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La Plagne supermarkets: your guide from a locals lived experience
Planning a ski trip to La Plagne and wondering how to manage food shopping while you're here? If you've ever found yourself staring at unfamiliar shelves in a resort supermarket, unsure where to find essentials or facing sticker shock at the prices, you’re not alone! Grocery shopping in a ski resort can be tricky—whether it's the limited stock, odd opening hours, or the higher prices. But don’t worry! As someone who lives here in La Plagne, I’ve got insider tips to help you navigate the local supermarkets like a pro.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly where to shop, how to save money, and what to avoid, making your holiday a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
Planning your meals for your La Plagne holiday?
My Restaurant Guide includes 70+ restaurants, family recommendations, takeaway options, mountain restaurants and local favourites.
Why food shopping in La Plagne is different
Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about what makes shopping in La Plagne (and most ski resorts) a bit different from your typical experience back home. First of all, expect slightly higher prices due to the remote location and logistical costs. It's the mountains, after all, and getting supplies up here involves some extra effort. You’ll also find that supermarket stock can be limited, particularly during peak weeks, when items run out fast. Especially the fresh produce and basics like bread and milk.
Stores here are smaller compared to big city supermarkets, and you’ll often have to navigate French brands that might be unfamiliar if you’re coming from abroad. But there’s good news, too! La Plagne has several well-stocked supermarkets and speciality shops to help you find what you need, whether you’re self-catering or just topping up on essentials for a chalet holiday.
Supermarket stops on the way to La Plagne
1. Albertville
Your journey to La Plagne doesn’t have to be a straight dash to the mountains. A strategic stop in Albertville can enrich your holiday from the get-go. Albertville is about an hour away from La Plagne – on empty roads! The best supermarket to stop at here is the large Intermarché. Easily accessible directly off the main autoroute. Just take exit 29 off the N90.
The Intermarché is on a small shopping site, which also has some good little restaurants. There's a McDonalds too if you’re looking for a quick food fix en route. In this Intermarché, you’ll find everything from fresh produce to Alpine cheeses, you can start immersing yourself in the local culture. The Intermarché is known for its wide selection of French wines, perfect for those cosy evenings in your chalet.
Click here for the Intermarchè Google Map Link.
2. Aime La Plagne
As you get closer, Aime La Plagne is the last town you pass through before you climb the mountain into the ski resort. Aime is the final stop-off for comprehensive shopping before you embrace the high-altitude life. The E Le Clerc supermarket is where you want to stop to do a last-minute shop for those last-minute essentials.
Positioned conveniently off the N90 (D 990), it’s an essential pitstop for savvy shoppers. Beyond offering the usual supermarket fare, E Le Clerc gives you a glimpse into local life with regional products that promise to elevate your culinary experiences in the resort. Whether you’re looking for Savoyard cheeses or local charcuterie to complement your après-ski, E le Clerc is the place to stock up.
The E le Clerc is smaller than the Intermarché in Albertville, so if you are looking for more specialist products, e.g., specific baby food or dietary requirements, then I’d opt for the Intermarché.
Click here for the E Le Clerc Google Map Aime La Plagne location.
Shopping in La Plagne
Once you've arrived in La Plagne, the convenience of in-resort shopping is undeniable, albeit at a higher price point. Each village within La Plagne has its own Spar, ensuring that you're never too far from the essentials. These stores are well-stocked, from daily necessities to those local delights that make a meal special. Here, you can find everything to cater to your self-catering needs, including ready meals for those nights when you’d rather relax than cook.
Despite the convenience, it’s worth noting the price difference. Shopping in-resort is invariably more expensive than in valley supermarkets. However, the trade-off comes with the added benefit of less travel time and more time enjoying the resort.
For those keen on sampling local produce without the supermarket trip, La Plagne’s villages host a variety of eateries and bars that showcase local Savoyard cuisine. There are cheese and charcuterie shops a-plenty, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
How to save money on grocery shopping in La Plagne
1. Plan Ahead and Buy in the Valley
The most straightforward way to save is to do the bulk of your shopping before heading up to La Plagne. Supermarkets in valley towns like Albertville and Aime La Plagne offer a wider selection of goods at lower prices compared to the resort. Planning your meals and shopping accordingly can prevent impulse buys and ensure you get everything you need at valley prices.
2. Leverage Loyalty Programs
Don’t overlook the benefits of loyalty programs offered by supermarkets like E Le Clerc. These programs often provide access to special deals, discounts on a range of products, and sometimes even fuel discounts—perfect for those driving to the resort.
3. Opt for Local Markets with Caution
While the small market in Plagne Centre might charm you with its novelty items, it’s more about souvenirs than sustenance. For actual food shopping, your money is better spent at supermarkets or bakeries where the value is clearer and the products are geared towards your daily needs.
4. Embrace Local Bakeries
For fresh bread, pastries, and other baked goods, the local bakeries in Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne, and Plagne 1800 are unmatched. Not only do you get to enjoy the freshest produce, but you also support local businesses. Plus, the cost of these freshly baked delights is often comparable to, if not cheaper than, pre-packaged alternatives found in supermarkets.
5. Be Smart About In-Resort Shopping
If you do need to shop in-resort, be strategic. The convenience stores in La Plagne are great for topping up essentials, but remember that prices can be higher. Look out for store-specific deals or promotions, and try to limit purchases to necessities you can't do without until your next valley shop.
6. Meal Planning to Avoid Overbuying
A little planning goes a long way. Before your trip, make a rough meal plan so you can stick to buying what you need and avoid impulse purchases. Resorts tend to have smaller kitchens and limited fridge space, so it’s best to bring dry goods and plan meals that don’t require loads of ingredients.
7. Bring Essentials from Home
While it might not be feasible to bring all your groceries with you, think about packing key essentials that are either more expensive in France or that you simply can't find easily in a ski resort. If you have kids, things like snacks, cereals, or baby food can be more expensive here. Plus, of course, if you have dietary requirements, this guide will help you figure out what is in La Plagne and what you should bring with you.
Need some restaurant options?
My Restaurant Guide includes every restaurant in La Plagne organised by resort, budget, family suitability and cuisine. Plus where you'll find the best wine lists to pair with delicious menus.
Local La Plagne markets and specialty shops
To be honest, the Saturday market in Plagne Centre offers a limited shopping experience. It's primarily geared towards those looking for local crafts and souvenirs rather than groceries.
If you’re looking for local delicacies, I’d recommend trying out the smaller, speciality shops in each La Plagne village. However, the true gems when it comes to freshness and quality are the bakeries. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh baguettes and croissants to start your day on the right note. These local bakeries pride themselves on using traditional recipes and methods, offering a taste of the Alps that supermarket bread simply can't match. For those looking to embrace the local cuisine, a visit to these bakeries is a must.
If you are cooking at home, check out this recipe for the perfect authentic Savoyard fondue. Also, this one is for gourmet hot chocolate at home. And finally, this is perfect for Alpine breakfast crepes.
Skiers' favourite supermarket items in La Plagne
Want to eat like a local? Here are a few popular items skiers, snowboarders (and locals!) often pick up during their stay:
Raclette & fondue kits: The speciality cheese shops sometimes stock pre-packaged raclette kits, which are great for a cosy chalet dinner.
Reblochon cheese: Perfect for making a traditional tartiflette, a hearty Alpine dish of potatoes, cheese, and bacon.
Local wines: Look out for Savoyard wines, which are often stocked in the resort supermarkets. These make great gifts or perfect post-ski drinks.
Baguettes and croissants: The fresh bread from Sherpa and Spar is great and supplied by the local bakeries. Grab one on your way back from the slopes for a perfect après-ski snack.
Top tips for stress-free supermarket shopping in La Plagne
Here are a few final tips to make your supermarket shopping as smooth as possible:
Check opening hours: Many supermarkets in La Plagne close for lunch, typically from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, and on Sundays, hours can be limited. Make sure to plan your shopping trips accordingly.
Avoid peak times: Supermarkets get very busy right after the slopes close, so try to shop early in the morning or late in the evening.
Bring reusable bags: Not only is this better for the environment, but French supermarkets charge for plastic bags. Most stores have sturdy reusable bags available if you forget yours.
Supermarket shopping for your La Plagne ski holiday
From planning your shopping stops in the valley to embracing the local bakeries for your daily bread, navigating food shopping for your ski holiday in La Plagne can be a delightful part of your travel experience. Remember, saving money is all about being strategic—taking advantage of valley prices, leveraging loyalty programs, and knowing where to find the freshest local produce. By being mindful of where and how you shop, you can enjoy a wider variety of delicious meals without stretching your budget.
Shopping sustainably by supporting local businesses and choosing locally produced goods not only enriches your holiday experience but also contributes to the local economy. While the resort's convenience stores serve their purpose, exploring the local bakeries and making informed choices about your shopping can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your holiday.
As you plan your trip to La Plagne, keep these tips in mind to ensure your culinary experiences are as rewarding as your time on the slopes. Here’s to a holiday filled with breathtaking runs, cosy evenings, and delicious meals shared with loved ones.
See you on the slopes!
GET YOUR LA PLAGNE RESTAURANT GUIDE HERE
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- Resort-by-resort listings
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FAQs About Food Shopping in La Plagne
Q: Can we expect to find a variety of vegetarian or vegan food options in the supermarkets?
A: Supermarkets in and around La Plagne have started to cater more comprehensively to vegetarian and vegan diets. Larger supermarkets in the valley, such as Intermarché and E Le Clerc, offer a wider variety of plant-based products, including meat substitutes, dairy-free products, and a range of fresh fruits and vegetables. While the selection might be more limited in the resort's convenience stores, you'll still find essentials to meet your dietary needs.
Q: Is there a click-and-collect or supermarket delivery service in La Plagne?
A: Currently, there isn't a click-and-collect or delivery service directly available in La Plagne. However, the SuperU in Bourg St Maurice offers a click-and-collect service. It's worth noting, though, that using this service requires a 10-minute drive in the opposite direction, followed by a return journey to begin the ascent to La Plagne. While placing an online order can save time on shopping in-store, the additional travel often negates these time savings. For reference, the GPS location for SuperU in Bourg St Maurice is here but the Super U online order collection point is here.
Q: Are there any local delicacies we should try while in La Plagne?
A: Absolutely! The Savoie region is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. Don’t miss out on trying local cheeses like Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie, or Reblochon, which are perfect for a cosy night in or for adding a local twist to your meals. Charcuterie such as diots (Savoyard sausages), jambon de Savoie (cured ham), and terrines are also must-tries. These can be found in both valley supermarkets and resort shops, allowing you to enjoy a taste of the Alps right from your chalet.
Q: How can we save money on water during our ski trip?
A:Â Tap water in La Plagne, and indeed throughout France, is drinkable and of excellent quality. Instead of purchasing bottled water, consider bringing a reusable water bottle that you can refill at your accommodation or at water fountains found throughout the resort. This not only saves you money but also helps reduce plastic waste, making for a more sustainable holiday experience.
Q: Can we expect to find baby food & infant formula in the supermarkets?Â
A:Â Yes, infant formulas are readily available at local supermarkets and pharmacies. There's more information in this blog:Â Baby food & feeding in La Plagne.Â
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