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La Plagne villages guide: all 11 La Plagne villages compared
La Plagne, my home, is an extensive ski area in the French Alps, made up of several villages each with its own character and charm. Together, they make one of the largest ski areas in the world – and that’s before you include the neighbouring resort of Les Arcs. The 2 ski resorts were connected together 20 years ago to form the Paradiski region.
Today, I’m going to dive into the different La Plagne villages to help you choose the right one for your La Plagne ski holiday. So here you’ll find a brief rundown of each village, and then you can click through to a more detailed description of each area, from ski slopes, to après ski expectations, restaurant recommendations, and more.
11 La Plagne Villages – the breakdown
From purpose-built hubs with buzzing après ski scenes to quiet, tree-lined hamlets ideal for young families. Each La Plagne village offers something a little different. This section gives you a quick overview of all 11 villages – their vibe, location, altitude, and what they’re best known for – so you can quickly narrow down the best base for your family ski trip.
Then you've got links to a detailed review of each La Plagne village, with recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, après ski and more.
| Village | Altitude | In a nutshell |
|---|---|---|
| Plagne Centre | 1970 m | The hub: lots of lifts, shops and restaurants. Busy and convenient |
| Plagne 1800 | 1800 m | Quieter, traditional alpine feel and the most chalets |
| Plagne Aime 2000 | 2000 m | Distinctive architecture, big views and straight onto the slopes |
| Plagne Soleil | 2050 m | Small, sunny and relaxed, next door to Plagne Villages |
| Plagne Villages | 2050 m | Sunny and cosy, with lots of ski-in/ski-out accommodation |
| Plagne Bellecôte | 1930 m | Ice rink, heated outdoor pool and the gateway to the glacier |
| Belle Plagne | 2050 m | Pretty Savoyard-style village with a family-friendly vibe |
| Montchavin | 1250 m | Traditional village on the edge of the forest |
| Les Coches | 1450 m | Village feel, close to the Vanoise Express to Les Arcs |
| Champagny en Vanoise | 1250 m | Its own character, on the edge of the Vanoise National Park |
| Plagne Montalbert | 1350 m | Quieter, forest-edge village away from the bustle |
| La Roche | 1550 m | Small and quiet, home to the Olympic bobsleigh track finish |
Still not sure which village to pick?
My free La Plagne Accommodation Guide has a quick-match table to find the right village for your family, plus village profiles, where to stay and the questions to ask before you pay a deposit.
And if you’ve still got any questions – drop me an email any time. I'm a real person behind the screen and I'm here to help.
Which La Plagne village is the right one for you?
Which La Plagne village is best for…? My quick picks
- A bit of everything: Plagne Centre. It’s the central village (the clue’s in the name!) and the easiest base for getting to all the other villages, whether you’re skiing, walking or hopping on the free buses and lifts.
- Beginners: Plagne Centre. Everything is close by, and it’s easy to get anywhere you need to be. Have a look at my best beginner slopes too.
- Cheap and cheerful, with stunning views: Plagne Aime 2000.
- A quieter, chilled-out family holiday: Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil.
- A lively, party atmosphere: Plagne Bellecôte. Popular with students and groups looking for a bit more après.
- A cute village feel: Belle Plagne and Plagne 1800. Belle Plagne has pretty pedestrianised streets and, at 2050 m, is one of the highest villages in La Plagne. Plagne 1800 has a more traditional alpine feel, with lots of chalets.
- Families on a budget: the valley villages of Montchavin, Les Coches and Montalbert. They’re known as La Plagne’s most family-friendly villages, with some really lovely chalets. You get more for your money lower down, but you can still be up skiing at altitude really quickly.
- Ski-in/ski-out: most of them! La Plagne is a purpose-built resort, so most villages sit right on the slopes. Even the residences in Aime 2000 are built onto the piste, so you can ski right to the front door (of the residence, if not your own chalet).
Not sure which part of the resort to stay in? Watch my guide to Which La Plagne village should you stay in? where I explain the differences between each village and who they're best suited to, from families and beginners to groups and experienced skiers.
1. Plagne Centre – altitude: 1970m
As the name suggests, it's at the heart of La Plagne. Think of it as the hub where many of the ski lifts, shops, and restaurants are located. It's bustling and convenient for everything.
Read the full Plagne Centre ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: the best Plagne Centre accommodation
Where to eat: the best restaurants in Plagne Centre
2. Plagne 1800 – altitude: 1800m
A bit quieter than Plagne Centre, it's set a little lower on the mountain. It has a more traditional alpine feel and is great for families looking for a serene retreat, with the largest selection of ski chalets rather than residencies and apartments.
Read the full Plagne 1800 ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: the best Plagne 1800 accommodation
Where to eat: the best restaurants in Plagne 1800
3. Plagne Aime 2000 – altitude: 2000 m
One of the highest La Plagne villages. Known for its ‘distinctive’ architecture, it offers breathtaking views and direct access to the slopes. The main thing with this village is not to confuse it with Aime La Plagne, which is the village at the foot of La Plagne Mountain, where the train station is. Two very different places!
Read the full Plagne Aime 2000 ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: my free La Plagne accommodation guide
Where to eat: the best restaurants in Aime 2000
4. Plagne Soleil – altitude: 2050 m
Sitting at about 2050 metres, right next door to Plagne Villages, Plagne Soleil lives up to its name with lots of sunshine. It’s small and relaxed, with ski-in/ski-out accommodation.
Read the full Plagne Soleil ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: my free La Plagne accommodation guide
Where to eat: the best restaurants in Plagne Soleil
5. Plagne Villages – altitude: 2050 m
Right next to Plagne Soleil at about 2050 metres, Plagne Villages is a sunny, cosy village with lots of ski-in/ski-out accommodation. The two are so close together that they feel like one.
Read the full Plagne Villages and Plagne Soleil ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: places to stay in Plagne Villages
Where to eat: the best restaurants in Plagne Villages
6. Plagne Bellecôte – altitude: 1930 m
A dynamic spot with direct access to the ice skating rink and the outdoor heated swimming pool. It's also a gateway to the glacier for summer skiing.
Read the full Plagne Bellecôte ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: my free La Plagne accommodation guide
Where to eat: the best restaurants in Bellecôte
7. Belle Plagne – altitude: 2050 m
One of the most picturesque parts of La Plagne, Belle Plagne is known for its beautiful Savoyard architecture and family-friendly vibe.
Read the full Belle Plagne ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: the best Belle Plagne accommodation
Where to eat: the best restaurants in Belle Plagne
8. Montchavin – altitude: 1250 m
Nestling on the edge of the forest, Montchavin is a traditional village that offers a mix of old-world charm and modern ski facilities. It's a gem for those who love quaint settings.
Read the full Montchavin & Les Coches ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: my free La Plagne accommodation guide
Where to eat: my La Plagne restaurant directory
9. Les Coches – altitude: 1450 m
Close to Montchavin, Les Coches is a newer development but retains a charming, village-like feel. It's an excellent base for families, with access to both La Plagne and Les Arcs thanks to the Vanoise Express.
Read the full Montchavin & Les Coches ski travel guide here.
Where to stay: my free La Plagne accommodation guide
Where to eat: my La Plagne restaurant directory
10. Champagny en Vanoise – altitude: 1250 m
This village offers a different perspective on La Plagne, with access to the Paradiski area and its own distinct character. It's particularly popular with those who enjoy off-piste skiing and the tranquillity of the Vanoise National Park.
Read the inside track about Champagny La Plagne here.
Where to stay: my free La Plagne accommodation guide
Where to eat: my La Plagne restaurant directory
11. Plagne Montalbert – altitude: 1350 m
Located on the edge of the forest, it's another village that blends modern ski facilities with the charm of traditional alpine architecture. It's a bit quieter, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle.
Read the full Montalbert La Plagne travel guide here.
Where to stay: my free La Plagne accommodation guide
Where to eat: my La Plagne restaurant directory
Plus: La Roche – altitude: 1550 m
La Roche is home to the finish line of the Olympic bobsleigh track, adding a touch of adrenaline-fueled history to your ski holiday. Perfect for those seeking both adventure and a taste of the authentic Alpine lifestyle, La Roche provides a quieter base with all the essentials for a memorable stay in the mountains.
Where to stay: my free La Plagne accommodation guide
Where to eat: my La Plagne restaurant directory
La Plagne villages: FAQs
Which La Plagne village is best for families?
It depends on the holiday you want. The valley villages (Montchavin, Les Coches and Montalbert) are known as La Plagne’s most family-friendly villages, with lovely chalets and more for your money. For a quieter week at altitude, go for Plagne Villages or Plagne Soleil. And if you want everything on your doorstep, Plagne Centre is hard to beat.
Which La Plagne village is best for beginners?
I’d go for Plagne Centre. It’s central, everything is close by, and it’s easy to get to the other villages. Here are my best beginner slopes in La Plagne.
Can you get between the La Plagne villages without skiing?
Yes. The free shuttle buses link the villages, and there are free lifts for pedestrians too: the Telebus between Plagne Centre and Plagne Villages, the Telemetro between Plagne Centre and Aime 2000, and the Télécabine between Bellecôte and Belle Plagne. Times and routes are in my La Plagne free shuttle bus guide.
Which La Plagne villages are ski-in/ski-out?
Most of them. La Plagne is a purpose-built resort, so the altitude villages sit right on the slopes, and lots of residences (like those in Aime 2000) are built onto the piste.
What’s the difference between the altitude villages and the valley villages?
The altitude villages (Plagne Centre, Plagne 1800, Aime 2000, Plagne Soleil, Plagne Villages, Bellecôte and Belle Plagne) are purpose-built between 1800 m and 2050 m, right on the slopes. The valley villages (Montchavin, Les Coches, Montalbert and Champagny) sit lower, between 1250 m and 1450 m, and have a more traditional village feel, with lots of chalets. You get more for your money lower down, and the lifts take you up to altitude quickly.
Which La Plagne village is the cheapest?
The valley villages usually give you more for your money, and Aime 2000 is great for cheap and cheerful residences with stunning views.
Which La Plagne village has the best nightlife?
Plagne Bellecôte has the liveliest, party atmosphere and is popular with students and groups. Here’s my guide to the best bars in La Plagne.
Is Aime 2000 the same as Aime-La Plagne?
No! Plagne Aime 2000 is one of the ski villages up on the mountain. Aime-La Plagne is the town at the bottom of the mountain, where the train station is. Two very different places.
Can you buy property in La Plagne?
Yes, and lots of people fall for one village and end up buying there! There are estate agents (immobiliers) in most of the villages. My guide to buying property in La Plagne lists them village by village, explains how buying in France works and tells you who I’d buy with myself.
That’s La Plagne & the 11 La Plagne ski villages
Each village has its own unique vibe, but they all share the incredible ski area that La Plagne is renowned for. Whether you're looking for high-altitude skiing, family-friendly accommodations, or a quiet retreat in the mountains, you'll find a spot in La Plagne that feels just right.
See you on the slopes!
Planning a family ski holiday?
Get my free Ski Holiday Planning Pack: the Ski Holiday Reset Planner, the Ski Lessons & Ski Hire Guide, the Accommodation Guide and the Transfer Guide, written by a local mum of three to help you plan your La Plagne trip.
