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.
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Mummery is located in the Mummery building, between the Folie Douce Hotel and the Alpina Hotel. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town that has been newly renovated for the 2015/2016 winter season. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Centre is located at Avenue Michel Croz, just opposite the Hotel Pointe Isabelle and down from the train station, not far from McDonald's and central Chamonix. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Chamonix Sport Aventure is one of Chamonix's leading ski and snowboard schools offering a personalised service to maximise progress and fun in the mountains.
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
No trip to Chamonix should be complete without a visit to the legendary Mer de Glace, the longest and arguably the most impressive glacier in the Chamonix valley. It is also the largest glacier in France.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Chamonix-based photographer Teresa Kaufman proposes naturally-lit photoshoots to capture and illustrate quality memories in outstanding surroundings.
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.
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.
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
Depending how keen you are there are many classic cols within a few hour’s drive. At the other side of Megeve, Flumet is a good start point for the Col de Aravis or the Col des Saises. Further on is Beaufort for Cormet de Roseland (but this would make for a long day).
This short but challenging ride can be done in half a day, including getting from Chamonix to the start point and back. It is a 15km climb with 855m of ascent that passes by farmhouses and old chalets, through a couple of quiet little villages and amongst dense pine forest to emerge on a sunny plateau with stunning views of the valley below.
This ride is 62km there and back with a demanding climb from Finhaut up to the top of the Emosson dam (averaging 8.5% with a couple of sections over 10%).
This ride is about 60km there and back with a less demanding climb than Emosson from Le Chatelard up to Col de Forclaz (average gradient 5.8% and never steeper than 8%).
If you have a big supermarket shop to do in Sallanches then this is a good way to slip in a nice training ride but it does need a co-operative partner to drive the car back... unless you cycle down there to start with!
Chamonix is unique with some of its trails, in particular the 'Balcon' walks; two 'petit' and two 'grand'. They are all beautiful panoramic promenades with an almost constant level of altitude and can be done partially or in their entirety. The 'Petit Balcons' run around the lower valley floor (approx altitude 1,200m) and are named "Nord" (north) and "Sud" (south) after their directional compass bearing.
Getting around the Chamonix Valley and up into its high mountain terrain is made easy thanks to the extensive transportation network available. The local buses that take you to all the main gondola and cable car stations are free with a carte d’hôte (guest card). You can get your card on arrival at your accommodation.
This beautiful walk takes you up to the Mer de Glace and the Montenvers station. For those that prefer downhill walks you can take the train up and trek back down, or you can do a complete loop lasting approximately five hours.
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Chalet Black Squirrel is a luxury retreat blending contemporary elegance with the cosy charm of an exclusive alpine escape. Nestled in the tranquil Les Bois area, it’s thoughtfully designed to provide everything you need for an unforgettable getaway.
Tucked away in a quiet part of the Chamonix Valley, this peaceful chalet is surrounded by open space, offering a real sense of tranquillity and connection to nature. There's plenty of room to relax outdoors, along with ample free parking and a covered garage for added convenience.
Valhalla is a fabulous luxury chalet in a central location, featuring a hot tub and sauna in the garden. Open and light, it boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. All six bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, accommodating up to twelve guests. For a supplement, the chalet can offer eight bedrooms, sleeping up to fifteen guests. In winter, continental breakfast and daily housekeeping are included.
You will feel like you’re holidaying in your second home when you book this chalet located right next door to the hotel.
La Chaumière Chalet
11 Oct 2025, 7 Nights, 1-11 people, Self-catered
From €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.
A huge sunny penthouse apartment with roof terrace looking up on the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc makes this ski apartment one of the most incredible places you can rent in Chamonix.
Chez Florence is ideally located to enjoy all that Chamonix has to offer, tucked away on a peaceful road yet just a short stroll from the centre. Refurbished in 2019, this comfortable apartment features warm timber furnishings and a classic Alpine feel, with stunning views of Mont Blanc. It’s the perfect accommodation for a family or a group of friends.
Welcome to Chalet Tannuaz, a renovated family chalet in Les Houches, offering exceptional views of the surrounding nature. Perfect for a mountain getaway, it enjoys a quiet and privileged location close to hiking trails.
Smart, modern apartment situated in a historic 1903 building which has been lovingly converted in the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
A fantastic four-bedroom modern ski chalet sleeping 10 people next to La Flegère ski lift. Maison des Praz is a great place to explore Chamonix valley in summer or winter.
The Residence La Riviere with its wooden facades is located in the district of Chamonix Sud, 300 m from the Aiguille du Midi cable car and 5 minutes from the resort centre.
La Riviere Residence - Studio Apartment
13 Dec 2025, 7 Nights, 1-4 people, Self-catered
From €490
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
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.
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.
Available to move into from June 2025. This lovely chalet is a perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience, recently renovated and in impeccable condition.
Turnkey three bedroom apartment with C energy rating in small residence of only 3 lots - perfect as a main home or rental investment with strong returns.
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.
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.