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Argentière

A traditional village located at the foot of the famous Grands Montets ski area

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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.

LocationDistance from Chamonix (km)Best for
Vallorcine15Traditional alpine charm
Le Tour11.5Proximity to Le Tour ski area
Argentière9Proximity to Grands Montets ski area
Le Lavancher6Seclusion
Les Tines4.5Quiet hamlet vibe
Les Praz/Les Bois2.5 to 3Proximity to Brevent-Flegère ski area
Chamonix0Being in the heart of things
Cham Sud0.75Central location
Les Bossons3.5Easy access to Cham via cycle path
Les Houches8.3Proximity to Les Houches ski area
Servoz16Easy access to Evasion resorts
Towns and villages in Chamonix

Sights & Attractions in Argentiere

Sights in Argentiere

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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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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.

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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.

During the summer months, the village is popular with climbers, cyclists and hikers. There are trails for hikers up to the Lac Blanc, climbers head for the Aiguille d’Argentiere whilst road bikers take the route to the Emosson dam. Grands Montets is also open in the summer for mountain bikers as well as walkers.

Things To Do in Argentiere

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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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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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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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Hotels in Argentiere

Hotels in Argentiere

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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!

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Property For Sale in Argentiere

Property for Sale in Argentiere

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Location

Map of the surrounding area

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