Morzine is the best base from which to explore the enormous
Portes du Soleil region of the French Savoie Alps, half way between Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc, astride the French Swiss Border. Morzine has stunning scenery, old-world charm, authentic Savoyard hospitality and hosts a wide range of high-quality sports facilities, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
The ski domain in Morzine
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Location
Access
Morzine is in the Haute Savoie department in the Rhone Alpes region. Just an hour’s drive from Geneva International airport, Morzine is simple to get to.
History
Morzine (from the latin word Morgenes meaning ‘border area’) was a farming community of Cistercian monks during the 12th century. Its landscapes were exploited by the monks who coordinated farming and industrial work. After being granted independence from the monks in the 16th century, the town began marketing slates. Some of the slates mines went as deep as 350m into the cliff face. Roads started to be opened in the 1850s and the ski club was opened in 1910. Jean Vuarnet, 1960 Olympic champion born in Morzine, contributed to the creation of the Portes du Soleil area, giving Morzine its double identity: Morzine Avoriaz.
Activities
Whether in winter or summer, Morzine and its region have everything to keep you occupied.
Winters in Morzine: As part of the Portes du Soleil ski domain, Morzine is linked to different ski resorts including Abondance, Avoriaz, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Châtel, Champéry, Les Gets, Montriond… Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned visitor, it offers the largest ski domain in Europe, with slopes covering 650km across France and Switzerland with its state-of-the-art facilities including a modern ski lift system that connects Morzine/Avoriaz to the others. It will also delight snowboarders as 9 snow parks are part of the domain. Although alpine skiing is the most popular winter activity, it is not the only option during winter. There are helicopter and hot-air balloons flights, ice driving, sledging at night, paragliding, snowshoeing and snow scooters available in the area. Its location near the Mont Blanc means it boasts an excellent snowfall record, which is complemented by more than 450 technologically-advanced snow-making cannons.
With its warm climate during summer, Morzine offers something for all the family. One can dive into the Devil’s Gorges, a 60m depth gorge carved by the river Dranse; others will pony ride, fish or swim in or around the magical Lake Montriond traditionally highlighted by fireworks each year in August ; or some will discover by foot the natural harmony of Alpine flora and fauna. In addition, canyoning, kayaking, hot dogging, white water rafting in the Lake Montriond or the river Dranse, mountain biking, cross country, and downhill biking in the Pleney area are available for adrenaline junkies. The Palais des Sports of Morzine offers an indoor climbing wall, an ice rink and a gym. In the nearby surroundings there is a skate park, tennis courts, bowling lanes, a swimming pool, a horse riding centre and a children’s petting farm. For those who like to relax, there are 2 cinemas in Morzine, a Spa, the golf of Avoriaz and Les Gets, museums and galleries, and a plethora of restaurants and clubs.
Food & Drink
Meat and cheese feature heavily in Alpine cooking .Typical Savoryard restaurants has a number of tasty treats in store for those who like to sample some regional specialities like Fondue, Raclette (hot scrapes of cheese over potatoes and pickled onions) and Tartiflette.
Worth to try is also the Savoyard wines, flavoured apples and pears.
Restaurants
- La Chamade, traditional Savoie specialities and pizzas, tel : 0033 4 50 79 13 91
- L’Etale, traditional Savoie specialities, tel : 0033 4 50 79 09 29
Our team of sale advisers at
Sextant Properties will be happy to help you to find a
property in Morzine. We have a large network of agents in the French Alps. All of them are registered French real estate agents and speak both French and English. Whatever kind of property you are looking for: flat, chalet, gite or B&B we will do our best to find a property in the French Alps matching your requirements. To find out more about our selection of
properties for sale in Morzine do not hesitate to contact us.
