Aside from skiing, be sure you try some of the traditional French food on your holiday. The Portes du Soleil has around 90 restaurants to choose from. If you can’t tell the difference between a croque monsieur and a croque madame, here’s everything you need to know about traditional French food.
CROQUE MONSIEUR
French for “mister crunch” this is a cheese sandwich on steroids. The dish is a very traditional French food and a popular snack in French cafés and bars. It’s common to bake it in the oven or simply fry it in a pan. A croque monsieur comprises slices of ham between brioche-like bread and grated cheese on top. Some chefs toast the bread first then dip it in beaten egg, while others add Béchamel sauce. A croque madame (French for “mistress crunch”) is a variation of the dish where the chef fries an egg and places it on top.
TARTIFLETTE
A creamy, cheesy, piping hot carb-fest, you’ll need a huge appetite to do this one justice. A traditional French food and dish from Savoy in the Alps, it’s made with potatoes, local Reblochon cheese, bacon and onions. The name derives from the Savoyard word for potatoes, tartifles, a term also found in Provençal. As with many traditional dishes in the region, the potato is a staple ingredient. This is a hearty dish and absolutely delicious. It’s an easy one to make too you can check out the recipe here or read more about where to eat in The Best Restaurants in Châtel.
CLASSIC FRENCH ONION SOUP
Perfect for when you’re hungry and cold after a morning out skiing. This traditional French food is widely available in most restaurants you step inside. The ultimate version of this bistro classic is made with homemade beef broth and caramelized onions. An aged Gruyère cheese creates the traditional bubbling crust which is rich, smooth and melts easily.
BEEF BOURGUIGNON
Beef or Boeuf Bourguignon is an incredible hearty dinner and is French for Burgundy beef. This well known, traditional French food is a wonderful stew. It’s made with beef braised in red wine and beef broth. The dish is flavoured with garlic, onions, carrots, bouquet garni and garnished with mushrooms.
FONDUE SAVOYARDE
The fondue is a traditional French food and is widely known as the fondue savoyarde. It’s made with various types of Rhone Alps cheeses such as: Comté, Beaufort or Emmental. The traditional Savoy fondue recipe is a perfect combination of cheese and white wine and makes a great dish to share with friends. It’s traditional to gather around the “fondue pot” to dip in chunks of crusty bread. Look out for the sweet version made with chocolate in place of cheese and all kinds of fruits instead of bread.
Where to stay: Chalet la Fontaine is in the alpine village Châtel, just 90 minutes drive from Geneva Airport. The chalet sleeps 8-10 people and is the perfect choice for families and groups of friends looking for a mountain retreat in the French Alps.