Region: La Clusaz, Aravis Range, French Alps, France.
To discover more options for places to stay, visit – Best places to stay in the French Alps. I’ve also provided top travel tips on places to eat and things to do.
I am writing a series of must-do hikes in the French Alps soon, especially around the Chamonix Valley. Here’s a list of those walks: Refuge de Bellachat, Lac Blanc, Grand Balcon Nord & Sud, Aiguillette des Posettes and Montenvers to Plan de l’Aiguille.
Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in Chamonix, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!
La Clusaz is a charming alpine village nestled in the Aravis Range of the French Alps, offering a more laid-back and traditional mountain experience compared to bustling hubs like Chamonix. With flower-filled meadows, limestone peaks, and quiet trails, it’s a fantastic spot for walkers who want big views without the big crowds.
The hiking in La Clusaz ranges from gentle valley strolls to more demanding ridge hikes like the Col des Aravis or Tête du Danay. It’s also an excellent base for discovering the Plateau des Confins and scenic Lac des Confins area, which offers several panoramic circuits and loop trails perfect for day hikes.
Les Contamines also offers direct access to one of the most scenic stretches of the Tour du Mont Blanc, heading either toward Les Chapieux or up and over Col du Bonhomme. The lift system (including the Signal gondola) helps shorten ascents, making more routes accessible to all levels.
La Clusaz has a welcoming village feel with chalet-style accommodation, bakeries, Savoyard restaurants, and alpine cheese shops. It’s family-friendly and relaxed, yet still has the infrastructure hikers need, chairlifts operate in summer to whisk you up to the ridgelines, and marked trails are easy to follow.
If you’re after a quieter alpine getaway with stunning views, authentic charm, and lots of trail options, La Clusaz is a hidden gem well worth basing yourself in.
Looking for Cheap Flights? Try the Skyscanner Flight Checker Below.
La Clusaz has around 550 properties listed on booking.com, it is a very popular area in summer and winter months, and it’s always good to book early. I have organised them into blocks below, which should cover all the options for you, have a great time exploring the French Alps. At the bottom of the page are 10 FAQs that I think will help you with some of the questions you may have for this region.
Apartments
Hotels
Holiday Homes
Bed and Breakfasts
Guest Houses
Chalets
🍽️ Where to Eat in La Clusaz
La Ferme Restaurant
Classic Savoyard cuisine in a charming alpine farmhouse setting. Highly rated (~4.5★, Traveller’s Choice 2024, 1,558 reviews).
👉 [Check reviews on Tripadvisor].
L’Outa Restaurant
French‑Italian menu, vegetarian‑friendly terrace, praised for friendly service (~4.0★, 1,011 reviews).
👉 [See on Tripadvisor].
🛏️ Where to Stay
Les Rhodos
Charming chalet‑hotel, superb reviews (9.1/10) with spa & heated pool.
👉 [Check photos & reviews & book via Booking.com].
La Ferme Hotel
Stylish alpine hotel with panoramic views & highly rated (9.2/10).
👉 [Check photos & reviews & book via Booking.com].
🎒 What to Do
Annecy: 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour
See the sights of Annecy by personal transporter on a 1-hour Segway tour of the city with a guide.
👉 [Book Segway and guide on GetYourGuide].
Chamonix, Aiguille du Midi & Mer de Glace Full-Day Trip
Take a drive through the picturesque Arve Valley from Geneva to Chamonix at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas as you explore some dramatic mountain landscapes by train and cable car as well. This trip is likely to see out quickly.
👉 [Reserve your personal guided outdoor adventure].
Sim Local can reduce or even eliminate your roaming fees. Click www.simlocal.com/ + 10% Discount Using – ‘WELSHMAN’
Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in the Chamonix area, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails Plans – Read my ‘Full Review‘ for more details.
Staying & Hiking in La Clusaz, French Alps FAQs
When is the best time to hike in La Clusaz?
The main hiking season runs from mid-June to late September, when trails are snow-free and lifts operate.
Is La Clusaz suitable for beginner hikers?
Yes — there are plenty of family-friendly and low-level hikes, especially around Lac des Confins and the valley floor.
Are there any lift-accessed hikes?
Yes — chairlifts like the Beauregard gondola operate in summer, allowing easy access to higher trails and ridgelines.
What are the best hikes around La Clusaz?
Popular options include:
Tour of the Aiguille Verte (not to be confused with the Mont Blanc peak!)
Lac des Confins loop
Col des Aravis
Tête du Danay
Plateau de Beauregard
Do I need a car to get around La Clusaz?
While a car is helpful for accessing trailheads outside the village, local buses and shuttle services do operate in peak season.
Is La Clusaz family-friendly for hiking?
Definitely — the gentle terrain, mountain lakes, and short cable car-assisted trails make it great for families.
Are there mountain huts or refuges near La Clusaz?
Yes — while fewer than Chamonix, you’ll find rustic refuges and farm chalets offering food or overnight stays on longer hikes.
Can I hike from La Clusaz to nearby resorts like Le Grand-Bornand?
Yes — there are cross-valley trails linking La Clusaz with Le Grand-Bornand and other Aravis locations for longer treks.
How do I get to La Clusaz from Geneva?
Geneva Airport is 1 hour by car. Shuttle buses run in summer, or you can take a train to Annecy, then a local bus.
What should I pack for hiking in La Clusaz?
Essentials included:
Weatherproof layers
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Water, snacks, and sun protection
Map or GPX routes
Trekking poles if tackling steeper paths
