Megève Map

Description: This map shows streets, roads, trails, monuments, parking lots, churches, points of interest, parks, tourist offices, playgrounds, public toilets, and lifts in Megève.

Megève is a commune located in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Situated in the French Alps at an elevation of approximately 3,609 feet (1,100 meters), the town lies roughly 43 miles (70 kilometers) east of Geneva, Switzerland. The municipality covers an area of approximately 17 square miles and had a population of around 3,200 permanent residents as of recent census data.

The town's development as a premier ski resort began in the 1920s when the Rothschild family sought to create a French alternative to St. Moritz. Baroness Noémie de Rothschild commissioned the construction of the first luxury hotel, the Palace des Neiges, which opened in 1921. This marked the transformation of Megève from a traditional farming village into an upscale winter sports destination.

Megève hosted the World Alpine Skiing Championships in 1937 and was considered as a potential venue for the 1968 Winter Olympics, though Grenoble was ultimately selected. The resort features over 250 miles of ski slopes connected to the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, which links Megève with neighboring resorts. The town maintains its reputation as one of France's most exclusive ski destinations, attracting international visitors throughout the winter season. Summer tourism has also grown significantly, with activities including hiking, mountain biking, and golf.

The historic village center preserves its medieval character with cobblestone streets and traditional Savoyard architecture. Notable landmarks include the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which dates back to the 13th century and features a distinctive bell tower. The Calvary Cross of Megève, erected in 1840 and restored in 1988, stands as another prominent religious monument. The town square hosts a weekly market and maintains several fountains and traditional chalets that reflect the region's architectural heritage.