A restaurant with two Michelin stars, a sensational swimming pool – and Brigitte Bardot is a fan: in the legendary French ski hotel Le Chabichou – a beautiful building in heavenly Courchevel 1850

When it comes to the art of attracting discerning winter sports enthusiasts, Le Chabichou Hotel & Spa in the heart of the glamorous French ski resort of Courchevel 1850 is a seasoned hand – it has been a particularly enticing mountainside retreat for decades.

The property was purchased by husband and wife team Michel and Maryse Rochedy in 1963 when it was a traditional Savoyard chalet with nine bedrooms.

Maryse took care of the accommodation side of the operation, Michel cooked in the restaurant. And what kind of cooking.

In a first for Courchevel, Le Chabichou restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 1979 and a second in 1984, earning Michel the nickname ‘The Bocuse of the Alps’ after legendary Lyon chef Paul Bocuse (more on the incredible eatery later).

Meanwhile, the number of rooms increased, facilities increased and the hotel’s popularity grew, with notable personalities such as music producer Eddie Barclay, actress Brigitte Bardot and French President Valery Giscard d’Estaing crossing its threshold in the 1960s and 1970s.

Le Chabichou was bought by couple Michel and Maryse Rochedy in 1963 when it was a traditional Savoyard chalet with nine bedrooms

The establishment became a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio in 2012 and Lyon-based group Lavorel Hotels has been running the property since 2018.

I checked in at the end of the 2022/23 season with my partner and daughter. My review? The five-star ski-in/ski-out hotel is at the height of its magnetic powers.

With its striking white facade, Le Chabichou is one of the most eye-catching hotels in Courchevel – and in this respect it faces decidedly stiff competition.

Inside it is Chabi chic everywhere, with a touch of luxury. Rustic raw wood and soft upholstery abound. And the interior is monitored by a constantly cheerful and hospitable staff.

Our two-room family suite is an absolute delight. There is a small balcony and an incredibly beautiful view over the adjacent blue slope to the resort and the peaks beyond. We parents love our epic double bed with the checkered headboard, and the little one loves having her own room across the street, next to a small living room. area.

In a first for Courchevel, restaurant Le Chabichou received a Michelin star in 1979 and a second in 1984.

Ted writes: ‘Inside it’s Chabi chic everywhere, with a touch of luxury. Rustic raw wood and soft upholstery abound.’ Pictured above is bar Le Sidonie

The hotel has a fun kids’ club, Ted explains – ‘and the interior is supervised by a constantly cheerful and hospitable staff’

The bathroom adds a touch of sophistication with its marble effect tiles, large walk-in rain shower and jet black fixtures.

Just down the hall is a cute kids club and on the bottom floor a spa and pool with so many amenities it almost feels like a water park.

As well as a main pool, there are multiple zones and mini pools where bubbles can be activated, a ‘walking canal’ that runs around one end where you walk against the current, plus a salt room, sauna and steam room – and the chance to draw a cold bucket of water over your head for extra refreshment.

On the bottom floor, Ted explains, there is “a spa and a pool with so many amenities it almost feels like a water park.” He adds: ‘In addition to a main pool, there are multiple zones and mini pools where bubbles can be activated, a ‘walking canal’ that runs around one end where you walk against the current, plus a salt room, sauna and steam room.”

In the lower regions you will also find the well-equipped ski shop, complete with very helpful staff.

The hotel’s crowning glory, however, may be the two-Michelin-starred Chabichou restaurant, now run by chef Stéphane Buron.

Here we are treated to a nine-course, dazzling tour de force of culinary wizardry that continually amazes, with dishes served in wonderfully imaginative ways – sometimes as art – and all accompanied by top-quality wine.

The highly knowledgeable staff who radiate warmth and humor are the icing on the cake.

Fortunately, the elegant restaurant can be experienced by all guests, as breakfast is also served here.

The food offering is nicely completed by restaurant Le Sidonie and bar Le Sidonie.

Ted and his partner dine at two-star Le Chabichou by Stephane Buron. This is where their kir-royale style aperitif, made from Bollinger Champagne and sapinette, is prepared

Ted declares that the food at Le Chabichou “also functions as art.” Left – ‘3D printed’ appetizer that resembles graceful leaves. On the right – wild mushroom tartelette and mushroom cappuccino

Le Chabichou has a ‘well-equipped ski shop in the lower regions – complete with very helpful staff’

Ted states: ‘[Le Chabichou] is one of the most dazzling stars in Courchevel’s hotel firmament’

Dining in these non-Michelin-star setups is more casual, but there are options for something exotic – say, $80 soft-boiled eggs with caviar for breakfast – and prices for even basic mole bites are on the hair-raising side for most. A croque monsieur in the bar costs no less than 45 euros.

But then you get what you pay for – and in this case it is not only a very fine croque monsieur, but also a croque monsieur that you can enjoy in one of the most dazzling stars in the Courchevel hotel firmament.

On to the next 50 years.