Morzine
Originally a French mining town, now a world class resort in summer and winter
Morzine is one of the towns in the massive Portes du Soleil ski area that stretches across twelve resorts through France and Switzerland.
Morzine is a very picturesque town. It feels like a French town rather than a ski resort, but in the last few years it has installed new lifts and sports facilities, and new bars and restaurants have begun emerging meaning that it can hold its own against many of the big name resorts in the Alps.
With its charm and quality as well as its location, just an hour from an airport and in the middle of one of the biggest ski areas in the world Morzine really is one of our favourite winter destinations.
Location | Km from Morzine | Best for |
Morzine | 0 | Being in the heart of things, close to lifts and après-ski vibe |
Les Nants | 1.2 | Close to Morzine town centre, ski-in/ski-out chalet accommodation |
Nyon | 7 | 10 minute drive from Morzine, easy access to Nyon cable car |
Les Gets | 7 | Family friendly, ski-in/ski-out options, easy ski links to Morzine. 10 minute drive |
Prodains | 4 | Close to Morzine, easy access to Avoriaz. Chalets and hotels, some ski-in/ski-out |
Avoriaz | 12 | Self catered apartments and higher altitude skiing, linked to Morzine |
Montriond | 2.7 | Peaceful hamlet but with easy access to lift to Avoriaz and five minutes from Morzine |
St. Jean d'Aulps | 8 | Good village vibe that has it's own ski area, 12 minute drive to Morzine |
History and culture in Morzine
Morzine was originally a small farming and mining town. The first lift to be installed here was the Pléney cable car in 1934 and since then the town has grown into a full on resort with all the trappings you'd expect, whilst still retaining its traditional French charm.
The town lies on two sides of the Dranse river that flows through the bottom of the valley, the sides of which are adorned with traditionally styled wooden chalets with slate roofs. There are very few buildings over four floors in Morzine and as this helps the town keep it's heart without becoming a concrete covered resort. Learn more about the history of Morzine.
Sights & Attractions in Morzine
Sights in Morzine
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Alta Lumina enchanted night walk
Located in Morzine
In the heart of the French Alps, in the village of Les Gets, experience a night walk in an enchanted forest like no other. Set off along the path of a travelling music-maker and his hot-air balloon, and follow his incredible journey beyond the mountains.
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Pointe de Nyon hiking and trails, Morzine
Located in Morzine
The Pointe de Nyon area is dedicated to hiking trails and discovering the fauna that lives in the mountains.
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Trout Fish Farm
Located in Morzine
Visit the local fish farm to discover how arctic char and trout are raised in alpine waters. Join a tour, try your hand at fishing or pick up fresh fish to take home.
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Les Gorges du Pont du Diable
Located in Morzine
A great walk through a beech forest and dramatic limestone gorges carved by the Dranse de Morzine. Expect vibrant rock colours, safe cliffside paths and even a daring glass walkway you can try.
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Dining in Morzine
There are all manner of restaurants and cafés to choose from in Morzine, from the traditional Savoyarde tartiflette and fondue restaurants, to fine dining and at the opposite end of the spectrum - creperies, pizzas and takeaways.
Of course, no French town would be complete without a bakery and there are several in Morzine, the most popular being the Bonboniere de Tavernier. Here you'll find artisanal chocolates and excellent French pastries and cakes. Morzine also has some good shops, most of them are here to service the skiers and snowboarders but there are some shops offering shoes, jewellery and clothing as well as gifts and souvenirs.
Restaurants in Morzine
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L'Etale Restaurant
Located in Morzine
Located near the Pleney lift and l’Opera nightclub, L’Etale is reputed to be one of Morzine's best restaurants, serving great food at a reasonable price. It is a versatile restaurant for families and groups, although in high season if you’re in a large group it’s definitely worth booking ahead as it does get very busy.
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Le PaSionNant Restaurant
Located in Morzine
Fine dining in Morzine, imaginative dishes and great presentation
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La Grange Restaurant
Located in Morzine
La Grange Restaurant is hidden down a little back road, less than 100 metres from the tourist office in the centre of Morzine, and only 100 metres from the bottom of the Pleney, making it a great alternative to eating up the mountain.
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Restaurant la Pointe de Nyon & Les Aigles du Léman
Located in Morzine
This is much more than just a restaurant. Les Aigles du Léman, located at Restaurant de la Pointe de Nyon (1500m) and boasting breathtaking views of the mountains, is surrounded by a wild natural park where magnificent birds of prey live, including eagles, condors and owls.
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The Hideout Kitchen
Located in Morzine
Every season Hideout Hostel scours Europe for the best pop up restaurants around to bring guests the most fantastic food possible. Eat in the stylish bar or on the sunny terrace.
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L'Improviste pizzeria and bistro restaurant
Located in Morzine
Fabulous gourmet pizzas, freshly made in house with seasonal produce, available to eat in or take-away.
Things to do in Morzine
For skiers and snowboarders there are several big chain stores like Intersport where you can rent and buy equipment as well as smaller independent stores like Slopestyle, Attack Attack and the Woods.
Morzine also has two cinemas and a swimming pool complex as well as it's own ice hockey team; The Penguins. Added to this options to go paragliding, husky dog sledging and snow-mobiling and it is a great winter destination even for those who don't ski.
Morzine is all about skiing and snowboarding in winter, and is hugely popular in summer for mountain biking and mountain walks.
You'll find many things to do in Morzine throughout the summer and winter seasons.
Things To Do in Morzine
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Buzz Performance at The Hive
Located in Morzine
The Hive is a well equipped modern and spacious gym for solo or group training.
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Cross-Country skiing
Located in Morzine
Escape the busy slopes this winter and learn how to cross-country ski.
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Alta Lumina enchanted night walk
Located in Morzine
In the heart of the French Alps, in the village of Les Gets, experience a night walk in an enchanted forest like no other. Set off along the path of a travelling music-maker and his hot-air balloon, and follow his incredible journey beyond the mountains.
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Summer luge
Located in Morzine
The Morzine summer luge winds it's way down the left hand side of the Pleney. Take the La Crusaz chairlift up with your sledge and make your way down the track.
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Mountain Rehab gym
Located in Morzine
This gym is fully equipped with all the equipment you need for a great workout. Located at L'Aiglon de Morzine Residence, just five minutes from the centre of resort, it is also open to the public.
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Mountain guides
Located in Morzine
This ski school offers off-piste and ski touring lessons in Morzine for those looking to take their skiing or snowboarding to the next level.
Nightlife in Morzine
The town also has some great bars and restaurants. Bar Robinson, or Robbo's as it's known locally, is a tiny French café bar with legendarily strong beer; Mutzig. It's a must for any visitor and always popular with the locals. For live sport the Dixie Bar just next door has several huge screens and is always packed during the Six Nations rugby and big football matches.
For a more civilised affair try Beanies for cocktails, Le Coup de Cœur wine bar on the high street or the hipster micro brewery Bec Juane at the top of town.
Between these bars and the late night venues like Opéra and Café Chaud, Morzine has a great après ski and night life, but if fine food rather than beer and music is your idea of a night out then you will not be disappointed with Le Grange, Chaumade or Ferme de Frutiére. Up near the tourist office The Cavern, Crepu and Tibetan Café are always popular especially on a Wednesday night when the resort chalet staff tend to have their night off.
Bars & Clubs in Morzine
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The Hideout Bar
Located in Morzine
A chilled place to relax and unwind after a hard day on the mountain.
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Bec Jaune Brewery
Located in Morzine
This little brewery offers new and old beer styles ranging from American IPAs to malty English ales, not forgetting the traditionally styled French and German beers.
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La Chaudanne Wine Bar & Restaurant, Morzine Centre
Located in Morzine
With a great reputation for its restaurant in Morzine, this wine bar is also definitely worth a visit.
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O'Chalet Bar and Restaurant
Located in Morzine
A great place to sit on the terrace on a hot summers day chowing down on one of their tasty sandwiches, bagels or gourmet burgers.
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Le Tremplin
Located in Morzine
Part of Hotel Le Tremplin, this bar enjoys an enviable location right at the foot of the Pleney slopes. It is a great for an aprés-ski drink on their fabulous terrace as the sun goes down.
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The Cavern Bar, Morzine Centre
Located in Morzine
Open in winter and summer, this popular bar promises one of the best aprés sessions around town!
Chalets in Morzine
Morzine has seen an increase in the number of luxury chalets popping up in recent years, but there is still a wide selection of properties on offer to suit all tastes and budgets. Choose self catering, fully catered or opt to hire in a private chef for a few days.. the choice is yours!
Chalets in Morzine
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Plan des Pierrys Chalet
Located in Morzine
Chalet Plan des Pierrys is the perfect catered chalet for a large group, with 6 bedrooms and ideally located in Morzine with great views over the town.
Price: £6,900
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Alpaga 1 Chalet
Located in Morzine
Chalet Alpaga One has it all; a central Morzine location, a sauna and outdoor hot tub, incredible views and a high-end finish throughout. The chalet sleeps up to 12 people in 4 ensuite rooms.
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Mandarin Chalet
Located in Morzine
This chalet offers unbeatable convenience with its ideal location just 60m from the SuperMorzine lift.
Price: £1,490
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Blanc Chalet
Located in Morzine
Chalet Blanc is a modern luxury chalet that sleeps 10 and they love the wrap-around deck, giving you stunning views over Point de Nyon, Pleney, Mont Chery and the Parc de Dereches.
Price: £3,000
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Beauvallon Petit Chalet
Located in Morzine
Chalet Beauvallon Grand (Apt A) is a stunning contemporary three bedroom property located between the Nyon Telecabine and the Pleney/Avoriaz roundabout so ideal for accessing the ski lifts in any direction.
Price: €1,100
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Le Meridien Chalet
Located in Les Gets
This traditional alpine chalet is situated in the heart of resort close to all the local amenities, including the slopes. It is fully equipped with everything you need for a relaxing self-catering holiday.
Holidays Rentals in Morzine
The choice of apartments in Morzine is vast, catering for every group size and requirement. Some are tucked away in quieter parts of the village whilst others are right in the centre of all the hustle and bustle.
Holiday Rentals in Morzine
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Le Pleney - D06 Apartment
Located in Morzine
This apartment is situated on the ground floor of the building in a residence around 400m from the centre of Morzine.
Price: €330
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Les Marollets-Les Cotes Apartment
Located in Morzine
Located just 10 metres from the main building of Hôtel Les Côtes, in the quiet hotel garden, the Chalet Marollet apartment offers a comfortable, independent stay with full access to all hotel services and leisure facilities. Just 500 metres from the Super-Morzine bubble lift, it’s the ideal base for exploring Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil.
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La Corniche - D50 Apartment
Located in Morzine
Apartment on the raised ground floor of a residence near the centre.
Price: €392
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Alpine Retreat Chalet
Located in Morzine
Chalet Alpine Retreat is a beautiful luxury chalet, located on the Morzine-Montriond border with stunning mountain views.
Price: £7,000
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Blue Bird Lodge Chalet
Located in Morzine
This is a luxury alpine retreat situated in a great location just 300 metres from the central town square and the two major lift stations, Le Pleney and the Super Morzine.
Price: €2,800
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Blanc Chalet
Located in Morzine
Chalet Blanc is a modern luxury chalet that sleeps 10 and they love the wrap-around deck, giving you stunning views over Point de Nyon, Pleney, Mont Chery and the Parc de Dereches.
Price: £3,000
Hotels in Morzine
There are some excellent hotels in Morzine like The Farmhouse, but most of the accommodation is in self-contained, independent chalets. In many cases these are run by families who fell in love with Morzine and never wanted to leave and they offer excellent facilities and service at very competitive rates.
Hotels in Morzine
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La Seigneurie B&B
Located in Les Gets
A 170m2 chalet located in front of Mont-Chéry, just 200m from the ESF and all the shops.
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La Bergerie Hotel
Located in Morzine
This charmingly decorated 4-star boutique hotel is one of only a handful of Morzine hotels with this accolade. It has a large garden with a heated swimming pool (open in summer and winter seasons), children's play area and trampoline (summer only) and has all the charm of a warm family chalet. The icing on the cake is that when sharing with adults, children U12 stay for free!
Price: €2,184
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Igloo Hotel
Located in Morzine
This friendly, family-run hotel is in the heart of Morzine, with the Pleney and Super Morzine ski lifts almost on the doorstep. Perfect for anyone keen to make the most of the mountain, from first lifts to last tracks.
Price: €1,057
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Alpen'Sports Hotel
Located in Les Gets
Three star hotel located in the centre of Les Gets, situated near the tourist office and gives easy access to the shops and restaurants.
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Les Fleurs Hotel
Located in Morzine
This friendly, family-run hotel has 24 bright and comfortable bedrooms and an outdoor swimming pool with solarium terrace.
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Hideout Hostel
Located in Morzine
Centrally located, just 50 metres from the restaurants, shops and bars, Hideout is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
Directions
Morzine sits in the Haute Savoie region of France just over an hour from Geneva airport, making it one of the easiest resorts to reach from the UK, in around an hour. The centre of Morzine is the tourist office and from here it's a short walk to the lifts on either side of the valley that will take you up to either Morzine and Les Gets or Avoriaz and the further Portes du Soleil.
As Morzine is still a town rather than a resort it is possible to drive around, but for those without their own transport there is a free bus system that starts and finishes at the foot of Le Pleney that stops at the Prodians, Super Morzine and Ardent lift stations.