Discover Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce near Megève
For our Chalet Ararat guests, an authentic Savoyard getaway just minutes from your luxury retreat.
The thrill of discovery
Perched at 1180 metres above sea level on a small rocky plateau in the foothills of Mont-JolySaint-Nicolas-de-Véroce is a well-kept secret in the French Alps. Facing the mighty Mont-Blanc, this village, unspoilt by the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade, offers you a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade. only 15 minutes by car.
This geographical proximity to Megève conceals a fundamental difference: where Megève cultivates the French art of living in a glamorous setting, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce preserves the true soul of SavoieIt's a story that has spanned the centuries without ever losing its sincerity.
Baroque heritage, the legacy of visionary merchants
The church of Saint-Nicolas
Recognised as one of the most beautiful churches in Haute-SavoieSaint-Nicolas church fascinates visitors with its remarkable history. Completely rebuilt between 1726 and 1729, it owes its splendour to the mercantile peddlers and wealthy merchants who emigrated to German-speaking countries, notably the Genamy and Revenaz families based in Vienna, Austria.
The interior dazzles with its "Saint-Nicolas blue" punctuating the vaults, which were entirely painted in 1856 by the Avondo brothers. It features in particular the Last Supperinspired by Leonardo da Vinci, as well as scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas.
This beauty bears witness to an era when the Savoyard entrepreneurs who set out to conquer Europe never forgot their mountain roots.
The Baroque Trail Walk
The Baroque Trail offers a unique cultural experience. It links the Baroque churches and chapels of Saint-Gervais and Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce.. This easy walk takes in the Oratoire du Brettey, the Chapelles du Gollet, de la Combe, des Plans, de l'Oratoire du Crozat, the Chapelle des Chattrix and the Church of Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce.
The Chapelle des Chattrix, built in 1694 and embellished between 1720 and 1723 thanks to donations from the Génamy brothers, is one of the jewels in the crown. Listed as a historic monument since 1976, it reveals its sumptuous decorations between June and October.
Lunch at La Table d'Armante
If you're used to refined culinary experiences, La Table d'Armante is the place to go. This gastronomic restaurant of the Armancette hotelThe restaurant, run by chef Thomas Vonderscher, sublimates regional flavours and traditions in a chic, contemporary mountain setting. The decor is a blend of wood, stone and velvet.
Thomas Vonderscher, 36, originally from Alsace but raised in French Polynesia, brings a singular vision to Alpine cuisine. After winning his first MICHELIN star in 2019 at Le Cénacle in Toulouse, then repeating the feat in 2023 at La Gouesnière near Saint-Malo, he is now joining Alpine flavours by playing on textures to bring out the best in simple products.
This gastronomic address gives you the opportunity to discover a exceptional cuisine just a few kilometres from Chalet Ararat, in an intimate setting that contrasts delightfully with the hustle and bustle of Megève.
Activities to discover
Access to the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area
In winter, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce is part of the Domaine Évasion Mont-BlancThe ski area of Saint-Gervais and Megève has a total of 420km of slopes associated with the resorts of Saint-Gervais and Megève. This direct connection allows experienced skiers to discover less-frequented slopes while retaining access to the vast ski area.
The Mont-Joly black run offers incomparable thrills for experienced skiers, while the breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc massif accompany every descent.
Excursions and discoveries
The many signposted trails offer spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc and the Val Montjoie. The ascent of Mont-Joly, culminating at 2525 metres, is a rewarding challenge for mountain lovers.
Well-being and relaxation
Less than half an hour from the village, the Etablissement Thermal de Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet offers special stays designed to maintain your health, in one of the finest thermal spas in the Alps.
Cultural events
The Mont Blanc Music and Heritage Festival, held at the beginning of August, brings together human heritage and chamber music in unusual natural settings. Every year, this high-quality cultural event attracts discerning music lovers in an exceptional setting.
An unspoilt village
Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce has managed to preserve its authentic characterThe village has long attracted a sought-after clientele. The village has welcomed such illustrious guests as Paul Claudel, André Gide, François Mauriac, Julien Green and Haroun Tazieff.
This tradition of refined hospitality continues today, offering you the opportunity to discover an authentic mountain lifestyle, away from the crowds.
A privileged geographical location
Ideally located in the Val Montjoie, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce enjoys an exceptional setting between Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Les Contamines-Montjoie. This strategic position offers easy access to the treasures of the Northern Alps:
- Chamonix and the Vallée Blanche 35 minutes to discover the legendary glaciers and the Aiguille du Midi
- Annecy and its lake 1 hour to the "Venice of the Alps" and its crystal-clear waters
- Mont d'Arbois Golf Club An internationally renowned course in Megève for golf enthusiasts
- Golf des Contamines-Montjoie A more intimate experience facing Mont Blanc
- Les Houches and Servoz Authentic villages and departure points for a host of high-altitude walks
A moment in harmony with your stay in Megève
Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce is the perfect complement to the Chalet Ararat experience. Where Megève offers the excitement and dynamism of an international resort, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce offers tranquillity and authenticity of an unspoilt village.
This dual approach means you can tailor your stay to suit your tastes: mornings on the connected slopes of Évasion Mont-Blanc, a gourmet lunch at La Table d'Armante, a cultural afternoon on the Sentier du Baroque, and then back to Chalet Ararat to savour the comfort of their suites overlooking Mont-Blanc.
This is how Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce comes into its own: a living heritage that enriches our guests' mountain experience, offering them an authentic perspective on the true soul of the French Alps, just a few minutes from their luxury refuge.