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Vintage archive photo of two children sitting in the grass in front of the historic building of Le Montagnard restaurant in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Le Montagnard: A family story in the heart of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

In the heart of the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Le Montagnard is much more than just a restaurant. Housed in a former family stable, it carries a history shaped by several generations, a deep attachment to the mountains, and a desire to keep a family heritage alive.

Through a few old photographs, we invite you to step back in time and discover the roots of our establishment.

A former stable, witness to our family history

Before welcoming guests around a table, this place had a completely different purpose. The former stable belonged to our family and was part of mountain life in days gone by.

It is notably linked to Pépé Nicolas, our great-grandfather, whose memory remains associated with this family history.

These walls have stood through the years and the changes within the village. They bear witness to an era when mountain life was closely tied to farming, the seasons, and local traditions.

Today, old photographs allow us to find traces of this past and better appreciate how far we have come.

Evolving a place without forgetting its roots

Over twenty years ago, the family’s descendants transformed this former stable to give it a new vocation: that of a restaurant.

The venue has changed, but its history remains present. This transformation allowed a family building to be preserved while offering it a new life, focused on hospitality, cooking, and sharing.

This is how the Le Montagnard we know today was born: a house where the village’s heritage meets the art of hosting.

A story that continues to be written

Over the years, Le Montagnard has evolved while maintaining a strong bond with its local area. Our reimagined French and Savoyard cuisine is inspired by the seasons, local producers, and the riches of the Belleville Valley.

This commitment to promoting our environment also extends through our link with Chez Pépé Nicolas, our alpine farm located at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, between Les Menuires and Val Thorens.

The cheeses made at the farm from our herd’s milk notably grace the tables of Le Montagnard during the winter. A tangible way to bring to life the connection between agriculture, terroir, and dining.

Behind these activities, we find the same determination: to preserve expertise, value our mountain resources, and evolve our establishments without losing what makes their identity.

Passing it on, while looking to the future

Running a family business means receiving a legacy, but also giving it a future.

Old photos remind us of the journey taken and the generations who contributed to this story. They also invite us to look at the present differently: each season, each service, and each encounter contributes in turn to the memory of the place.

In Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Le Montagnard thus continues to write its story, between Alpine authenticity, seasonal cuisine, and an attachment to its roots.

We are delighted to bring this place to life and to share a part of its history with you.

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