In the heart of the French Alps, Châtel is a beautiful and charming alpine village that attracts visitors from all around the world. With the village’s breathtaking landscapes and views, and lively local culture, visiting Châtel France is the perfect holiday escape. It’s great for couples, groups of friends and families alike, with a wide variety of activities to do in both summer and winter and cultural landmarks to visit.
Tourists usually come here to ski and snowboard in the winter months and take advantage of the hiking trails in the warmer months. The village of Châtel itself has a rich heritage, with many landmarks to visit and events taking place throughout the year. In this post, we will share the many attractions and activities that make Châtel a must-visit destination for all!
Where is Châtel
Châtel is located within the world-famous Portes du Soleil ski area. This village sits at an altitude of 1,200 metres and is part of one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world. It has over 600 kilometres of ski slopes that go across both France and Switzerland.
Getting to Châtel is fairly straightforward as it’s close to major cities, like Geneva. Approximately 75 kilometres away, you can drive from Geneva to Châtel in about 90 minutes. You can conveniently rent a car or even take a bus to the village. Lausanne is another major city in Switzerland and is about 120 kilometres from Châtel (about a 2-hour car ride).
If you are travelling from within France, taking the train from Thonon-les-Bains, which is about 40 kilometres from Châtel is easy. You can also find regular bus services from Thonon-les-Bains that connect to Châtel.
As Châtel is strategically located in Portes du Soleil, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. You can take advantage of the many mountain ranges, and villages nearby.
Outdoor activities in Châtel
No matter the weather or season, there is plenty to do in Châtel and its surrounding areas. Depending on your likes and hobbies, we recommend visiting in the appropriate season.
Skiing and snowboarding
Châtel is a winter lovers paradise, perfect for skiing and snowboarding within the Alps. The ski season normally runs from December through April and runs for all ski levels. You can even register for ski lessons if you are new to the sport. You can reserve ski passes for Châtel and the Portes du Soleil for one day or the whole season, with discounts offered for children and seniors.
Hiking and mountain biking
When the snow melts, Châtel becomes the ideal location for hikers and mountain bikers. There are many trails throughout the region, with popular routes such as Morclan and Cornettes de Bise. There are mountain bike rental shops in Châtel, where you can also sign up for guided bike tours. You can also take advantage of the Portes du Soleil bike park.
Paragliding
If you are looking for a really exhilarating experience, we suggest going paragliding! It is the perfect adventure activity in Châtel. Many companies offer services, and you can book online or directly at their locations. Beginner tandem paragliding starts at about €90 per person.
Lac de Vonnes
Lac de Vonnes is a lovely lake where you can enjoy boating, fishing and a relaxing picnic. There are many walking paths surrounding this area, perfect for a fun family day in the great outdoors!
Points of cultural interest in Châtel
Within the village of Châtel, there are plenty of monuments and important cultural centres to visit.
The Old Customs House
The Old Customs House, known as La Vieille Douane, is a museum that explores the interesting history of smuggling between France and Switzerland. The museum is near the border and used to be the checkpoint where customs officers worked to prevent illegal trade. You can visit the exhibits throughout the museum and learn about the techniques that smugglers use to illegally move items back and forth.
La Vieille Douane is open daily but with varying hours depending on the season.
Saint-Laurent Church
Saint-Laurent Church is a beautiful example of traditional Alpine architecture and dates back to the 15th century.
The church’s architecture is a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles and has a stunning bell tower.
Les Lindarets (Goat Village)
Les Lindarets is a unique smaller village located near Châtel. There are friendly goats that roam freely through the streets, making it the perfect destination for families and animal lovers.
The best time to visit Goat Village is during the summer months, from June to September when the goats are most active.
Local events and festivals
Châtel is home to many local events and festivals, attracting visitors from all around the world!
One of the main events in the region is Fête de la Saint-Laurent, celebrated every August in honour of the village’s patron saint. This event is celebrated with parades, music, traditional dancing, and local cuisine.
The Tour de France occasionally passes through Châtel and nearby villages. When the Tour does come through, the village becomes a bustling hub of excitement in July, with prime viewing spots along the route.
The Rock the Pistes Festival is another major event, held every year on the slopes of the Portes du Soleil. It takes place in March and has live performances by international and local artists.
Don’t forget to check out the weekly farmers markets and craft stalls in the village centre.
Come and enjoy Châtel
Châtel has a diverse blend of outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, and vibrant local events, making it an ideal destination for all types of visitors. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring historical sites, or enjoying the festive atmosphere at local events, Châtel has much to offer!
When planning your stay in Châtel, rely on Alpvision Residences for the best accommodation options. Alpvision Residences offers a variety of comfortable and stylish lodging, perfect for couples, groups, and families. With prime locations and excellent amenities, you can find the perfect holiday home to suit your needs.
