Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is part of the famous 3 Valleys ski area yet it remains an unspoiled Savoyard mountain village. The village is a perfect blend between the traditional and modern with its cobbled streets around the old church which now house modern or refurbished buildings in the traditional style. Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is an attractive destination for today’s tourists and property owners both in the summer and the winter with its welcoming and friendly vibe and lack of overt commercialisation.

What’s the skiing like in St. Martin-de-Belleville?

One of the main reasons people buy in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is for the vast ski area that it belongs to and the slightly lower price tag than some of its more famous neighbours. It is part of the 3 Valleys Ski Area which is one of the largest and most renowned ski regions in the world, consisting of serveral interconnected valleys which each offer a unique skiing and snowboarding experience. The resorts that make up the 3 Valleys Ski Area are as follows: the various villages of Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Saint-Martin de Belleville, so if you buy a property in any of these areas you will have access to a whopping 600km of pistes (497 in total), which are interconnected by around 180 lifts. It is also a hub for cross country skiing with the 3 Valleys Ski Area offering 130km of paths and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville offering 28km out of this total, so there really is something for everyone.

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville itself has a modern lift system connecting the village with Les Menuires, Méribel, and the rest of the 3 Valleys:

• Saint Martin 1: A gondola lift from the village takes you up to Tougnète, from where you can ski towards Méribel or Les Menuires.
• Saint Martin Express: A high-speed chairlift providing quick access to higher elevations and more challenging runs.

Within the resort itself there are a variety of green, blue, red and black runs, so if you prefer to stay more local then there is a plethora of good pistes. In fact St. Martin contributes 160km of runs to the total of 600km in the 3 Valleys Ski Area. With 7 black runs, 26 reds, 33 blues and 5 greens, the resort is perfect for all members of the family from beginners up to the most experienced skiers within the group, ensuring no one will ever get bored of the local ski scene. It’s easy to interconnect to the wider ski area if you are up for more of a challenge and with Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe on the doorstep, skiing is assured late into the season.

Summer in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is an attractive summer resort as well, mainly due to its Savoyard charm and welcoming atmosphere. It is well know for its hospitality and family friendly vibe both in the winter and the summer months. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax in a serene alpine environment. The combination of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes makes it an ideal location for a summer getaway. If you are looking to buy a property which you will rent out to rake back some funds, then it’s always a good idea to choose a destination like Saint-Martin-de-Belleville which will attract both summer and winter visitors.

Summer lifts are generally open in early July through to late August but check the tourist office for more specific dates. Hiking, is of course, one of the most popular activities so don your walking shoes and enjoy the easily accessible trails that vary from easy hikes with the family, right up to the hardy hikers who want to challenge themselves by trekking upwards and staying in mountain huts overnight.

Biking is an ever growing summer sport and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville doesn’t disappoint the cycling community. It is popular with road bikers, offering challenging climbs, spectacular scenery and is also popular with those cyclists seeking the iconic routes of Col de la Madeleine and Col de la Croix de Fer. MTB downhill bikers can tackle a series of trails with stunning views all over the local mountain area which range from easy tracks through alpine meadows to some serious downhill challenges. Les Menuires is only 8km away and also has a bike park if you want to extend your network further without having to go too far from home.

Via Ferrata and climbing are other popular sports within the area, but for those seeking a more relaxing day there are numerous fishing lakes and pretty rivers offering a peaceful day out, with Lac du Lou being particularly popular.

For thrill seekers there is canyoning, paragliding and zip-lining and for the more relaxed members of the group there are numerous spas, local markets and cheese and wine tasting events. Don’t miss out on the local culture with a variety of festivals running through the summer offering regional cuisine and music.

Gastronomy in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Winner of Gastronomic Resort of the Year in the 2016 World Snow Awards, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville boasts a rich culinary tradition that combines the flavours of Savoyard cuisine with contemporary influences. Whether you’re dining in a high-end restaurant or enjoying local specialties in a cozy bistro, or simply visiting the local farm, you’ll find plenty of gastronomic delights in this charming alpine village.

Typical Savoyard dishes include:

• Fondue Savoyarde: A classic cheese fondue made with local cheeses like Beaufort, Comté, and Emmental.
• Raclette: Melted cheese served with potatoes, pickles, and cured meats.
• Tartiflette: A hearty dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions.
• Diots: Savoyard sausages often cooked in white wine and served with polenta or potatoes.
• Charcuterie: Cured meats and sausages, including jambon de Savoie (Savoy ham) and various pâtés.

The region is also famous for its cheeses, such as Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie, and Reblochon

Notable restaurants include the following:

• La Bouitte: This renowned restaurant, located in nearby Saint-Marcel, has three Michelin stars. It offers a refined dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and innovative interpretations of traditional Savoyard cuisine.
• Le Montagnard: A cozy restaurant in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville offering a range of local specialties and traditional dishes in a rustic setting.
• Le Lachenal: Known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious regional cuisine, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
• Restaurant Etoile des Neiges: Offers a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.

In Summary – Buying Property in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville