Morzine – Places to visit

Places to visit near Morzine, France

Morzine, in the French Alps, is an excellent base from which to explore the Haute-Savoie region of France and the Valais region of Switzerland. Below are a few of our recommended places to visit:

Magnificent Lake Geneva, Western Europe’s largest freshwater lake, has beaches, watersports, towns, vineyards, history and culture. The paddle steamers that encircle and cross the lake are a memorable and relaxing way to explore and take in its clear waters and serene beauty.

The French side of Lake Geneva is only 35 minutes away from Morzine. The spa towns of Thonon and Evian, the charming medieval walled town of Yvoire, the Evian water factory/museum and Chateau de Ripaille near Thonon, all make for a worthwhile visit.

The Swiss side of Lake Geneva, known as the Swiss Riviera, encompasses Geneva, Nyon, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux. Notable attractions include Geneva and its Red Cross Museum, the Olympic Museum (Lausanne), Lausanne’s wineries, Medieval Gruyeres, the Chateau de Chillon and the beautiful towns of Vevey and Montreux. For children who are train fanatics, a trip to the superb miniature train centre (Vapeur Parc) is a must.

Known as the Venice of the French Alps, Annecy is about one and a half hour’s drive from Morzine. This charming and historic town’s lakeside setting against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is inspiring. Meander through cobbled streets, browse among fascinating shops, or make your way up to the French Renaissance chateau, perched on the heights above the canals and bridges. A morning exploring the old town and an afternoon boat trip is highly recommended.

The famous alpine town of Chamonix-Mont Blanc is just over one hour away. The world’s highest cable car ride takes you to the top of the Aiguille du Midi from where you can enjoy spectacular views at an altitude of 3,840m. A funicular railway (Montenvers) takes you over an incredible glacier, the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice).

The stunning national park of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and the listed village of Samoëns (home to a world famous alpine botanical garden with over 5,000 alpine plants from all five continents) are only 45 minutes away over the Col de Joux-Plane, one of the Tour de France’s most testing routes, offering wonderful views of Mont Blanc on a clear day. Combined together, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and Samoëns make for a great day out.

There are many nearby places to visit in the Portes du Soleil, all within half an hour of Morzine, such as:

• Lake Montriond
• The pretty neighbouring village of Les Gets and other local villages
• Avoriaz – a futuristic purpose-built ski resort, sat high on the cliff top overlooking Morzine
• The mountain goat village of Les Linderets
• The old abbey ruins and visitor’s centre at St-Jean-d’Aulps (a former Cistercian monastery)
• The well-preserved abbey at Abondance and nearby fromagerie, making the delicious Abondance cheese
• The breathtakingly spectacular Devil’s Bridge Gorge.
• Museums, waterfalls, cheese dairies, vineyards and old slate mines.
• Sights of spectacular natural beauty, including lakes and stunning mountain viewing points

We also offer a choice of Simply Morzine organised excursions. Please find more information on our Simply Morzine Activities page. Alternatively, our resort representatives can provide pointers for independent sightseeing during your summer holiday in Morzine.