Argentière
A traditional village located at the foot of the famous Grands Montets ski area
Argentière is a picturesque village within the Chamonix Valley and is just a short 10-minute car journey from Chamonix town. This charming village has been less affected by wealthy tourists and ex-patriots from various countries who have chosen to make their living in the mountains. It therefore retains a lot of authentic French charm and has a beautiful unspoilt high street with patisseries, boulangeries and wine bars.
Situated 8km further up the valley from Chamonix town and below the infamous Aiguille Verte and Drus, lies the picturesque village of Argentière.
While Chamonix itself has a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere, Argentière retains more of an Alpine village charm: the chalets and hotels here tend to be traditionally Savoyard in style and with more space and larger gardens than those in Chamonix town.
Who should stay in Argentière?
The main attraction of staying in Argentière is its proximity to the Grands Montets ski area which is home to some of the most exciting skiing in the world – both on and off piste.
Argentière may be a mountain lovers’ paradise with a laidback feel, but it still offers a good handful of shops, nice restaurants and après ski bars with live music.
Location | Distance from Chamonix (km) | Best for |
Vallorcine | 15 | Traditional alpine charm |
Le Tour | 11.5 | Proximity to Le Tour ski area |
Argentière | 9 | Proximity to Grands Montets ski area |
Le Lavancher | 6 | Seclusion |
Les Tines | 4.5 | Quiet hamlet vibe |
Les Praz/Les Bois | 2.5 to 3 | Proximity to Brevent-Flegère ski area |
Chamonix | 0 | Being in the heart of things |
Cham Sud | 0.75 | Central location |
Les Bossons | 3.5 | Easy access to Cham via cycle path |
Les Houches | 8.3 | Proximity to Les Houches ski area |
Servoz | 16 | Easy access to Evasion resorts |
Sights & Attractions in Argentiere
Sights in Argentiere
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
Dining in Argentiere
Argentière is full of lots of brightly coloured buildings which create a fun, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. There are plenty of great places to stay as well as delicious restaurants to dine in. As far as restaurants go, The Office, which is also a popular après-ski venue for Grand Montets skiers, does mouth-watering, great value pub food.
Restaurants in Argentiere
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Plan Joran Restaurant and Café
You will find a takeaway bar and a self-service restaurant in this magnificent wooden chalet at the bottom of the Tabé chairlift.
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La Table de Plan Joran Restaurant
Have a bite to eat in this lovely restaurant that can only be accessed on skis.
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Argentero Restaurant
Right on the edge of the Lognan piste in Grands Montets, this restaurant with it's a large sunny terrace and chic interior is the perfect spot for lunch or après drinks during a day on the mountain.
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La Cremerie du Glacier Restaurant
Open in summer and winter, this charming restaurant serves all the traditional Savoyard dishes including farçon, fondues, omelettes, gratins and croutes.
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Le Stone Bar and Restaurant
This restaurant serves salads, starters, pastas and pizzas, as well as steak and veal dishes.
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Le Grenier Restaurant
This little restaurant has established a great reputation for itself not only for the quality of the food but also the warmth of the hospitality.
Events in Argentiere
In August the Fête des Guides often starts off here which is a celebration of all the professional mountaineers and tour guides who work hard throughout the year to ensure visitors can enjoy the mountains in safety. The festival includes a number of exhibitions, concerts, lectures and a fireworks display.
Events in Chamonix
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UTMB®
The UTMB® is a trail running event full of superlatives! An essential event for trail-runners from all over the world. Each year, the elite of the trail-running world find themselves in Chamonix, France, alongside thousands of runners keen to participate in one of the event's races.
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French Evening Courses
Evening French lessons in Chamonix or Les Houches, ideal for locals wanting to build confidence in small groups.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Chamonix, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Trail des Aiguilles Rouges (TAR)
This fantastic trail running race in the Chamonix valley covers a distance of 54km (4,000m altitude gain) and offers runners some of the most iconic and fantastic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding valley.
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Halloween in Chamonix
There will be a number of parties and events happening this Halloween at some of the best venues in town and neighbouring villages.
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Farmer's market Les Houches
Come and discover the produce of this local farm in Les Houches.
Things to do in Argentiere
The village is the home of the famous Grands Montets ski area which is the largest of the pisted skiing areas in the valley. GM, as it is known locally, has a reputation for offering some of the most difficult pisted runs in Europe as well as some of the best off-piste. However, there is no need for beginners to be put off, there are still long wide runs for them to tackle. Wrap up warm and be prepared, it is particularly chilly in this ski area until well into March and April.
Things To Do in Argentiere
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Helicopter Flights
Take to the skies with Evolution 2. The most exciting and beautiful way to see the breathtaking views - you are guaranteed to leave with memories of a lifetime!
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
Nightlife in Argentiere
Argentière has its own small collection of bars, popular with locals, seasonaires and tourists alike. It's not as busy or bustling as Chamonix, but don't let that fool you into thinking you'll be having a quiet night as some of the bars get pretty rowdy for après-ski!
In summer it's a quieter affair with a more relaxed vibe. Lots of hikers and cyclists stop off here on their way back down to the centre of Chamonix.
Bars & Clubs in Argentiere
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Fubar
The wildest après-ski in town at the foot of the Grands Montets in Argentière village.
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The Office Bar
Anybody who is serious about their skiing (or après-skiing!) has partied in this bar after tackling the world famous Grands Montets.
Chalets in Argentiere
There are a good selection of luxury chalets in Argentière, and you have the added benefit of more space around you as opposed to the centre of Chamonix. Most of them offer flexible catering options, but it's best to enquire when you've chosen one that suits you.
Chalets in Argentiere
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Entre Nous Chalet, Chamonix - Les Glieres
Charming three bedroom chalet in an idyllic location
Price: €3,300
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Aïkoa Chalet
A luxury ecolodge mountain chalet situated in the sought-after Les Frasserands hamlet in the Chamonix Valley. With a focus on design, comfort and sustainability, this chalet is the perfect base for all your mountain adventures.
Price: €17,500
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Les Praz Chalet
This luxurious 280m² chalet, set on 1,740m² of land, is located in the sought-after village of Les Praz, just two kilometres from the centre of Chamonix. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, southern exposure, and stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Drus.
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Alta Chalet
Part of their Upper Class Collection, this chalet has everything you need for a truly indulgent holiday.
Price: €10,716
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Du Bois Chalet, Chamonix - Les Bois
Superb 4 bedroom chalet completely renovated and ideally located near Chamonix.
Price: €5,000
Holidays Rentals in Argentiere
A broad selection of apartments are available in Argentière, from luxurious buildings to more traditional Savoyard style accommodation. Available in the summer and winter months, you're bound to find one that suits your style and budget.
Holiday Rentals in Argentiere
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Blaitière Chalet
Collineige is thrilled to introduce Chalet Blaitiere to you. Built very recently it has everything that you would hope for in a new and contemporary chalet. Light and airy, it has an open plan twist on the traditional chalet style, with cutting edge decor and furnishings.
Price: €5,379
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Prestige Residence Isatis 2-bedroom 6 Person Apartment, Chamonix
Holiday rentals in Chamonix
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Aïkoa Chalet
A luxury ecolodge mountain chalet situated in the sought-after Les Frasserands hamlet in the Chamonix Valley. With a focus on design, comfort and sustainability, this chalet is the perfect base for all your mountain adventures.
Price: €17,500
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Flocons de Neige Chalet, Chamonix - Les Tines
A lovely brand new three bedroom chalet tucked away in a quiet area of the valley.
Price: €2,900
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Grands Montets Apartment
For keen winter skiers and summer hikers, this is an incredible location, only five minutes stroll from the famous Argentiere Lognan-Les Grands Montets lift station.
Price: €1,700
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Prestige Residence Isatis 2 Room 4/5 Pers. Apartment, Chamonix
Holiday rentals in Chamonix
Hotels in Argentiere
Hotels in Argentiere
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La Couronne Hotel
This is one of the oldest hotels in the valley dating back to around 1865 when the pioneers of mountaineering took their first steps in the valley. Whist fully renovated and modernised, it still exudes the charm of those days gone by.
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Eden Hotel
A delightful hotel offering private rooms, suites and deluxe apartments situated in the picturesque village of Le Praz, just five minutes drive or 25 minutes walk from the centre of Chamonix.
Price: €3,358
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Les Grands Montets Hotel
This warm and welcoming chalet-style hotel exudes homeliness as soon as you pass through the front door. Authentic wooden beams and warm colours combined with a range of modern amenities, help to ensure your stay in this 'hotel de charme' is a memorable one.
Price: €2,433
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Arveyron Hotel
Arveyron Hotel offers a warm, authentic stay in a historic setting. With 32 comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly facilities, it’s perfect for adventurers and families alike.
Price: €1,282
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Les Lanchers Hotel
Make yourself at home in the relaxing, informal surroundings of this hotel. It is small and full of charm, built in typical Savoyard style and has been welcoming visitors, year round, for many years.
Price: €1,746
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Le Jeu de Paume Hotel
Tucked away in the tranquil village of Le Lavancher, Le Jeu de Paume offers four-star comfort, authentic chalet charm and breathtaking views of the Chamonix peaks.
How to get to Argentiere
Argentière is well connected to all the other villages in the valley as well as the other ski areas in and around Chamonix. There are local bus and train services from both the main street and Grands Montets to St Gervais at one end of the valley and Vallorcine at the other. Argentière is also linked by road to Switzerland via the pass over the Col des Montets as well as by rail. There is access from the local train station all the way through to Martigny where you can catch lifts up to the Verbier Ski station which is perfect if you have a Mont Blanc unlimited pass!
Transfers for Chamonix
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Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers two great value shuttle services as well as a private service from Geneva and Lyon Airports to the Chamonix Valley. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
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Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers shared and private transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, the surrounding area and other resorts across the Alps. With unbeatable prices for both shared and private journeys, everyone can save money!
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
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Mont Blanc Transfers
Mont Blanc Transfers offer private transfers with fully electric vehicles in and around the Chamonix valley. They operate from airports and train stations towards the ski resorts.
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Private airport transfers
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
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Private airport transfers
Running for nearly 30 years, this company provides airport transfers from Geneva Airport to all major ski resorts in France, as well as Verbier.
Property For Sale in Argentiere
Property for Sale in Argentiere
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Apartment for Sale, Argentiere
Located in an old hotel that's being renovated, this beautiful apartment of 163m2 is located on the ground floor in sub-plex.
Price: €1,990,000
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Chalet for Sale, Argentière
The Globe is an exclusive newly built development of six properties right in the heart of Argentière, with fantastic views and walking distance from the village center, public transport and the infamous Grands Montets ski lifts.
Price: €1,450,000
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Chalet for Sale, Argentière
Maison Herzog is a striking townhouse over 3 floors, combining Alpine charm with modern luxury, within walking distance of the infamous Grands Montets ski lifts and offering excellent rental return.
Price: €1,350,000
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Chalet for Sale, Argentiere
A rare opportunity to purchase a fully renovated traditional 'Maison de Pays'. The house is laid out over four floors, linked by a lift and accessed via a large terrace.
Price: €2,950,000
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Chalet for Sale
Chalet located in a quiet and pleasant residential area in Argentiere.
Price: €1,149,000
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Apartment for Sale, Argentiere
The Globe is a newly-built residence of 6 apartments in the centre of Argentière, easily walkable to all amenities, bus/train and the Grands Montets ski area.
Price: €1,750,000