Gîtes in Les Houches

Three iconic places to discover in Les Houches

In Les Houches, three sites embody the richness of the local heritage, from the Alps to the heart of the village. Savoyard architecture blends seamlessly with the mountain panoramas, whilst nature sculpts landscapes where every visit tells the geological and cultural story of the Chamonix valley. Here are the must-see attractions that will make your stay truly authentic.

1. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Les Houches

Right in the heart of the village, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste stands out with its 18th-century Baroque silhouette. Its onion-domed bell tower, typical of regional architecture, stands out against the sky and is an instantly recognisable architectural landmark. Listed as a historic monument, this stone building bears witness to the building skills of the era. The interior reveals décor and a sacred atmosphere that reflect the spiritual life of the Savoy region. A brief but memorable visit for anyone wishing to understand the village’s roots.

2. Bellevue Cable Car

The Bellevue cable car whisks visitors from the village up to an altitude of 1,800 metres in just a few minutes. From the plateau, the view takes in the Mont Blanc massif in all its grandeur, with the Chamonix valley lying below. This natural promontory also marks the starting point of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc, a major Alpine hike that attracts walkers and trekkers from all over the world. For those less keen on strenuous exercise, the plateau offers easy walks, high-altitude picnics and photo opportunities that capture the majesty of the Alps. It is an ideal gateway to the mountains without requiring excessive effort.

3. The Diosaz Gorges

The Diosaz Gorges cut deep into the rock for several hundred metres, forming a spectacular canyon on the outskirts of the village. Waterfalls cascade down here, bringing the rocky faces to life with their white cascades. The access route, featuring suspended footbridges, transforms the visit into a dizzying journey where the force of the water and the geology are on full display. Even in summer, the place exudes the raw power of the Alps. An impressive stop-off that offers a radical change from the comfort of a holiday cottage.

These three destinations, just a few kilometres apart, capture the essence of a stay in Les Houches: the village’s heritage, access to the mountains and the chance to contemplate the wilderness all come together to create a complete Alpine experience.

The ideal season to rent a holiday cottage in Les Houches

Each season transforms the character of Les Houches and offers a new reason to stay in a mountain holiday cottage. When to visit depends mainly on what you fancy: summer hiking, the tranquillity of autumn, winter snow or the reawakening of spring.

Spring brings a burst of colour to Les Houches. The slopes are covered in alpine flowers, the mountain paths become accessible once more, and the fresh air makes for a pleasant, breathless walk. This is the season when families enjoy rediscovering nature without the summer crowds. Staying in a gîte allows you to make the most of these moderate hikes, returning to rest in peace and quiet.

Summer is the peak season in Les Houches. Mild temperatures and long days attract hikers, cyclists and lovers of high-altitude life. The signposted trails lead to glacial lakes and the ridges of Mont Blanc. Staying in a gîte offers the ideal flexibility to organise your days of exploration without the constraints of hotel timetables.

Autumn cloaks Les Houches in shades of gold and ochre. Temperatures turn cooler, and the sky clears after the summer storms. This is the season for couples seeking tranquillity: the paths empty, the landscapes remain spectacular and the atmosphere becomes serene. A gîte then becomes a cosy retreat from which to watch the forest transform.

Winter transforms Les Houches into a snow-covered mountain resort. Snow covers the peaks and slopes, attracting skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts. Stays become shorter, with holiday cottages offering warmth and a friendly atmosphere after a day on the slopes. It is also a quiet season for those who prefer solitude and snow-covered landscapes with their raw beauty.

Ultimately, a holiday let in a gîte suits every time of year: it gives you the freedom to cook after a day out and about, to enjoy a cosy lounge when the weather turns, or to extend your stay as you wish. It is this flexibility that makes a holiday let a natural choice for Les Houches, whatever the season.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Les Houches

Les Houches offers an exceptional playground for mountain lovers. Whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, you’ll find activities that will make your stay in a holiday cottage a time full of excitement and new discoveries. Here are three experiences not to be missed during your visit.

1. Skiing in the Les Houches-Saint-Gervais ski area

In winter, the Les Houches-Saint-Gervais ski area attracts skiers of all abilities. With its varied slopes and spectacular mountain scenery, you’ll enjoy ideal conditions for hitting the slopes. The ski area covers over 600 hectares and offers runs suitable for families as well as experienced skiers. At the foot of the slopes, the friendly, mountain-style atmosphere creates a real winter holiday feel. After a day’s exertions, head back to your gîte to warm up by the fireside.

Address: 74310 Les Houches.

2. Hiking the Tour du Mont-Blanc from Les Houches

The Tour du Mont-Blanc is one of the great classics of Alpine hiking. From Les Houches, you have direct access to the trails that lead around Europe’s highest peak. This multi-day hike offers spectacular views of the glaciers, rocky ridges and surrounding valleys. You can complete the entire circuit over several days or tackle sections of it for a day’s walk. The landscapes are constantly changing: larch forests, flower-filled mountain pastures and mountain lakes. It’s a total immersion in the alpine world, accessible to keen walkers.

Address: 74310 Les Houches.

3. High-rope courses in the alpine forest

For a dose of adrenaline and family fun, the high-rope courses in the alpine forest combine adventure with thrills. Set amongst the trees, the rope courses, rope bridges and zip lines will delight young and old alike. The activity is carried out in complete safety, with equipment provided and instructors on hand. It’s a wonderful way to explore the forest in a fun way and create lasting memories together. The cool, wooded setting offers a pleasant break during your holiday, whatever the season.

Address: 74310 Les Houches.

Our guests’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday cottage in Les Houches

In Les Houches, the altitude and proximity to the mountains shape holidaymakers’ expectations. The comfort of the accommodation is just as important as its location: after a day’s hiking, skiing or sightseeing, guests look forward to a well-equipped, cosy and practical place to stay. High-quality holiday cottages meet these needs by offering facilities designed with everyday well-being in mind.

• Effective heating: essential in the mountains, particularly in winter and during the off-season. Efficient heating ensures cosy evenings after outdoor activities.
• Fully equipped kitchen: families and groups enjoy preparing their own meals, whether to sample local produce or tailor menus to individual dietary requirements.
• Cosy living room: a pleasant communal space allows holidaymakers to get together, play as a family or simply relax.
• Separate bedrooms: parents and children enjoy their own privacy, whilst staying under the same roof for a practical holiday.
• Fully-fitted bathroom: a well-equipped shower or bath, essential after active days in the mountains.
• Washing machine: an essential piece of kit for stays of a week or more, minimising the amount of luggage you need to pack.
• Terrace or balcony: outdoor space to get some fresh air, admire the surrounding scenery or eat outside on sunny days.
• Parking: in Les Houches, having a designated parking space makes arrival and departure easier, without the stress of searching for a space in the town centre.
• Leisure facilities: board games, books or a television ensure enjoyable evenings when the weather turns.

Staying in a well-equipped holiday cottage in Les Houches transforms your mountain holiday: everyone can set their own pace, tailored to the type of holiday you’re looking for, the number of people and what you fancy doing at the time. It’s the ideal way to combine freedom, comfort and socialising.

What is the average price of a holiday cottage in Les Houches?

Prices for holiday cottages in Les Houches vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small holiday cottage, you can generally expect to pay between 400 and 700 euros a week in the low season. A standard-sized family holiday cottage tends to cost between 700 and 1,200 euros a week. Larger properties or those offering premium facilities can cost between 1,500 and 2,200 euros a week.

Several factors influence these prices. Proximity to the ski slopes or ski lifts affects the cost: a gîte situated in the heart of the resort costs more than accommodation further out. The length of your stay also plays a part. Discounted weekly rates are common and offer significant savings compared to booking on a day-to-day basis. The standard of the holiday home, access to a sauna or a terrace, or the availability of private parking also contribute to price variations.

Seasonal factors have a significant impact on prices in Les Houches. In winter, particularly during school holidays and at weekends, rates rise. Summer and autumn offer more favourable rates. To find the best value for money, compare offers over several weeks, read reviews from previous guests and book well in advance, especially during peak season.