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Flaine resort information & après-ski
Après-ski
Flaine's après-ski scene is concentrated on half a dozen bars at the base of the slopeside apartment complexes.
One of the busiest is the English/Irish pub, Le White Pub (tel: +33 450 908 476), which serves a good range of beers and spirits. The Flying Dutchman (tel: +33 450 909 921) is a better choice if you prefer your entertainment with a more continental European twist – there's usually a party atmosphere here enthused by a wide selection of European beers.
Those seeking to party into the early hours can head to the recently refurbished nightclub Les Caves de Flaine (tel: +33 601 186 658), which opens at 2300 and blasts the tunes until bleary-eyed revellers depart at 0500.
The choice of dining establishments in Flaine continually improves and there are now more than 20 choices in total, with a growing list of eateries focusing on high calibre cuisine.
L'Ancolie (tel: +33 450 908 794) is one of the most popular establishments. Housed in a traditional log chalet with a warming log fire, it offers an inventive local Savoyard menu, and there’s a separate bar menu for lighter snacks. The locally run and long established Pizzeria chez pierrot (tel: +33 450 908 456) is another popular choice with friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and great pizza.
For fantastic views of Mont Blanc either between runs or at the end of the ski day, head to the self-service Le Désert Blanc (tel: +33 450 908 209; www.restaurant-ledesertblanc.fr), which serves non-fussy café-style food from high up on the slopes.
Resort Information
Despite being one of the livelier purpose-built ski resorts, there are relatively limited options for off-slope activities in Flaine, meaning groups with non-skiers in the party may want to head elsewhere.
There is, however, a small cultural centre containing unusual displays of artwork in keeping with Flaine's heritage; while other indoor facilities include a cinema and a bowling alley.
Among the outdoor options are: paragliding, snow kiting, helicopter sightseeing flights, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating, ice-driving and snowmobile tours. Nearby Samoëns also offers a number of outdoor activities.
A spa and indoor swimming pool, located in the Résidence Le Centaure complex (tel: +33 450 904 746; www.cgh-residences.co.uk), is open to the public. This large modern facility includes adult and children’s swimming pools, a sauna, Turkish bath, hydrotherapy tubs, and a range of beauty and massage treatments.
Almost completely car free and with a compact centre, affordable restaurants and an extensive nursery ski area, Flaine is a very good choice for families. Kids from six months to three years of age can be cared for in the Petits Loups nursery (tel: +33 450 908 782), while children of three years and over can be looked after by either the International Ski School (ESI) (tel: +33 450 908 441; www.esi-grandmassif.com) or the École du Ski Français (ESF) (tel: +33 450 908 100; www.esf-flaine.fr).
Activities for children to enjoy off the slopes include quad bikes (from age six) and indoor climbing. There's also a play park with a mini toboggan hill at the base of the slopes.
There is an adequate selection of about 20 shops in Flaine, covering all the essentials – especially ski gear. Most of these are concentrated either in two small shopping centres or along the base of the ski runs. Make sure to browse Douce France (Flaine Forêt), which sells regional specialities, including a wide choice of wine and locally produced cheese.
Experience the thrill of ice beneath rubber wheels on Flaine's 1,000m-long (3,300ft) ice circuit (tel: +33 450 908 259; www.circuitglace.com) in the middle of the forest. Drivers will be taught how to control the car on a circuit that recreates the difficulties encountered on a mountain road, with fast curves, bends, hairpin bends, ascents and descents.
Hotels
Accommodation in Flaine is dominated by the self-catering apartments in its original centre. Some prettier chalets can be found in Hameau de Flaine, a few kilometres from the main resort, and larger wooden chalet-style developments in the newest sector, Montsoleil. There are now a few catered chalets and higher quality hotels in Flaine, but the choice of hotel accommodation remains much more limited compared to self-catered options.
One of Flaine’s newest developments, the Le Refuge du Golf has 56 high-spec, comfortable apartments, each for 6 to 12 people, and also has facilities including a spa and an on-site restaurant.
Le Hameau de Flaine, Forum,
74300,
Flaine,
France
Flaine’s first 5-star property, the Pierre & Vacances-run Les Terrasses d’Eos offers luxury slopeside residences, apartments and a spa. True to form with the company’s usual offering, the complex boasts a wide range of leisure facilities for use by guests.
Flaine Montsoleil – Les Gérats,
74300,
Flaine,
France
One of Flaine’s original Bauhaus-style apartment complexes, Pierre & Vacances La Forêt has been fully renovated with two old apartments being combined into one new spacious, 4-star property. Located at the heart of the resort, this complex has a games room and Wi-Fi access.
Forum, Flaine Forum,
74300,
Flaine,
France
A rather unique proposition in the Alps, this development comprises 80 colourful and comfortable ski chalets built in a Scandinavian style.
Le Hameau de Flaine,
74300,
Flaine,
France
Located in one of Flaine’s original developments, the ski-in/ski-out Hôtel-Club MMV benefits from a great location at the heart of this sprawling resort close to both the slopes and the key amenities.
Flaine Forum,
74300,
Flaine,
France
This 3-star family-oriented ski club hotel can be found in the centre of Flaine Forum, close to the ski lifts and slopes. Family suites are available, and its children's club (from three months) can keep the kids entertained while their parents enjoy the slopes.
Bât. Aujon, Flaine Forum,
74300,
Flaine,
France
Getting there and around
Nearest airport: Geneva International Airport (GVA).
Distance to resort: 75km (47 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Cluses.
Distance to resort: 25km (16 miles).
Driving time: 30 minutes.
Most of Flaine is designed for pedestrian or skier access with paths, steps, ski runs and pedestrian lifts linking the different areas of the resort. Cars are banned from the village; except for loading and unloading baggage on departure/arrival (extensive car parking is provided on the outskirts). The lack of car access is negated, however, by a free shuttle bus that circulates around the few outlying areas.
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