La Folie Douce

If you’re looking for apres in Meribel, then chances are you’ll end up at the folie douce one night. Sat underneath mid station Saulire lift, you can expect a lot of dancing on tables, staff semi clad in leather and dropping DJ beats from the huge stage/​upstairs of the chalet style building. Expect large crowds and loud music. I think everyone should experience the FD at least once on their holiday but that’s probably enough. Here’s why:
1. The music actually sucks. A live band is what you’re after for apres, not hectic euro dance music, with a woman singing not particularly well over the top.
2. The place closes down at 5pm (4.30 for non skiers who need to get the bubble lift down) and the piste down the mountain isn’t good for beginners (we saw about 500 people drunkenly plummet down the mogul ridden slope and disappear never to be seen again.
3. I understand why they have to close it early due to point number 2, but unfortunately it means that a) if you want to enjoy it you need to stop snowboarding early (no thanks) and b) just when the party is getting started, it’s kind of over already.
These 3 things said, it’s definitely worth a look in, a drink and a moment in the lovely sunshine (it’s a lovely suntrap for most of the afternoon). Props to you if your key aim for the week is to get your ski gear sprayed with nasty prosecco, the whole thing doesn’t really float my boat.

This is where we went three out of six days in Méribel after skiing. Seeing people dancing on the tables was default, and two of the days happened to coincide with Russian Holiday which, we learned, meant pretty girls in little fur panties shaking their cute little butts on the tables…
Had lunch here one day. The inside of this restaurant (and I mean RESTAURANT, not that self-​served part) is gorgeous. Monstrous cheese are covering the walls up to the ceiling, and tables are covered with white table cloth. We were starving and started begun our meal with an assortment of cheese. As expected, it was as mouthwatering and beautifully served as only happens in France. The main course, a chicken split in two, was pretty good too, but in comparison to the exceptional cheese I was not blown away. Meal was around 60 Euro with a bottle of wine and two beers for our company. Next day I was back, I chose only cheese, bread and wine. Mm.

Quand on est un accro à la montagne et surtout au domaine des 3 vallées, difficile de passer à coté de cette institution.
L’endroit sorti de terre il y a peu, est dans le style chalet taille XXL flambant neuf.
On y trouve la boutique du lieu, une boutique one piece, un kiosque avec les fameuses tartes tropéziennes, un restaurant façon self-​service et le restaurant la fruitière.
Du bon son, une chouette ambiance mais un rien moins cool que sa voisine sur Val Thorens.

Let me first state that had I been at least 10 years younger LFD Meribel would almost certainly be getting a higher score. Alas, its raison d’être is just not for me.
During a recent ski trip our group ended up coming here twice so we got to see both sides of its ‘character’ for want of a better word. On the first visit it was literally pulsating with bass, booze, table dancing and excess. The (ahem) ‘VIP section’ was filled with the spoiled brats and rich elite we can imagine love these kind of places. When someone orders a huge bottle of champagne or spirit it is not simply brought to them by hand, but placed in a large perspex box and slowly pulled over the crowds below via a zip-​line with pink smoke billowing from its top. Cue multiple smart phones videoing the spectacle.
Not wanting to sound like a complete party pooper I have to admit that the atmosphere was infectious (I may have danced a wee bit to the Europop that was blaring from the speakers). I did, however, feel like a fish out of water here.
The second visit was at lunchtime which was much quieter and overall more palatable (atmosphere wise and food wise). Though the meal options are on the expensive side (but what isn’t in Les 3 Vallées?) there were plenty of decent things to choose from in their slick, spacious and modern restaurant inside. The place was busy with families, ski schools and groups alike, a world away from the rowdy table dancing the previous afternoon.
Tip: the easiest way to get to LFD from Meribel town is via the Saulire gondola lift, exiting at its first stop and then skiing/​walking down the slope a short distance.
Tip: there’s a gift shop for LFD merchandise should you wish to buy a memento (that is, if you have any money left after eating/​drinking here).

Longtemps, l’après-midi et l’après-ski du jeune skieur en vacances à Méribel se terminaient nécessairement par la case «Rond-​Point» (un bar anglais proposant chaque jour concert de rock et alcool en quantité). L’arrivée de La Folie Douce (déjà implantée à Val-​Thorens sur le domaine des Trois Vallées, également) marque un tournant, avec une ambiance résolument différente: on surplombe les pistes, videurs à l’entrée, carré VIP inside, dj sur le toit accompagné souvent de musiciens ou chanteurs qui sautent de tables en tables… La suite du tableau? Vous la connaissez. Des magnums de champagne, et une ambiance house résolument plus Ibiza /​St Trop que Londres /​Manchester.
On aime ou pas. Mais le lieu est vraiment magnifique, tant à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur avec sa terrasse au panorama incroyable. Le restaurant ou self le midi assure, et propose des mets plus raffinés, originaux que l’éternel steak frites du haut des pistes à 30 euros. Le service est au rendez-​vous.
Dommage qu’on vienne autant là pour s’afficher que pour se détendre.