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If you're driving from Geneva to Méribel, it's not just stunning Alpine scenery you'll be able to enjoy to pass the time. In a region renowned for its world-class gastronomy, it's perhaps not surprising that it has more than its fair share of Michelin-starred restaurants. It only takes about two hours to get from Geneva to Méribel, but you might want to factor in a more leisurely journey and treat yourself at one of these tasty addresses along the way. Annecy - Le Clos du Chateau About 40 kilometres south of Geneva, the picturesque medieval city of Annecy is best-known for its fabulous chateau, but it's also home to our first Michelin-starred recommendation, Le Clos du Chateau. Just two minutes out of the city, in Promery, under the shadow of its own castle, young proprietors Julie and Pascal have created a welcoming contemporary space, with spacious interiors, cheese cellar, wine cellar, private lounge and a charming terrace. With a choice of set menus utilising the best traditional Savoie culinary techniques, you'll dine on dishes like Lamb with Viennese herbs, Candied Pumpkin and Chestnut, or Turbot with Saffron Potatoes and Fennel Confit Risotto. Seasonal set menus start at €37, 'Le Clos' menu starts at €49, and the indulgent 'Discovery' menu at €60. Drinks and aperitifs are extra. Set children's menus are available from €15. Le Clos du Château, 70 Rue Cuvat, Promery, off the A41. Open for lunch and dinner service daily, closed Mondays and Sunday evenings. Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 66 82 23. Aix les Bains - Auberge St Simon A little further along, in Aix les Bains, Auberge St Simon enjoys a unique location in a breathtaking site nestled between the mountains and the lake. You don't need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the hospitality and outstanding cuisine, but this is actually also an excellent place to stay the night if you want to turn your journey from Geneva to Méribel into a leisurely sightseeing trip. With both an à la carte and set menus, you'll make your choice from mouth-watering dishes like Butternut Velute with Fois Gras and Crumbs of Grilled Hazelnuts, and Duck Terrine with Prunes and Red Onion Compote. Follow it up with a selection of Savoie cheeses or an Iced Chartreuse Soufflé and you might think you've died and gone to Alpine heaven! The set menus start at €32, with à la carte entrees from €14 and mains from €19. Auberge St Simon is located at 130 Avenue Saint Simon, 73100, Aix les Bains. Tel: +33 (0)4 79 88 35 02. Restaurant open daily from 9am-11.30pm for lunch and dinner. Chambéry – Ô Pervenches A truly delightful place to stop off, just a kilometre from the centre of beautiful Chambéry, Jerome and Pauline Regottaz and their team at Restaurant Ô Pervenches serve up 'reinterpreted French cuisine' with stunning mountain views. You can also visit the famous house of JJ Rousseau while you're there. With a constantly changing seasonal menu, based on fresh local produce and traditional techniques, you'll enjoy such palate-tempting dishes as Caviar with Chantilly Wasabi, Pressed Oxtail with Beetroot Done Two Ways, and Duck Confit with Fresh Thyme, Turnip Salad and Korean Mustard. Set menus start at €46 including dessert and appetiser, with an Express Lunch Menu served until 5pm from €17. Located at 600 Chemin des Charmettes, 73000, Chambéry. Tel: +33 (0) 479 33 34 26. Open Tuesday evening to Sunday lunchtime, 12-2pm and 7.30-9pm. Albertville - Les 16 Clochers In the picturesque village of Monthion (40 minutes from Chambéry), Les 16 Clochers provides an elegant step back in time, with spectacular views over a valley and beyond. You can dine in the cosy timber-clad dining room or out on the spacious terrace, but the simple surroundings belie the magnificence of what comes out of the kitchen - attested to by its Michelin-star status. With dishes like Fondant Salmon in Aspic with Black Radish and Apple Remoulade, and Chicory Braised Boar and Parmentier Mondeuse, and specialising in authentic Savoie cheeses and wines, the prices are extremely reasonable, with set menus starting from €17. Located at 91 Chemin des 16 Clochers, 73200, Monthion. Tel: 33 (0) 479 31 30 39. Bookings essential, check for opening hours. La Fleur de Sel – Cevins The last of our Michelin-starred recommendations is in the village of Cevins (just 11km from Monthion, above, if you're trying to make a choice) under the talented gourmet hand of chef Dominique Hybord. With a striking contemporary décor and specialising in innovative presentation and flavour combinations, this is a dining experience you might not be expecting to have in such a bucolic setting. Dominique's extensive degustation is imagination on a plate for €75, while the à la carte menu, with dishes like Medallion of Foie Gras with Onion and Grenadine Compote and Filet Mignon of Veal and Sweetbreads, starts at €22 for entrees and €27 for mains. There are also set menus starting at €32. Located at 15 Rue Portelin, 73730, Cevins. Tel: 33 (0) 479 37 49 398. Open for lunch and dinner, closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evening. If you like the sound of any of these restaurants, that two-hour trip from Geneva to Méribel might just have gotten quite a little bit longer – but it'll be well worth it! Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable transfers from Geneva to Meribel, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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