Nestled in the Haute Savoie of the French Alps, Morzine is a stunning valley that exudes traditional charm and sophistication. Overlooking the magnificent Mont Blanc, Morzine is a perfect destination for those who want to spend quality family holidays walking the narrow cobbled streets and skiing the snow-capped mountains. In the summer months, Morzine transforms into a place that is ideal for mountain biking, hiking and lake swimming.
During the winter months, Morzine turns into one of the stunning French ski resorts that offer the region’s longest ski run. Hence, it becomes an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy ski holidays in Morzine and ski and snowboard over some of the best piste trails in the Portes du Soleil region.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Morzine, France?
Morzine is among the few destinations in France that offer a year-round experience. However, the best time to visit Morzine depends on the kind of activities you want to do when you are here. Hence, it depends if you are visiting Morzine, France in the winter months or the summer.
The summer months of June to August offer a completely different experience to the locals and visitors that come here to explore nature and wildlife. It is during the summer months that Morzine celebrates some of the big festivals, live music and al fresco dining. During June the temperature here rises to 21 degree Celsius which is a perfect setting for outdoor activities like golf, tennis, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and other adventure trips. By July, the mercury rises to 24 degree Celsius making it the hottest month of the year. This is accompanied by 2-3 days of rain per week.
On the other hand, December marks the beginning of the winter season. By this time of the year, the temperature plummets to -3 degree Celsius making it a perfect place for Christmas festivities. In the subsequent months, the snowfall increases and the temperature drops further making it an ideal destination for ski and snowboarding enthusiasts.
A Few Facts About Morzine, France
- The name of the town ‘Morzine’ comes from the Germanic word ‘morgen’ meaning morning.
- Even before Morzine transformed into one of the trendiest ski resorts in France, Morzine was just a small rural market town and most residents here earned their income through agriculture and slate mining.
- In 1960, Jean Vuarnet, an alpine ski racer, won gold at the 1960 Winter Olympics. He was asked to develop a skiing area around his hometown of Morzine. Hence, he created Avoriaz, a purpose-built ski resort. This led to the development of Morzine and later to the development of the Portes du Soleil region.
- Apart from skiing, Morzine also plays a vital role in Tour de France. The tour has passed through Morzine 21 times since 1975.
One Day in Morzine Itinerary
There is a lot that you can do when you have a day to spend in Morzine. Read on to find the best sights and places to enjoy in order to have a truly memorable day in this magical place. You will love every second of it!
Book Your Treatment at the Spa
Morzine has plenty of spa and wellness centers and if you want to pamper yourself for the day you can book a spa. You can also book spas at some of the luxury hotels which are open to non-guests.
Explore Local Museums
If you love music, visit the Mechanical Music Museum in Les Gets where you can learn more about the history and development of mechanical musical instruments through the ages. You can also visit Slate Workshop which focuses on the history of slate and slate mining in Morzine.
Enjoy a Film
If you love watching movies, head to the local Rex cinema, grab some popcorn and enjoy the best movies available.
Enjoy Afternoon Meals
Morzine has plenty of good quality restaurants and cafes and therefore you can head to these places for some local and global cuisine experience. You can head to restaurants like Alpen Restaurant, Bistro La Taverne Bar & Restaurant, The Hideout Kitchen and many others in Les Gets.
Apres Ski With Everyone Else
Even if you are not much of a skier, you don’t have to worry when you après ski. You can enjoy some party at Folie Douce in Avoriaz and meet people and share their insights and experiences.
Head for the Local Ice Skating Rink
If you have good ice skating skills, or if you want to watch people ice skate you can head to the local ice skating rink in the evening hours to enjoy some nice ice shows
Where to Stay in Morzine?
When you are heading to Morzine, France choosing the right ski accommodation can help you save time and get the best comfort and holiday experiences. Hence, you need to evaluate and compare some of the best hotels and hostels that can help you get the best experiences while you are in here.
Hotel le Petit Dru
289, Route des Putheys, 74110 Morzine, France
Perfect for a 1-night stay for couples and families, Hotel le Petit Dru offers some of the best views of the valleys and mountains around it. The hotel is also close to many ski lifts and that would provide you with the advantage to cover more ski areas. The hotel comes with a heated outdoor pool and a wellness center with a sauna and hot tub.
Hotel & Spa Le Dahu
293, Chemin du Mas Metoud, 74110 Morzine, France
Overlooking the southern slope of Morzine, Hotel & Spa Le Dahu provides excellent four-star rating accommodation that is second to none. The hotel provides panoramic vistas of the mountains and the village below it. The hotel is close to the Super Morzine ski lift and many other ski lifts offering easy accessibility.
Hideout Hostel
60, Route des Udrezants, 74110 Morzine, France
Hideout Hostel is another great ski accommodation that can help you make the most of your trip. Located just 800 meters from TC Super Morzine Ski Lift, this hostel comes with a sun terrace and stunning views of the mountains. Guests can enjoy breakfast and meals at the on-site restaurant and make use of the clean rooms and friendly staff.
Best Day Trips from Morzine
Morzine is a great place where you should spend more than a day. If you have more time at hand, you can always look for day trips from Morzine that can help you explore other popular places around it.
Chamonix
If you have more time to explore, Chamonix at the base of Mont Blanc is the place you should visit. During the summer months, you can enjoy a ride at the world’s highest cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi. During winter, Chamonix is a mecca for hardcore and adventurous skiers and snowboarders that come here for off-piste skiing and freeriding.
Visit Lake Annecy
Known as the Venice of the Alps, Annecy is known for its charming scenery, landscape and architecture. Here you can walk on the cobbled streets, browse some fascinating shops and enjoy your day at Lake Annecy.
Lake Geneva
Located on the north side of the Alps, Lake Geneva is a great day trip option from Morzine. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings and explore various shopping and dining options around the lake.
Extra Tips for Visiting Morzine
- Buy a pedestrian pass to have access to the main Morzine lifts and two cable cars in Les Gets.
- Most public telephones here do not take coins. For this, you would need to purchase a phone card (Telecarte) from post offices and supermarkets.
- When you are visiting Morzine during the summer months, avoid the midday sun and use a strong sunscreen lotion.
- Most petrol stations are closed on Sundays. However, you can find large ones that are self-service and take a credit card.
- Most shops stay closed during the afternoon lunch hours from 12:00 noon to 14:00 so take note of that while shopping.
