That's La Plagne
Grande Rochette Restaurant La Plagne: A full review
When you think of a La Plagne mountain restaurant, what comes to mind? Perhaps you imagine panoramic views, an inviting atmosphere, and of course, delicious food! Well, the Grande Rochette restaurant in La Plagne ticks these boxes. Under new management for winter 23/24, the menu is simple but good and pairs perfectly with the breathtaking scenery. It’s easy to see why it’s a favourite for both skiers and non-skiers alike. Offering something truly special in the heart of the French Alps.
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Effortless Access
One of the Grande Rochette’s best features is its accessibility, especially for a mountain restaurant. It’s one of the most famous La Plagne peaks, but it’s also easily accessible via the FuniPlagne bubble lift from Plagne Centre. Both skiers and non-skiers can head up in the bubble lift to enjoy the views, lunch, or a sunny hot chocolate stop.
It's rare to find a ski resort peak with such panoramic views, plus a mountain restaurant top with such straightforward access. Without the need to navigate the pistes or walk long distances. It’s great to take smaller kids or perhaps those less stable on their legs. In fact, there was one winter when I was on crutches, and I did make it up here for a long lunch a few times!
However, it's important for non-skiers to remember that a pedestrian lift pass is required to get on the Funiplagne lift. This can easily be obtained at the pass office, either in Plagne Centre or in the village you’re staying in. You can buy a pass for one uplift or for the day/week.
This is the same for kids, toddlers, or babies, lift passes are necessary, though they are complimentary for those under 6. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of age or skiing ability, can enjoy the Grande Rochette's offerings. For detailed information on obtaining your pedestrian lift pass, please visit La Plagne Lift Pass Information.
A Glimpse Into the Atmosphere
Upon arrival at the Grande Rochette restaurant, the atmosphere is so inviting! The 360-degree mountain views from the terrace are nothing short of spectacular, offering a unique backdrop for your meal.
Directly opposite the terrace lies the iconic La Plagne heart photo spot, making for an irresistible photo opportunity. Moreover, the sight of paragliders launching into the blue sky adds a touch of magic to the ambience, providing guests with entertainment as they dine.
If the weather isn’t warm enough to sit outdoors, then there is a large inside area, plus an upstairs as well. But the outside terrace also has a glass solarium or roof that rolls out to cover the terrace like a large sunroom. So you can still enjoy the views outdoors, without the sub-zero temperatures in early winter!
Grande Rochette Menu
The Grande Rochette's menu is actually quite small, but it has a nice selection of dishes. With some salads, Savoyard specialities, burgers, steak and steak tartare. The kid's menu was a choice between burgers or nuggets and chips, with a syrup drink and ice cream, for 12€. The kid's menu was reasonably priced and the kids enjoyed it. However, we’ve started to opt out of these menus and just order the kids a pizza to share when the option is there. It’s much cheaper and they are more likely to eat it.
During our visit, my husband had entrecôte steak, which was good (but he'd enjoyed better at Monica's last week!). I couldn’t say no to the vegan tofu poke bowl, which was refreshingly different. I’m not vegan, but used to be vegetarian and often enjoy these menu options more than the meat dishes. So I was pleasantly surprised to see an avocado veggie burger and the vegan poke bowl on the menu here. I’d definitely recommend this restaurant if you have some veggies or vegans in your ski group.
The cocktail and wine menus deserve special mention. Whilst we were enjoying a dry lunch, the cocktail menu looked very inviting, and the Aperol spritzes were flowing to the tables around us. There were also lots of groups embracing the spring sunshine with bottles of chilled rosé. The perfect glass to enjoy a long lunch under the alpine sun.
Service with a Smile
Despite the lunchtime rush, the service at Grande Rochette was great. The staff's attentiveness and efficiency ensured that our experience was smooth from start to finish. Their friendly approach added a personal touch to our visit, making us feel welcomed and valued.
I’d definitely recommend booking ahead to make sure you have a table outdoors. We were fortunate to slot into an empty space. But it was busy. There were also several large tables of 15+ people. So if you have a big group to accommodate, the Grande Rochette restaurant could be the perfect solution for you.
Designed with Families in Mind
Grande Rochette goes above and beyond to accommodate families. The toilets are notably large and clean, a welcome feature for any visitor but especially appreciated by those with little ones. The baby changing table in the female toilets is spacious and clean, a rarity for mountain restaurants. Additionally, the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, emphasising its inclusivity and commitment to welcoming all guests.
Altitude and Accessibility for the Youngest Guests
A question I get asked a lot is can I take a baby or toddler up to altitude? A common concern for parents is the effect of altitude on babies and toddlers. The Grande Rochette, like many high-altitude dining spots, prompts questions about safety for the youngest family members. The good news is that visiting such locations can be perfectly safe, provided parents take it easy and monitor their children for any signs of discomfort. The change in altitude experienced is akin to the pressure changes during a flight, something many families navigate regularly.
For more in-depth advice on this topic, feel free to read my article on Taking Babies to High Altitude.
How to Book the Grande Rochette
If this has tickled your fancy, booking is just a quick step away. Simply reach out directly to them to secure your spot. I’d recommend calling rather than emailing at 0033 (0)4 79 09 09 08. They're super responsive, and it's the best way to ensure you get the experience you're looking for. Don't forget to mention any special requests or questions you might have.
That's La Plagne at the Grande Rochette Restaurant
The Grande Rochette is more than just a restaurant; it's a great destination to enjoy the spirit of La Plagne. With its easy accessibility for both skiers and pedestrians, stunning views, and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. The thoughtful amenities for families and the inclusive atmosphere ensure that everyone, from the youngest guests to the eldest, can enjoy a memorable dining experience. If you're looking for a La Plagne mountain restaurant that offers all this and more, look no further than Grande Rochette.
See you on the slopes!
