Huge Project By La Folie Douce Opens On November 29 In Val D'Isère

Reviving an disused ski lift station at 2,400m altitude and turning it into a vibrant temple of taste and conviviality? A place that is both a tribute to the very essence of La Petite Cuisine and a laboratory of immersive experiences where you come not only to feast… but to be amazed! With the largest kitchen piano in France, live cooking performances, a pastry bar where treats are crafted before your eyes, children’s workshops, and of course La Folie Douce’s iconic signa- ture shows, La Petite Cuisine – Gare Centrale opens a whole new chapter in the art of gastronomy-as-spectacle.

Since 1969, the Reversade family has been bringing the mountains to life like no one else with La Folie Douce! Perched at 2,400 metres in Val d’Isère, it has created a unique concept where creative gastronomy, explosive shows, and boundless conviviality meet in a breathtaking setting.

Here, the dusty image of the traditional self-service restaurant is left far behind. Instead, discover a bold, mouthwatering, and utterly irresistible reinvention. Ready to clip on your skis—or your après-skis?

Petite Cuisine – Gare Centrale was born from La Folie Douce’s ambition to breathe new life into the first industrial wasteland in the high mountains—while redefining the very idea of self-service dining. The result: a place where people come as much to eat as to be surprised.

That meant thinking big. Demolishing and rebuilding an entire disused ski lift station, designing every detail as if it were stage scenery, and imagining the space as a grand theatre with a 30-metre-long piano as the star of the show. Here, chefs are the musicians, recipes are the scores, and guests become both audience and choir.

This is immersive dining, far from the tired clichés of cafeteria fare. Yes, you serve yourself—but interaction with chefs and their teams is at the heart of everything. Nobody is left behind—quite the opposite! Guests watch in awe (and with rumbling stomachs) as dishes are flambéed, carved, and plated right before their eyes. Onion soup is gratinated live, feuilleté savoyard is sliced with the precision of haute pâtisserie, and whole chickens slowly roast on an XXL spit.

Every dish is homemade under the watchful eye of Chef Christophe Lancelot, in the establishment’s vast kitchens, using ingredients worthy of fine dining. Adding to the magic, a pastry bar in the rotunda offers minute-made delights: fresh choux, éclairs, and other wonders assembled on the spot. Everything is designed to surprise, entertain, and delight—within a modern yet warm setting where good taste truly comes to life.

“Here, we didn’t just restore a disused ski lift station—we restored the joy of eating together! La Petite Cuisine – Gare Centrale may be self-service, but it’s unlike any self-service you’ve ever seen. It’s a culinary theatre, an open stage, where everything unfolds before the guests’ eyes.”  says Luc Reversade

At La Folie Douce, the party is for everyone! That’s why La Petite Cuisine – Gare Centrale has been designed with two perspectives in mind: one for grown-ups, and one for the little ones. Children aged 6 to 14 can dive into three carefully crafted workshops—both playful and skill-building—where fun meets creativity.

• Chocolate Workshop - Here, kids explore the sweetest of guilty pleasures: chocolate. Using a custom-made La Folie Douce chocolate fountain, young chocolatiers craft their own lollipops or bars, choosing from a variety of delicious toppings. Once their creation is complete, they also enjoy a hot chocolate they’ve prepared during the workshop. A dream come true for little gourmands!
• Music Workshop - This workshop immerses kids in the world of composi- tion, mixing, and scratching. For one hour, they learn the basics of DJing using professional equipment, in a space designed like a real recording studio. At the end of the session, each child leaves with their very own track—ready to get the whole family dancing!
• Fashion Workshop - Future stars of the fashion world may well be discove- red here! Through designing and customizing clothes and accessories, budding artists get to unleash their creativity. They explore trends, colors, and textures to create their very own design—proudly showcased in a final runway show worthy of the most famous catwalks—before taking their masterpiece home. Each session is led by a professional who shares expert tips and guidance.

With this new space, La Folie Douce Val d’Isère now spans over 5,500 m² of pure shared enjoyment! La Petite Cuisine – Gare Centrale adds to an already rich offering. From La Fruitière, La Cucùcina, The Butcher, La Cave à Vins, La Cave à Cigares, La Cave à Fromages, La Véranda VIP space, and the central bar, La Petite Cuisine – Gare Centrale embodies the very essence of the Folie Douce spirit.

Here, guests wander through a spectacular setting where panoramic windows celebrate the mountains, offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc without altering the natural beauty, all in search of unforgettable memories. Both young and old are delighted by the sights and flavors in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that is the hallmark of La Folie Douce. Everything here is designed with the guests in mind—and it shows!

Of course, the festive spirit of the venue remains at its peak, with an artistic program that keeps raising the bar. From choreographed shows and cabaret-style performances to DJ sets, La Folie Douce Val d’Isère continues to hold its position as one of the must-visit destinations atop the mountains!

“Our ambition has always been to create a place where everyone feels at home. La Folie Douce is not just about partying—it’s about providing a space where families and friends gather, where generations meet, and where the joy of sharing is at the heart of everything. With La Petite Cuisine – Gare Centrale, we are expanding La Folie Douce’s family dimension, creating even more conviviality!”  adds Artur Reversade

A true reference in alpine lifestyle, La Folie Douce offers a culinary experience ranging from street food to gourmet dining, all crafted with mastery by the House’s chefs, who pay meticulous attention to the quality of their ingredients. Added to this, from midday onward, permanent performances transform the terraces into open-air stages, with singers, dancers, DJs, and performers bringing the mountains to life.

Open to everyone—families, friends, skiers, or simply the curious—La Folie Douce is much more than a place: it’s an experience. A unique alchemy of gastronomy, art, celebration, and sharing that draws visitors from around the world every winter.