Discovering the Pays du Mont-Blanc, nine destinations of excellence between skiing, culture and well-being just a few steps from Italy: a trip to the most fascinating alpine territory of the French Alps.
In the heart of the High Savoy, where snowy peaks touch the sky and the Mont Blanc dominates majestic the horizon, extends a territory that seems suspended between dream and reality. The Pays du Mont-Blanc is not only a ski destination: it is a mosaic of fourteen municipalities, twelve of which are authentic tourist gems, each with its own soul, its character, its own story to tell.
About four hours from Milan and Turin, this corner of Alpine France offers a complete mountain experience that goes well beyond the ski slopes. Here they harmoniously coexist authentic villages with preserved architecture, world-class ski resorts, artistic and cultural heritage of extraordinary value, and a nature that takes its breath away from each curve, every path, every viewpoint.
From the valley floor to 500 meters 4,806 meters of the highest peak in Europe, the territory lends itself to endless explorations: skiers find slopes for all levels, contemplatives discover historic villages and baroque churches, lovers of well-being immerse themselves in beneficial thermal waters, gourmets enjoy secular gastronomic traditions. And for those who prefer to live it slowly, away from the skis, the opportunities are just as rich and fascinating.
We start together to discover nine destinations of excellence, each with its unique personality, all united by the same spectacular scenery of Mont Blanc.
Index of Article
Combloux, a village with authentic charm
Facing in a privileged position on Mont Blanc, Combloux is the perfect incarnation of what should be a mountain village: authentic, welcoming, man-made. Its ski area is harmoniously integrated between forests and alpine pastures, offering 100 km of slopes in the Portes du Mont-Blanc circuit, expandable at 400 km with the Évasion Mont-Blanc.
What distinguishes Combloux is the ability to combine tradition and innovation. The preserved architecture tells stories of a still alive Alpine past, while modern services show special attention to families. The area does not forget pure fun: the 4S slide on rail gives emotions between parabolic curves and passages in the woods, while the Giant Altalena on the top of the Jaillet launches its guests at sixteen meters high, for a flight with breathtaking views.
In the centre of the country, the free pump track welcomes bikes, scooters and skateboards on overhead and dossi curves. For those who prefer to explore the mountain without skiing, hiking with snowshoeing Beauregard and electric mountain bike rides on the snow offer equally exciting alternatives. And when the evening falls, four locals embody the spirit of the village: from the colorful atmosphere of the Au Chalet Gipsy to the look with granite of the Le Dévers, from the Au Planté de Bâton housewife to the authentic Le Postillon, every après-ski becomes a moment to remember.
Cordon, the natural balcony on the white giant
Soprannominate "the balcony of Mont Blanc", Cordon is a village that made its strength simple. Perched at 900 meters above sea level, it preserves the Alpine soul intact: traditional chalets, ancient farms, a tranquility that seems to belong to another era. You will not find here large crowds or oversized plants, but a sincere invitation to immerse yourself in the true mountain life.
The view of the Mont Blanc massif from Cordon is simply exceptional: the whole chain unfolds in front of the eyes, changing face with seasons and light. The nine ski slopes of the area fit both relaxed skiers and those looking for something more challenging. Ma Cordon is much more than skiing: it is the baroque church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption, a historical monument restored with frescoes and altarpieces that tell centuries of Alpine devotion.
It is the farm of Abérieux, where Albert opens the doors to show the evening milking and the morning production of cheese. It is an opportunity to discover local specialties such as rzules, pastry stuffed with pears, or the farcement, that curious cake that mixes grated potatoes, bacon and dried plums in a typically savoiardo sweet-salad combination. In the evening, when the sunset sets the peaks of rose and gold, Cordon gives one of the most memorable natural performances of the Alps, to be admired perhaps with a brulé vin in hand, on the synthetic ice rink of the village center.
Les Contamines-Montjoie, where nature reigns supreme
Les Contamines-Montjoie is the destination for those seeking authentic contact with Alpine nature in its purest form. Immersed in the heart of the Alps, at the foot of the highest natural reserve of France, this resort combines a complete ski area with 120 km of alpine slopes and 25 km of Nordic tracks, with a wilderness that takes its breath away.
The territory lends itself to emotions of all kinds: from biathlon to climbing icefalls, from the exits in fat bike to the paragliding with view of Mont Blanc. But it is the contemplative and well-being aspect that really distinguishes Les Contamines. The Eaux but Biche is an oasis of serenity on the edge of the natural reserve: a heated swimming pool of five meters, fragrant hammam, relaxing sauna and hot rain that caresses body and soul. The experience is completed with yoga sessions and herbal teas in the dedicated area, while the nature wakes silent behind the windows.
The cultural heritage adds depth to the visit: Baroque churches and picturesque villages tell centuries of Alpine life. In summer, the amusement park of Pontet, the largest in the Mont Blanc region, offers bathing lake, adventure park among trees, climbing and minigolf. Les Contamines is also a land of great sporting events, regularly hosting world-class telemark competitions. The village perfectly embodies that combination of great sports, deep traditions and untouched nature that makes the French Alps so special.
Megève, the alpine elegance reinvented
Megève is a name that immediately evokes elegance, charm and a certain art de vivre alpine. But this iconic destination does not live as an income: it continually reinvents itself, keeping intact its historic charm while embracing innovation. The ski area of theÉvasion Mont-Blanc is one of the largest in the Alps, suitable for all levels, while the historic pedestrian center preserves that mountain village atmosphere that made Megève famous in the world.
On the front of hospitality, the season 2025/26 brings significant news. The Iconic House relives architectural masterpieces such as the Chalet Sarto, designed in the 1930s by Henry Jacques Le Même, combining conservative restoration and modern comfort. The Hotel Saint-Georges reopens completely renovated with a touch of British eccentricity signed Luke Edward Hall: carved boiseries, frescoes, vintage objects in a 5-star hotel with 29 rooms, spa and miniclub. The Ferme du Golf, one of the oldest farms in Mont d’Arbois, is transformed into the most intimate address of the Edmond de Rothschild collection, with 18 rooms with Alpine charm.
The gastronomic scene Megève It's just as lively. Julien Gatillon's VOUS restaurant conquered his first Michelin star with a proposal "at the counter" of contemporary French cuisine that enhances local products. Marc-Henri Mazure brings a new view to the Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, exalting the alpine terroir. And for those looking for more informal atmospheres, Maison Mercredi and The Rabbit Hole animate the village with the spirit of the concept store-café and the new generation cocktail bar.
Passy Mont-Blanc, where art meets the mountain
Passy Mont-Blanc is a surprising destination for its uniqueness. In the heart of the Valle dell’Arve, with exceptional views of Mont Blanc, this territory combines skiing and nature with an extraordinary artistic and historical heritage. It is not common to find in an alpine village works by Braque, Chagall, Matisse and Léger, yet the church of Notre-Dame-de-Toute-Grâce houses all of them, while thea Strada della Scultura Contemporanea transforms the territory into an open-air museum.
The Passy Plaine-Joux ski area is family-friendly, with affordable prices and a strong commitment to inclusiveness: handiski, wheelchair skiing, sweet mobility. The new 4-season chairlift and the new black track expand the offer for skiers of all levels. But Passy is also the land of unusual discoveries: the paragliding area open all year round, the Nordic and snowy ski trails, snowtubing.
The historical heritage adds another fascinating dimension. The sanatoriums built after the First World War between 1,000 and 1,300 meters of altitude are remarkable examples of architecture of the twentieth century, evidence of when these mountains were shelter for the care of tuberculosis. Three wear the brand "Patrimony of the 20th century", one is Historical Monument.
And for those looking for authentic experiences, the visit to the farm of Abérieux allows to attend the evening milking and the morning production of cheese, sharing with genuine local products. Passy's farcement, with its dry plum that gives a slightly sweet taste, is the gastronomic symbol of the territory.
Praz-sur-Arly, authenticity and balloon
Praz-sur-Arly made simplicity and authenticity its distinctive figure. This village in the Pays du Mont-Blanc remained faithful to itself, offering access to the Espace Diamant – 192 km of slopes – without losing its genuine character. But what makes Praz-sur-Arly really unique is its connection to the balloon flight.
Every January, during international Montgolfiades, the sky of the village is filled with over twenty colorful balloons, creating an air show that attracts fans from all over Europe. The 2026 edition is special with eight full days of celebrations, spectacular decollies and new animations. It is a magical moment where land and sky meet, where the colors of the balloons contrast with snow white and the intense blue of the alpine winter.
The village is experiencing an interesting urban transformation: the church square has been expanded with new accessible pedestrian spaces, creating terraces for bars and restaurants. The gastronomic offer has enriched itself with new premises like La Lozde – an alpine farm renovated at the top of the ski lift that offers smoked meat "to the texana", accessible with skis or snowshoes. La Ultima is an elegant coffee-boutique for special and aperitif coffee, while L’Épicurie combines French gastronomy, organic options and gluten-free dishes. Praz-sur-Arly shows that even smaller villages can evolve without betraying their essence.
Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, wellness and sport at the foot of the giant
Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc is an authentic alpine village that has been able to develop a complete identity, where sports, well-being and culture live in perfect balance. Its spas, with over two centuries of history, are recognized by the French Academy of Medicine for the therapeutic properties of water. Today they offer mini-treatments and health stays that relieve dermatologic disorders, chronic pain, otolaryngologist problems, combining therapeutic effectiveness and absolute relaxation.
Access to the mountain is spectacular: the Tramway of Mont Blanc, one of the oldest rack trains in France, climbs from Le Fayet to the Nid d’Aigle at 2.372 meters, offering breathtaking views. In winter it gives access to the Les Houches – Saint-Gervais area, in summer it serves hikers and mountaineers heading towards the peaks. The Évasion Mont-Blanc area, one of the largest in the Alps, offers slopes for all levels, confirming the village’s commitment to sports tourism.
The Maison Forte de Hautetour hosts a new permanent exhibition: "Monte Bianco, side of Val Montjoie", a fascinating immersion in the Alps of mountaineering through archive photos, ancient equipment and contemporary art. For a very special experience, the Apéro Yourte and the Fondue Yourte at Les Communailles offer aperitifs and dinners in a yurta at 1.450 meters, reachable with snowshoes, where Mont Blanc is dyed pink at sunset. Saint-Gervais has obtained the brand "Flocon Vert", a recognition for its commitment to soft mobility and sustainable tourism, demonstrating that development and environmental respect can walk together.
Sallanches, the urban gate of Mont Blanc
Sallanches is different from the other destinations of the Pays du Mont-Blanc: with over 17,000 inhabitants, it is a real town that offers the comfort and services of urban life maintaining a deep connection with the mountain. From its center you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc chain, and the strategic position, one hour from Geneva and Annecy, makes it the perfect gateway to the territory.
The city is spread over an altitude that ranges from 535 meters of the valley floor to over 2,700 meters of the Pointe Percée, offering activities in all seasons. The city center is lively all year round: shops, restaurants (some awarded by Gault et Millau), artisans, a cultural offer full of exhibitions, concerts and shows. For lovers of architecture, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Jacques, the ancient Saint-Martin Bridge, the old lavatories and chapels of the village deserve a thorough visit.
The walks along the banks of the Sallanche River, under the chestnut trees, are particularly suggestive when the snow adorns the trees. The heights offer snowshoe excursions to Mayères, Tornieux or to the sight of Déramey, with shelters where you can enjoy typical dishes after walking. The Château des Rubins houses the Alpine Observatory, a panoramic space dedicated to the mountain and its evolution, with thematic workshops for adults and children.
The Sallanches Mont-Blanc water centre offers indoor pools and a wellness area, while the media library and cinema complete the cultural offer. Sallanches shows that even a plain town can be an ideal starting point for exploring alpine magic.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the Alpine legend
In the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, you can breathe the history of mountaineering. World Capital of Discipline, place of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is much more than a ski destination: it is an icon, a symbol, a name that makes every mountain lover beat his heart.
The valley includes five distinct locations: Servoz the authentic opens the doors of the territory, Les Houches with the legendary "Verte" track that hosts World Cup races, Chamonix pulsating center with its rich architectural heritage, Argentière destination of freeriders to the Grands Montets, and Vallorcine the most natural for sports holidays and relaxation. The ski resorts, distributed on four slopes over 2,000 meters of altitude, guarantee optimal snow quality.
The experience not to be missed is undoubtedly the cable car of the Aiguille du Midi which in less than thirty minutes leads to 3,842 meters, with spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the vertiginous viewpoint "Passo nel Vuoto". From here the Vallée Blanche, the largest glacier descent in Europe: 20 km of ski from the ice giant to Chamonix, an experience that every skier should live at least once, accompanied by an alpine guide.
But Chamonix also explores without skiing: the rack train of Montenvers leads to Mer de Glace at 1.913 meters, the largest glacier in France where a cave dug in the ice offers an immersion in alpine geology. The Mont Blanc Museum, which will reopen in June 2026 after a complete transformation, will become one of larger French museums dedicated to the mountain, a space of 1,000 square meters on the man-mountain ratio. Chamonix is a living legend, where every stone, every refuge, every summit tells stories of achievements, challenges and that irresistible attraction that the mountain exercises on the human soul.
