Understand

Saint Martin de Belleville is an enchanting village situated a few miles down the valley from Les Menuires. With its old church beautifully illuminated at night, wooden and stone buildings, and a charming small square, this lived-in village exudes authenticity. It serves as a peaceful and affordable base for exploring the Trois Valles or Three Valleys, making it an unbeatable destination. Until the 1980s, Saint Martin de Belleville was a quiet farming village. It witnessed a transformation when chairlifts were installed, linking it to the slopes of Meribel and Les Menuires. Today, the village has maintained its traditional character while offering quick access to Les Menuires, Meribel, and the rest of the Trois Valles. The local slopes provide an ideal setting for beginner and intermediate skiers, with long, gentle intermediate runs. Furthermore, extensive snow-making ensures that the runs stay open even in unfavorable weather conditions. Perched at an altitude of 1,450m, Saint Martin de Belleville enjoys reliable snow coverage well into April. With its Savoyard charm and distinctive character, this village embraces the essence of the Savoy region, making it a remarkable place to stay and experience the magic of the area.]

Popular Foods

The first popular French dish is Ratatouille, a colorful vegetable stew traditionally made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoned with herbs such as thyme and basil. This hearty, non-meat dish is typically served alongside grilled meats or fish.

Another famous French dish is Coq au Vin, a braised chicken dish that originated in Burgundy. It involves marinating chicken pieces in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and garlic before slow-cooking them until tender and flavorful. The final dish is often garnished with parsley and served with potatoes, noodles, or bread.

Lastly, the iconic French dish, Croissants, are flaky, buttery pastries made from layers of laminated dough, which are then curved into a crescent shape and traditionally served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Although they are not typically a savory or sweet dish, croissants can be filled with various ingredients like ham and cheese (called a jambon-beurre) or almond paste and sugar (an almond croissant).

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing