La Ferme des 3 Ours
Last updated: 23 December 2025
Rustic alpine restaurant-bar in Vallorcine with a cosy, traditional feel. Great for a proper meal with drinks and a warm atmosphere—book ahead on winter weekends and peak weeks. Seasonal and weather-dependent—check opening hours (and lift times if relevant) before you go.
Key takeaways
- Best for: a proper meal with drinks, warm rustic atmosphere.
- Vibe: traditional and cosy.
- Location: Vallorcine.
- Map: Open in Google Maps.
Full guide
A rustic farmhouse restaurant on the edge of Vallorcine. Offers hearty Savoyard cuisine (grillades, fondues, etc.) in a warm, familial atmosphere. Features a large terrace overlooking the valley and pet farm animals, making it a delightful stop for families. A top-rated venue for an authentic alpine dining experience, blending great regional food with a charming farm setting.
Farmhouse Warmth & Family-Friendly Setting
La Ferme des 3 Ours sits just outside Vallorcine village proper, in what indeed was a traditional farmhouse – and much of that pastoral character has been preserved. The approach to the restaurant passes by pens with goats, rabbits, and sometimes a resident donkey or pony, which immediately excites children and sets a countryside mood. The building itself is a big chalet-farmhouse with flower boxes and a slate roof. Inside, the dining space feels homely and spacious: exposed wooden rafters, farm tools and old sleds mounted on the walls, and large communal tables alongside smaller ones. In winter, a central stone fireplace casts a toasty glow. The restaurant can accommodate around 80 indoors and even more on the terrace in summer, but it’s wisely sectioned so it never feels like a cafeteria; it retains intimacy and alpine charm. The vibe is definitely family-oriented – the owners themselves often have their kids around, and there’s a sense that you’re eating in their home. That said, it’s equally suited for groups of friends or couples, as the ambiance is simply cheerful and welcoming to all. During peak ski season or summer holidays, the place bustles with chatter in multiple languages, yet thanks to the large terrace and multiple rooms, it handles the crowds well. On summer days, sitting outside is a must: from the terrace you can take in sweeping views of the Vallorcine valley, possibly with the sounds of cowbells in the distance. It’s a scenic delight especially at sunset when the surrounding peaks glow. La Ferme des 3 Ours strikes that rare balance of being lively but not rowdy, tourist-friendly yet genuinely local in feel.
Hearty Savoyard Cuisine & Grill Specialties
The menu here is a celebration of hearty Alpine and French country cooking. Many ingredients are locally sourced – often from nearby farms or suppliers in the valley. Starters may include homemade terrines, French onion soup, or a fresh salad with warm goat cheese. For mains, they excel at grillades: succulent grilled meats like côte de boeuf (bone-in rib steak) or lamb chops, typically cooked over an open wood fire or grill and bursting with flavor. They also do a fantastic fondue (with a mix of Beaufort, Comté, and Emmental cheeses) and raclette, which you can enjoy in the traditional way with the half-wheel of cheese melted at your table if you have a group. One unique offering is their “pierrade” – where they bring a hot stone to your table for you to cook thin slices of beef and pork yourself, accompanied by sauces and potato sides; it’s interactive and fun especially for families. Other Savoyard classics like tartiflette and diots (savoy sausages) in white wine sauce are regularly on the menu. Desserts are often homemade: a fruit tart or chocolate mousse, but many are pleasantly stuffed by then. To drink, a nice selection of Savoie wines (Apremont, Mondeuse, etc.) and a few classic French wines are on offer, as well as local beers and soft drinks. Don’t forget to try their génépi at the end – often homemade or locally produced – to help digest all that cheese! The food overall receives high praise for authenticity and flavor – indeed, it’s frequently top-ranked on review sites for Vallorcine and Chamonix area restaurants.
Practical Information
La Ferme des 3 Ours is located at 455 Route du Col (the road leading towards the Col des Montets) in Vallorcine , a short drive (or 10-15 minute walk) 56 57 16 from the Vallorcine train station. In winter, it’s conveniently near the bottom of the Les Esserts beginner ski area, so some skiers slide by for lunch. It’s open most of the year but does close between seasons – typically open from late December through April, and again late May through September, corresponding with ski season and summer. Hours: they usually open for lunch (~12:00–14:00) and dinner (~19:00–21:30), closed mid-afternoon, and often one weekday off (commonly Monday or Tuesday). Reservations are highly recommended, especially in peak season or for dinner, as it’s popular with both tourists and locals (phone +33 4 50 54 63 06 ). One can reserve online via their website or Facebook as well. Parking is available on-site but can overflow, in which case roadside parking is used. The venue is accessible for those with disabilities to the ground floor; however, the main dining area is one level up, reachable by stairs (call ahead for specific accessibility details). Kids are very welcome – there’s even a small play area outside in summer, and of course the mini-farm animals to see (always wash hands before eating if petting the goats!). Payment: cards accepted. If you’re visiting, consider that this is a place to soak in local color rather than seek high-end gastronomy or mixology. And that’s exactly its charm. Many diners count a meal here among their most memorable in the valley.
| Website: | LaFerme-des3Ours.com |
| Phone: | +33 4 50 54 63 06 |
| Location: | 455 Route du Col, 74660 Vallorcine |
Practical info
- Address: Vallorcine, 74660, France
- Phone: +33 4 50 53 50 13
- Website: https://www.laferme-des3ours.com/
- Google Maps: Open map
Private transfer from Geneva
If you’re heading out for après in Vallorcine, a pre-booked ride keeps it simple—especially for late finishes or snowy nights. See Geneva to Vallorcine Transfer for private transfer options.
FAQ
Where is La Ferme des 3 Ours?
La Ferme des 3 Ours is in Vallorcine. Address: Vallorcine, 74660, France. Use the Google Maps link in this guide for turn-by-turn directions.
Is La Ferme des 3 Ours good for après-ski?
Yes. La Ferme des 3 Ours is a popular après-ski option in Vallorcine. Expect a traditional and cosy vibe and it can get busy straight after the lifts close in peak season.
Do I need to book?
For drinks only, walk-ins are often fine. If you want a table for food (or you’re a group in peak winter weeks), booking ahead is recommended.
