If the beauty of the Alps is unchanging, if the grandeur of our mountains defies time, the landscapes change to the rhythm of the seasons, which change here more than anywhere else with climate disruption. From white gold, the Alps are becoming green gold, eco-responsible and sustainable. A vast territory of unspoilt nature - 3 national parks and 5 regional parks - the Alps offer a wealth of outdoor activities: hiking and snowshoeing, cycling and mountain biking, paragliding, rafting... not to mention the benefits of thermal waters. And while skiing and board sports are still king in the major resorts of the Alps, the small mountain villages also know how to make the most of their opportunities. Whatever the season, zoom in on these charming mountain villages that make the Alps so beautiful... summer and winter alike! An opportunity to rent a chalet in the heart of the Alps.
1. Bonneval-sur-Arc
In this sumptuous valley, the history of this small village is rich in authenticity and know-how. In Bonneval-sur-Arc, history seems to have stood still. As you enter the village on foot, you are transported by the traditions of this pastoral world. Situated at an altitude of over 1,700 meters, this village of 250 inhabitants offers a warm welcome, and its enchanting beauty softens the harshness of a land once ravaged by avalanches. Bonneval, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, has preserved its ancient dry-stone dwellings, covered with roofs of lauzes, heavy slates weighing almost a ton each. In days gone by, the inhabitants used to dry dung on their balconies for fuel. The hamlet of l'Ecot, also listed, is inhabited only in summer. You can also explore it on foot, including its 12th-century chapel.
2. La Grave
La Grave, perched at an altitude of 1,135 meters, lies at the heart of the Écrins National Park. Despite the heavy tourist traffic generated by the Meije glacier cableway to the south of the resort, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" has preserved its traditional charm. The Meije massif, home to the La Grave-La Meije ski resort, is renowned for its mountaineering and freeride skiing. The 11th-century Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption is well worth a visit. The village's surroundings are dotted with well-preserved traditional hamlets, such as Le Chazelet, which boasts a magnificent oratory and orientation table. For a change of scenery in a charming setting!
3. Val d'Isère, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps
Val d'Isère, a veritable jewel nestled in the heart of the Haute-Tarentaise, rises majestically to an altitude of 1,850 meters. This picturesque village is a living work of art, where traditional wooden and stone chalets, a dazzling Baroque church and lauze roofs blend harmoniously. Despite its international reputation, Val d'Isère has retained the authenticity and timeless charm that captivate every visitor. In winter, the resort is famous for its excellent snow conditions, earning it the nickname "temple of skiing." In summer, Val d'Isère becomes a fairytale landscape, attracting visitors from all over the world with its spectacular panoramas of the Vanoise National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts discover a multitude of options that combine sport and relaxation in an enchanting setting. Welcome to one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps!
4. Le Grand-Bornand
The village of Le Grand-Bornand is a harmonious ensemble of stone and wood, surrounded by forest, with the Aravis range to the south-east and the Bargy range to the north as a backdrop. This charming village, rich in preserved natural heritage, boasts a collection of authentic, century-old chalets grouped around the church and its bell tower. Timber harvesting, which has long sustained the local economy, has led to the development of building and craft skills, which can be seen in the farmhouses. These farms bear witness to traditional mountain farming, which is still very much alive today. The vast herd of Abondance, the famous Pie-Rouge cows, fed in the local mountain pastures, also makes this village the "cradle of Reblochon". Between tradition and modernity, Grand-Bornand thrives in the heart of one of the sunniest valleys in the Aravis.
5. Abondance
Abondance... Another of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps. Here, in the Portes du Soleil, the name Abondance evokes not only the bounty of the surrounding countryside, but also the famous cheese that has enjoyed Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée status since 1990. This emblematic cheese can be discovered at the Maison du Fromage, located next to the village's cooperative maturing cellar, before being enjoyed with the whole family. Abondance is an ideal village resort for a peaceful, gourmet holiday. A must-see site is Abondance Abbey, founded in the 12th century. The Chemin des bords de Dranse (Dranse riverside path) is a great way to discover the heritage and landscapes between Abondance and Châtel. Exceptional landscapes to delight the whole family!
6. Pralognan-la-Vanoise, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps
For over 150 years, Pralognan-la-Vanoise has been a renowned destination in the French mountain landscape, renowned as the cradle of mountaineering and the leading winter sports resort. Located in the mountains of Savoie, in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, Pralognan offers a majestic, unspoilt setting for mountain enthusiasts. In winter, this family-friendly ski resort attracts visitors for its slopes, as well as for the authentic charm of its village. In summer, Pralognan offers a multitude of activities such as hiking, climbing, mountaineering, trail running and mountain biking, allowing you to take full advantage of the surrounding nature. Pralognan-la-Vanoise is also a village full of charm and character. The locals, deeply attached to their Alpine culture, warmly welcome you all year round to discover their land and their passion for the mountains.
7. Samoëns
Samoëns, one of our top destinations for mountain vacations, is the archetypal authentic mountain village, with its traditional architecture of chalets, old stone buildings, fountains and sundials. Situated at an altitude of 720 metres on the Giffre plain, a tributary of the Arve, the village is only 8 minutes from the Grand Massif ski slopes, thanks to the Grand Massif Express. Samoëns is also known for its craftsmen, notably the stone masons known as Frahans, who have contributed to the construction of churches, monasteries and major public buildings throughout France and Europe. Today, Samoëns is an affordable family resort. Unique in its kind, the resort is the only one in the mountains to be classified as a "Pays d'art et d'histoire" by the Monuments Historiques. The village offers a wealth of attractions for a holiday combining the discovery of a rich heritage in a splendid setting with outdoor activities.
8. Courchevel, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps
Affectionately nicknamed "Courch" by visitors, Courchevel is a luxury ski resort that combines elegance and conviviality. Nestled in the heart of the Trois Vallées, it offers a spectacular ski area and a wide range of activities. Like a glittering treasure in the heart of the French Alps, Courchevel unfurls its attractions at different altitudes to appeal to all visitors. Le Praz, an Olympic village nestled at 1,300 meters, is the scene of international sporting events. As for Courchevel Village, at an altitude of 1,550 meters, it delights nature lovers with its forest landscapes and snowshoeing escapades in the Vanoise Park. Finally, Courchevel 1850, perched at the summit, embodies the ultimate in refinement and prestige. Luxurious chalets and top-of-the-range apartments attract celebrities from all over the world, who come to revel in the palaces and Michelin-starred restaurants that have forged the reputation of this exceptional resort. Finally, if you'd like to see Courchevel from a different angle, you can visit in summer, when its more authentic, quieter face reveals itself to be a place of tranquility.
9. Valmorel
One of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps... Valmorel and the Aigueblanche valleys offer a varied mountain landscape, perfect for lovers of unspoilt nature. Valmorel also captures the essence of Alpine life, with its charming stone and wood chalets, lauze roofs and trompe-l'oeil facades blending harmoniously into the wild environment. Located at the foot of the Cheval Noir massif, Valmorel has a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The heart of the resort is a simple pedestrian street. The buildings, limited to four storeys, are perfectly integrated into the mountain landscape. While skiing is king in winter, summer at Valmorel is just as enjoyable, with a wide range of activities including mountain biking, hiking, tree climbing, swimming, bike park...
10. Chamonix
Located at the foot of Mont-Blanc (4,800 m), Chamonix, affectionately known as "Cham" (and be careful not to pronounce the "x"!), is now known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. This high-mountain commune comprises 16 villages and hamlets. Renowned as a mecca for mountaineers, it is home to the headquarters of the mountain guides. At an altitude of over 1,000 m, Chamonix lies on the border with Switzerland and Italy, sharing with France the vast Mont-Blanc ski area. In summer, hikers and tourists flock here, while in winter, skiers invade. In summer, visitors flock to admire sites such as the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, which is retreating every year due to global warming, and Lac Blanc, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Alps.
11. Val d'Allos
The Val d'Allos 1400, the perfect destination for a summer in the fresh air, grew up around the ancient village of Allos. As its name suggests, the village lies at an altitude of around 1,400 metres. Just 200 metres south of the village, you'll find the Notre-Dame-de-Valvert church, listed as a historic monument since 1846. This 13th-century Romanesque chapel, with remains from the 9th and 10th centuries, stands at the confluence of the Chadoulin and Verdon rivers, whose gorges are one of our favorite summer vacation destinations. True to the architecture of Alpine churches, only the south wall is pierced by three bays. Located in the Mercantour National Park, Allos also boasts narrow streets and mountain-style buildings.
12. Saint-Véran, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps
Saint-Véran, Europe's highest commune, with its village center perched at an altitude of 2,042 meters, is one of the most authentic and charming localities in the Alps. Designated as one of the "most beautiful villages in France", this mountain jewel must be preserved. To protect its architectural treasures and peaceful atmosphere, cars must remain in the parking lot at the bottom of the village (paying parking lot in high season). Activities in Saint-Véran are suitable for the whole family. Whether you're strolling through the village streets and admiring its many south-facing sundials, hiking to the peaks on the Italian border, or enjoying the largest ski area in the Queyras, an ideal destination for a vacation with children, there's something for everyone. In the evening, the Saint-Véran Observatory offers a unique experience for those who wish to contemplate the exceptionally pure sky.
13. Combloux
Combloux, a veritable balcony overlooking Mont Blanc, was originally an agricultural mountain village that experienced a boom in tourism in the early 20th century. But it wasn't until the late 1950s that Combloux became a genuine winter sports resort and a popular summer destination. Today, Combloux's ski area stretches from the Portes du Mont-Blanc to the Haute Vallée d'Arly, and is linked to the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area. Thanks to the lifts in these two areas, visitors have access to over 450 km of slopes for skiing and other winter sports, as well as mountain biking and hiking trails in summer. The panorama of the Mont-Blanc and Aravis massifs is exceptional! Located between 980 and 1,200 meters above sea level, close to Megève, the village offers a friendly, sporty alternative at reasonable prices, ideal for families.
14. La Clusaz, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps
Today,La Clusaz is one of the friendliest village-resorts in Haute-Savoie and one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Alps. It has retained its charm, preserving the beauty of its century-old chalets and maintaining the Savoyard style at the heart of the village. In the space of a century, this picturesque Aravis village has become one of Annecy's most popular ski resorts, just 30 minutes from Lake Annecy. La Clusaz takes its name from its unique geographical location: a cluse, a narrow passage between two mountains.
15. Beaufort
Beaufort rises majestically in a mountainous setting with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Situated at an altitude of around 750 meters, Beaufort covers one of the largest areas in Savoie, making it one of the best destinations for hiking. A stay in Beaufort allows you to enjoy the flower-filled banks of the Doron, embellished by covered wooden bridges and stone bridges. The old town of Beaufort, centered around the church of Saint-Maxime, is enchanting with its narrow, steep cobbled streets lined with tall, often century-old mansions that open onto charming squares. Among the forests and green hillsides lies Arêches, a ski resort belonging to the commune of Beaufort. Arêches is an authentic village, vibrating to the sound of herd bells and enlivened by a number of sporting activities. Despite the influx of tourists, Arêches has preserved its traditional architecture and unique character.
