Les Houches is one of the largest towns in the Chamonix Valley, spreading over 8km from Vaudagne and the Col de Voza at one end, towards the bottom of the Taconnaz glacier and the Merlet Animal park at the other.
It is made up of a number of different hamlets, with oratories, pretty chapels, old bread ovens and farms bearing witness to its long history. It lies about 6km from the centre of Chamonix and sits at 1,000m elevation. From the top of its ski lifts, you can get spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Dome de Gouter.
Chef Lieu is the centre of Les Houches, with the Mairie, tourist information office, an ice rink, indoor climbing wall, mountain museum, post office and library. Vaudagneis one of the older hamlets in Les Houches with accommodation spread out over the Vaudagne hill, which is a popular spot for road cyclists. It's also home to local artist Martial Bourlot and a husky dog centre. Coupeauhamlet sits across the valley on the other side of L'Arve river, and this is where you'll find the Merlet Animal Park, the adventure park and the statue of Christ Roi (Christ the King).
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
Montagnard museum
Les Houches
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
Parc de Merlet
Les Houches
Gondola access to VTT and hiking trails and the Tour du Mont Blanc route
Les Houches summer lifts
Les Houches
Things to do in Les Houches
Les Houches is a popular place to ski for families thanks to its sunny, lower altitude slopes that have a base of pastures instead of rocky outcrops like some of the other ski areas in the valley. Take a look at our Les Houches Ski Area Guide for more information. It's a good place for beginner skiers too, as the slopes tend to be a little wider and less steep. It also draws people to the tree runs on bad weather ski days.
In summer there are lots of hiking and mountain bike trails that criss-cross the area. You can drop over the top of the Col de Vosa into St Gervais and take the Tramway du Mont Blanc or the regular train back.
Restaurant and bar right at the foot of the pistes, near the Bellevue lift in Les Houches
Kitsch Inn Bar and Restaurant
Les Houches
Burger bar, pizza joint and French Savoyard all rolled into one relaxed and fun environment
Rocky Pop Restaurant
Les Houches
Pizza, pasta and local specialities in the restaurant of the Hotel St Antoine
Le Saint Antoine Pizzeria Restaurant
Les Houches
A busy mountain restaurant with regular live music, enjoy lunch in the sun on the slopes
Le Hors Pistes Restaurant
Les Houches
Contemporary restaurant with wholesome, fresh lunches and rustic, yet elegant dinners
Le Delice Restaurant and Café
Les Houches
A 'must visit' mountain restaurant in Les Houches only accessible by foot or on skis or snowboard
Les Vieilles Luges Restaurant
Les Houches
Nightlife in Les Houches
There are a small number of bars and bars within hotels in Les Houches. Since it's quite a spread out village, they are a little thin on the ground. Try the Délice, the Kitsch Inn or Le Solerey.
Restaurant and bar right at the foot of the pistes, near the Bellevue lift in Les Houches
Kitsch Inn Bar and Restaurant
Les Houches
Funky, fun and unique bar within hotel on the outskirts of Les Houches
Rocky Pop Bar
Les Houches
Après-ski bar and restaurant ideally located at foot of Les Houches cable car
Le Spot
Les Houches
Chalets in Les Houches
Whether you're looking for self-catered or catered chalets, Les Houches has got a broad selection available, some tucked away in far-flung corners for ultimate peace and tranquility, with others nearer the centre of this large village.
5 bedroom Chalet in Chamonix - Les Pélerins. Sleeps 12
Chal'heureux Chalet
Chamonix
5 Jul 20257 Nights1-12 peopleSelf-catered
€6,290
4 bedroom chalet in Les Houches. Sleeps 8
Les Granges Chalet
Les Houches
5 bedroom Chalet in Chamonix. Sleeps 12
Hibou Chalet
Chamonix
8 Nov 20257 Nights1-12 peopleSelf-catered
€8,930
3 bedroom chalet in Chamonix. Sleeps 11
La Chaumière Chalet
Chamonix
Apartments in Les Houches
Les Houches offers a range of apartments for summer and winter, from 4-star to more basic accommodation. Take a look at our selection by clicking the link below.
