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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…
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…
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 –…
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…
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,…
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…
Chamonix
This Canadian-run microbrewery is one of Chamonix' most unpretentious and gregarious watering holes, pouring its own locally made blonde, stout, pale ale,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Chamonix
Spread over four levels with cosy hidden corners, this futuristic/rustic disco chalet – stone archways, fancy disco balls, sleek leatherette seats –…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Grenoble
Attracting a spirited, student-filled crowd, this popular bar serves 40+ vins aromatisés (flavoured wines; €2.50) in an array of extravagant flavours:…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…