Mountain restaurants – and their smaller, more rustic cousins, the buvettes – are a quintessential part of summer in Chamonix. Often tucked away along trails or perched in meadows, these seasonal huts serve drinks, light meals, and local specialities to hungry hikers and runners. Many open from June through September and are perfect for a well-deserved break mid-hike or a leisurely lunch with mountain views.
Some tips on terminology
If you’re planning a day out in the Chamonix valley, one key French word to know is buvette. In everyday French, it means a refreshment stall or snack bar, but in the valley it often refers to a small, seasonal mountain café or hut – typically without overnight accommodation – serving drinks, light meals, and local dishes. Menus are simple – omelettes, croûtes, blueberry tarts – cooked on gas stoves or wood burners, with produce carried in by 4×4 or on foot. Many are cash-only, and prices can be higher than in town due to their remote locations, but the atmosphere, views, and charm more than make up for it.
Slightly larger spots may call themselves chalets, but both buvettes and chalets tend to be off-grid. That often means limited menus, and tap water is not always available.
At the next level up, you’ll find refuges – usually higher altitude, offering both meals and overnight accommodation – and mountain restaurants, often located at ski lift mid-stations. These are more likely to accept cards and have a more extensive menu, but it’s still worth checking before you go.
For more details, opening periods, and a map of locations, find some of them in the Chamonix Tourist Office guide to chalets and buvettes.
We handpicked some of Chamonix’s loveliest buvettes for your summer trail breaks. Perfect spots for a well-earned pause among the peaks.
Chalet la Floria
One of the most popular buvettes in Chamonix, Chalet la Floria has long been a favourite with both locals and visitors. Perched on the slopes above Les Praz, it’s an easy choice for a rewarding half-day outing. The 45-minute walk from Chamonix or Les Praz (mostly uphill) takes you through shaded forest, with occasional glimpses of the Mont Blanc massif along the way.
At the top, you’re greeted by a flower-filled terrace and sweeping alpine views. Simple, well-made dishes—like their much-loved omelettes—taste even better with the panorama in front of you. A classic Chamonix summer spot. Cash only.
La Cascade du Dard
Just a short walk from Chamonix town, Cascade du Dard is all about location. Tucked beside a dramatic waterfall and surrounded by forest, this buvette offers a peaceful escape with spectacular views of the Aiguilles Rouges. You can reach it via a gentle forest path or drive up and take a short stroll from the car park.
Their menu offers dishes made with local produce, all served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families. The standout treat for us is their crêpe au génépi—a perfect reward after a hike or a lazy afternoon stop. With the sound of the waterfall in the background and a cold drink in hand, it’s one of the valley’s most relaxing summer spots.
Chalet du Chapeau
If you’re looking for the best pastries in the mountains, look no further. Chalet du Chapeau is run by a former double Michelin-starred pastry chef from the Albert 1er, and it shows — their tarts and sweet treats are works of art.
Just 20 minutes from the top of Le Lavancher village, it’s an ideal spot to pause, soak up the tranquil alpine setting, and indulge in something special. In 2025, they’ve added a new highlight: a Saturday brunch that’s already becoming a local (our) favourite, packed with fresh, seasonal flavours and incredible views.
Before heading back, take the extra 5–10 minute stroll to the viewpoint and admire the retreating tongue of the Mer de Glace. You can pay in cash, or by Revolut or PayPal — but trust us, you won’t leave without trying dessert.
Chalet de Caillet
This rest stop in Chamonix for winter skiers of the Vallée Blanche is just as charming in summer. You’ll find Chalet de Caillet on the path between Chamonix and Montenvers (approx. 1 hour from Chamonix), offering a chance to pause and relax on your hike up to Montenvers.
From the menu, choose from craft beer and dishes cooked in the wood stove, all to be enjoyed along with the splendid views of the Aiguille Rouges and the valley of Chamonix.
Buvette des Mottets
Nestled along the scenic footpath from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace, the Buvette des Mottets is another welcome pause on the way to Montenvers. Here you can sip a cold drink or enjoy a simple but satisfying snack while taking in views of the imposing Drus.
For a truly unforgettable experience, you can even book to spend a night under the stars in one of their bubble tents. Imagine dining under the stars, then falling asleep in comfort with the peaks above you. Prices start from €95 per person, including dinner and breakfast. It’s a mountain experience you’ll never forget.
Buvette du Cerro
Tucked between the Cascade du Dard and the Plateau des Pyramides, Buvette du Cerro is a relaxed, family-friendly stop surrounded by forest and mountain streams. It’s around 35 minutes’ walk from Chamonix along a shaded trail, making it a great option for children or those looking for a gentle hike.
On the menu you’ll find cold drinks and simple snacks to enjoy on the terrace, with views of the Bossons Glacier glistening in the background. It’s not a full-service restaurant, but it’s perfect for a refreshing break on a warm day.
Chalet du Glacier des Bossons
One of the valley’s most striking buvettes, Chalet du Glacier du Bosson offers a front-row seat to the ever-changing Bossons Glacier. You can reach it by taking the Bossons chairlift and walking a short distance, or by hiking up from the village (about 1h20 return).
The terrace is a perfect spot to savour an aperol spritz or slice of homemade tart while watching the glacier. Above the hut, you’ll also find fascinating displays about the history of aircraft wreckage discovered on Mont Blanc — a unique blend of local history and alpine scenery.
Paradis des Praz
True to its name, Paradis des Praz is a little slice of paradise for families. A short, flat walk from the Chamonix golf course along a gentle riverside path brings you to a shady meadow with a café, children’s play areas, and pony rides.
Parents can relax with a cold drink or a snack while the kids explore the shallow streams, meet the ponies, or enjoy the playground. It’s especially popular on hot summer days when the cool, tree-lined location offers a natural escape from the heat.
Restaurant Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille
Perched at 2,207m at the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi lift, Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille is an absolute must for anyone tackling the Grand Balcon Nord trail between Montenvers and Plan de l’Aiguille. The menu is filled with hearty alpine dishes, but the standout is their tarte aux myrtilles — arguably one of the best in the valley.
The large terrace offers incredible views over the Aiguille Rouges and the Chamonix valley, making it equally appealing for a short lift ride up from town or a full hike from the valley floor. For a true sense of achievement (and a justified dessert), take the steep trail directly from Chamonix.
Buvette de Chailloux
A newcomer to the scene, the Buvette de Chailloux opened in 2024 in a beautifully restored shepherd’s hut high above Les Houches. From here, the views over the Mont Blanc massif are simply breathtaking.
It’s a perfect pit stop on the way to the Aiguillette des Houches, and can be reached from Les Houches or via the hamlet of Le Bettey. Snacks and refreshing drinks are served on the terrace, where you could happily spend an hour just soaking in the panorama.
Refuge Bellachat
At 2,152m, Refuge Bellachat is a peaceful spot with an incredible bird’s-eye view over the entire valley. You may even spot ibex grazing nearby. Built on the site of a former mountain pasture, the refuge has a colourful past. Over the years, it’s been steadily improved with additions like a food storage cellar, a terrace, and solar panels to boost comfort. The easiest approach is from the top of the Brévent cable car, but many hikers opt for the longer trail from the valley for the full mountain experience.
In 2025, bivouac spots here are now bookable in advance (10 available). Water is a limited resource, so come prepared.
La Crèmerie du Glacier
Nestled in the trees at the base of the Grands Montets ski area, La Crèmerie du Glacier is a year-round spot that serves what many claim are the best Savoyard croûtes in the valley — rich, cheesy, and perfect after a day on the trails.
You can sit inside the traditional wooden chalet or outside on the terrace, listening to the sound of the river nearby. It’s an easy detour if you’re in Argentière, and a great option for both summer hikers and winter skiers.
Restaurant Alpage de Balme
Set among the high pastures of Le Tour, L’Alpage de Balme is a charming chalet surrounded by some of the valley’s most beautiful peaks — the Chardonnet, Glacier du Tour, and the Mont Blanc massif. The menu features regional dishes made with local ingredients, served in a relaxed, traditional setting.
It’s just a 30-minute walk from the Charamillon gondola, making it an accessible and rewarding lunch stop for all ages. On sunny days, tables fill quickly, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Refuge de Loriaz
High above Vallorcine, the Refuge de Loriaz offers sweeping views of the Aiguille Verte and surrounding peaks. It’s reached via a two-hour walk through peaceful forests and alpine meadows, with a steeper alternative route for those who want more of a workout.
The sunny terrace is perfect for a post-hike drink or a generous portion of alpine fare. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in summer and wildlife along the way — it’s one of the valley’s most scenic lunch spots. From here, it’s also possible to continue up to Mont Buet, but make sure to stock up on water and snacks as it’s a full-day adventure.
🗺️ Explore with our Chamonix All Year Mountain Restaurant Map
To help you plan your next mountain lunch or buvette stop, we’ve created a handy Chamonix All Year Mountain Restaurant Map Guide. It includes all the spots mentioned in this blog — from riverside cafés to high-altitude refuges — with directions and practical details to make your day out even easier. Save it to your Google Maps, check opening periods, and discover your new favourite terrace with a view.
Which one is your favourite?
Whether you’re hiking to a glacier viewpoint, strolling with the family along a riverside path, or riding a lift to a terrace with world-class views, Chamonix’s buvettes, chalets, and refuges add an extra layer of magic to your day in the mountains. Each one has its own character — from simple, rustic charm to gourmet surprises — and half the fun is discovering them for yourself.
We’d love to hear which spots are your favourites. Share your photos and stories with us on Facebook or Instagram, and let’s keep the inspiration flowing.
See you in Chamonix — and maybe at the next table, tucking into a tarte aux myrtilles with a view.
