© P. Augier
© P. Augier
© P. Augier
© P. Augier
© P. Augier
Family friendly villages with lots of activities on offer for everyone and excellent ski access
These two villages are perfect for families or anyone wanting a mix of activity and relaxation. Montchavin has shops, wellness facilities and a friendly village feel, while Les Coches provides ski-in/ski-out accommodation in a quiet, picturesque setting. Both villages have excellent pistes, beginner zones, and access to the wider Paradiski area via lifts and the Vanoise Express.
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.
| Location | Km from La Plagne | Best for |
| La Plagne Centre | - | Snow sure ski-in ski-out |
| La Plagne 1800 | 1.3 | Pretty with proximity to ski area |
| Belle Plagne | 5.5 | Family-friendly with great access |
| Aime La Plagne | 32 | Quiet ski-in ski-out village |
| Plagne Soleil and Villages | 1.8 | Quiet and well connected |
| Plagne Bellecôte | 2.6 | Lively with great piste access |
| Plagne Montalbert | 12.4 | Pretty family-friendly village |
| Montchavin | 26.4 | Car free and family-friendly |
| Les Coches | 28.8 | Pretty and affordable |
| Champagny-en-Vanoise | 50 | Traditional budget-friendly village |
These are two ski mountaineering races, one of which takes place on the old training route of the Seventh Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins (aka the "Diables Bleus" or blue devils), the elite mountain infantry of the French Army.
There is a handful of restaurants in Les Coches with terraces for afternoon beers and menus covering Savoyard specialities to crepes and pizza. La Taverne du Monchu is a very popular restaurant and well known for its good menu and arty décor. La Table du Tarin has a good-priced menu and you can sit fireside or by the wood-burning stove. If you are celebrating a special occasion then La Poya has a lovely menu and open fireplace while L’Origan is a small friendly pizzeria restaurant with a traditional wood pizza oven.
In Montchavin you have your pick of restaurants serving traditional menus on-piste or in the village such as quaint Le Dos Rond and or La Ferme de César priding themselves on swift lunch service, or family-friendly Restaurant Le Chaudron with menu and activities for children. La Bovate is a friendly restaurant with a varied menu while La Zaccota is a small family-run pizzeria.
Stop for a coffee or a hearty meal at this friendly local restaurant, serving traditional French and Savoyarde cuisine.
This restaurant serves a wide menu including pizzas cooked in a wood fire and authentic mountain specialities such as baked Reblochon cheese. They serve wood-fired pizzas, fast lunches, traditional Savoyard dishes for dinner and crepes, hot chocolate and vin chaud in the afternoon. Children are welcome and have their own special menu. The restaurant is located at the foot of the ski pistes in the centre of Les Coches village, easily accessible by skis or on foot.
This charming traditional mountain restaurant offers all the local specialities including fondue, raclette, tartiflette and Pierre Chaude.
Enjoy the terrace at this Les Coches restaurant, which serves local Savoyard dishes such as cheese fondue, raclette and tartiflette.
An Italian restaurant in Montchavin serving typical Italian dishes and pizzas as well as Savoyard specialities. It is a cosy farmhouse style restaurant at the foot of the Montchavin ski slopes with a terrace. Childrens' dishes and takeaway menus are available.
Le Carroley is ideally situated at 2,100m on the Carroley piste near to the Salla chairlift.
Les Coches is a family-friendly village in the heart of the Paradiski area which perfect for exploring both La Plagne and Les Arcs ski area. There are a couple of bars here, offering an après atmosphere, with the White Lines Pub being the liveliest and forming the heart of Les Coches nightlife.
In the evening Montchavin’s limited nightlife revolves around a few lively bars. Please note that there is no access to the other La Plagne villages after the lifts close except by a long car journey so if you’re after a more lively nightlife Montchavin may not be the village for you.
Le Bowling Bar in La Plagne offers a unique blend of fun, relaxation, and friendly competition, making it a must-visit for visitors of all ages. Combining the excitement of bowling with the welcoming atmosphere of a bar, it’s the perfect spot for unforgettable evenings with friends or family. Whether you’re a keen bowler or simply looking for a place to unwind, the venue caters to everyone with a lively, relaxed environment and plenty of entertainment.
At 2050 metres, La Bodega is the go-to spot in Belle Plagne for good food, drinks, and lively evenings. Conveniently located in the centre of the resort and just steps from the slopes, it’s ideal for relaxing after a day on the mountain.
La Tête Inn Bar is the friendly meeting place at the heart of Belle Plagne, where good food, great drinks, and a warm mountain atmosphere come together. Created by passionate locals, this cosy bar-snack spot offers a relaxed, welcoming setting that’s perfect for après-ski drinks, a quick bite, or a laid-back evening with friends.
Le 5 a 7siète is a welcoming bar and restaurant at the heart of Plagne Soleil, offering a warm Alpine atmosphere that celebrates the art of the mountains and the best local artisans and producers. Perfectly positioned, it’s the ideal spot to relax after a morning on the slopes or to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends and family.
Le Monica’s is a popular restaurant in the centre of Plagne Soleil, known for its large sunny terrace and varied menu. Its pizzas are a standout, offering excellent quality and generous portions at good prices. Perfectly placed beside the Bergerie lift and accessible from the Ecartés blue piste, it’s ideal for daytime stops. In the evening, shuttle buses make access easy, and the basement bar keeps the atmosphere lively after dinner.
La Mine Bar is a charming English pub nestled in a chalet in the heart of Plagne 1800, offering a unique après-ski experience with its authentic mining-themed décor. Step inside and you’re transported to a cosy, atmospheric setting where rustic charm meets lively entertainment, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors.
Montchavin Les Coches has won awards for the standard of its childcare services, there is a choice of ski schools plus the chance to try all manner of other activities, from Nordic skiing, telemarking, paragliding, ice skating, snow biking, snowshoe walks and quad biking. Husky trips are a favourite for the family.
The cinema seats 240 people and holds two showings per day throughout the summer and winter season.
The skating rink in Les Coches is back on ice for new adventures! Closed for a few years, this covered skating rink is a great activity for your apres-ski (or your kids').
Try your hand at rafting and other watersports in La Plagne with an experienced guide.
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
This company offers a whole host of watersports activities in and around the local area.
There is a variety of accommodation available in Montchavin/Les Coches, the villages are both picturesque and most of the newer buildings have been tastefully finished in wood slate and stone and there are several beautiful stand alone chalets.
Stylish chalet just 200m from the piste in Les Coches, with hot tub, sauna, and games room – ideal for groups and keen skiers, with space for up to 16 guests.
Stylish chalet for up to 16 guests in central Les Coches, just 200m from the piste, with incredible views and superb features including a hot tub, sauna and games room.
Chalet Snowflake - based in the mountain village of Montchavin, a gem in the heart of Paradiski (La Plagne/Les Arcs) 425km of piste.
This 4-star ski-in chalet is located right next to the ski lift in Montchavin, La Plagne and is ready to book. It offers you luxury and convenience at an affordable price with a choice of self-catered, catered, or new “easy-catered” basis.
This 4-star ski-in chalet is located right next to the ski lift in Montchavin, La Plagne and is ready to book. It offers you luxury and convenience at an affordable price with a choice of self-catered, catered, or new “easy-catered” basis.
This 4-star ski-in chalet is located right next to the ski lift in Montchavin, La Plagne and is ready to book. It offers you luxury and convenience at an affordable price with a choice of self-catered, catered, or new “easy-catered” basis.
You'll find a lot of aparthotels and apartment buildings in the area offering a good choice for every budget.
Stylish chalet just 200m from the piste in Les Coches, with hot tub, sauna, and games room – ideal for groups and keen skiers, with space for up to 16 guests.
Stylish chalet for up to 16 guests in central Les Coches, just 200m from the piste, with incredible views and superb features including a hot tub, sauna and games room.
Chalet Snowflake - based in the mountain village of Montchavin, a gem in the heart of Paradiski (La Plagne/Les Arcs) 425km of piste.
This 66m2 apartment is located on the third floor with north aspects and a balcony.
This 21m2 studio is located on the 1st floor with a north-facing aspect and balcony.
This 42m2 apartment is located on the sixth floor with an east exposition and balcony.
In the heart of Belle Plagne the residence has the appearance of a traditional village which is made of wood and stone and fit perfectly into the surrounding site with direct access on skis.
The architecture of the Le Mont Soleil Residence, with its wood-covered façades, is inspired by traditional chalets.
Residence Les Constellations is made up of 6 large chalets with slate roofs and wooden facades. You can leave directly on your skis and the residence has the advantage of a quiet setting in the heart of the resort's activities.
With 144 rooms and a large terrace facing the slopes, this modern & comfortable hotel enjoys a great location in Plagne 1800.
With ski to the door access, this hotel offers cosy alpine rooms, as well as a spa, lounge bar and restaurant.
The Pierre & Vacances Quartz Residence at Belle Plagne is a totally renovated ski residence that offers high comfort apartments in a great location.
These two villages are situated at the far left edge of the piste map and are as close as a person can stay to the Vanoise Express to Les Arcs, skiers aiming to get the most out of their Paradiski lift pass often set up camp here. To access the main ski areas of La Plagne involves a four lift connection to Bellecôte from which you can get to Plagne Centre, Champagny and the right side of the map. This multitude of lift connections that you have to start your day with are the price you pay for residing at low altitude but you get some compensation on your way home after a long day when those four lifts are replaced by one long beautiful run from 2,340m to your 1,250m home.
Having been in the business since 1983 and the only transport company with an office based in La Plagne centre, Transport Christian Bouzon have extensive knowledge and experience in transporting small and large groups around the Alps.
A key booking portal for local coach and bus transfers in the French ski resorts. Using this service to coordinate your travel means getting to resort could not be easier.
This company offers private transfers from Geneva Airport to La Plagne. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to La Plagne, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
Find out all about what is happening in La Plagne and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsEach of the La Plagne resorts, as well as the surrounding villages, holds a number of events throughout the year. Ice climbing competitions and ski races take place in the winter months, in addition to the usual après-ski parties featuring live bands and DJs. The summer, on the other hand, attracts a number of trail running and cycling competitions, as well as live concerts.
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