Chamonix
A favourite among seasonal workers letting off steam, 'Room 9' boasts the most spirited (rather, loudest) après-ski party in Cham (from 3pm or 4pm). There…
Must-see nightlife in French Alps & the Jura Mountains
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Grenoble
Good-humoured mixologists preside over a fabulous cocktail list at this chic and ever-so-slightly risqué bar. Sip one of myriad mojito varieties –…
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Annecy
It's best not to examine too closely this convivial boozer's Irish pub credentials. But after a genuine welcome and finding a seat in the warren of…
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Chamonix
In the 19th century, climbing parties used to assemble in the Bistrot des Sports before setting out to conquer Mont Blanc. A merry medley of mountaineers,…
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Grenoble
Evoking an old-timey train station, complete with looming clock and retro tiled floor, Le Zinc is a favourite among local wine lovers. The owners are…
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Chamonix
This Canadian-run microbrewery is one of Chamonix' most unpretentious and gregarious watering holes, pouring its own locally made blonde, stout, pale ale,…
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Annecy
This handsome salon de thé has a master chocolatier staining his apron out back, as he hand-dips squares of ganache into chocolate, dices nougat and rolls…
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Besançon
Formerly trading heavily on an Irish pub theme, these days the Green Man is a genteel, convivial place for coffee or an aperitif, decorated with musical…
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Chamonix
This British-owned après-ski mainstay has a split personality: upstairs the 'Jekyll' has really good pub food (from seafood tapas and sweet and sour duck…
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Grenoble
Ten or more beers on tap, an industrial feel, and a mixed crowd of students and seasoned hop-heads: lively Les BerThom is beer heaven. Glug a Grisette for…
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Chamonix
A friendly, low-key place to mingle with fellow skiers and hikers, La Jonction pours excellent coffee by day, and – when après-ski hour arrives – mixes…
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Chamonix
Spread over four levels with cosy hidden corners, this futuristic/rustic disco chalet – stone archways, fancy disco balls, sleek leatherette seats –…
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Chamonix
This Anglophone dive bar borrows Irish, English and Aussie insignia in its bid to be the friendliest, grungiest place in Cham. Setting the scene are a…
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Annecy
This laid-back, high-tech establishment serves beer like petrol stations sell gasoline: you only pay for what you pump. After buying credit on a…
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Grenoble
This welcoming coffee joint might just brew the best cup in Grenoble. The decor is pure New Zealand kitsch, and food follows the same theme (try avocado…
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Besançon
This snug, woodsy pub is strung with fairy light and awash with a soft rock soundtrack – it's an easy-going den in which to perch on a bar stool and sip…
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Chambéry
Crouching cheekily beneath the western façade of the cathedral is the most French 'Irish pub' you'll ever find. A genuine welcome sets the tone, and the…
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Grenoble
Attracting a spirited, student-filled crowd, this popular bar serves 40+ vins aromatisés (flavoured wines; €2.50) in an array of extravagant flavours:…
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Besançon
Going strong since 1873, the Brasserie du Commerce is the kind of venue where you brood beneath a chandelier-strung high ceiling while nursing a brimming…
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Besançon
Cats prowl, loiter and generally reign supreme at this concept cafe, which serves a fittingly cosy range of hot chocolates, cookies and tartines (open…
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Annecy
Hidden in plain sight near the Palais de l'Isle, this amiable cafe attracts a mix of tourists and artistic locals to nurse a coffee or vin rouge beneath…
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Annecy
Hidden in a canalside arcade, this speciality coffee joint takes its time in pouring the perfect cappuccino. Though tiny, it attracts an animated mix of…
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Chamonix
In one of Chamonix' prime spots – two art deco storeys overlooking the main square and the chattering Arve – this British-style sports pub serves…
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Chamonix
This mellow pub cranks things up in the après-ski (or, in summer, après-mountain bike) hours, with DJs or live music a couple of nights a week (including…
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Grenoble
With venerable stone walls, Belgian beer on tap and attentive staff, this is an atmospheric spot for an aperitif, or simply for an espresso during…
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Annecy
A sweet little wine bar at the foot of the castle, with an excellent array of wines by the glass (from €4), tasting platters of cheese, charcuterie and…
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Chambéry
Candy-sweet in both decor and menu, this pint-sized salon de thé has a pretty 'n' pink array of cupcakes to savour alongside a 76%-cocoa hot chocolate or…
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Besançon
Loose-leaf teas and an out-of-the-ordinary dessert menu are good excuses to settle in at this salon de thé (tea rooms). Green and fruit teas infuse in…
