Plan Joran Restaurant
Last updated: 23 December 2025
High-altitude self-service restaurant & bar at 1,923m on the Grands Montets ski area. Recently reinvented as a modern food court, Plan Joran offers a variety of quick quality meals (pizzas, pastas, salads, grill) and a large panoramic terrace facing the slopes. A must-stop for skiers to refuel without leaving the mountain.
Key takeaways
- Best for: sunny terrace lunches, mountain après with views.
- Vibe: high-altitude terrace and warm indoor dining.
- Location: Argentière.
- Map: Open in Google Maps.
Full guide
Overview & Location
Plan Joran is perched at 1,923 meters on the Grands Montets in Argentière – essentially on the mountain, mid-way up from the base. Accessible via the Plan Joran gondola (hence the name), it serves as the principal on-mountain eatery for skiers and hikers. In 2025, Plan Joran was completely renovated from an old refuge-style restaurant into a sleek food court concept, operated by Maison des Drus. The setting is magnificent: a large wooden chalet nestled among larch trees, with a spacious sun deck offering jaw-dropping views of the Grands Montets ski slopes and surrounding peaks. Skiers glide right up to its entrance to take a break. The interior redesign introduced airy seating areas and food stations, but maintained alpine charm with plenty of wood and big windows. It’s convenient – you can have a satisfying meal without downloading to the village, saving time and maximizing ski runs.
Food Court Concept
Plan Joran is now essentially a high-altitude gourmet cafeteria. Instead of one menu, you have multiple cuisine stands, each specializing in something: Neapolitan Pizzas fired in a proper oven (crispy, thin crust, with toppings from margherita to Savoyard with local ham and cheese); a Pasta & Soup station offering made-to-order pastas (like carbonara, bolognese) and hearty soups/stews for a quick warm-up; a Bistro Grill serving hot daily dishes (perhaps tartiflette, roast chicken, or the dish-of-the-day simmering in a giant pan); a Sandwich & Burger corner for those who want a classic bite; a Salad Bar with fresh ingredients for a lighter fare; and a Coffee & Dessert stall for espresso, pastries, or their famed giant cookies. This modular layout means shorter lines and something for every taste – a huge improvement from the old single kitchen days. The quality is notably high for a self-service (Maison des Drus emphasizes fresh, local ingredients), and though prices are accordingly at mountain level, the portions and convenience justify it. Digital kiosks and QR code ordering have been integrated, letting tech-savvy skiers order without queuing – a nod to modern efficiency on the slopes.
Drinks & Après Ski
Plan Joran is mainly a daytime spot (open for lunch and afternoon snacks), but it doubles as an on-slope après-ski bar on sunny days. The panoramic terrace has a bar kiosk that starts pouring drinks around the last ski hour. Imagine finishing a terrific ski run and then basking in a deck chair with a cold beer or a vin chaud (hot wine) in hand, watching fellow skiers carve down. The bar offers the usual suspects – draft beers, wine by the glass, sodas, and some cocktails (an Aperol Spritz with that mountain view is something special). Thanks to the upgrade, music now plays softly over outdoor speakers, and occasionally they host a DJ or live music during peak holidays for a mini “summit après-ski.” The atmosphere is unbeatable: sun, snow, music, and a jovial international crowd celebrating the ski day. However, keep an eye on lift closing times – you don’t want to miss the last lift down or your last ski run because Plan Joran’s hospitality is so enjoyable!
Tips
Timing is everything – Plan Joran can get very busy between 12:30 and 13:30 when ski schools break for lunch. Try an early lunch at 11:45 or a late one at 14:00 to avoid the rush (plus, slopes are quieter then). If you’re in a group, consider splitting up to hit different stations then regroup to eat, to sample a bit of everything. Don’t forget to step out on the terrace even if you dine inside – on a clear day you can see from the Aiguille du Midi to the Mont Blanc massif while you eat. Restrooms are downstairs (keep your ski boots on, it’s okay!). Non-skiers can actually access Plan Joran via the gondola as pedestrians (buy a pedestrian lift ticket), so even foot hikers or photographers can come up for lunch – a great tip for mixed groups. For the eco-conscious, you’ll be pleased to know Plan Joran has improved waste management (separating recyclables, etc.) as part of modernization. Finally, note that in bad weather the indoor space fills up, but the new interior is larger than before to accommodate more people – still, early lunch is your friend on stormy days. All in all, Plan Joran’s transformation has made it a must-stop during a Grands Montets ski day – efficient, delicious, and scenic, it truly enhances the mountain experience.
Practical info
- Address: Plan Joran, Les Grands Montets, 74400 Argentière, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
- Phone: +33 4 50 54 05 77
- Website: https://maisondesdrus.com/plan-joran/
- Google Maps: Open map
FAQ
Where is Plan Joran?
Plan Joran is in Argentière. Address: Plan Joran, Les Grands Montets, 74400 Argentière, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. Use the Google Maps link in this guide for turn-by-turn directions.
Is Plan Joran good for après-ski?
Yes. Plan Joran is a popular après-ski option in Argentière. Expect a high-altitude terrace and warm indoor dining 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.
