Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
La Loy mountain restaurant: a place steeped in Savoie tradition and surrounded by nature
29-01-2024 in Art of livingNestled on the edge of the Biolley ski slope high above the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, La Loy mountain restaurant offers a gastronomic break in a sumptuous setting.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Emily, the enthusiastic manager, invites us to share in the story of La Loy, where Savoie tradition is combined with an authentic mountain experience. Set in picturesque countryside, the restaurant has a large sunny terrace and log fires. It is an ideal spot for rediscovering the classics of Belleville gastronomy.
A deep connection with the terroir
La Loy, which was taken over last year by Emily and her sister Servanne, draws its inspiration from a deep connection with Savoie. A native of Saint Marcel, the village next to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Emily embodies the very essence of the region, and knows every nook and cranny of the mountain slope that surrounds the restaurant.
Her attachment to this Alpine gem is palpable when she tells us, 'I really love this little corner of nature, and I've always said to myself that I wanted to settle here at some point.' Together with her sister, who owns the 'Au Village' restaurant in Les Menuires, they decided to embark on this adventure and combine their strengths and ideas.
Savoie tradition and a sophisticated cuisine
The restaurant, which already had a good reputation before it was taken over, is known for its traditional Savoie cuisine, but that's not all. As Emily points out, 'Raclette and fondue are not the sum total of Savoie and what it has to offer.'
The menu includes gourmet dishes from the days of old, such as 'croûtes savoyardes' (slices of bread soaked in white wine with cheese, ham, mushrooms and egg) for those who want a quick bite to eat before returning to the slopes.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville - Rack of lamb
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville - Ravioles with morels
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville - 'Croûte savoyarde'
Chef Olivier uses his expertise to enrich the menu with regional products to keep these traditional recipes alive. 'As much as we can, we work with local suppliers. Even if it takes time to implement, we look for alternative ways to get closer to an entirely home-made cuisine.'
The menu also includes more sophisticated flavours. Some of the restaurant's signature dishes showcase Emily's mastery of meat, including a rack of lamb and a sweetbread that appeals to locals and visitors alike.
Dinner and a torchlit snowshoe descent
What makes La Loy so special is its proximity to the slopes and to village life. Every Thursday evening, the restaurant offers a torchlit snowshoe descent, bookable online, which is a unique mountain-dining experience. The evening begins with an aperitif around a brazier on the terrace, followed by a relaxed meal by the fire, and ends with a walk by moonlight.
Emily is used to the chalet environment and personally guides the descent, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with those interested. 'I know the way and the tales to be told very well. I'm very passionate about the natural world here. I harvest my own herbs to make herbal teas, I make my own medicines and I'm very familiar with the wildlife.'
La Loy
La Loy
A popular meeting place, both in winter and summer
With a hard-working team of ten people starting its first winter season, La Loy is becoming a popular meeting place on the slopes of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, which are connected to the 3 Vallées ski area. This is where Savoie gastronomy meets mountain authenticity, creating an unforgettable experience for fans of wide-open spaces covered in snow, delicious food and memorable evenings.
The establishment is also open in summer and is easily accessible by car or on foot. To add to its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant hosts open-air concerts on its terrace every Friday evening, set against a backdrop of stunning sunsets.
Practical information
- Visit the website
- Telephone: +33 4 79 08 92 72
- Address: Piste du Biolley, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, 73440, Les Belleville
- Bookings by telephone or online.
