© Angela Pham
Best fondue in Alpe d'Huez
No holiday to the Alps is complete without a fondue
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.
The old town
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.
Tucked away under the “lobster pot” lift, around 50 metres from the tourist office, is the quaint Le Chalet du Per'Sille, a lovely little mountain-chalet style restaurant offering 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.
L'Edelweiss
Just 100 metres further up towards the resort centre is L’Edelweiss. 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.
The main street
Up in the main street, there is another hot spot of great fondue restaurants.
La Pomme de Pin, Au Montagnard, and La Fondue en Folie are all located within 100 metres of the ice rink, right in the middle of resort.
La Pomme de Pin has a terrific reputation and, with a five-fondue menu, it offers plenty of choices and great quality in a lovely setting.
Au Montagnard boasts an equally impressive five-fondue menu and slightly cheaper prices and a smaller more intimate dining experience.
The wonderfully timber clad and cosy La Fondue en Folie offers another five-fondue menu.
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!
