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Les Houches

A large town at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley about 6km from Chamonix

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Les Houches
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Les Houches is one of the largest towns in the Chamonix Valley, spreading over 8km from Vaudagne and the Col de Voza at one end, towards the bottom of the Taconnaz glacier and the Merlet Animal park at the other.

Les Houches is one of the largest towns in the Chamonix Valley and just 6km from the centre of Chamonix. Sitting at 1,000 metres, it offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Dome de Gouter from the top of its ski lifts. The town is popular with families and those looking for a more relaxed Chamonix holiday, with good amenities, restaurants and bars, as well as some of the valleyโ€™s few ski in/ski out chalets and eco-friendly accommodation.

The skiing here is perfect for all abilities, with gentle slopes for beginners as well as challenging runs like the Kandahar, used in international competitions. Les Houches also marks the start or end of the Tour du Mont Blanc for many walkers. The town is made up of charming hamlets: Chef Lieu is the centre with the tourist office, ice rink and mountain museum, Vaudagne is a favourite with cyclists and home to a husky dog centre, and Coupeau sits across the valley with the Merlet Animal Park, adventure park and the statue of Christ Roi.

Servoz

Further down the valley is the small village of Servoz - the gateway into the Chamonix Valley. This traditional Alpine village, formerly a farmer settlement, has a scattered collection of accommodation options.

With fantastic views back up the valley towards Mont Blanc, Servoz is a pretty and quiet village offering potentially cheaper accommodation options. Just be aware that if you've come specifically to ski in Chamonix, it's a 15-minute drive or you'll need to take the bus or train from Servoz to reach the main slopes of Les Houches or Chamonix.

LocationDistance from Chamonix (km)Best for
Vallorcine15Traditional alpine charm
Le Tour11.5Proximity to Le Tour ski area
Argentiรจre9Proximity to Grands Montets ski area
Le Lavancher6Seclusion
Les Tines4.5Quiet hamlet vibe
Les Praz/Les Bois2.5 to 3Proximity to Brevent-Flegรจre 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

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  1. Sights & Attractions in Les Houches
  2. Dining in Les Houches
  3. Events in Les Houches
  4. Things to do in Les Houches
  5. Nightlife in Les Houches
  6. Chalets in Les Houches
  7. Holidays Rentals in Les Houches
  8. Hotels in Les Houches
  9. How to get to Les Houches
  10. Property For Sale in Les Houches

Sights & Attractions in Les Houches

Sights in Les Houches

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Dining in Les Houches

Restaurants in Les Houches

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Events in Les Houches

Events in Les Houches

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Things to do in Les Houches

Les Houches is a popular place to ski for families thanks to its sunny, lower altitude slopes that have a base of pastures instead of rocky outcrops like some of the other ski areas in the valley. Take a look at our Les Houches Ski Area Guide for more information. It's a good place for beginner skiers too, as the slopes tend to be a little wider and less steep. It also draws people to the tree runs on bad weather ski days.

In summer there are lots of hiking and mountain bike trails that criss-cross the area. You can drop over the top of the Col de Vosa into St Gervais and take the Tramway du Mont Blanc or the regular train back.

Things To Do in Les Houches

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Nightlife in Les Houches

There are a small number of bars and bars within hotels in Les Houches. Since it's quite a spread out village, they are a little thin on the ground. Try the Délice, the Kitsch Inn or Le Solerey.

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Chalets in Les Houches

Whether you're looking for self-catered or catered chalets, Les Houches has got a broad selection available, some tucked away in far-flung corners for ultimate peace and tranquility, with others nearer the centre of this large village.

Chalets in Les Houches

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Holidays Rentals in Les Houches

Les Houches offers a range of apartments for summer and winter, from 4-star to more basic accommodation. Take a look at our selection by clicking the link below.

Holiday Rentals in Les Houches

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Hotels in Les Houches

Choose from boutique-style chalet hotels, contemporary style interiors, or the more traditional Savoyard style.

Hotels in Les Houches

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How to get to Les Houches

Transfers for Chamonix

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Property For Sale in Les Houches

Property for Sale in Les Houches

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Location

Map of the surrounding area

Latest News & Reviews

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.

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Upcoming Events

Chamonix 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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