On our first trip to the French Alps in Chamonix, France, having lunch at La Bergerie de Planpraz one afternoon was a dream come true. Chamonix had always been on my must-visit list, and as a food lover, getting to dine at this mountain restaurant is beyond words.  

I stumbled upon La Bergerie de Planpraz when researching places to eat in Chamonix before our trip. When visiting a new city, I usually book one or two restaurants in advance so I get to try local food without having to scramble at the last minute. La Bergerie de Planpraz was exactly what I was looking for in this charming winter resort of Chamonix.

Getting there

La Bergerie de Planpraz is located up the mountain at the Brevant mid-section at the 2,000-meter altitude. You have to take a gondola to get to the restaurant. Make sure you make a reservation at the restaurant well in advance as it could book up fast and also because when you buy a gondola ticket, they ask if you have a reservation.

I’m not sure if that’s because they won’t sell you the ticket if you don’t already have a reservation, or because they simply don’t want you to waste money on the gondola ticket to go up there and find out the restaurant is booked. But there is also an outdoor cafeteria Le Comptoir de Plan Praz, which shouldn’t need a reservation? I don’t know. Either way, it’s best to make a reservation in advance.

The food

The restaurant is a steak house that also serves local cheeses, charcuterie, fish, soup, salad, really yummy-looking desserts, and vegetarian dishes. To keep with the mountain vibes, we had a baked Reblochon cheese with charcuterie and potatoes. Everything was delicious. 

La Bergerie de Planpraz is considered one of the most authentic mountain restaurants. It has been awarded the title of Maitre Restauranteur since 2014, guaranteeing excellent quality and fresh local products.   

The view

The chalet-style restaurant has an indoor dining room and an outdoor terrace. We sat at the terrace with the panoramic view of the Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi, and Mer de Glace!

As the area was part of a ski trail, there were a lot of people taking a break for lunch, parking their skis along the side of the restaurant, adding a rustic charm to the place. 

When I took my first sip of the white wine with that spectacular view of snow-capped mountains in front of me, it felt more like a dream. What could be better than eating piping hot Reblochon cheese surrounded by white mountains watching people skiing, paragliding, and just having fun? 

Hours

In winter, the restaurant is open every day from mid-December to the end of April for two rounds of lunch at noon and 2 p.m. It’s open again mid-June until mid-September. Please check with the restaurant for exact dates and hours. 

Have fun in Chamonix, and if you try La Bergerie de Planpraz, let me know how you like it!