GQ Magazine

In 1924, he renovated an old guesthouse overlooking the village and commissioned a young architect to build him a traditional mountain chalet. The architect went on to build another 200 in the surrounding area, ensuring that Megève remained picture-perfect while other resorts gave way to concrete construction.

In the 1950s, Megève attracted more than its fair share of distinguished visitors, to the point that the French writer Jean Cocteau called it “the 21st arrondissement of Paris.” It’s not hard to see its appeal: today there are more than 500 km² of slopes, quick and easy access to Chamonix and beyond for backcountry skiing and heli-skiing, and one of the region’s most famous hotels.

Cocteau and his party-going friends settled into the 40-room Hotel Mont-Blanc, right in the heart of the city, where he decorated the restaurant (named Les Enfants Terribles after his fourth novel) and introduced a whole host of stars to its charms. So today, in addition to the fresco in the dining room (recently restored to its 1950s splendor, featuring an excellent Steak au Poivre) and the quotes engraved on the beams of the champagne bar, Le George, you’ll find an “Enfants Terribles” suite, a “Sacha Distel” suite, and a “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” suite—the latter named after the first film adaptation directed by Roger Vadim (whose wife, Brigitte Bardot, was also a guest).

Of course, there’s also an award-winning spa with a snow room, sauna, hot tub, and indoor pool, but if you’re in the mood to savor Savoyard cuisine, our advice is to make a reservation at their lively bistro, then head over to Le George, order a hot chocolate after skiing, and watch the whole of Megève go by...

WHEN TO GO

February is usually the best time for snow, but January tends to be a little less crowded.

THE SUITE TO BOOK

The Enfants Terribles Suite, overlooking the town square.

WHAT TO SEE

The annual BMW Snow Polo Masters takes place the weekend of January 23–25.

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