Discovering the resort villages of Mont-Blanc

You are certainly familiar with Megève, Alpe d’Huez, and Chamonix, but have you ever heard of Vallorcine, Les Houches, Servoz, or Saint-Nicolas de Véroce? These resort villages in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley are quintessential mountain towns to discover for your next vacation. Although they are all located within a 17km radius, each of these small villages is steeped in history and possesses its own unique local character. Surrounded by relaxing and magnificent nature, by the end of this article, the Chamonix Valley will hold no more secrets for you. Let’s explore the resort villages of this legendary valley.

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Vallorcine: the authentic mountain village

Vallorcine is the quintessential mountain village. It is exactly what you imagine when you think of a small village nestled between snow-capped peaks, radiating true serenity and authenticity. Vallorcine is the last village before reaching the Swiss Alps, and over the years, it has managed to preserve its raw charm.

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The uniqueness of Vallorcine lies in its architecture, which is one of a kind in France. It is home to the last remaining grain barns built in the Valais style, a testament to its origins. You have surely seen these types of stilt huts in the mountains before—well, you can find them in Vallorcine!

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But don't be fooled: a resort village doesn't mean boredom. On the contrary, there is a multitude of activities to enjoy in Vallorcine. There are, of course, the ski resort classics: skiing, sledding, hiking, and snowshoeing. The summer season is perfect for mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, or hiking to discover the fabulous Barberine and Bérard waterfalls, and you can even walk all the way to Switzerland to discover other breathtaking landscapes. If you own a property in Vallorcine and wish to offer it for seasonal rental to share it with travelers, it is entirely possible thanks to short-term rental management services in Vallorcine.

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Servoz: the village for a relaxing vacation

The resort village of Servoz is the counterpart to Vallorcine at the other end of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley. Just as welcoming as Vallorcine, Servoz is the ideal place for a vacation defined by relaxation and tranquility. It is also a village where special attention is paid to local traditions and history.

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Discover the heritage of this small village by visiting the Saint-Loup church in Servoz or by heading to the Maison du Lieutenant. You can't miss it; it is the most imposing building in the village. Exhibitions there honor mountain agriculture. You can discover the techniques of yesteryear used to cultivate mountain land and see what the daily life of alpine farmers was like.

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Beyond discovering the heritage of Servoz, the village's territory is teeming with treasures offered by nature. A twenty-minute walk will take you to the Gorges de la Diosaz, where pilgrims have been welcomed by the warm-hearted locals since 1875. These gorges form a true canyon with no fewer than 5 natural waterfalls. It is undoubtedly a unique place to recharge your batteries during your vacation.

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Les Houches: the Rio de Janeiro of the French Alps

It is in Les Houches that you will find a remarkable statue of Christ the King. The fact that the statue overlooks the village gives it a resemblance to Rio de Janeiro with its Christ the Redeemer in the heart of the mountains. It stands no less than 25 meters tall and was erected at an altitude of 1,200 meters. A symbol of love and peace, it is traditionally considered by the locals to be the guardian and protector of the Valley.

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As you can see, Les Houches is also one of those small villages full of legends and unique curiosities. It is one of those villages that exudes an inexplicable peace, perhaps emanating from the majestic surrounding peaks. Another activity not to be missed in Les Houches is the Mont-Blanc Tramway. The legendary rack railway passes through the upper end of the village.

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The Les Houches ski area is renowned for the quality of its slopes and snow. Every year, it welcomes both beginner and experienced skiers who come to glide down its slopes. Among these slopes is one particular run. With a vertical drop of 870 meters and a length of 3 kilometers, this slope is the site of a Ski World Cup event—the Kandahar, for those in the know. However, do not be misled by the name "Verte des Houches" (Green of Les Houches), because it is only green in name. Do not venture onto it if you are a beginner; it is not the site of a World Cup event for nothing.

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Saint-Nicolas de Véroce: a refuge to find calm and serenity

Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, this resort village in the Pays du Mont-Blanc, is a haven of peace and a refuge for travelers who have come to find calm and serenity. This is one of the main advantages of small mountain villages: they are quieter than large resorts like Megève and Chamonix. This village enjoys a special quality of life, certainly due to its quietness and the warmth of its architecture, which is typical of wood and stone chalets.

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This village also features trails characteristic of mountain villages. By following the Baroque Trail, which spans a total of 20km, it is possible to reach Combloux or Les Contamines-Montjoie. So, as you can see, a small resort village is not synonymous with being "lost in the middle of nowhere." Furthermore, this trail is not just any path. In fact, it is an old peddler's route. Indeed, this trail was used by merchants to transport their goods from village to village. By walking in their footsteps, you can imagine the difficulty and the reality of the merchant profession in the past.

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All these resort villages may look the same, but they are all different in terms of their culture, heritage, local character, and even architecture, each presenting different aspects and peculiarities of life in the Mont-Blanc Valley. These villages attract vacationers who come to discover them and enjoy their calm in every season. If you own a property in these small villages and wish to share it with travelers, have you considered putting it up for seasonal rental? Thanks to this type of rental, you can benefit from attractive rental income.

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