Les Houches is one of the most idyllic parts of the Chamonix valley in summer; not so steep or dramatic as some of the other areas, it has a more gentle landscape filled with meadows and forests.
Tête du Prarion and La Charme
A gentle family-friendly hike with superb views and friendly goats along the route
Starting from the top of the Prarion gondola, take a sharp right out of the lift station and follow a narrow path signposted “Tête du Prarion” that goes up through a forest to bring you out onto a ridge.
The ridge twists and turns over rocky ground for about 20 to 30 minutes until you come to an exceptional viewpoint at 1,969m. From here you can see for miles all around - not only can you see Mont Blanc but also the Aravis and the Fiz mountains as well as down into the Chamonix valley and the neighbouring Contamines-Montjoie valley. There is an orientation table so that you can get your bearings and put names to the multitude of peaks that surround you.
Retrace your steps and once back at the lift station turn in the direction of the Le Prarion Hotel-Restaurant and follow the signposts for Alpage de la Charme. An easy stroll of about 20 minutes will bring you to a traditional alpine goat farm, where fresh cheese is made on-site. You can take a seat on a wonderful plateau, looking out over Saint-Gervais, while you feast on local cheeses and charcuterie.
Once you’ve had your fill of cheese and scenery, you can continue past the farm and take the next path on the right. This heads briefly uphill before flattening out into a meadow, which is part of the ski area in winter - look up and you’ll see the lift cables overhead.
Bear left and follow a trail which will take you over a small hill then back down to the Prarion Hotel-Restaurant. From here you can either stop for more refreshments on their sunny terrace or take the gondola back down to the car park.
What to bring
You don't really need a map for this hike as it's well-signposted and easy to find. Although it is short, consider bringing a small backpack with drinks, snacks, suncream and spare layers of clothing in case of changeable weather.
What to see
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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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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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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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
You can buy a platter of cheese, meats and bread at La Charme, or you can order lunches, snacks and drinks at the Hotel-Restaurant du Prarion.
Restaurants in Les Houches
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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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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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Le Hors Pistes Restaurant 
Le Hors Pistes Restaurant
A busy mountain restaurant with regular live music, enjoy lunch in the sun on the slopes
Brilliantly located in the heart of the Les Houches Prarion ski area.
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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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La Ferme des Agapes 
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.
What to do
Things To Do in Les Houches
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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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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.
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Visit website 
Outdoor ice rink
Outdoor skating with Mont Blanc views in the village centre
Located in the village centre, next to the slopes of Le Tourchet, the outdoor ice rink in Les Houches enjoys a beautiful setting with stunning views across the Mont Blanc massif.
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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.
Directions
This hike starts from the top of the Prarion gondola, which is at the far end of Les Houches. You can drive there and park your car at the bottom, or take the bus straight to the lift station.
