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Best fondue in Alpe d'Huez

No holiday to the Alps is complete without a fondue

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By Rob Wood, Updated

We've come up with a delicious list of the best fondues for you to try in Alpe d'Huez.

The fondue originated in Switzerland in the 18th century as a way to use aged cheeses and bread to feed families who had limited access to food during the cold Alpine winters. The local villagers found that, if they heated the cheese with wine, garlic and herbs, they could use their stale bread which would soften when dipped into the flavourful cheese mixture – and so the fondue was born.

Although Alpe d’Huez sits in the Isère region, the Savoie region is only a stone's throw away to the east from the top of the Pic Blanc, hence the popularity of the 'Fondue Savoyarde' here. A combination of three main types of cheese – Comte, Emmenthal and Gruyere, it's usually served with bread and a green salad.

However, restaurants specialising in fondue will normally offer several variations with extras such as dried meats, mushrooms and potatoes. It’s worth bearing in mind that fondues are traditionally served for two and prices, whilst 'per person' are usually for a minimum of two people.

You are spoilt for choice when going for a cheesy night out in Alpe d'Huez. Here are just a few tips to whet your appetite.

Our top tips for fondue night

A red pot of fondue sits on a table with wine glasses
  • maybe try a fondue at lunchtime rather than in the evening to avoid hot sweats and broken sleep as you metabolise all that cheese
  • pimp up your fondue with a side of charcuterie and salad, mostly known as the “Fondue Complet”
  • if you're in a group of four, try two different types of fondue between you as most restaurants offer fondues for a minimum of two people sharing
  • according to the locals, you should drink white wine and not red with your fondue. Savoie whites, e.g. Aprémont or Rousette, have the necessary acidity to aid digestion
  • don’t drink water with your meal - it solidifies the cheese and makes it harder to digest
  • agree in advance on the forfeit if you drop your bread into the cheese: the French generally have to buy the next bottle of wine, whereas British forfeits are often less civilised, and generally involve doing something embarrassing

Enjoy!

Top Fondue Spots

Chalet du Pèr'Sillé Restaurant, Alpe d'Huez

Chalet du Pèr'Sillé Restaurant

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Cosy and traditional restaurant with a typical mountain atmosphere. You'll enjoy the simple, local family-style dining, cooked in the restaurants signature style.

Tucked away under the “lobster pot” lift, around 50 metres from the tourist office, this lovely little mountain-chalet style restaurant offers a couple of mouth-watering fondues. The Fondue Alpine de Savoie is a local dish with three kinds of cheese, whilst the Fondue Charcutiere comes with a selection of meats. 

The concept of this restaurant is to use simple, quality produce with a selection of meat and cheeses, mostly cooked on embers. Only the best meat cuts are served, and the options vary depending on what is available from the producers.

Try their old-fashioned raclette, cooked with charcoal appliances for a unique flavour. Or opt for their signature dishes, including: Burrata, Côte de Boeuf, and Tiramisu.

Wash down your meal with a bottle of one of their quality wines from the menu.

Booking is recommended.

La Cremaillere Restaurant, Alpe d'Huez style of cuisine

La Cremaillere Restaurant

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Just on the outskirts of the centre of Alpe d'Huez this restaurant has traditional charm, with a wood fired oven and seating for up to about 40 people.

Down in the old town, La Cremaillere offers good fondues and is ideally located if you're staying around the tourist office. It’s a lovely timber-clad, typically alpine restaurant with a varied menu. Most of the fondues are served with meat, but there is also a vegetarian option. It’s usually busy which is always a good sign.

Traditional French and Alpine food, salads and a terrace make this a beautiful spot for dinner. The downstairs dining area offers a cosy retreat and is perfect for a big group or couples.

Open every day from 19:00 to 01:00.

A wooden building with the word fondue on it

La Fondue en Folie Restaurant

Location
Alpe d’Huez

In the heart of resort, this restaurant is a hidden gem of mountain charm, conviviality and local delicacies. 

Here you can try a traditional Savoyard fondue, or opt for something more original - there's a range of different sharing fondue options on the menu, including meat and cheese fondues. Other cheesy options are on the menu, including the Mont d'Or hot cheese box which is suitable for 1 person.

The restaurant is a small chalet and is very cosy inside, promising an authentic local experience. Be sure to book in advance if you want to eat here, as it fills up quickly.

The bar sometimes has live musicians, bringing a lively and fun ambiance.

Open every day from 17:30 - midnight.

Au Montagnard Restaurant, Alpe d'Huez style of cuisine

Au Montagnard Restaurant

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Tasty traditional mountain specialities in the heart of Alpe d'Huez. They have a children's menu and can seat 40 people inside with space for 30 on the sun terrace.

On the large menu there is plenty of choice with something for everyone - try their pierrade, fondue, grilled meats, salads, soups or order their set menu.

You'll appreciate the friendly and quick service. The team will give you a warm welcome and look after you throughout your meal.

Booking is advisable.

La Pomme de Pin Restaurant, Alpe d'Huez - Centre exterior

La Pomme de Pin Restaurant

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Open every day in summer and winter.

This is a good place to come if you're in a large group. It has a terrific reputation and, with a five-fondue menu, it offers plenty of choices and great quality in a lovely setting.

L'Edelweiss Restaurant, Alpe d'Huez exterior

L'Edelweiss Restaurant

Location
Alpe d’Huez

Serving mountain and regional specialities, with homemade foie gras, entrecôte, fish soup and beef with cognac sauce as some of their specialities.

Typically alpine in appearance with a wonderful log-fire type ambience that is the perfect setting for a fondue. They are always incredibly busy, be it summer or winter. L’Edelweiss has an extensive menu with five different types of fondue on offer, from the Savoyarde up to the 'fondue aux morilles' with mushrooms, potatoes and dried meats.

Open in summer and winter, every day, from 12:00 to 13:30 and from 19:00 to 21:30.

More inspiration...

Any of these restaurants offer fabulous fondue experiences with a truly authentic alpine feel. All are really busy so I would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Get dipping!

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