Argentrail, Chamonix - Argentière
The Argentrail 'Trail of Grands Montets' race sees individual or teams of runners tackling a 24km mountain trail route offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Drus.
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.
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 |
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.
The Argentrail 'Trail of Grands Montets' race sees individual or teams of runners tackling a 24km mountain trail route offering breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Drus.
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
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.
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.
You will find a takeaway bar and a self-service restaurant in this magnificent wooden chalet at the bottom of the Tabé chairlift. Find “Maison des Drus” products and takeaway pizzas in the snack bar, to be enjoyed on the terrace facing the ski slopes. At the self-service restaurant, enjoy a hot and filling meal without wasting your skiing time. The large room with exposed timbers offers a space to warm up and the terrace offers a place to relax.
Have a bite to eat in this lovely restaurant that can only be accessed on skis.
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.
Situated on the main road, here you'll be delighted to find great quality home-cooked food.
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.
Open in summer and winter, this charming restaurant serves all the traditional Savoyard dishes including farçon, fondues, omelettes, gratins and croutes.
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.
Situated in the heart of Argentière village, The Office is a vibrant restaurant and bar that brings the flavours of Mexico and South America to the French Alps. With a focus on fresh ingredients and bold tastes, the menu offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a favourite for diners with diverse palates. From tacos and burritos to hearty plant-based dishes, there’s something to satisfy everyone after a day on the slopes.
The wildest après-ski in town at the foot of the Grands Montets in Argentière village.
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.
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!
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.
Experience the perfect way to see areas of the valley that are otherwise inaccessible with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
Enjoy an exciting introduction to white water sports this summer with Mickaël and the passionate team. Whether you are looking for adrenaline or a fun outdoor experience with friends or family, several activities are available on some of the most beautiful rivers in the region.
Experience the most aquatic all out activities with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
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.
This spacious 4 bedroom chalet with sauna and jacuzzi is situated in a quiet and privileged area and offers a unique view of Les Drus and Mont Blanc. The large and comfortable living room with fireplace is south facing and opens onto a spacious terrace with views of Mont Blanc.
Chalet Blaitière is a chalet with everything you could hope for in a modern alpine retreat. Light and airy, it blends an open-plan layout with a contemporary twist on traditional chalet style, featuring cutting-edge décor and furnishings.
Just over an hour from Geneva airport, Chalet Falcon is an authentic Savoyard ski chalet full of character and charm. Built in 1947, it was originally a traditional mountain home before undergoing a full refurbishment in 2012, with further updates through to 2014. Today, it combines modern comfort with the warmth and atmosphere of a bygone era.
A lovely brand new four bedroom chalet tucked away in a quiet area of the valley
Cosy, newly renovated two bedroom chalet close to Grands Montets
Chalet Coralie is a lovely six person demi-chalet based on the outskirt of Argentière, about a ten minute walk from the Grand Montets lift and the main village itself.
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 Chamonix
Just over an hour from Geneva airport, Chalet Falcon is an authentic Savoyard ski chalet full of character and charm. Built in 1947, it was originally a traditional mountain home before undergoing a full refurbishment in 2012, with further updates through to 2014. Today, it combines modern comfort with the warmth and atmosphere of a bygone era.
Holiday rentals in Chamonix
Holiday rentals in Chamonix
Holiday rentals in Chamonix
A lovely 3 bedroom apartment in a super location for both Summer and Winter stays.
Nestled between nature and peaks, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range.
Chalet Hôtel Le Castel offers a magical stay just steps from the Brévent-Flégère ski lifts. Enjoy cosy, air-conditioned rooms, panoramic mountain views, and a delicious Continental buffet breakfast served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
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.
Located in an old hotel that's being renovated, this beautiful apartment of 163m2 is located on the ground floor in sub-plex.
Spacious modern four-room apartment with three bedrooms, mountain views, and high-end amenities.
Haute Aiguilles is a studio apartment just to the south-west of the village of Argentière. On the 1st floor of a building with large, communal gardens and an outdoor pool, the apartment has main living area with adjacent kitchen area and shower room/WC.
2-bedroom apartment - renovated - 74m2 - located in Argentière in the Grassonnets area.
Delightful sunny apartment in a picturesque Alpine surrounding right close to the ski lift
Beautiful apartment located on the second floor of an old hotel, near the Lognan ski lift.
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
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