Chamonix
A favourite among seasonal workers letting off steam, 'Room 9' boasts the most spirited (rather, loudest) après-ski party in Cham (from 3pm or 4pm). There…
Must-see nightlife in French Alps & the Jura Mountains
Savoie
Jack's Bar plays it cool, but it's the slickest après-ski operator in town: stand-up comedy, themed nights, and live music from 5pm to 7pm from Monday to…
Savoie
Why wait until you’re back down in the village to party? From 2.30pm every day, DJs, singers, choreographed dancers and live bands fuel a riotous après…
Savoie
It would be an omission to leave Méribel without skiing straight up to the terrace of the 'Ronnie', shuffling to the bar in ski boots, and ordering the…
Savoie
The indie-rock alternative to après-ski stalwart La Folie Douce is Cocorico. The large outdoor deck, strung with fairy lights, stages excellent bands…
Grenoble
Good-humoured mixologists preside over a fabulous cocktail list at this chic and ever-so-slightly risqué bar. Sip one of myriad mojito varieties –…
Savoie
Vats of home-brewed IPA, porter and German-style beer glint temptingly from Morzine’s trendiest expat hangout and après-ski joint, while vegetarian and…
Dauphiné
Follow the totemic wooden polar bears into this snug chalet-style boozer. A hanging brazier keeps punters toasty, as do the Irish coffees and vin chaud …
Annecy
It's best not to examine too closely this convivial boozer's Irish pub credentials. But after a genuine welcome and finding a seat in the warren of…
Chamonix
In the 19th century, climbing parties used to assemble in the Bistrot des Sports before setting out to conquer Mont Blanc. A merry medley of mountaineers,…
Grenoble
Evoking an old-timey train station, complete with looming clock and retro tiled floor, Le Zinc is a favourite among local wine lovers. The owners are…
Chamonix
This Canadian-run microbrewery is one of Chamonix' most unpretentious and gregarious watering holes, pouring its own locally made blonde, stout, pale ale,…
Savoie
There's no escaping La Folie Douce. These piste-side après-ski bars are notorious for building nightclub atmosphere in broad daylight. Around 2pm, follow…
Annecy
This handsome salon de thé has a master chocolatier staining his apron out back, as he hand-dips squares of ganache into chocolate, dices nougat and rolls…
Besançon
Formerly trading heavily on an Irish pub theme, these days the Green Man is a genteel, convivial place for coffee or an aperitif, decorated with musical…
Chamonix
This British-owned après-ski mainstay has a split personality: upstairs the 'Jekyll' has really good pub food (from seafood tapas and sweet and sour duck…
Grenoble
Ten or more beers on tap, an industrial feel, and a mixed crowd of students and seasoned hop-heads: lively Les BerThom is beer heaven. Glug a Grisette for…
Chamonix
A friendly, low-key place to mingle with fellow skiers and hikers, La Jonction pours excellent coffee by day, and – when après-ski hour arrives – mixes…
Chamonix
Spread over four levels with cosy hidden corners, this futuristic/rustic disco chalet – stone archways, fancy disco balls, sleek leatherette seats –…
Chamonix
This Anglophone dive bar borrows Irish, English and Aussie insignia in its bid to be the friendliest, grungiest place in Cham. Setting the scene are a…
Annecy
This laid-back, high-tech establishment serves beer like petrol stations sell gasoline: you only pay for what you pump. After buying credit on a…
Grenoble
This welcoming coffee joint might just brew the best cup in Grenoble. The decor is pure New Zealand kitsch, and food follows the same theme (try avocado…
Savoie
This intimate, wood-eaved den is the sophisticate's choice for après-ski. Hunker down between book-lined walls and be served top-notch wines by the glass…
Besançon
This snug, woodsy pub is strung with fairy light and awash with a soft rock soundtrack – it's an easy-going den in which to perch on a bar stool and sip…
Savoie
Oxblood walls and wooden benches establish the cosy 'n' casual tone at the 'Little Dane', which heaves with après-ski action from DJs to live music –…
Dauphiné
At the bottom of the Venosc lift is this rocking, English-owned pub, one of the premier (and longest-running) party spots in town. The low, timbered…
Chambéry
Crouching cheekily beneath the western façade of the cathedral is the most French 'Irish pub' you'll ever find. A genuine welcome sets the tone, and the…
Savoie
This cavernous, loosely Irish-themed pub pulls a young, good-time crowd. Live music gets boots stomping on the scuffed wooden floor, and there's big…
Grenoble
Attracting a spirited, student-filled crowd, this popular bar serves 40+ vins aromatisés (flavoured wines; €2.50) in an array of extravagant flavours:…
Besançon
Going strong since 1873, the Brasserie du Commerce is the kind of venue where you brood beneath a chandelier-strung high ceiling while nursing a brimming…
Savoie
Val d’Isère’s party HQ has been catering to the valley's night owls since 1979. The 'after-dinner club' has live music (sax with percussion) warming up…
Savoie
More chic than the Irish-pub name suggests, O'Sullivan's pairs a friendly pub with a solid craft beer selection (nine on tap) with a swish underground…
Savoie
Within a solid stone-and-timber building in the centre of Méribel sits this informal bar with a bluesy soundtrack. Inside there's a woodsy, chalet vibe…
Annecy
Hidden in plain sight near the Palais de l'Isle, this amiable cafe attracts a mix of tourists and artistic locals to nurse a coffee or vin rouge beneath…
Besançon
Cats prowl, loiter and generally reign supreme at this concept cafe, which serves a fittingly cosy range of hot chocolates, cookies and tartines (open…
Annecy
Hidden in a canalside arcade, this speciality coffee joint takes its time in pouring the perfect cappuccino. Though tiny, it attracts an animated mix of…
Savoie
The slick, down-lit decor and satisfying cocktail menu (from €9) herald good times, while carb-heavy 'tapas platters' soak up the damage. Between sports…
Dauphiné
Live music, laid-back punters and plenty of elbow room make Smokey Joe's, at the bottom of the Jandri Express lift, an easy après-ski option. There's also…
Savoie
Skiers along Stade du Pleney and Piste B will see this colourful bar from the slopes as they glide back into Morzine village. This classic après-ski meet…
Savoie
Skiers traipsing back into Brides-les-Bains from the bottom of the Olympe lift will be tempted into this sedate but sophisticated lounge bar. Happy hour …
