© Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
© Cyril Ggn
© Laure Maugeais
© Hotel Les Lanchers
© Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
© Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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.
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 |
The best electronic music acts on breathtaking mountain stages all over the Mont Blanc range. More than just a long weekend, the Unlimited Festival is six days full of DJs, parties and events both on the mountain and in town.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
If you’re a fan of trail running then the Marathon du Mont Blanc is the ultimate challenge. The main event covers 42km and climbs over 2,000 metres, this high-altitude race is for the super-fit.
Every year Chamonix hosts the IFSC Climbing World Cup, and some of the best climbers in the world descend on the resort for three days of fantastic climbing action.
The Cosmo Jazz Festival is an imaginitive mix of live music and different mountain locations. This entirely free festival is the fruit of the imagination of André Manoukian.
Established in 1821, the Chamonix Guides Company is made up of over 150 certified mountain guides and leaders.
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
The museum is currently closed for renovations
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
Try the restaurant at Les Lanchers hotel for some of the best food in the village.
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
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.
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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.
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!
Step into Le Janssen Cocktail Bar, where the glamour of the Roaring Twenties meets the charm of the Alps. With its Gatsby the Magnificent ambience, this elegant bar is the perfect spot to start a winter evening in style. Plush interiors, soft lighting, and tasteful décor create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax, sip, and savour the moment.
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Bighorn Bistro offers a warm, family-run retreat where the flavours of the American West meet the charm of the Alps.
When altitude meets relaxation, Brev’Bar is the perfect place to pause, unwind, and soak up the beauty of the mountains. Ideally located on the Brévent slopes in the Chamonix valley, this welcoming bar offers skiers and sightseers alike a well-deserved break with front-row views of Mont Blanc.
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
La Folie Douce in Chamonix is the ultimate destination for après-ski with a twist. Perched in the heart of the resort, its vibrant terrace offers panoramic mountain views that make every sip and step feel spectacular. From early afternoon onwards, the atmosphere comes alive with live music and DJ sets, setting the perfect backdrop for an energetic, celebratory vibe.
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.
'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.
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.
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
Here’s an opportunity to let a professional photographer capture the true bond between a man and his dog... cat, or otherwise!
The Chamonix-based photographer Teresa Kaufman proposes naturally-lit photoshoots to capture and illustrate quality memories in outstanding surroundings.
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 is a fairly short, easy run that can be done in about an hour. It’s about 25km there and back, the climb averaging just 3% or so.
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!
This beautiful lake (which is often snow covered) offers an extraordinary vantage point over the Chamonix Aiguilles, Les Drus and the Verte.
A short hike suitable for families with children of walking age.
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.
Situated 150m above the bottom of the Mer de Glace, the Refuge du Chapeau has been a classic stop for tourists for over a century.
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!
Enjoy rafting, hrdrospeeding and more in the summer time with Yellow rafting.
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!
This charming, small self-catered chalet is the perfect getaway for a couple or small family. Situated in the village of Les Tines, between Chamonix and Argentière, it offers an ideal location for those who want to ski at both Les Grands Montets and Flegère in winter, while in summer it serves as a great starting point for numerous country walks.
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.
A simply stunning brand new three bedroom chalet in an amazing location.
Brigitte's Mazot in Chamonix is a cosy, peaceful chalet with stunning views of Mont Blanc.
This luxurious 280m² chalet, set on 1,740m² of land, is located in the sought-after village of Les Praz, just two kilometres from the centre of Chamonix. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, southern exposure, and stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Drus.
A luxury ecolodge mountain chalet situated in the sought-after Les Frasserands hamlet in the Chamonix Valley. With a focus on design, comfort and sustainability, this chalet is the perfect base for all your mountain adventures.
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 lovely brand new four bedroom chalet tucked away in a quiet area of the valley
Base Camp is a six person apartment in the beautiful Ferme de Montenvers building, situated in the centre of Chamonix, just a stone's throw from the shops, bars and restaurants.
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.
Great ski in ski out family chalet in Les Houches. This is perfect ski in ski out family chalet 50 m from the Bellevue lift in Les Houches with the home run ending just above the chalet and shops and restaurants 50 yards away.
Smart, modern apartments 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.
Located at the heart of Chamonix, the “La Ginabelle” residence proposes spacious apartments with an excellent standard of facilities and services. Ideally located for easy access to the finest tourist sites: the little Montenvers train will take you to the “Mer de Glace” while the “Aiguille du Midi” cable car will carry you up to magnificent summits.
There is a small selection of hotels to choose from in Les Praz, all within a short walk to the mountain lift at Flegere.
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
In the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
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.
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 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.
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski 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.
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
Luxury chalet with five ensuite bedrooms, swimming pool and jacuzzi, a stone's throw from the centre of Chamonix.
Chalet Rachasses is a sizeable, 4-bedroom chalet with an independent, 1-bedroom apartment in an enviable position in les Bossons, just to the west of Chamonix centre. Built in 1971 as a gite with workshop below, the chalet was substantially renovated in 2021 to create a family home with plenty of ancillary space.
Fantastic opportunity to design and create your unique living space in the heart of the Chamonix valley
Luxury 5-room apartment with private garden, terrace and garage!
A stunning property in an equally stunning location. Nestled in the highly sought-after Moussoux quarter of Chamonix, this 8-bedroom, 8-bathroom property is a unique opportunity, featuring two totally independent but linked chalets.
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.
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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