Towns & Villages in Les 2 Alpes — 3 of Our Favourites

Venosc is a charming traditional Alpine village tucked in the Vénéon valley at 1,000m, just below Les 2 Alpes. Linked to the main resort by a seven-minute gondola ride, it offers a peaceful base with easy access to the slopes while keeping you well away from the bustle of the main town. Its cobbled streets are home to local artisans and artists producing everything from honey and cheese to pottery, silks and leatherwork, giving the village a warm, authentic feel. Most accommodation is self-catered chalets and apartments, with a few neighbouring hamlets like Bourd d’Arud, Les Gauchoirs and La Danchere offering more options if you have a car. With the river running through the valley and stunning scenery on your doorstep, Venosc is perfect if you want a quiet stay without losing the convenience of quick lift access.

A sleepy village perched on a hillside below the resort of Les Deux Alpes, overlooking the Romanche valley, its traditional mountain architecture and way of life are celebrated in the commune Museé du Chasal Lento, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view across the valley.

A former mountain pasture perched at 1,650m, Les 2 Alpes is France’s second oldest ski area after Chamonix and home to the largest skiable glacier in Europe. With 225km of pistes and skiing up to 3,600m, it’s a year-round destination for snow lovers and summer adventurers. The resort sits at the heart of a vast lift network linking it to surrounding villages, including Mont de Lans, Venosc and even La Grave, so wherever you stay, you’ll have easy access to the slopes.

The name ‘Deux Alpes’ comes from the two sides of the valley in which the resort was built. It stretches along a wide plateau with magnificent views to the Muzelle on the far side of the Vénéon valley. Accommodation is strung along the main road from Petit Plan to Place de Venosc, with most places within walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars. Staying right in the centre means you can be first on the lifts in the morning and last out of the bars at night, with everything on your doorstep. You’ll find a huge choice of self-catered apartments here, from compact studios to luxury penthouses sleeping ten or more. Chalets are a little rarer in the centre but there are still a few to choose from.

Free shuttle buses run through the resort to help you get around, so it’s worth checking where the nearest stop is to your accommodation. And if you need to stock up or fancy a day off the slopes, the lively market town of Bourg d’Oisans is just 20 to 30 minutes’ drive away with a big supermarket, garages, car hire, a Saturday market and plenty of cafés for a sunny lunch.

Le Village 1800

Village 1800 sits at the top end of Les 2 Alpes and is a quiet, purpose-built base with direct access to the slopes via the Village chairlift. Most accommodation here is in self-catered apartments ranging from compact studios to large chalet-style options for bigger groups. The accommodation here is simpler and in a quieter area than the main resort, but with super-easy access to the pistes. You’ll find free covered parking and a couple of handy shops and eateries, but for a livelier evening out, you’ll need to head down to the main resort.