That's La Plagne contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon affiliate program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. I never recommend anything I haven't experienced myself, and the commission helps me keep this site running at full speed! See my Disclosure Policy for extra information.
Au Bon Vieux Temps: A Rustic Culinary Escape in La Plagne
When planning a family ski trip to La Plagne, finding the perfect place to eat is often high on the agenda. While plenty of restaurants cater to families with kids, sometimes it’s worth carving out some time to indulge in an adult-only meal. Enter Au Bon Vieux Temps in Aime 2000 – a rustic mountain restaurant that’s as much about the atmosphere as it is about the exquisite Savoyard cuisine. It’s a spot where couples can steal away for a long lunch or a romantic date night while soaking in a truly authentic French Alps dining experience.
Rustic Ambience and Old-World Charm
Just below the main Aime 2000 village, just above the bottom of the Golf chairlift, Au Bon Vieux Temps is a hidden treasure – and I hate that phrase! – but it really is! You’d be forgiven for skiing right past it, as the tiny-looking building is deceiving with its weathered, barn-like exterior. It looks almost ramshackle at first glance, but don’t let that fool you – the charm lies in its simplicity. Inside, the restaurant unfolds across multiple levels, creating a warm and intimate setting. Mismatched solid wooden furniture, thick beams, and dim lighting lend it a rustic charm that feels a world away from the modernity of La Plagne’s ski resort accommodations.
However, the restaurant’s quaint layout comes with its challenges. With narrow passages and uneven levels, it’s not the most wheelchair-friendly spot. Families with younger children might also find the environment less suited to their needs – which is precisely why Au Bon Vieux Temps is best reserved for adults. If you’ve left the kids with ski school or a babysitter, this is the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in an authentic slice of Savoyard dining. And when the weather’s on your side, the sunny terrace offers great piste-side views, making it ideal for a lingering lunch under the Alpine sun.
Get all the juiciest inside secrets about La Plagne, direct to your inbox.
La Plagne lift pass sales, accommodation deals & ski school discounts before anyone else knows about them.
A Menu That Wows with Every Bite
Unlike some mountain restaurants that overwhelm you with extensive menus, Au Bon Vieux Temps takes a refined approach. The menu is small, offering just a handful of starters and mains, but the focus here is on quality over quantity. This is high-end French cuisine, delivered in a rustic and unpretentious fashion that makes it feel as hearty as it is indulgent.
During our visit, we were immediately drawn to the foie gras starter, served with onion chutney, coarse seat salt and croutons. The portion size was enormous – three thick slabs of foie gras, a rarity for most restaurants. Equally impressive was the bone marrow starter, a robust dish of three large bones served with a fresh salad, sea salt, and toasted bread for dipping.
For mains, I opted for the tartiflette with cepe mushrooms – a decadent twist on the classic Savoyard dish. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavour, it was everything I could have hoped for. My husband went for the entrecôte steak, paired with bone marrow and roasted new potatoes, which was cooked to perfection. Other highlights from the table included the Croq Bon Vieux Temps – a rustic, elevated take on a croque monsieur – and the cote du cochon, a succulent pork chop, served with roast new potatoes.
Every bite showcased the restaurant’s commitment to simple, earthy flavours and generous portions. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply love hearty, well-cooked meals, Au Bon Vieux Temps delivers on all fronts.
Drinks to Complement Every Dish
No indulgent French meal would be complete without the perfect wine pairing. We opted for a Saint-Émilion red, a rich and robust choice that complemented the depth of the dishes beautifully. For those looking for something less traditional, the restaurant also offers a range of beers, including the Lagunitas IPA, as well as cocktails like Aperol Spritz.
One slight disappointment was the vin chaud, which fell a little flat compared to the rest of the experience. However, the variety of other drinks on offer more than made up for it. If you’re planning an extended lunch, I highly recommend exploring their wine list – it’s clear the team at Au Bon Vieux Temps has put thought into curating a selection that pairs well with their rich, Savoyard menu.
Service and Pricing
The service at Au Bon Vieux Temps is super relaxed and friendly. The team are knowledgeable about the dishes and menu. However, they did take a little reminding to bring over our bottle of wine as we ordered it after the food.
Pricing here reflects the quality of the food and the experience, but it’s still reasonable for a high-end meal in the Alps. Starters are priced at around €15–20, while mains range from €25–40. Given the generous portion sizes and the incredible flavours on offer, it’s a meal that feels worth every euro. I would say it’s not cheap, but for the quality and portion sizes, it’s great value.
Practical Details: Booking and Accessibility
Given its intimate size and popularity, booking ahead is essential at Au Bon Vieux Temps. Reservations can be made by phone or in person, and it’s best to plan for a leisurely meal – this isn’t the kind of place to rush. We went on a Saturday which is one of their quieter days and they did tell us to call ahead to confirm we were coming as they would close if they didn’t have anyone in. Actually, it was quite busy when we got there with several occupied tables.
The restaurant is conveniently located near the slopes, making it accessible for skiers looking for a midday break. However, pedestrians may find the walk a little challenging due to its slightly tucked-away location. As mentioned earlier, wheelchair accessibility is limited, so it may not be suitable for all guests.
You can call the team on: 00 33 (0)7 67 76 59 67
My Final Verdict
Au Bon Vieux Temps isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – one that combines incredible food, rustic charm, and a sense of authenticity that’s increasingly rare in ski resorts. While it’s not ideal for families with young children, it’s the perfect spot for couples or groups of adults to enjoy a relaxed, indulgent lunch or dinner. From the generous portions to the perfectly paired wines, every detail is crafted to leave you feeling satisfied and pampered.
If you’re visiting La Plagne, don’t miss the chance to visit this gem in Aime 2000. Whether you’re escaping for a date night or celebrating a special occasion, Au Bon Vieux Temps is a dining experience that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left the mountains.
That's La Plagne & Au Bon Vieux Temps
Dining at Au Bon Vieux Temps is a reminder that even on a family-focused ski holiday, it’s worth carving out a little time for yourself. With incredible food, a warm atmosphere, and plenty of charm, this is one meal you’ll be glad you didn’t share with the kids.
See you on the slopes!
GET YOUR LA PLAGNE RESTAURANT GUIDE HERE
Instead of searching dozens of articles, get your complete Restaurant Guide with:
- Takeaway options
- 70+ restaurants
- Family recommendations
- Resort-by-resort listings
- Local favourites
- Mountain restaurants
