, gentle walks close to the village, useful shops and restaurants within walking distance, while Méribel Centre and its larger range of activities remain easily accessible by shuttle.
The atmosphere is also considerably calmer than the busiest parts of the resort.
At La Terrasse du Village, families are welcome and we offer children’s options alongside our main menu.
Family-Friendly Restaurant in Méribel
Can You Visit Méribel Village With a Dog?
Yes.
There are several walks around Méribel Village where dogs are permitted, although rules differ depending on the trail and protected area.
Dogs are also welcome at La Terrasse du Village, so there is no need to leave them at your accommodation when you come for lunch or dinner.
If you are planning walks elsewhere in Méribel, particularly around protected natural areas, make sure you check the local restrictions first.
Méribel With a Dog – Walks, Tips & Dog-Friendly Restaurant
Is Méribel Village Worth Visiting if You’re Not Staying There?
Absolutely.
Méribel Village is easy to overlook if your accommodation is in Méribel Centre or Mottaret, but it makes a very easy change of scenery.
Come down for a walk, explore the village, have lunch, stop for a drink or combine it with a wider walk through the Méribel Valley.
It is also an excellent option when you want somewhere that feels distinctly Alpine without the bustle of the main resort centre.
Visiting Méribel Outside the Main Ski Season
One of the nicest times to discover Méribel Village is actually when the lifts aren’t running.
Spring and autumn are much quieter, the walking trails and forests take on a completely different character and you get a glimpse of everyday mountain life away from peak-season tourism.
The main thing to remember is that many resort businesses operate seasonally.
La Terrasse du Village remains open throughout the year, making it a useful address to remember if you are searching for a restaurant open in Méribel during interseason.
Restaurant Open in Méribel During Interseason
Quick Guide to Méribel Village
Where is Méribel Village?
Méribel Village is a separate neighbourhood of Méribel, approximately 2 km below Méribel Centre.
Can you ski from Méribel Village?
Yes. The Golf chairlift connects Méribel Village to the Méribel ski area, and the blue Lapin piste returns directly to the village.
Is there a free bus from Méribel Village?
Yes. Méribus provides free shuttle connections between Méribel Village, Méribel Centre and other parts of the valley during its operating periods.
Can you walk from Méribel Village?
Yes. Several hiking and winter walking routes start nearby, including the easy walk to Le Plantin.
Where can you eat in Méribel Village?
La Terrasse du Village is located beside the Golf sector and is open year-round for lunch, dinner and drinks.
Is Méribel Village good for families?
Yes. Its quieter atmosphere, ski access, nearby walks, shops and free shuttle connections make it particularly convenient for families.
Is Méribel Village worth visiting in summer?
Definitely. The village is surrounded by walking and cycling routes and provides a quieter base for exploring Méribel during the summer months.
Discover Méribel Village … Then Join Us at La Terrasse
Whether you’re skiing down the Lapin piste, finishing a summer walk, exploring Méribel with the family or simply looking for somewhere good to eat away from the busier centre, Méribel Village deserves a place on your itinerary.
And when you are ready to sit down, you’ll find us right here.
La Terrasse du Village
21 Chemin de la Duis
73550 Méribel Village
Open throughout the year for lunch, dinner and drinks.
Book your table online and discover one of Méribel Village’s favourite meeting places.