3. Courchevel, France
courtesy Philippe Barret
Gourmets are spoiled for choice in classy Courchevel, with eight Michelin-starred restaurants glittering like fine-dining diamonds. Le 1947 at the five-star Cheval Blanc is the new standard, achieving a third Michelin star in 2017 for chef Yannick Alleno, who specializes in creative, contemporary, technical cooking.
The prestigious guide says, "The mythical Cheval Blanc vintage is 1947, and that is the number of superlatives necessary to give this restaurant its dues."
Among other Courchevel culinary highlights, the venerable Le Chabichou stands out. The wedding cake-style hotel at the foot of the slopes houses a classic two Michelin-starred affair under the direction of head chef Michel Rochedy and right-hand man Stephane Buron. The décor is elegant and the cooking refined -- think fried fillets of Lake Leman perch with a cold herb emulsion, or Pornic pigeon stuffed with a truffle gratin.
"The Chabichou offers classic Michelin-starred food with exceptional, although not oppressive, standards of service with an old-world charm and atmosphere," says Neal Manuel, owner of luxury Courchevel travel specialist Green to Black.
Where else? Pierre Gagnaire pour Les Airelles, Le Kintessence, and Le Montgomerie are Courchevel's other two-star joints. Less exalted but highly thought of are Le Chabotte, La Saulire and the Bistro du Praz. On the slopes, Bel Air in Courchevel Moriond is a smart option.
Cheval Blanc, Le Jardin Alpin, 73120 Courchevel, Savoie, France; +33 (0) 4 79 00 50 50
Le Chabichou Hôtel, restaurants & Spa, 90 Route des Chenus, 73120 Courchevel, Savoie, France; +33 (0)4 79 08 00 55