Location

Chamonix Region
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Les Houches
The village of Les Houches is quieter and less touristy than Chamonix although it has a rural charm of its own. The village is spread out along a kilometre or so with a small range of shops and restaurants. Other amenities are what you would expect in any French village including a weekly market in the village square, banks, a library, a world class indoor climbing wall (including a heptagonal tower, which is 16 metres high), an ice rink, a small museum depicting the local life of the 18th and 19th century and a helpful Tourist Information Office.

At officially 950m above sea level, Les Houches has its own ski lift and piste system. With 1 black run, 12 red, 5 blue and 4 green the 19 hectares is generally considered best for beginners and intermediates although the area is not to be missed owing to the 360 degree panoramic views and charming tree runs. The nearest lift-station from the apartment is a short drive or bus journey away, through the village centre. There are also good cross-country skiing and snow shoeing routes in the area.Walking
A number of walking trails leave the village of differing lengths and difficulty. From the apartment, you can walk up to the Statue of Christ Roi (seen directly opposite from the apartment), which meanders up steeply through evergreen woodland. An easier alternative is to simply gently wander around the ancient lanes of St Antione.

The chalets of Charousse above the village of Les Houches can be reached on foot (taking just over an hour from Les Houches) enabling you to discover a small group of authentic old farms with their glorious panoramic views.

Attractions near the area include walking along the Gorges de la Diosaz, a spectacular river gorge in the valley and visiting Le Parc Animalier de Merlet (with 7 species of mountain animals) - a plateau situated high above the other side of the valley at 1562m with spectacular views looking over Mont Blanc (open May to September).