Things To Do In Chatel, Alpine Ski Village In France

High in the mountains, at 1053m a.s.l, right next to the Swiss border, and not far away from Lake Geneva, lies a charming little Alpine ski village called Chatel. Despite tourist expansion, this small village retained a classic Alpine vibe. In Chatel, you’ll find only a few streets, shops, hotels, and restaurants. Despite that, the village will offer you many breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Would you like to learn more? Keep reading and discover the best things to do in Chatel, France all year round.

Where is Chatel located?

Chatel is located in France, in the Northern French Alps, right next to the Switzerland border, in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Thanks to its close proximity to Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc, and Switzerland, Châtel is a great place to stay for a few days and slowly discover many nearby amazing places.

What’s the best time to visit Chatel?

It depends on what you want to do there. If you are a skiing enthusiast – visit Châtel in winter. But if you prefer activities like hiking, mountain biking, or paragliding – any other time of the year will be perfect for visiting.

Things To Do In Chatel, Alpine Ski Village In France

This website uses affiliate links thanks to which we may earn a commission for purchases you made at no additional cost to you. If you like the content, consider using those links to support us. Thank you!


Things To Do In Chatel, Alpine Ski Village In France

Interesting fact: Châtel became a popular destination around the 50s’ when former Olympic ski champion, Roland Macchi, chose this then-unknown village as the place for a ski school. Not long later, in 1953 first of many ski lifts in the area, Super Chatel, had been installed.

Streets of Chatel, France

While in Chatel take a nice stroll around the village. Admire traditional chalets, visit small craft shops, buy delicious Abondance cheese, and admire spectacular views over the Alps on every step.

Old Customs House – La Vieille Douane

One of the other things you can do in Chatel is to visit the Old Customs House, La Vieille Douane. Inside you’ll learn about the game of cat and mouse that happened between the smugglers and the customs officers (gabelous) across the border between France and Switzerland. All are very richly documented and presented in a friendly, illustrated way. Entrance is paid: adult €4.50, child €3.5 (May 2023). Current opening hours are available on the chatel.com website.

Église Saint-Laurent de Châtel

If you’re a church person – you can also visit a church Église Saint-Laurent de Châtel. The church dates back to 1908 and is classified as a Historical Monument.

Streets of Chatel village, France 
Summer and winter activities in Chatel, France
What To Do In Chatel, Alpine Village In France
Old stone building in Chatel village, France
Graves in Chatel cemetery with Alps views
Église Saint-Laurent in Chatel, France

Summer activities in Chatel, France

Mountain biking MTB

In summer Chatel turns into a popular destination for biking, hiking, and paragliding enthusiasts. Chatel’s Bike Park is dedicated to MTB lovers and is located in the Pre la Joux sector, accessible by the Pierre-Longue and Rochassons chairlifts. Park offers 20 tracks, adapted to all levels. There are also lifts for cyclists, open from June to September. On chatel.com you can check the details, as well as the pass prices.

Hiking

If hiking is something that you prefer, there are some hiking trails in the area to choose from. You can check them out on alltrails.com or komoot.com.

Paragliding

Your other option to discover Chatel and the nearby areas is to try paragliding with qualified instructors. You can choose from 3 offers, which mostly vary by flight duration and altitude. To learn more about options and prices visit chatel.com website.

Fantasticable

Another great thing to do in Chatel in summer is to try Fantasticable, a zipline that offers unforgettable flight over Plaine-Dranse, at a height of about 240m, with a speed of almost 100 km/h. The Fantasticable operates all the summer, from +- middle of July to the middle of September, and it’s available to anyone whose weight is between 35-120kg. It can be done alone, or in a duo flight. To learn more about Fantasticable, its open hours and prices visit chatel.com website.

Summer activities in Chatel, France - hiking with views over Alps
Things To Do In Chatel, Alpine Village In France
Summer activities in Chatel, France - hiking with Alps views


Winter in Chatel, France – skiing

Skiing enthusiasts will love Chatel during winter. Since the 1970s Châtel has been part of Portes du Soleil – a very popular French-Swiss ski domain. Chatel ski resort extends across Super-Châtel / Barbossine and Linga / Pre la Joux / Plaine Dranse sectors linked together with Portes du Soleil and Gabelou chairlifts.

Chatel Ski Pass

In Chatel you can choose from two Ski Passes:

  • Châtel Liberté Ski Passes, which covers slopes in Chatel (Barbossine, Super-Châtel, Linga, and Pre-la-Joux) and La Chapelle d’Abondance on the French side, and Torgon and some in Morgins in Switzerland. There is a total number of 82 slopes, 63 lifts, and about 130km of skiing.
  • Portes Du Soleil Ski Passes, which covers all of the 12 resorts of the Portes du Soleil ski area, in all 308 slopes, 209 lifts, and 600km of skiing

For more information, and prices visit chatel.com website.

Portes du Soleil Multi Pass

The Portes du Soleil Multi Pass is a card that allows you to enjoy 60 activities in Chatel and Portes du Soleil free of charge or with great discounts. With the Multi Pass you’ll have access to ski lifts, and places like swimming pools, tennis courts, and many cultural sites. You can choose between Multi Pass Day (€12 per person per day) and Multi Pass Season (€80 per adult 26+ years old, or €60 for younger people 5-25 years old, for the entire summer and autumn season). To learn more visit chatel.com or skipass-chatel.com website.

Streets of Chatel village in France 
Chatel, Alpine Village In France
Summer and winter activities in Chatel France

Would you like to travel more, like many already do?

Check out our Travelers Talks series where we interview other fellow travelers and get inspired to start your journey!


How to get to Chatel, France?

Chatel is located only about 10km from Abondance, 40km from Thonon-les-Bains, 70km from Geneva, and 85km from Chamonix. The most convenient way to get to Chatel is by car, either yours or rental.

Where to park in Chatel, France?

There’s a nice big inside parking lot available in the village center, right next to the church. It’s free during the summer season.

To Chatel, France by bus

You can also get to Chatel By bus. For example, the journey from Thonon-les-Bains will take about 1h10min and will cost €8. From Geneva, the journey will take about 3h with change in Thonon and will cost €12-14. From the nearest Abondance village, it’s only a 20min drive.

Things To Do In Chatel – Summary

If you are an active, sports person you won’t be disappointed with your visit to Chatel in France. Take your bike, ski, or hiking shoes and enjoy the area no matter the season.

Restaurants, accommodations, and map

Check out various recommended places below.

Where to eat in Chatel?

Here are your best, high-rated options in Chatel:

Where to sleep in Chatel?

Fleur De Neige Hôtel in Chatel, France

Fleur De Neige Hôtel

Fleur De Neige Hôtel is a charming mountain hotel located in the heart of Chatel, offering comfortable accommodations and warm hospitality. With its traditional alpine architecture and cozy rooms, guests can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay while taking advantage of nearby outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.


Au Bois de Lune in Chatel, France

Au Bois de Lune

Au Bois de Lune is a charming chalet-style hotel in Chatel, featuring cozy rooms with stunning mountain views and a relaxing sauna and hot tub area. The hotel also offers delicious regional cuisine in its restaurant, making it a great choice for a peaceful and authentic mountain getaway.


Le Castellan in Chatel, France

Le Castellan

Le Castellan is a cozy and welcoming hotel located in the heart of Chatel, just a short walk from the ski lifts. With its charming decor and comfortable rooms, it's the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes.


Hôtel Le Kandahar in Chatel, France

Hotel Le Kandahar

Hotel Le Kandahar is a cozy alpine hotel located in the heart of Chatel, offering easy access to the ski lifts and the town's restaurants and shops. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving delicious Savoyard cuisine, and a sauna and hot tub for relaxation after a day on the slopes.


Accommodations photos source: booking.com

Chatel, France - Map of places


Pin & share: Things To Do In Chatel, Alpine Ski Village In France

Home » France » Things To Do In Chatel, Alpine Ski Village In France

Your Travel Resources Handy In One Place 🗺️

🧳 Travel Insurance

Enjoy peace of mind during traveling and don't leave your country without good travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads or SafetyWing for international travel insurance. 

💰Travel Finances

Get your travel finances smart and straight with Wise or Revolut.

🏨 Accommodations

For a short stay check out Booking or Agoda. Staying longer? Take a look at the offers at Airbnb. Hostels are the cheapest option that you can explore at Hostelworld.

🏡 Recommended places for long-term stay

Wanna know the accommodations where we lived during our digital nomad journey? Check out the places we enjoyed the most!

🎫 Book tours

Are you up for taking part in epic guided tours? Book ones you like using GetYourGuide or Viator.

🚗 Rent a car

To find great rental car deals check out Rental Cars and get ready for your car trip!

✈️ Book a flight

For the hottest deals check out Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights or WayAway.

🌐 Mobile internet

To stay online always and have roaming bills in check use Airalo - the world’s first eSIM store with digital data packs for over 200 countries/regions!

🛡️ VPN

To stay safely connected while traveling, don’t forget about a good VPN. We recommend Surfshark or NordVPN.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top