Between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Val-d’Isère, Marie Mérie has travelers making a detour from their typical mountain route to her impressive stone and wood chalet. While her sister welcomes guests and her daughter shakes up the cocktails – such as the topical Sapin (made with a conifer-infused liqueur, elderberry and ginger ale), the owner watches over the braised legs of lamb near the fireplace. And what legs of lamb they are! Share them on big wooden tables surrounded by animal pelts, and served with one of the world’s best gratin dauphinois! Some other options: a handful of escargots that have been flambéed with Pastis des Alpes; excellent Savoie trout grilled whole, served with vegetables, watercress and herbs from the garden; and the inevitable Génépi-infused crème brûlée. // A.S.
FEELING THIRSTY? Chignin-Bergeron from André and Michel Quenard (€7 a glass), an organic red Savoie from the Domaine Saint-Germain (€45 a bottle), or a Roussette-de-Savoie from the Domaine Eugène Carrel et Fils (€33).
PRICE: À la carte €47-61, leg of lamb €27.
