This hike is more of a gentle stroll to a picturesque alpine meadow full of flowers and rustic wooden chalets.
Chalets de Charousse
An easy hike to a charming little cluster of alpine chalets surrounded by a forest
Starting at the base station of the Prarion gondola, cross the roundabout and walk up Route des Chavants through a quiet residential area dotted with beautiful chalets. Turn left onto Route des S’Nailles and cut through to Route des Chavants; turn right when you reach the road and look out for your next little shortcut on the left called Chemin de la Ravan Liré. As well as providing a handy shortcut, these little paths take you off the main road and onto quirky little passage ways amongst charming old chalets and pretty gardens.
Turn left at the end of Chemin de la Ravan Liré and make a sharp right at the next junction onto Route de la Coté des Chavants. Follow this road all the way up until you branch off left onto Chemin de Charousse; a track which takes you into the forest until you reach the clearing of the same name.
Charousse is an idyllic little spot that feels lost in time; twelve old chalets made of stone and larchwood nestle together in a field of swaying lupins. Little streams trickle through a meadow of long grass and wild flowers and a river skirts along one side of the clearing.
The chalets are no longer inhabited, although some of them may still be used as holiday homes. They are authentic alpine huts, fascinating to look around and peer into. The clearing is surrounded by forests of beech and pine trees; it is beautiful all year round and is a lovely snowshoe route in winter. June is the best time of year to see the blue and purple lupins in full bloom.
From Charousse you have views of the Mont Blanc Massif on one side and the towering limestone crags of the Fiz on the other. You can return the way you came or extend your hike by following signposts up to Forclaz and Prarion, taking the gondola back down.
What to bring
There are no facilities at all at Charousse, so bring your own food and drinks. It's an easy hike with no map required, all you need is suitable clothing for the weather.
What to see
Traditional alpine architecture, beautiful flowers and stunning views.
Sights in Chamonix
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Les Houches summer lifts
Gondola access to VTT and hiking trails and the Tour du Mont Blanc route
Les Houches sits at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley and is a popular place for hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers in the summer months.
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Montagnard museum
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
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Maison de l'Alpage museum
A small museum dedicated to agriculture and landscapes in the village of Servoz
This little museum is housed in the same building as the post office and library in the village centre of Servoz.
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Merlet wildlife park
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
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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Mont-Blanc tram
Classic tramway from St Gervais Le Fayet up to the Nid d'Aigle
The Tramway du Mont Blanc runs from the bottom of the valley in Le Fayet all the way up to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,380m above Les Houches.
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Les Bossons glacier
A small chairlift open in summer giving you incredible views over Les Bossons glacier
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.
Where to lunch
There are no cafés or dining facilities at Charousse, but it's a lovely spot for a picnic if you wish to pick something up at one of the many bakeries in Les Houches.
Restaurants in Les Houches
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Rocky Pop Restaurant
Burger bar, pizza joint and French Savoyard all rolled into one relaxed and fun environment
The Rocky Pop Restaurant in Les Houches, part of the vibrant Rocky Pop Hotel opened in December 2016, reflects the brand’s playful ethos of “joy and togetherness.” The food offering matches the lively atmosphere, with a fun, diverse menu designed to please all ages and tastes. Expect crowd-pleasing dishes, colourful presentations, and relaxed dining that encourages sharing and socialising. It’s a welcoming spot where families, groups, and friends can enjoy tasty, unfussy meals in a cheerful setting.
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Kitsch Inn Bar & Restaurant
Restaurant and bar right at the foot of the pistes, near the Bellevue lift in Les Houches
Quirkily decorated, as the name suggests, this restaurant has different rooms for different moods. Grab a quick coffee and a snack at the breakfast bar, enjoy a casual meal in the retro formica kitchen area, or sit and take your time over dinner at one of the large tables in the dining room. They also have a large sunny terrace where they serve up a nice BBQ in the summer and a kids play area.
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La Ferme des Agapes
Alpine atmosphere with good value Savoyard cuisine, located near the Bellevue lift
This restaurant is located right in front of the Bellevue cable car in Les Houches.
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Les Vieilles Luges Restaurant
A 'must visit' mountain restaurant in Les Houches only accessible by foot or on skis or snowboard
An authentic Alpine farmhouse with a charming ambience and great food. Located right in the middle of Les Houches ski resort, this chalet serves delicious home-cooked local produce.
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Le Basilic Restaurant
Traditional Savoyard cuisine near the Bellevue lift with a cosy, warm interior
Just across the road from the Bellevue lift in Les Houches, this is a perfect spot to recharge your batteries after a day on the mountain, or pop in for lunch.
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Gandhi Restaurant
Indian specialities to eat in or take away, open for lunch and dinner
This restaurant serves tasty, good value Indian cuisine for lunch, dinner and to takeaway.
What to do
Things To Do in Les Houches
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Ski joering
Horse-driven back-country skiing experience, fun for the whole family
This is the original form of back-country sking and is horse drawn, plus great fun!
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Indoor climbing wall
Indoor climbing hall for learning, training & improving techniques
The Chamonix valley is home to one of the largest indoor climbing walls in France. The Mont Blanc Escalade is located in Les Houches and is open all year.
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Montagnard museum
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
-
Merlet wildlife park
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
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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Horse riding centre
Discover the mountain on horse back or take lessons in their arena
This horse riding centre is situated in just up the hill from the train station in Les Houches. The centre is open all year round and has both an indoor and outdoor arena.
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Cinebus cinema
Cinema in the centre of Les Houches
Les Houches cinema is located in the village centre just next to the Mairie. It has just one screen and the space can also be used for conferences and presentations.
Directions
This hike starts from the bottom of the Prarion gondola, which is at the far end of Les Houches. There is a regular bus service that takes you directly there.
