Season 4 of White Lotus heads to Château de La Messardière, a grand palace-turned-hotel amid 32 acres of jasmine, cypress, and parasol pines in Saint-Tropez, France. While the series promises Mediterranean drama and surprises, its creator Mike White overlooked a prime spot just 300 km north. Megeve, a quaint ski village at 1,400 meters in the French Alps beneath Mont Blanc, delivers deeper layers of historic elegance and modern opulence—ideal for the show’s themes, complete with a yodeling soundtrack.
The Historic Charm of Megeve
Megeve remains a favorite among the ultra-wealthy and French elite, despite its smaller profile compared to Tignes or Val d’Isère. Its affluent origins trace to the late 1910s, when Noémie de Rothschild sought an alternative to Switzerland’s Saint Moritz to avoid unwanted encounters. Over the past century, the area has grown into a network of 400 km of interconnected ski slopes with numerous lifts, attracting Michelin-starred chefs and luxury accommodations that rival global high-end resorts.
Arrival and First Impressions at M De Megeve
This January, I experienced a weekend at M De Megeve, a five-star property affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Nestled in the village of 3,000 residents, the hotel captivates from the moment of entry. A bellboy handles luggage while staff offers a welcoming drink beside a crackling fire in the grand entrance hall—a perfect respite after the smooth Eurostar Snowtrain journey from London.
The 42-room hotel revolves around a spacious reception that flows into a bar near the entrance, a bistro at the rear, and a fondue restaurant to one side. Attentive staff, who often split their year between Alpine winters and summer stints in Cannes or Marseille, provide friendly guidance and warm greetings throughout.
Culinary Highlights
In the cozy Grand Crus de Fondue, the cheese specialist inquires, “How do you like your cheese?” before preparing a rich, potent pot that delivers an intense flavor punch. Opting for the classic white wine base proved satisfying, though Champagne or pear cider options tempt bolder palates.
The bistro offers refined classics like French onion soup, mushroom risotto, and sea bream, paired seamlessly with Pommery Champagne. M De Megeve maintains strong ties with the Reims château behind the champagne brand, enhancing the dining experience.
Spa Indulgence and Room Comforts
Guests enjoy complimentary Clarins face creams and balms, with full treatments available in the spa. A massage session leaves visitors relaxed and rejuvenated, addressing persistent skin issues with expert care that feels almost magical.
Rooms evoke a wooden Alpine lodge aesthetic, featuring convenient bedside controls for curtains and interactive toilet features. One staff member notes, “Our Asian and Middle Eastern guests insist on it.” For warmth, the sauna, hammam, and hot tub provide steamy escapes, ideal even for those avoiding the cold—perfect for White Lotus-style scenes.
Exploring Megeve Village
Beyond the hotel, just 100 meters from the Chamois lifts, guests embrace high fashion on the cobblestone streets. Luxury brands like Dior, Hermès, and Rolex dominate, with ski suits often customized with diamanté-encrusted labels costing a month’s salary.
“Megeve is a place to be seen,” shares a Canadian heir while waiting for a drag lift. Many visitors skip skiing altogether, opting to shop, ride horse-drawn carriages through the village, or take the telecabin in stylish Uggs to a mountaintop grill serving £200 steaks and premium waters.
Skiing enthusiasts appreciate the crisp snow, stunning vistas, and glimpses into elite circles—conversations about expensing lavish club tables, connections to shows like Emily in Paris, and multilingual families switching effortlessly between Italian, French, and English. Megeve blends glamour and mystery, making it a natural fit for dramatic storytelling.
Rooms start at £479 and can be reserved at en.mdemegeve.com. Eurostar Snowtrain tickets for the 2025/26 season begin at £99 one way (£198 return) in Standard class, operating weekly from December 20, 2025, to April 5, 2026, from London St Pancras to the French Alps via Lille. Details at eurostar.com/uk-en/train/ski-train.
