La Folie Douce Val d'Isère — Restaurant in Albertville

As someone who has 8 years in hospitality and is experienced in working with the general public and good customer service. I can confidently say that I have received and seen some of the worst customer service I have ever seen.

One of my group needed the toilet so we stopped here, we were happy to pay if it was a customer only situation for the toilets. Walking up to one of the entrance I noticed what I thought was security so I stopped. The security guard gestured to unzip our coats, we did this but he still was waiting for something We must have mistaken this as he grabbed my boyfriend’s bag strap to show he needed to search our bags. We had no explaination but were happy to comply. We complied but my boyfriend went first and opened his bag Without saying anything he picked up two half full bottles of iced tea out the first bag and immediately threw them haphazardly into a bin, we stood in shock for a few seconds and in this time he had picked up an unopened energy drink my boyfriend said wait but he immediately had thrown in it the bin. He then immediately started searching the bag again. At this point my boyfriend said wait can I have that back and the security guard then spoke saying how we aren’t allowed it. We then said that we would leave. The security guard just waved us out. My boyfriend asked for it back and the security guard gave us a look but did give us the can that was now dented back and started to move on to the next people. We had then again ask can we have the others back he had to go find them as he had actually missed the bins and thrown them in the snow behind. All through this one encounter he was rude and treated us like we were inconveniencing him. And While this was happening he physically grabbed 2 others to stop them from entering before the bag check

There is no signs or communication that there is a no outside food or drinks policy or that there is a bag search in force. While I do understand that company’s put these policies in place I have never been treated so rudely and had my belongings taken like this.

I did end up leaving my bag with the group and coming using the toilet facilities and in that time my group saw people standing near the venue who were eating so be forcibly removed from a public area outside the venue without a chance to put things away or put ski equipment back on.

As we were leaving another member of staff came out and was throwing skis, snowboards and poles into piles that were out of the way haphazardly into piles in the floor. Totally disrespectful to others belongings.

I’m sure the food and beverages are lovely and the short bit of entertainment we did see was good but I will not be returning to this establishment

All of this happened in the time span of less than...

A stupendous Xmas lunch. We ate at La Fruitiere for the second time on the trip and it was sensational. The staff were wonderful, friendly, attentive, helpful and great with kids too.

Whilst initially you may consider it expensive you have to consider the infrastructure, the staff, the entertainment (essentially Cirque de Soleil in the Alps and 2500m up a mountain). The Follie Douce/Fruitiere/Cucucina experience has its roots and home in Val d'Isere and is at least 30-years in the making from its proprietors, the Reversade family, and the patriarch Luc has achieved an astonishing balance of gastronomy, entertainment, fine wines, fun, professionalism and an incredible drive to create one of THE hotspots and meeting points of la joie de vivre in the Alps, the Fruitiere is a Mecca for hedonism for mind, body, soul and tastebuds.

The menu at the Fruitiere has evolved this year; some of the longterm favourites have floated by but the likes of the incredible duck, the sharing puddings, the Xmas specials (a roulade of poulade, foie gras and truffle was sensational).

The entertainment was great and has really upped the ante this year after a season without Kelly Starlight, the dancing was fabulous, the cabaret fun, the later dance music is maybe not overly child-friendly but you can always move to a quieter area with the vast options available.

The mezzanine in the Fruitiere remains a perfect spot for imbibing the vista, in la Cucucina the view is even more imperious, the food lighter, Italian-inspired, slightly more expensive but wonderful and a great treat. The self-service alternative is a very high quality, retains the Follie Douce aspect of fun yet the poke bowl is delicious, healthy and a great quick alternative to an afternoon of epicurean feasting next door.

The LFD is a wonderful spot, it is always worth a pilgrimage and remains the high-temple of hedonistic life...

We hadn’t been back to La Folie Douce since they added la Cucùcina. It was a welcome surprise to have some italian food (fondue and raclette are the best but it’s nice to switch it up!) We were greeted with big hellos and happy faces, the staff was kind and helpful and allowed us to choose a lovely table for two near the window with view of the Mont Blanc). The restaurant is architecturally and aesthetically gorgeous with its high celings (the space used to be the Val d’Isere gondola 🚠 arrival area) and long central wooden table, topped off with a giant horse sculpture back-bucking over the whole space. We chose to share a vitello tonnato (not an easy dish to make, it was not only delicious but also beautiful) and then we both had different pastas (perfectly al dente, plating was beautiful, my vongole were fresh and seasoned nicely). We were lucky to be there on time for a fun show with dancers, singers and an acrobat spinning around on her net dangling from the ceiling) - what a great moment! Jojo (La Folie Douce PR) came over and made sure we were having a nice time and kindly offered a quick tour of the kitchens (an impressive set up below the three restaurants, super clean and high tech). Staff seemed super proud to be part of the crew (and that it was Sunday, so a bit less intense than usual). It was nice to have this chic indoor moment knowing the craziness (classic La Folie Douce outdoor party) that was happening on the other side of the (pretty much soundproof) doors. Overall excellent experience, we’ll be back, probably with a big gang to take over the central...