How do you fancy spending a holiday in a typical mountain village, surrounded by the sounds of cowbells and the buzz of the farmers’ markets?
Come and discover the most authentic villages in the French Alps, where traditional stone and wood chalets with slate roofs nestle in majestic mountain landscapes. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or relaxation, these charming destinations will appeal to you all year round.
Choose your chalet in the Alps
4 traditional Alpine villages to discover in the spring
Bonneval-sur-Arc: between ancient rocks and majestic waterfalls
Located in Savoie, in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, Bonneval-sur-Arc is everything you’d hope for from a charming mountain village, full of properties with stone walls and tiled roofs. Its traditional architecture and peaceful pace of life have made it one of the 160 “most beautiful villages in France”.
In spring, the snow gives way to lush green meadows and cascades of meltwater. Bonneval offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor sports, as well as a multitude of activities for all ages and tastes: theatre, markets, flea markets, festivals, sports, treasure hunts, etc.
Les Contamines-Montjoie: a typical Alpine treasure
This mountain village sits at the foot of the Col du Joly, in the traditional Mont-Blanc region. A well-known ski resort during the winter, it is much less busy in warmer weather, making it the ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Surrounded by alpine forest, this historic village dating back to the 18th century offers a whole range of activities to help you make the most of the mountains in the spring: paragliding, mountain biking, biathlon, rock climbing and rafting in mountain streams.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville: a picturesque village in the heart of the Alps
Set in a valley between 1,400 and 2,400m above sea level, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (now known as Les Belleville) is a popular winter holiday destination on the edge of the world’s largest snow sports area.
In spring, however, the peace and quiet is restored. This village of 2,500 inhabitants returns to its mountain rhythm, with its farms and gourmet restaurants. The region also offers a number of activities for adrenalin-seekers, such as paragliding and via ferrata.
Combloux: the balcony of the Alps with a view of Mont Blanc
Backing onto the Aravis mountain range, Combloux‘s beautiful traditional architecture has earned it a reputation as the “Pearl of Mont Blanc”. With its Savoyard specialities, stunning scenery and warm atmosphere, this welcoming village is equally suited to those who enjoy physical activity as it is to those who prefer to relax.
Hikers and cyclists can make the most of the many trails in and around Combloux to discover glaciers, forests and pastures. The tourist office has even created a route that takes you on a tour of the region’s most beautiful Baroque buildings.
Where to stay: Chalet Anselme
This luxury chalet for 10 guests is in the village of Cordon, between Combloux and Sallanches. It has a beautiful garden with an outdoor hot tub, where you can make the most of spring in the Alps. Its four elegantly decorated bedrooms enjoy wonderful views of the Mont-Blanc massif. Pets are welcome.
4 traditional Alpine villages to discover in the summer
Pralognan-la-Vanoise: surrounded by nature in the heart of the Vanoise park
It only takes 30 minutes to get away from the hustle and bustle of Courchevel and into the breathtaking Vanoise mountain range in the Tarentaise region. Pralognan may be a summer resort, but its atmosphere is always serene, attracting mainly nature lovers and hikers.
Situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres, at the meeting point of the Glière and Chavière valleys, the village is surrounded by wonderful footpaths which allow you to explore the Vanoise National Park, the first national park created in France to protect the ibex which call it home.
Abondance: hikes and local produce in mountain pastures
Famous for the breed of cattle and the delicious cheese that bear its name, Abondance is a traditional mountain village in the Alps. Home to several historic monuments, it is surrounded by mountain pastures dotted with old farmhouses typical of the area.
In summer, the village is a great place to stroll around and sunbathe on one of its terraces. There are many walks and cycle rides in the area, from grassy pastures to the peaks of the Chablais, or along the River Dranse to Châtel.
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval: a breathtaking natural amphitheatre
The village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval lies at the heart of the Haut Giffre mountains, in a region renowned for its nature reserves, glaciers and unique rocky landscape. Mountaineering and potholing are popular activities in summer, as is hiking through the Grand Massif.
Walkers will appreciate the natural amphitheatre of the Fer-à-Cheval, whose cliffs rise up to 700m, as well as the region’s many waterfalls, such as the Rouget. The River Giffre, which runs through the village, offers opportunities for fishing and rafting.
Megève: mountain elegance in the heart of the Alps
A popular choice with celebrities, the legendary Haute-Savoie resort of Megève is best known for its wooden chalets, cobbled streets and upmarket boutiques. But it’s also popular for its Michelin-starred restaurants, art galleries, Savoyard bistros and farmers’ markets.
Although it’s dedicated to snow sports in winter, the village transforms itself in summer, offering a wide range of activities including hiking, mountain biking, golf, horse riding and paragliding. And then there’s the magnificent scenery, with lush green meadows, streams and majestic peaks.
Where to stay: Sundance Kid Loft
This apartment for nine guests is just a few minutes’ walk from Megève’s shops and restaurants. The furnished balcony is the place to enjoy the mild summer weather, and each of its four bedrooms is individually decorated. There are parking spaces in the building and a number of shared facilities, including a sauna, gym and reading room.
4 traditional Alpine villages to discover in the autumn
Manigod: a haven of autumn peace
With a resident population of less than 1,000, the three hamlets that make up Manigod are spread throughout the valley of the same name, dominated by the incredible Aravis mountains. This sparsely-populated community, where agriculture is still very much alive, offers a typically Alpine atmosphere where life is good.
The Col de Merdassier has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a go-kart course and inflatable play structures, ensuring the perfect holiday for all the family. Its mountain scenery is particularly popular with mountain bikers and road cyclists.
Saint-Gervais: autumn colours and Alpine wellbeing
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, in the Mont-Blanc region, had its heyday in the 19th century, with the boom in spa tourism. Today, guests can still visit the thermal baths, which offer rejuvenating moments of wellbeing. With nature slowing down, autumn is the ideal time to look after yourself.
This small mountain town has been awarded the “Famille Plus” label, thanks to its facilities and events calendar designed with children in mind. So it’s a great place to spend your October holiday in the mountains.
Lake Annecy: an enchanting lake in a mountain setting
Lake Annecy, in Haute-Savoie, is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most famous mountain lakes. As well as the medieval town of Annecy, its shores are dotted with delightful villages, offering a peaceful autumn break between lake and mountains.
These include Saint-Jorioz, built at the foot of the Semnoz, Duingt and its imposing château, Doussard, set in a nature reserve, and Talloires-Montmin and its many hiking trails. You will be able to enjoy mountain activities as well as water sports.
Samoëns: autumn splendour and Alpine heritage
An iconic village in Haute-Savoie, Samoëns is famous for its traditional architecture and pedestrianised centre, which breathes a peaceful rhythm into its old streets. Its central square is a particularly pleasant meeting place before the hustle and bustle of winter.
The region is also very popular for hiking. Mountain trails stretch into neighbouring Switzerland, with autumn adding a splash of colour to the slopes of the Giffre massif. So you can enjoy a little corner of the Alps that is both secluded and cosy.
Where to stay: Chalet Keramis
This beautifully-renovated former farmhouse reflects the typical atmosphere of an Alpine mountain village. Its large, bright living room combines traditional Savoyard charm with modern comforts, and its seven bedrooms can easily accommodate up to 15 guests. Several terraces, a games room and a hot tub mean you can fully appreciate autumn, whatever the weather.
4 traditional villages to explore in the Alps in winter
Châtel: tradition and snow in the Abondance valley
While the most famous resorts in the Alps are filling up with visitors, this mountain village is still relatively unknown. Yet Châtel is one of 12 resorts in the Portes du Soleil ski area, which boasts 600km of pistes and 400 km2 of snow-covered winter playground.
The Vallée d’Abondance offers Nordic and cross-country skiing, as well as a number of trails for walking and snowshoeing. In the evening, this unspoilt village will delight you with its peaceful atmosphere, shops and gourmet restaurants.
Les Gets: a family-friendly village in the snow
A typical mountain village in Haute-Savoie, Les Gets is renowned for its warm atmosphere and wooden architecture. There are ski slopes for all ages and abilities, as well as several cross-country ski trails, and a vast natural environment to discover with snowshoes.
Although there are plenty of places to enjoy après-ski, Les Gets is first and foremost a family resort. The village has earned the “Famille Plus” label for its comprehensive programme of activities and facilities for children.
La Clusaz: snowy pistes and authentic chalets
The resort of La Clusaz is renowned for its winter sports and the quality of its slopes, which attract many of the best French skiers. However, this typical village in the Aravis mountains, which dates back to the 18th century, has managed to retain its agricultural identity and its undeniable Alpine charm.
Old wooden chalets dot the village and its surroundings, making every view a picture-postcard setting. Here, farmers still drive their herds up to the high alpine pastures and even in winter, you can buy the delicious produce directly from them.
La Rosière: a sunny, authentic high-altitude resort
La Rosière is a winter sports resort in the Tarentaise region, in the commune of Montvalezan. Perched on a natural balcony at an altitude of 1,850m, the village offers impressive panoramic views over the valley. It is linked to the Espace San Bernardo, a ski area shared by France and Italy.
If you’ve never heard of La Rosière, that’s hardly surprising. This traditional village of wood and stone chalets has remained under the radar. Yet its peaceful atmosphere and facilities have earned it several labels: “Famille Plus”, “village de charme” and “ville fleurie”.
Where to stay: Les Moulins d’Angelina
Up to eight guests can enjoy the top-of-the-range facilities of this spacious chalet, which include a sauna, a games room with table football and a long covered balcony. Large picture windows flood the rooms with natural light and offer breathtaking views over the valley. Just 1km from the village and 100m from the shuttle bus, you can even go skiing in Italy.
Far from the hustle and bustle of the most well-known resorts, the Alps are full of authentic villages that guarantee you a wonderful stay, whether you’re a couple, a family or a group of friends. These hamlets combine authentic charm with a wealth of activities, so you can experience the mountains to the full in every season.
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter if you want to be the first to hear about all the information and exclusive offers you need to plan your next holiday in the Alps!
