La Vallée de Chamonix

Chamonix is probably best known as the skiing and alpine capital of the world. As a destination it has a reputation for the extreme and this, whilst undoubtedly true, can mask a wide array of sporting and leisure activities (particularly in summer), peace and quiet, great nightlife, and superb scenery that can be enjoyed at whichever pace suits you.

The village of Les Houches is under a ten minute drive from Chamonix. Situated at an altitude of 1000 metres and sitting at the foot of Mont-Blanc (4807m), Les Houches offers an exceptional panorama of the peaks surrounding Chamonix. The village is made up of a number of hamlets, with oratories, chapels, farms and good scope for renovation projects.

Argentière is situated at 1,250 metres and is 8km north of Chamonix. The village is the home of the infamous Grands Montets ski area and is nestled below the peaks of the Drus and Aiguille Verte and between the Mer de Glace and Glacier d'Argentière. Argentière has retained its French charm and offers a slower pace of life than Chamonix.

Vallorcine is the last village in the Chamonix Valley, just before you get to the Swiss border. It is composed of traditional stone houses and large old farms but also has some modern apartments.

A village in the Arve valley which enjoys sunshine and a more temperate winter climate than further up the Chamonix valley, Passy benefits from its proximity to Sallanches and is just 40 minutes from Geneva. It is a perfect place for families offering chalets with stunning views of Mont Blanc, farms to renovate, recent builds with good energy ratings and building plots. With easy access to the slopes of Les Houches, St Gervais and Chamonix, Passy is very convenient for a primary or secondary residence.