But once you've made the climb, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Chamonix Valley.
Les Houches to the Bellevue lift station
This is a steep and challenging walk up to the top of the Bellevue lift station
The walk to the top takes approximately 2.5h.
It starts in Les Houches just up the hill from the Bellevue car park on the road towards Chamonix. As you are nearing the post office, there is a road to right that has a sign-post for the walk. Follow this windy road up past various chalets until you reach the tree line. There is a sign post which indicates the Bellevue walk to the left.
Half way up this woodland section there is an intersection, the path to the right is fairly steep and crosses couloirs which in May and October can be covered with snow. The path to the right is shallower in comparison. They both meet up again close to the Grands Bois drag lift. From here it's a simple walk up to the top of the Bellevue lift where you can take in the views towards Les Contamines as well as Le Tour.
The descent takes about two hours and the trail leads along the tramway and past the Col de Voza hotel. If you know the ski area from the winter, you'll pass the bottom of the Kandahar lift station, and under the Maison Neuve chairlift, almost following the route of the Kandahar run coming out by the Bellevue car park.
For a detailed map, we recommend a 'Carte Sentiers' from the tourist office and has details of all routes in the valley.
What to bring
Plenty of water, snacks and a packed lunch. IGN3630 map is recommended.
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
See all Sights in Chamonix-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Les Houches
See all Restaurants in Les Houches-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
La Guinguette des Chavants Restaurant
Lakeside dining with seasonal flavours and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere
La Guinguette des Chavants is a relaxed, lakeside restaurant in Les Houches offering simple, seasonal cooking in a friendly setting. The kitchen focuses on fresh ingredients, with vegetables sourced locally whenever possible, and dishes prepared with care to keep things straightforward and flavourful.
What to do
Things To Do in Les Houches
See all Things To Do in Les Houches-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
