Towns & Villages in La Plagne — 9 of Our Favourites

Montalbert is rather a hidden gem on the mountain, it's several lifts away from Plagne Centre and the furthest point away from the Vanoise Express so holidaymakers looking to experience the whole of the Paradiski area tend to set up camp in the other villages. However with the upgrade to the Bécoin chair lift, (Plagne Centre’s main link to Montalbert) a ride that used to take twelve minutes now only takes five, and skiers are discovering the oft-neglected right half of the piste map with its beautiful tree runs, powder fields and large cross-country ski areas. Its low altitude can be a problem in times of poor snow coverage, but its northern outlook helps it keep snow longer than some slopes, and the prudent positioning of snow cannons keeps the runs open and the village accessible all season.

All of these elements are accessible on the ‘village sector’ ski pass for Montalbert, an option well worth looking into. For those holding a La Plagne pass it is a three-chair connection to Plagne Centre and from there the rest of the resort is easily accessed. At the end of the day, you need only take the Bécoin chair up from Plagne Centre and then it is one very long blue or red run home.

Two villages for the price of one with great access to the ski area. Plagne Soleil and Plagne Villages may be La Plagne’s smallest villages but they sit high up at 2,050m, offering breath taking views across the valley to Mont Blanc. They are peaceful and secluded, each with a small Spar supermarket, ski hire outlets, ski schools and adventure companies. Plagne Villages also has a tobacconist and a souvenir shop, but for anything else you’ll need to pop down to one of the larger villages.

Nestled amidst several blue runs, both villages give you the chance to start your day on the slopes rather than waiting for a lift. Returning to your accommodation is just as easy, with well-signposted runs from Plagne Centre and Bellecôte. There are small beginner areas in each village and a meeting point for ski lessons in Plagne Villages.

Offering a quieter alternative to the busier resorts, these villages provide good-value accommodation right on the slopes and a more laid back vibe. You can enjoy peaceful semi-seclusion or hop into Plagne Centre when you want a livelier scene. They are perfect for skiers seeking small chalets or self-catering apartments with easy access to the rest of the resort.

Plagne 1800 is one of the prettiest villages in La Plagne, with traditional wooden chalets tucked into the bends of the mountain road. It has a friendly, laid-back feel with a good choice of affordable accommodation from self-catered apartments and chalets to family-run hotels. 

The village is popular with families thanks to its small beginner area where lessons take place, while the Mélèzes and 1800 chairlifts link you easily to Plagne Centre and Aime 2000. Runs back into the village are a mix of wide blues and slightly steeper reds, with plenty of options to suit different levels. Nightlife here is relaxed but sociable, and with everything you need close at hand it makes a welcoming base without losing its charm.

At 2,050m, Belle Plagne is one of the most attractive villages in La Plagne with its chalet-style buildings of wood, stone and slate giving it a traditional alpine feel. The centre is pedestrianised which makes it especially appealing for families and those who like a quieter base. You’ll find a good mix of shops, ski hire outlets, restaurants and bars plus a bowling alley for when you fancy a change from the slopes.

The skiing here is ideal if you’re travelling with children or want easy cruising, with wide blue runs linking you to the snow garden, beginner area, snow park and down to Bellecôte where you can access the rest of the resort. Both ESF and Oxygène ski schools have bases here, keeping lessons simple to organise. For more experienced skiers, the lifts quickly connect you with the full La Plagne area and on to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express.

Belle Plagne has the best of both worlds – it’s quiet and family friendly yet still has plenty of places to eat, drink and unwind. With its beautiful setting, snow-sure location and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a brilliant choice whether you’re here for the scenery, the skiing or both.

Champagny-en-Vanoise is a peaceful, traditional Alpine village tucked close to the Vanoise National Park and just a short distance from La Plagne. Once a rustic farming village, it has grown into a thriving town while keeping its heritage charm, offering an authentic holiday experience year-round. The village has all the essentials you need, including grocery shops, a bakery, deli, sports and clothing stores, ski hire and service outlets, a cinema and a handful of restaurants. There are also several ski school options and an independent childcare centre.

The ski area caters to all levels. Beginners can enjoy the snow garden at the top of the cable car, while intermediates will find plenty of blue runs, and reds and blacks, including unpisted trails and a boardercross course, offer a challenge for the more confident. You can use the village sector ski pass for most of these runs, or if you have a La Plagne or Paradiski pass, you can access Plagne Centre or even take a day trip to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express. Returning to the village is easy via the cable car or two long red runs, with snow cannons keeping Le Bois open late into the season.

This is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a more affordable stay with authentic Alpine charm. Secluded and serene, Champagny-en-Vanoise is ideal for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed ski adventure, letting you tailor your trip exactly how you like.

Montchavin and Les Coches are two family-friendly villages at the edge of La Plagne, offering plenty to do for all ages. Montchavin is a rustic, working mountain village at 1,250m with a fully functioning centre including a grocery store, bakery, deli, souvenir shops, ski hire, a cinema and a wellness centre with pool, jacuzzi, sauna and massage suite. Les Coches, slightly higher at 1,450m, is nestled in the trees and retains snow well, providing easy ski-in and ski-out access to the whole Paradiski area.

The villages are connected by lifts and the Vanoise Express, giving you the chance to explore Les Arcs and the wider ski area. Montchavin’s north-facing slopes and smart snow cannon coverage mean you can often ski right into the village late in the season. Both villages have excellent beginner zones, a mix of blue and red runs including the Mont Blanc run, and opportunities for black runs, off-piste, boardercross and cross-country skiing.

There’s something here for everyone, whether you want a busy holiday with activities, bars and restaurants, or a more relaxed family-focused break. Montchavin offers a lively village atmosphere with practical amenities, while Les Coches gives a quieter, picturesque setting and good-value ski accommodation with easy access to the slopes.

Plagne Centre is the beating heart of La Plagne and the largest of its villages. As the name suggests, everything here revolves around this lively hub which brings together shops, bars, restaurants and services of every kind. Most are linked by indoor tunnels, so you can browse bakeries, delis, supermarkets, souvenir shops and ski hire without ever stepping outside. With more places to eat and drink than you’ll get through in a week, there’s plenty of choice for après and evenings out.

On the mountain, Plagne Centre is a key convergence point for pistes and lifts, giving you access in every direction. Beginners are especially well catered for with ski schools, a snow garden and drag lift, plus the resort’s longest green run and its own slow chairlift. Once you’ve built up confidence, you can move on to gentle blues from the Colorado chair and even discover La Plagne’s quirky Purple Piste, home to the Milka cow who hands out chocolate to anyone who catches her.

For more advanced skiers, the fast Becoin chair whisks you towards Mont Albert where epic black runs and one of La Plagne’s best powder bowls await. The Grande Rochette bubble offers spectacular views and links to challenging reds and blacks, while Bellecôte is close by with onward access to the glacier, Montchavin and the Vanoise Express to Les Arcs.

Day or night, Plagne Centre has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the après, the shopping, the food or simply the skiing, staying here means you’re never far from the action and with the slopes right on your doorstep, you’ll want to be up for first lifts every morning.

Plagne Bellecôte sits at the heart of La Plagne’s slopes, making it one of the best places to stay if you want to be first on the piste in the morning and last down in the evening. Located at the meeting point of several runs, the village is packed with self-catered apartments, restaurants, shops, bars and plenty of activities, giving it a hub-like feel that rivals Plagne Centre.

Getting around is easy with a shuttle bus linking you to Plagne Centre and Plagne 1800, and a bubble lift to Belle Plagne. Piste access couldn’t be simpler, with four chairlifts, a gondola and a drag lift all within metres of each other. With so much on offer right on your doorstep, it’s little wonder Plagne Bellecôte is a favourite with seasonnaires and anyone looking for a lively, convenient ski holiday.

Belle Plagne sits at 2,050m just above Plagne Bellecôte and is one of the most attractive villages in La Plagne. The centre is pedestrianised and full of traditional wood, stone and slate buildings, giving you a real feeling of being immersed in the mountains. 

Most accommodation is chalet style, and the wide, family-friendly blues surrounding the village give easy access to beginner areas, snow gardens and lifts to the rest of the resort. With shops, ski services, restaurants, bars and even a bowling alley, Belle Plagne has everything you need for a fun and convenient stay. 

It’s especially popular with families thanks to its quiet atmosphere and easy access to the wider La Plagne ski area, as well as the Vanoise Express link to Les Arcs. Snow is generally guaranteed, making it a perfect base for both skiing and soaking up the scenery.