Dining Out In Alpe Dhuez, France

First, a few words about the resort: Alpe d'Huez lies in the heart of the Grandes Rousses ski area. Of course, the French were skiing there first but foreigners joined them quite soon, since the reputation of the Island of the Sun goes well beyond the French territory. A resort where, on certain years, several hundreds days of visible sunshine are recorded can not be kept secret for long! The sceneries are astounding on clear days and, from the Pic Blanc summit, both the Mont Blanc and Mont Cervin can be spotted in the distance. The Alpe d'Huez ski area covers over ten thousand hectares and offers more than 230 kilometers of slopes.

Back to our topic, the restaurant offer in Alpe d'Huez is endless. On course, many restaurants serve traditional alpine specialties, but the diversified offer (Mexican, Tha, and whatever else you can wish for) will satisfy even the pickiest diner.

One cannot visit the Alps and have a complete experience without trying at least one of their traditional specialties. Typical dishes, including tartiflette, raclette and fondue, come in many declensions but always include lots of melted cheese. They all can be eaten guiltlessly since the totality of the extra calories ingested will be easily spent on the exciting slopes the next day. Many restaurants offer those dishes, the most reputable ones would include Le Passe Montagne, where you will find good value on Route de la Poste, Au Bl Noir on Chemin des Bergers, Les Epiciers on Place de l'Ours Blanc and Le Petit Taverne in L'Eclose. In Huez Village, a slightly remote location, you will certainly not be disappointed by L'Ancolie, the experience is well worth the extra distance.

Like in any European ski resort, you will find a very large choice of pizza and pasta restaurants. One stands out of the crowd and is particularly charming: L'Authentic, on Avenue des Jeux. The traditional Italian dishes, such as a selection of fresh pastas served with homemade sauces as well as sea fish skewers and saltimbocca of calf with figs and gnocchi, are served in a wooden chalet-style restaurant.

If you are a seafood fan, you most definitely have to try La Fromagerie, located opposite the ice rink. And if you fancy food with an edge, then you must try the very popular Smithys Tavern. The Tex-Mex menu and the homemade burgers are hearty and the portions, generous.

For a smaller fare, there are numerous fast food joints in Alpe d'Huez. For a midnight snacks after great partying, one good option is the Captain Sandwich, open until 2am. For a real bargain, get a mini-pizza at Pizza Roll for only �'3!

Other notable mentions are Le Genepi, which serves out of the ordinary ribs and Le P'tit Creux, which is renowned for its fine cuisine - traditional menus with a distinct touch.

After skiing, eating and partying, you will most certainly want to engage in an other great activity: sleeping. The accommodations in Alpe d'Huez are as diverse as the visitors' budgets and needs: from cabins and chalets, from apartments and houses, to hotels and self-catering studios, you'll find what you need.