Les Praz
A beautiful village with access to the ski lifts and a challenging golf course
Les Praz is a small picturesque village on the outskirts of Chamonix. The village is surrounded by forests and streams making it an idyllic mountain hideaway and a popular place to live. You will find many chalet-style properties in this area. It is also home to a number of good bars and restaurants.
Les Praz and Les Bois are just outside of Chamonix Town, en route to Argentière. They're two tranquil spots dotted with gorgeous chalets.
Who should stay in Les Praz and Les Bois?
If you're looking for high-end, large chalets and luxury accommodation with hot tubs, home cinemas and enough space to build an army of snowmen in the garden, this is the area of the valley for you.
Most of the hotels, apartments and chalets here have exceptional panoramic views of the whole Chamonix Valley from Le Tour across to Les Drus, the Aiguilles, Mont Blanc and down to Les Houches.
Les Praz is a quiet village located close to the Flégère ski lift and ski area, with an 18-hole golf course and a couple of small shops, bars and restaurants. In winter, this area receives the most sun in the valley.
Beyond Les Praz is the beautiful area of Les Bois, boasting numerous extravagant holiday accommodation options in peaceful settings.
Perched a couple of hundred metres up the south side of the valley, above Les Bois, is the hamlet of Le Lavancher where you will find some more luxury accommodation possibilities in a beautifully serene spot.
The church is the hallmark of Les Praz. It is an incredibly popular place for couples from all over the world to have their wedding photos taken outside, although you can sadly no longer get married here. With its classic interior, including stained glass windows and glorious mountain setting, it is hard not to appreciate it.
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 Chamonix
Sights in Chamonix
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Parc de Merlet
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
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Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Le Brévent, Chamonix - Town
Brévent is the closest summer lift to the centre of Chamonix and its impressive rocky summit rises to 2,525m above sea level.
Dining in Chamonix
Try the restaurant at Les Lanchers hotel for some of the best food in the village.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
A lovely restaurant located in the Chamonix valley, the Refuge de la Flégère is a true haven for culinary delights in the heart of the mountains.
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Le Mayen Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors.
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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
Events in Chamonix
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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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.
Things to do in Chamonix
There is plenty on offer both in the winter and summer months. During the winter the Flégère cable care gives skiers and boarders access to the ski area which has a good selection of moderate to difficult pistes. It is also linked to the Brévent ski domaine which has plenty of off-piste to keep more advanced skiers entertained. Les Praz also offers a great 6km circuit cross-country ski area.
Once summer arrives there are several walking and mountain biking trails that start in Les Praz. Visitors enjoy taking the path up from the valley floor to view the stunning surrounding scenery from the La Floria café, where they can also enjoy a delicious lunch before carrying on to the refuge at Lac Blanc.
Les Praz also has its very own renowned 18-hole golf course which includes a clubhouse, driving range and pro shop on site.
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
This two to three training course is followed by a three-day ascent and is for people with a high level of fitness. An unforgettable experience, to reach the summit will test the skills you have learnt along the way.
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Teresa Kaufman Outdoor Photography Classes
'The best photo class you will ever take', is Teresa's bold strapline for her unique photo walk classes, which take place in the incredible outdoors of the Chamonix Valley and offer an opportunity to photograph the major mountains and viewpoints.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Cinema VOX
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Tandem Paragliding
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
Nightlife in Chamonix
You'll find Le Petit Social on the main road through the village is open all day and into the evening, very popular with locals and tourists alike for après-ski drinks that somehow end up lasting all night. They often have DJs playing and sometimes local eateries provide a pop-up tasting menu.
Bars & Clubs in Chamonix
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Brev'bar, Chamonix - Le Brevent
What could be better than relaxing in the sun on a south-facing terrace facing Mont Blanc?
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Le Janssen Cocktail Club
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, The Janssen is the ideal place to marvel at the ever-changing light that dresses Mont Blanc.
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L'Amnesia Nightclub
L'Amnesia (formally Le Garage) is ideally located near to the Aiguille du midi cable car in Cham'Sud and is a legendary Chamonix nightclub and melting pot for all the late night (and sometimes all-night) party-goers!
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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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Bighorn Bistro Bar
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors.
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La Folie Douce Bar
La Folie Douce Hotels first opened in 1981 and quickly became THE place to be for après-ski on the slopes, thanks to their unique combination of live music, DJs, dancers and performers.
Chalets in Chamonix
The choice of chalets in Les Praz range from small and cosy to large and luxurious. One thing you can be sure of is the great mountain views all around them!
Chalets in Chamonix
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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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Le Folaton Chalet
Ninety-square-metre vacation home ideally located at the foot of the Les Houches ski area, with transport links, a bakery, tennis court and rental shops all within walking distance.
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Bellevue Chalet, Chamonix - Les Moussoux
Lovely brand new 5 bedroom chalet in Les Moussoux
Price: €3,900
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Norel Chalet
Ski-in/ski-out location directly on the famous Kandahar World Cup slope La Verte.
Price: €9,452
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Chez Florence Chalet
Chez Florence is brilliantly located to enjoy all that Chamonix has to offer, in a peaceful road, yet only a short stroll from the centre. Beautifully furnished with warm timbers and an alpine feel, this comfortable apartment has wonderful views of Mont Blanc. It was refurbished during 2019 and is the perfect accommodation for a family or a group of friends.
Price: €3,540
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La Chaumière Chalet
You will feel like you’re holidaying in your second home when you book this chalet located right next door to the hotel.
Price: €2,450
Holidays Rentals in Chamonix
There is a small selection of apartments available in the village, most within easy reach of the lift at Flégère and the variety of hiking and cycling trails around the area.
Holiday Rentals in Chamonix
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Chamois Blanc Residence - 1 Bedroom Apartment
500m from the resort centre, Residence Le Chamois Blanc is located in the Chamonix-Sud quarter, close to a large number of shops under arcades, and the pedestrian walkway.
Price: €479
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Castor Chalet, Les Houches - Maison Neuve
Gorgeous ski-in/ski-out 4 bedroom chalet on the slopes in Les Houches
Price: €5,537
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Les Granges Chalet
This modern chalet is designed to make you feel at home while letting you enjoy the natural surroundings.
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Minouche Chamonix Chalet
A perfect Chamonix chalet for up to six people with two bedrooms and a sofa bed just a short walk to Chamonix centre. Chalet Minouche has a huge covered wooden terrace with views onto the mountains and a six-man jacuzzi in the garden.
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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
Hotels in Chamonix
There is a small selection of hotels to choose from in Les Praz, all within a short walk to the mountain lift at Flegere.
Hotels in Chamonix
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La Folie Douce Hotel
This hotel offers stunning alpine views, a vibrant atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities for families. Enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor heated pool, yoga, spa treatments, and activities for all ages right at the foot of the ski slopes.
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Faucigny Hotel
Completely renovated in Scandinavian style, Le Faucigny is a charming small hotel in the town centre. Whether you're with family or friends or enjoying a romantic getaway, the hotel provides the ideal setting for a pleasant stay in the legendary Mont-Blanc valley.
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Pointe Isabelle Hotel
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
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La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
Price: €1,809
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Le Genepy Aparthotel
In the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
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La Ginabelle Premium Residence
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
Price: €915
How to get to Chamonix
It is just a 20-minute walk from the main town or alternatively you can take a 10-minute bus or train ride. Bus and train services run regularly from Les Praz along the entire valley making Les Praz easily accessible to all.
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 Chamonix
Property for Sale in Chamonix
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Chalet for Sale
Four bedroom chalet in les Bossons a quiet and residential area, 5 minutes by car from Chamonix or 15 minutes by bike via the new cycle path. Also 5 minutes by car to Les Houches.
Price: €880,000
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Chalet for Sale, Chamonix
Spacious family chalet with large garden and breathtaking views, and option to divide into two properties
Price: €1,300,000
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Apartment for Sale, Chamonix
A quality renovation of an 18th Century farmhouse in the heart of the hamlet of Les Moussoux into 3 large apartments. In a dominant position on the sunny slopes, each apartment has exceptional views across the Valley to Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
Price: €1,919,520
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Chalet for Sale
Four bedroom chalet in the immediate vicinity of the centre, easy to access, less than 5 minutes from public transport.
Price: €1,980,000
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Chalet for Sale
An exceptional chalet of over 300 m², nestling in the heart of the Bossons district of Chamonix. Completely redesigned using the finest materials, this former ironworks offers a unique living environment combining charm, elegance and absolute comfort.
Price: €3,990,000