Les Deux Alpes, France Travel Guide

Discover Les Deux Alpes: A year-round French alpine destination offering world-class skiing, thrilling outdoor activities, and stunning natural beauty.

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Les Deux Alpes

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Les Deux Alpes is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant ski culture, this charming resort town offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Les Deux Alpes boasts one of the largest skiable glaciers in Europe, ensuring excellent snow conditions year-round. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner, the resort's extensive range of slopes and trails caters to all skill levels. Off the slopes, visitors can explore a variety of activities such as ice climbing, snowshoeing, and paragliding, making it an ideal spot for adrenaline seekers. During the summer months, Les Deux Alpes transforms into a lush haven for hikers and mountain bikers. The picturesque trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Additionally, the town itself is brimming with charming cafes, lively bars, and gourmet restaurants, providing ample opportunities to savor the local cuisine and soak up the friendly atmosphere.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Les Deux Alpes.

Visit during the off-peak seasons for fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations.
Take advantage of the free ski shuttle service that connects different parts of the resort.
Don't miss the local specialty, Raclette, at one of the traditional mountain restaurants.
Bring layers of clothing as temperatures can fluctuate greatly between day and night.
Check out the summer glacier skiing if you visit during the warmer months.

Explore Les Deux Alpes: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Les Deux Alpes

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Alpe d'Huez

Discover Alpe d'Huez, the ultimate alpine destination for skiing and summer adventures in the heart of the French Alps.

4.5

La Grotte de Glace

Discover the breathtaking La Grotte de Glace, an enchanting ice cave in the heart of the French Alps, showcasing stunning frozen formations and alpine beauty.

4.3

Tourist Office Des 2 Alpes

Explore Les Deux Alpes with the Tourist Office: Your gateway to adventure in the French Alps.

4.3

Lac Besson

Experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Lac Besson, an alpine gem in the heart of the French Alps, perfect for adventure and relaxation.

4.8

Best landmarks in Les Deux Alpes

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Le Diable au Cœur

Experience the authentic flavors of France at Le Diable au Cœur, a charming restaurant in Les Deux Alpes, perfect for food lovers and travel enthusiasts alike.

4.4

Tourist Office Des 2 Alpes

Discover the best of the French Alps at the Tourist Office Des 2 Alpes, your go-to guide for skiing, hiking, and cultural experiences.

4.3

Hôtel Côte Brune

Discover the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure at Hôtel Côte Brune, your gateway to exploring the stunning Les Deux Alpes region.

4.4

Crêpes à Gogo

A Les Deux Alpes culinary institution serving traditional crêpes & Savoyard fare in a cozy, vintage setting. Open daily!

4.3

Best restaurants in Les Deux Alpes

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Le Trappeur

Experience authentic French cuisine at Le Trappeur in Les Deux Alpes – where every meal is a delightful journey into alpine gastronomy.

4.8

Le Rustique

Discover the heart of French cuisine at Le Rustique in Les Deux Alpes - where rustic charm meets culinary excellence.

4.9

Restaurant Le Cellier

Discover exquisite French cuisine at Restaurant Le Cellier in Les Deux Alpes - where every meal is a delightful journey through culinary artistry.

4.5

Restaurant Le Paëllou

Experience the rich flavors of France at Restaurant Le Paëllou in Les Deux Alpes – where gourmet cuisine meets alpine charm.

4.5

Best bars in Les Deux Alpes

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Pano Bar

Indulge in exquisite grill cuisine at Pano Bar, where alpine beauty meets culinary excellence in the heart of Les Deux Alpes.

4.2

Le Rustique

Experience the best of French cuisine and a cozy bar atmosphere at Le Rustique in the stunning Les Deux Alpes.

4.9

Polar Bear Pub

Discover the charm of the Polar Bear Pub in Les Deux Alpes, where great drinks, hearty food, and a lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Restaurant Le Paëllou

Experience the essence of French cuisine at Restaurant Le Paëllou, where fondue meets alpine charm in the heart of Les Deux Alpes.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Les Deux Alpes

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Windsor Pub

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Windsor Pub in Les Deux Alpes, a cozy haven for skiers and locals alike offering drinks, food, and live music.

4.5

L'Avalanche Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife at L'Avalanche Club, where music, dance, and energy come together in Les Deux Alpes.

2.7

K.ré Shooterloungebar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at K.ré Shooterloungebar in Les Deux Alpes, where cocktails meet the stunning alpine backdrop.

4.5

La Rhumerie

Experience the vibrant Caribbean spirit at La Rhumerie, the premier bar in Les Deux Alpes, where exceptional rum meets alpine charm.

4.6

Best shops in Les Deux Alpes

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Yonder Café / Les 2 alpes

Discover the delightful flavors of Yonder Café in Les Deux Alpes, where Australian and Californian cuisine meet exceptional coffee in a cozy atmosphere.

4.8

INTERSPORT LE STELLALPES

Explore the Alps with top-quality ski and outdoor equipment rentals at INTERSPORT LE STELLALPES, your adventure hub in Les Deux Alpes.

3.7

SPIRIT OF LES 2 ALPES

Explore unique souvenirs and stylish alpine attire at Spirit of Les 2 Alpes, the ultimate shopping destination in the heart of the French Alps.

4.3

HORS LIMITES - SKI REPUBLIC LES 2 ALPES

Discover the best ski and snowboard gear at HORS LIMITES in Les Deux Alpes, your essential stop for winter sports apparel and rentals.

4.6

Explore Les Deux Alpes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Les Deux Alpes, mapped for you.

Les Deux Alpes Essentials

Les Deux Alpes is located in the Isère department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. The closest international airports are Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport (GNB), around 110 kilometers away, and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), approximately 150 kilometers away. From these airports, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use public transport such as buses or trains to reach Les Deux Alpes. Grenoble train station is the closest major railway hub, and from there, you can take a bus or taxi to the resort, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Les Deux Alpes is a compact resort with most amenities within walking distance. Shuttle buses operate within the resort during the ski season, offering convenient transportation to various ski lifts and accommodations. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. During the summer, biking is a popular mode of transport. If you wish to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is advisable for flexibility and convenience.
The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Les Deux Alpes. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments or in case card payment systems are temporarily unavailable. ATMs are conveniently located throughout the resort, allowing you to withdraw cash if needed.
Les Deux Alpes is generally a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always wise to exercise standard precautions such as not leaving personal belongings unattended and being aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas. The resort is well-lit and safe for walking at night, but it's recommended to stay within known routes and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas.
In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. Les Deux Alpes has a medical center and a pharmacy for minor health issues. For more serious health emergencies, you may need to visit a hospital in Grenoble. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Ski patrol and mountain rescue services are available for incidents occurring on the slopes.
Fashion: Do wear layers and appropriate winter gear during the ski season. In summer, casual and comfortable clothing is suitable. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and be modest in religious sites, although Les Deux Alpes is not particularly religious. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Eating and drinking on public transport is generally discouraged. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' (Good day) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) and a handshake. A friendly demeanor is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and cheeses. It is polite to finish your meal and not leave food on your plate. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary.
To experience Les Deux Alpes like a local, visit during the off-peak seasons for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Take advantage of the local bakeries for fresh pastries and bread. Engage with local shop owners and staff; they are often willing to share insider tips and recommendations. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding nature trails and scenic viewpoints, which offer stunning vistas of the Alps. For a unique experience, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the area's history and natural beauty.

When is the best time to visit Les Deux Alpes?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Les Deux Alpes

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Les Deux Alpes. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryehn]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mahn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-pren pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-nyuh, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-coor]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay vooz ahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah po-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh mayd-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay...]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byan sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vey voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel er ay-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ayz ern er]
- Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dee ay d'mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kat]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [seece]
- 7Sept
  [sett]
- 8Huit
  [wheat]
- 9Neuf
  [nurf]
- 10Dix
  [dee]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vey voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Les Deux Alpes

The area now known as Les Deux Alpes was originally inhabited by ancient tribes who were drawn to the region's fertile valleys and abundant natural resources. Archaeological evidence suggests that early settlers engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, and rudimentary mining activities. The unique topography and climate made it an ideal location for these early communities to thrive.
During the medieval period, Les Deux Alpes began to take shape as a more structured settlement. Feudal lords ruled over the land, which was divided into small fiefdoms. The region's natural passes made it a strategic location for trade and military movement, leading to the construction of fortifications and small castles. The local population primarily engaged in farming and trade, contributing to the gradual economic development of the area.
The transformation of Les Deux Alpes into a renowned ski resort began in the early 20th century. In 1935, the local authorities recognized the area's potential for winter sports and initiated the development of ski infrastructure. The construction of the first ski lifts and the establishment of ski schools attracted tourists from across Europe. By the mid-20th century, Les Deux Alpes had firmly established itself as a premier destination for skiing and winter sports.
Over the decades, Les Deux Alpes has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. The influx of tourists and the establishment of various cultural events have enriched the local traditions. Annual festivals celebrating music, art, and mountain sports are now integral to the community's cultural identity. The blend of local customs with influences from visiting tourists has created a unique and dynamic cultural landscape.
In recent years, Les Deux Alpes has continued to grow and modernize. Significant investments in infrastructure have enhanced the area's appeal as a year-round tourist destination. Modern amenities, improved transportation links, and sustainable development practices have ensured that Les Deux Alpes remains at the forefront of global tourism. Despite these advancements, the area has retained its natural beauty and charm, continuing to attract visitors eager to experience its rich history and culture.