The beautifully picturesque commune of Morzine is located in the idyllic Rhône-Alpes region of Eastern France. It’s a popular destination for people looking for a holiday packed with outdoor thrills, due its world-famous ski resorts and impressive range of summer activities. If you want a fun, refreshing, action-packed holiday then a cute Alpine chalet in Morzine may just be the right choice for you! Regarded as a paradise for ski-lovers, Morzine provides epic mountain scenery in an enchanting atmosphere. And of course the après-ski is excellent as well!
Fun Facts about Morzine
- Morzine has hosted the Tour de France on numerous occasions, due to the steepness of its climbs. The village was the finishing location for stage 8 of the 2010 Tour de France
- The village dates back to the 12th-century, when it was an agricultural centre for Aulps Abbey
- In the winter, Morzine boasts 650km of fantastic ski slopes!
- The first tourist hotel in Morzine, the Grand Hôtel, was built in 1920, and was the start of a new era in the village’s history
Where to Stay in Morzine
Morzine - both the town and the surrounding area of the same name - are very popular skiing destinations and the range of accommodation on offer reflects this. For a truly Alpine experience, look into renting a classic ski chalet - these are generally self-catering but some offer bed and breakfast, for when you have indulged a little too much après-ski! There are also apartments available in the town, and if you rent your holiday accommodation through Wimdu you can search for exactly what you need, whether that is a hot tub for relaxing after a big day on the slopes, or a guest house with children’s facilities if you are on a family holiday.
Things to See and Do in Morzine
Morzine is world-famous for its ski slopes, so if you’re not planning on taking advantage of your surroundings then think again! There are plenty of places to rent equipment, or you can look for accommodation that comes with skis. Your Wimdu host will be able to give you some recommendations for rental places.
There are many ski schools and resorts in the area, offering a range of slopes for different skill levels. The intermediate terrain makes the area well suited for beginners, so there’s no need to be afraid if you have never tried skiing. The terrain, family accommodation, and wide variety of children’s activities on offer mean that Morzine is very popular with families - so bring the kids along for an action packed family adventure! If you want to relax after a strenuous morning on the slopes? Pay a visit to Morzine Mountain Massage, to soothe those aches and pains. Available treatments include reflexology, hot stone therapy and massage.
If you are after more daring slopes, you can find these at Avoriaz via the Prodains lifts which are only five minutes away via the local bus service. Avoriaz, the oldest resort in the area, was founded in the 1960s by Jean Vuarnet - a local Olympic skiing champion. Originally little more than a handful of small chalets scattered across the mountain face, the resort is now filled with developed snowfields, luxury rentals and apartments for every budget for eager snow-lovers.
Visitors wishing to get to know more about the area should take the Tour of the Vieux Bourg. The guided tour offers holiday-makers the chance to discover the old town, and shed light on how it developed from its ancient agricultural history.
Though Morzine is best known for its ski-slopes, it also offers a wide variety of summer activities. The green landscapes and challenging cycling routes have proven so popular in recent years, that summer visitors now outnumber winter holidaymakers. Summer activities in Morzine include mountain biking, golf, walking, swimming and even caving.
If you fancy a day trip, check out Geneva, located just 30 miles away. You could even rent an apartment or bed and breakfast there for the weekend to take advantage of everything this sophisticated Swiss city offers. Indulge in Swiss delicacies, browse the extravagant stores and check out the city’s most famous monuments.Eating Out in Morzine
If you have decided to rent a self-catering guest house, you will be spoiled for choice with the local cuisine. There’s a vast range of great restaurants, cosy cafes and cheerful bars to be explored. For a delicious yet affordable breakfast in a cosy and inviting atmosphere, you should definitely head over to Dotty’s Coffee House. Here you can find a menu filled with delicious treats to warm you up before you hit the slopes. For those with a sweet tooth, try the luxury hot chocolate - you will not be disappointed. For delicious evening meals, check out Le Clin D’Oeil. Regarded as the ‘hidden gem’ of Morzine, this secluded restaurant offers a truly romantic atmosphere that is perfect for couples. The excellent service and spectacular regional cuisine come with a competitive price tag, making this restaurant a popular destination for returning holiday-makers. After your meal, pay a visit to Le Mas De La Coutettaz, for a warm atmosphere and a spectacular range of beverages.
Getting around
Despite its remote location, Morzine is relatively easy to get to - in part due to its popularity as one of the world’s best winter sports venues. For those coming by plane, Geneva International Airport is only 36 miles away, and can easily be reached by rental car or an airport transfer service. For those travelling in by rail, Cluses Train Station is just 15 miles away.