La Fruitiere restaurant - Folie Douce review

La Fruitiѐre is a large restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating which is located past the main bar area. I ordered the Beaufort cheese pie which was classed as a starter but it was a large portion, definitely enough for lunch. It came with a dressed green salad and fresh wholemeal bread. It was truly delicious. They use local cheese that is matured in their specially designed cellar stores. The starter cost 18 euros and a glass of large beer was 9 euros which I thought was good value for the quantity, quality and the location. The outdoor seating area wasn’t busy when we were dining there but the waiting staff were still attentive, enthusiastic and friendly.

The restaurant has a certain style that portrays elegance in an unpretentious way. The décor is stylish with white enamel milk churns decorating the indoor restaurant, exposed zinc pipework, beautiful tiling and dairy style fittings and furnishings. Whilst still looking modern, it creates a special atmosphere with a pleasant ambience. The outdoor section of the restaurant has simpler décor with the stunning mountain views being the natural artwork.

The outdoor seating area is set up for around 150 covers and can accommodate large groups of skiers. The tables are laid ready for walk ins or pre-booking is available over the phone (+33 479 005 831) or by sending them an enquiry message. The time slots are 12.30pm or 2pm.

All kinds of people visit this restaurant as it is easily accessible for skiers and snowboarders as it is ski in/ski out, plus pedestrians also have easy access from both Meribel and Courchevel gondolas. If you chose to join the party from 2.30pm, the DJ lets you know when pedestrians need to leave to return Courchevel so you don’t get stranded in Meribel.

La Fruitiѐre is a special dining experience due to the variation of enjoying an elegant dining experience whilst being in a happy, party atmosphere. What sets this restaurant apart is if you eat from 2.30pm, you can watch the live show right from your table. There is a huge stage that separates the restaurant area from the bar section and performers dance and sing right in front of you. If you fancy a quieter, more relaxing lunch, then I recommend arriving earlier.

I will definitely visit this restaurant again. The food is really tasty and the scenery surrounding the restaurant is breath-taking. It makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.

Folie Douce is open from 9am-5pm every day, during the Winter ski season only. There are five dotted around the French Alps putting on an excellent show with entertainment with dancers, singers, DJs and a live guitarist.

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