La Chapelle-d’Abondance is the quiet village of the upper Abondance valley, between Abondance and Châtel. Authentic and family-friendly, it has a rare asset: access to the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest linked areas in the world, without the bustle of the big resorts. Add a genuine gastronomic reputation and the backdrop of the Cornettes de Bise, and you have a sincere Savoyard destination, straddling France and Switzerland.
People come to La Chapelle-d’Abondance to ski the Portes du Soleil in peace, to hike towards the lakes and border summits, and for the terroir and fine tables of a village that has kept its soul. It’s the choice of those who want the big area and authenticity.
Here’s how to make the most of it.
In brief
- Altitude: 1,010 m, in the upper Abondance valley (Chablais).
- Identity: an authentic Portes du Soleil village resort, terroir and gastronomy.
- Access: ≈ 1 hr 25 from Geneva airport; via Thonon and the Abondance valley.
- Best season: December–April for skiing; June–September for hiking.
- Don’t miss: Portes du Soleil skiing, the Cornettes de Bise, the terroir and fine tables.
Skiing and the Portes du Soleil
La Chapelle-d’Abondance has its own sector, Crêt-Béni, family-friendly and sunny, and gives access to the Portes du Soleil: 12 linked resorts between France and Switzerland, via Châtel and the border (Torgon, Morgins). You enjoy a huge area while staying in a quiet village. See the skiing in La Chapelle-d’Abondance page.
Hiking and the Cornettes de Bise
In summer, the village is a fine hiking base. The trails climb towards the pastures, the lakes and the Cornettes de Bise massif, one of the finest summits of the Chablais, on the Swiss border. Between meadows, herds and passes, it’s preserved mountain country. See the hiking page.
What to do in La Chapelle-d’Abondance
- Skiing: Crêt-Béni and access to the Portes du Soleil.
- Hiking: the Cornettes de Bise, lakes and border passes.
- The village and its food: chalets, gastronomy and Abondance cheese.
- Explore: Châtel and the whole Portes du Soleil area are within reach.
Where to stay
La Chapelle-d’Abondance offers a warm, affordable village range: chalets, family hotels (some with fine restaurants) and rentals in the heart of town. It’s a quiet, authentic base for enjoying the Portes du Soleil and the Abondance valley. We compare available stays at the best rates below.
Where to eat
The village has a real gastronomic reputation, from pasture farm-inns to renowned tables. On the menu, the terroir: abondance (AOP), berthoud, tomme, charcuterie and Savoyard dishes. It’s one of the most gourmet stops in the valley.
Getting there
- Car: ≈ 1 hr 25 from Geneva; via Thonon-les-Bains and the Abondance valley.
- Train: Thonon-les-Bains station, then bus into the valley.
- Plane: Geneva airport ≈ 1 hr 25 away.
When to come
- December–April: skiing (Crêt-Béni and the Portes du Soleil).
- June–September: hiking, the Cornettes de Bise and the pastures.
- Off-season: a very quiet village, to the rhythm of the valley.
Good to know
La Chapelle or Châtel? Same area (Portes du Soleil), two atmospheres. Châtel is the big resort; La Chapelle is more of a village, quieter, and renowned for its tables. You stay in La Chapelle for the calm and the food.
The Cornettes de Bise. The sector’s emblematic summit, a prized hiking goal in summer.
Do you need a car? Handy for reaching Châtel and exploring the valley; shuttles in season.
How long to stay? A weekend for skiing or hiking; a week for the Portes du Soleil and the valley.
Nearby
La Chapelle-d’Abondance is in the Abondance valley, in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Châtel is just upstream, Abondance and its abbey downstream; Morzine and Avoriaz are reached by the area or the road. The Swiss Chablais extends the pistes.