Les Houches

Les Houches is a village at the western end of the Chamonix valley, about eight kilometres from Chamonix itself, at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif. It is quieter than its famous neighbour and is often chosen by families, and by walkers who want a base with a calmer atmosphere. The village is spread along the valley floor and up the slopes, with views of the Aiguilles de Chamonix and, on clear days, of the snowy dome of Mont Blanc itself. The name comes from an old local word for cleared land, a reminder that the village began as a farming community in the mountains.

The ski area is a draw in winter. Les Houches has well-groomed slopes that run through forest, which makes skiing here more sheltered in bad weather than on the open slopes of other resorts, and its piste has hosted World Cup downhill races. In summer the same area is used for walking, mountain biking and paragliding. The Tour du Mont Blanc, the great long-distance hiking trail around the massif, starts and ends in the area.

The Tramway du Mont-Blanc is one of the village's best-known features. The mountain railway climbs from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet through Les Houches to the Col de Voza and Bellevue, and on up to the Nid d'Aigle, the Eagle's Nest, at 2,372 metres, which is the starting point for climbers heading for the summit of Mont Blanc. The ride gives wide views of the glaciers on a clear day, and the line is a fine piece of mountain engineering. Closer to the village, a statue of Christ the King, about 25 metres tall and built in 1933, stands on a hillside, and it is a protected monument historique. Another family favourite is the Parc de Merlet, a large wildlife park at about 1,500 metres altitude, where ibex, deer, marmots and other mountain animals live in semi-wild conditions. Booking is recommended for the park, and it has views of the massif.

The Musée Montagnard presents the traditional life of the valley, with tools, costumes and objects from the days of farming and herding.

It suits families, walkers and skiers who prefer a quieter setting. Check timetables for the tramway and opening times for the park and museum, as they vary with the season. Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace are within easy reach by bus or car.