Enjoy a luxury retreat with true Alpine hospitality
Le Fer à Cheval
Social Media
Share this article
“The Fer à Cheval is a typical mountain hotel with a lot of wood and stone,” says Frédéric Vépierre, Managing Director. “We won our fifth star and our place in the list of the most prestigious French hotels in 2012, yet although we offer luxury, we have always maintained our warm and welcoming character. The hotel is a family business in Megève, which is one of the most popular holiday resorts in the French Alps.”
Although we offer luxury, we have always maintained our warm and welcoming character. The Fer à Cheval is a family business. Fréderic VépierreManaging Director
The history of the Fer à Cheval itself is closely linked with Megève’s development from an agricultural village into a prestigious skiing resort. In the 1960s, Fernande and Charles Sibuet opened the hotel on the site of the former blacksmith’s shop and named it ‘the Horseshoe’ in tribute to the old craft. Their son Marc took the Fer à Cheval over in 1988 and proceeded to realize his vision of uniting luxury and the beautiful world of the mountains in order to create unforgettable memories for the hotel’s guests and visitors.
In the meantime, many steps have been taken to make the vision come true. Only 300 m from Megève, the Fer à Cheval is an ideal location for skiing enthusiasts, but also for a walk to the center of the village if you want to shop in a pleasant atmosphere, have some refreshments, see and be seen. Bars, restaurants, discos and even a casino provide après ski and nighttime entertainment.
“There are eight five-star hotels in Megève, a ninth one is just being built,” points our Mr. Vépierre. “It is a true luxury resort, and in summer there are quite a few people who come just for promotional reasons. The village organizes events and music shows, and we put on special events ourselves. The fact that we are the only hotel in Megève with two swimming pools – one indoor and one outdoor pool in summer – certainly adds to our year-round popularity.” The hotel’s 450 m² spa is a genuine attraction for guests seeking rest and recuperation. It not only features a fine indoor pool, but also sauna, hamman and seven treatment cubicles including one for couples.
Now as before, winter is the main season for the Fer à Cheval, says the Managing Director. “Some people believe there is no snow certainty in Megève, but that is not so,” he adds. “And of course we can always help out with snow cannons where the ski slopes are concerned. We have our own shuttle bus so that our guests can easily reach them all.” With 450 km of signposted trails and 111 ski lifts at altitudes from 1,113 m to 2,350 m, Megève offers ideal conditions for skiers of all skill levels. “A growing number of people are discovering alternatives such as snowshoeing, dog sledging and ice skating,” explains Mr. Vépierre. “We have many regular guests who keep coming back. In the holiday season most of our guests are families who appreciate the warmth and hospitable character of our house. The majority are French, but 40% of our guests come from abroad, for example from Britain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece and Russia.”
The fact that we are the only hotel in Megève with two swimming pools – one indoor and one outdoor pool in summer – certainly adds to our year-round popularity. Fréderic VépierreManaging Director
After an active day, there is nothing like enjoying the peace and quiet of a cosy room or suite in the Fer à Cheval. “Each of our 53 rooms and suites is unique, refined and comfortable, equipped with natural materials that evoke the mountain environment with old wood and stones,” emphasizes the General Director. “The en-suite bathroom, telephone, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi access, mini-bar and individual safe provide perfect comfort. Whenever you want, you can enjoy the convenience of a service that is second to none, provided by our friendly and competent staff of 83 in winter and 45 in summer.”
Guests of the Fer à Cheval also appreciate the hotel’s excellent cuisine, both at the Traditional main restaurant with its selection of 270 French and international wines, and the Alpage featuring local specialties such as raclette and fondue. “Our 300 m² bar serves small snacks and welcomes our guests to a pleasant time by its open fireplace,” adds Mr. Vépierre. “And, of course, there is the Alpine chalet with 17 beds we open for events in the summer, a hut that can be booked by groups of up to 100 people for an authentic experience in the midst of cliffs, waterfalls and pastures.” With an offer as versatile as this, the Fer à Cheval has every reason to be confident of its continued popularity.
