Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links; we may earn a commission if you click or book, at no extra cost to you.

Megève is where Alpine tradition meets soft-edged glamour. A medieval market village reborn in the 1920s by the Rothschilds as France’s answer to St. Moritz, it keeps its heart in the car-free center: stone lanes, a steepled church, and horse-drawn carriages ringing over cobbles.

Families love it for gentle nursery slopes, sunny terraces, and the gigantic Le Palais sports complex—pools, an ice rink, climbing walls, and more. Savoyard food—fondue, raclette, tartiflette, and hearty mountain soups—warms up evenings, while summer brings flowered meadows, biking, and the Luge 4S coaster.

Practical notes: Megève sits at about 1,100 m; winter roads require snow tires. The local ski-bus network is frequent and free with a lift pass. Expect pedestrian gondola tickets around €16–25 round-trip, Evasion Mont-Blanc day ski passes roughly €60–75 adults (family deals available), and kid group ski lessons typically €45–60 per session.

Megève

Megève spans three main ski/hiking areas—Rochebrune, Mont d’Arbois, and Jaillet—with views toward Mont Blanc. Even non-skiers can float up for panoramas and a hot chocolate on high.

Fun for kids: the year-round Luge 4S at Jaillet (a coaster-style sled on rails), the easy Chemin du Calvaire chapel path, and the village’s horse-drawn carriages. Rainy or rest days are made for Le Palais’s pools, slides, and family spa slots.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• In/near the village center for walkable dinners and easy buses; great with strollers.
• Rochebrune or Mont d’Arbois base for quick lift access and quieter nights.
• Compare apartments and chalet-style stays on VRBO or family rooms on Hotels.com. For a budget of ~50/100, look for simple 3–4★ hotels or 1–2 bedroom apartments with kitchenettes.

Getting there (with easy booking):

• Fly into Geneva (GVA, 1h15 by road). Search European flights on Omio (flights). For long-haul options, compare on Kiwi.com.
• Train to Sallanches–Combloux–Megève station from Geneva, Lyon, or Paris (usually 1–2 changes). Then 25–30 minutes by bus to Megève. Check times and prices on Omio (trains).
• Bus/shuttle from Geneva airport to Megève runs ~1h30–2h; typical fares €20–35. Compare options on Omio (buses).
• Driving: ~1h15 from Geneva, ~2h from Lyon (tolls apply). Winter tires/chains are strongly recommended.

Where to eat and drink (family-friendly standouts):

• Hibou Blanc: Central café-brasserie on the main square; reliable for breakfast croissants, hearty salads, and hot chocolate. Lively but kid-welcoming.
• OK Burger: Gourmet burgers and fries, quick service, and a kids’ menu—good after skating or a ski day.
• La Fromagerie: Iconic cheese “cave” for fondue, raclette, and cured meats—book ahead; kids love the cozy setting.
• Le Vieux Megève: Traditional Savoyard fare (think tartiflette and diots) in a wood-paneled dining room; classic and comforting.
• Flocons Village: Casual bistro by chef Emmanuel Renaut’s team—savory tarts, alpine soups, and daily specials that won’t break the bank.
• Super Megève (Rochebrune): Mountain restaurant with a sunny terrace—go early for a window seat and family-sized plats du jour.
• La Ferme de Joseph: Working-farm eatery and shop; omelets, röstis, charcuterie boards, and a chance to talk cheese with the owners.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Stroll, and Savoyard Welcome

Morning: Travel toward Megève. If flying into Geneva, plan 1h30–2h to reach the village by shuttle or bus. Families often find the train to Sallanches plus a short bus ride budget-friendly—check schedules on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses).

Afternoon: Check in to your hotel or apartment (compare options on VRBO or Hotels.com). Stretch your legs in the pedestrian center around Place de l’Église, peek into delicatessens, and let the kids watch the horse-drawn carriages. Warm up with a chocolat chaud at Hibou Blanc.

Evening: Welcome dinner at La Fromagerie. Order a classic fondue (half-and-half or Beaufort if available) and a crisp Savoy white. Portions are generous—good for sharing and your budget. Early to bed; tomorrow’s a mountain day.

Day 2: Mountain Time—Ski, Sled, or Snowshoe

Morning: Breakfast at Hibou Blanc or pick up pastries near the square. If you’re new to skiing, book a 2–3 hour group lesson with ESF or another local school (typical €45–60 per child). Confident skiers can ride up the Rochebrune cable car for wide, family-friendly pistes; non-skiers can still go up as pedestrians for views and a short ridge walk.

Afternoon: Lunch on the terrace at Super Megève—go for the dish of the day or a shared tartiflette. Afterward, head to Le Jaillet for the Luge 4S coaster (usually ~€8–10 per ride; height restrictions apply) or find a designated sledding slope by the base area. Free ski-buses connect the sectors frequently.

Evening: Skate at Le Palais (rentals available; budget ~€6–10 entry plus ~€4–5 for skates). Dinner at OK Burger—fast service, decent veggies, and milkshakes the kids will remember. Parents can sneak in a local craft beer.

Day 3: Pools, Farm-to-Table, and Cheese Tasting

Morning: Hit Le Palais aquatic center for family swim time—there are shallow areas for little ones and lanes for lap swimmers. Figure ~€9–12 per adult, child tickets and family passes available. It’s a great rest day between ski sessions.

Afternoon: Walk or bus to La Ferme de Joseph for a farm-style lunch: röstis topped with ham and cheese, omelets, or soup du jour. Then stop by the Coopérative du Val d’Arly shop in town for a mini cheese tasting—ask to compare Reblochon fermier vs. fruitier and a slice of nutty Beaufort; most shops are happy to offer samples and advice.

Evening: Dinner at Flocons Village. Expect alpine comfort dishes plated with finesse—savory tarts, braised meats, seasonal vegetables—at prices kinder than the haute-cuisine sister restaurant up the hill. Treat the kids to a shared dessert before a twilight stroll through the lantern-lit streets.

Day 4: Panoramas, Chapel Path, and Departure

Morning: Ride the Mont d’Arbois gondola for one last panorama. Pedestrian tickets are family-friendly, and clear mornings bring views across the Aravis and toward Mont Blanc. In summer, consider a mellow ridge amble; in winter, opt for a short snowshoe marked path or stick to the terrace.

Afternoon: If time allows, walk the Chemin du Calvaire, a gentle uphill path dotted with 19th-century chapels that begins just above the village—great for curious kids and photos. Pick up picnic supplies from a local épicerie for the journey out. Aim to be on the road or at the station by early afternoon; check connections on Omio (trains) or Omio (buses).

Evening: Travel home. If you’re flying, leave ~3 hours before departure to account for mountain roads. For European flights, compare options on Omio (flights); for intercontinental routes, try Kiwi.com.

Seasonal notes and budget tips:

• Winter: Prioritize ski lessons, sledding, and Le Palais. Look for family lift deals and afternoon-only passes to save.
• Summer: Swap skiing for hiking, e-biking, chairlift-accessed picnics, and the Luge 4S. Many restaurants run value lunch menus.
• Money-savers: Book accommodation with a kitchenette via VRBO; pack simple lunches; use the free ski-bus; share mains (portions are big).

In four days, you’ll taste a little of everything: gondola views, gentle adventures, and the kind of dinners that keep everyone smiling. Megève is as family-friendly as the French Alps get—easy to navigate, delicious to explore, and memorable in any season.