Home › Eat & après-ski › Bars & après-ski
La Taverne Méribel: Your Guide to Après-Ski and Dining
Finding an easygoing gathering spot in the center of the valley is simple once you discover La Taverne Méribel. Located on Rue des Glaciers, this classic two-level mountain venue brings together an upbeat English pub on the street level and a snug bistro restaurant downstairs. It has welcomed skiers for many winters, offering an honest pint, friendly bar staff, and a warm room to thaw cold toes after a long day touring Les 3 Vallées.
When you cross over the ridge from Courchevel into Méribel, the atmosphere shifts toward a down-to-earth pub tradition. La Taverne bridges that gap seamlessly. It works equally well for an early lunch in the mountain air, an afternoon catch-up over pub games, or an energetic party with resident DJs that carries on into the early morning. Here is everything you need to know before dropping in.
At a glance
| Type of place | Pub, bistro, and late-night bar |
|---|---|
| Village | Méribel (Les Allues) |
| Best time | Late afternoon après-ski through late night |
| Music | Live bands, acoustic performers, and resident or guest DJs |
| Dress code | Casual mountain wear and skiwear |
| Entry / tables | Free walk-in for the pub; reservations recommended for the bistro |
| Season and hours | Daily in winter (early Dec to mid-Apr) and summer; until 2:00 AM |
| Price range | Mid-range for Méribel; food and drink prices change over time |
Why It Is Worth Your Time
Many mountain bars lean into either formal cocktail lounges or high-volume outdoor dance venues. La Taverne stands out because it offers a genuine pub feel that remains grounded and welcoming to everyone. Upstairs, you will find an outdoor sun terrace where you can soak up afternoon rays, along with big screens broadcasting international sports fixtures. If your legs still have energy after skiing, you can challenge your friends to a game of pool or a match on the foosball table, known locally as baby-foot.
The setup across two separate floors is practical for groups with mixed plans. Half your party might want to linger upstairs with draft beers, chat about the runs over from Saulire, and watch a match. Meanwhile, those who want a quieter sit-down dinner can head downstairs into the bistro dining room. Later in the evening, the entire venue gathers momentum, shifting effortlessly from a neighborhood lunchroom into an energetic nightlife spot in the center of town.
The Energy, Music, and Entertainment
Entertainment is central to how the pub operates throughout the winter season. The venue hosts regular live band sets, inviting talented acoustic musicians and full electric bands onto the stage. The music programming caters to an international ski crowd, moving from classic rock and acoustic indie during après-ski to dynamic party sets as midnight approaches.
As the night progresses, resident and guest DJs take over the sound system, keeping the room moving until closing time at 2:00 AM. Beyond the music, the team organizes communal events that draw big crowds from across the valley. Regular highlights include lively Rock and Roll Bingo nights, playful DJ sound clashes, and street-side party collaborations that bring people together outside on Rue des Glaciers. The crowd is a comfortable mix of international holidaymakers, dedicated skiers, local shopkeepers, and season workers.
Best Times to Visit
La Taverne opens daily throughout the winter ski season, which typically runs from early December through mid-April. It also opens its doors during the summer season when hikers and mountain bikers replace skiers on the surrounding trails. Because bar and dining service runs throughout the day until 2:00 AM, you can tailor your visit to suit your preferred pace.
Après-ski kicks off in the late afternoon as skiers wrap up their final descents of the day. This is when the sun terrace fills up and the pub floor welcomes people straight off the slopes. If you prefer a quieter drink and an easy conversation, stop by for lunch or early in the afternoon when the room is relaxed and you can easily grab a seat. If your goal is dancing and late entertainment, plan to arrive later in the evening before the crowd packs in for the headline acts and DJ sets.
Food, Drinks, Tables, and Dress Code
The food menu caters to hearty mountain appetites without unnecessary fuss. Upstairs in the pub, you will find casual classics, homemade burgers, daily blackboard specials, and reliable options for children. Downstairs in the bistro, the focus turns to traditional Savoyard cuisine. Rich regional dishes take center stage, anchored by the weekly Fun-do Sunday, an evening dedicated to authentic melted cheese fondue served with crusty bread and cured alpine charcuterie.
Behind the bar, you can order cold draft beers, refreshing Spritz cocktails, or bottles from an extensive bistro wine list that features regional French producers. The table below outlines how the two floors differ:
| Floor | Atmosphere | Food & Drink Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Upstairs Pub | Lively social room, sun terrace, sports screens, games | Draft beers, Spritz cocktails, homemade burgers, casual pub fare |
| Downstairs Bistro | Cozy alpine dining room for groups and couples | Traditional Savoyard dishes, cheese fondue, curated wine list |
The dress code follows a strict come-as-you-are ethos. Ski jackets, salopettes, wool sweaters, and sturdy winter boots are completely standard at all hours. You do not need to head home to change into smart clothes after your final ski run. For dining, table reservations are available and strongly recommended for the downstairs bistro, particularly on fondue nights or if you are organizing a private group meal. The upstairs pub operates on free walk-in entry, so you can simply step inside whenever you want a drink.
Rules, Mountain Safety, and Getting Home Safely
The entire interior of the building is strictly non-smoking, keeping the air clean inside the bistro and pub rooms. Pets are permitted, making it convenient if you are traveling with a dog that stays calm around social crowds.
When enjoying an evening of drinks, remember that the legal drinking age in France is 18. Staff members may ask for identification if you look young, so carry a valid ID. Mountain safety also applies before and after your night out. If you are crossing between Courchevel and Méribel on skis during the day, always wear a helmet, verify lift closing times, and stay on marked trails unless you have hired a qualified mountain guide. Always review the local avalanche bulletin before venturing off-piste, and make sure your travel insurance covers winter mountain sports.
Local tip: Keep a close eye on the Saulire cable car and Pas du Lac gondola closing times in the late afternoon. If you plan to ski back to Courchevel from Méribel, you must head up the mountain well before the final lifts close, otherwise you will face an expensive road taxi ride around the valley.
Getting back to your chalet or over to Courchevel requires a bit of planning. If you are staying in Méribel, the free resort shuttle bus stop is located directly in front of the building, providing an easy route to neighboring hamlets. If you need to travel back to Courchevel late at night, the ski lifts will be closed, so you must arrange a road taxi in advance. Mountain roads and sidewalks frequently freeze after sundown; walk carefully on icy patches and avoid driving personal vehicles if you have been enjoying drinks.
Finding the Pub and Staying in the Area
La Taverne sits on Rue des Glaciers right in the center of Méribel, within the commune of Les Allues. Reaching the pub on foot from the snow front is straightforward. It is situated roughly a 2-minute walk from the ski slopes, and an escalator providing direct slope access is located approximately 150 meters from the entrance.
If you are planning to stay in Méribel to keep nightlife close at hand, the town center around Rue des Glaciers offers numerous traditional chalets, apartments, and comfortable hotels. Staying in this central zone means you can walk to your morning ski lesson, return to your room for a brief rest, and stroll out to the pub for dinner without having to rely on private transport.
Places to Combine With Your Visit
A visit to La Taverne pairs naturally with an afternoon exploring the center of Méribel. If you are spending the ski day working your way down from Saulire, you can finish your final descent at the Méribel snow front and walk through the village center to take in the local shops.
For those who enjoy moving between venues during après-ski, you can start with a drink at Jacks Méribel, which sits near the main lift hub, before heading up the street to settle into La Taverne for dinner and late-night entertainment. Alternatively, you can spend a long afternoon carving down through the tree-lined runs toward Méribel Village, enjoy a relaxed drink at La Terrasse du Village Méribel, and then take the free resort shuttle up into the main resort center for an energetic evening upstairs at the pub.
What recent visitors say
A quick, honest snapshot from recent Google reviews, so you know what to expect before you go.
What people liked
“Great experience with a warm welcome! The food is good and reasonably priced. The atmosphere is really friendly.”
“Best Guinness in Meribel Connor top bloke and rest of team doing great job at centre of the action. Cheers”
“The staff here are incredible!! They take care of you and really care about you. How do I know this? The staff warned our male friend that a couple was trying to take advantage of another friend. They don’t have to do that but they did!…”
What some found difficult
“Terrible service and rude staff. I won’t be returning.”
“Poor atmosphere caused by customer service. I went to this bar on New Years Eve, I do not recommend. There was inconsistent charging on the door. Some people were charged 10€ in cash, while others seemed to be friends. Then during the…”
“There’s a bit to go on here.”
Reviews via Google Maps. Opinions are those of their authors.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book a table at La Taverne in advance?
You do not need a reservation to enter the upstairs pub, which operates with free walk-in entry for drinks and casual food. Reserving a table is highly recommended for dinner in the downstairs bistro, especially on busy weekends and for the popular Sunday fondue night. You can arrange dining bookings directly through their official website.
Can children and families visit the venue?
Yes, families are welcome, especially during daytime dining hours and early evenings. The kitchen prepares kid-friendly meals, and the casual pub atmosphere upstairs includes foosball and pool. As the night moves toward DJ sets later in the evening, the environment becomes very lively and suits an adult nightlife crowd.
How do I get back to Courchevel after spending the evening at La Taverne?
Because the connecting ski lifts between Méribel and Courchevel close in the late afternoon, you cannot return on skis after après-ski. You will need to book a local taxi to drive you along the road between the valleys, which takes roughly thirty to forty minutes. Be sure to book your taxi ride in advance during peak season weeks.
What are the food options for someone who does not want cheese fondue?
In addition to Savoyard specialties, the kitchen serves homemade burgers, casual pub favorites, and rotating daily specials. You can easily enjoy a hearty meal of meat, pub dishes, or lighter bistro fare without ordering a cheese dish.
Find it
Address: Rue des Glaciers, 73550 Les Allues, France
