Luxury is not usually the first word people associate with Chamonix. More often, it’s extreme sports, high mountain adventures and dramatic scenery that come to mind. Yet Résidence La Cordée offers a peaceful pocket of calm in the middle of it all — a place to unwind while others queue for first lifts or chase summits.
Many locals remember the former Hapimag complex simply as a landmark when navigating the maze of streets in Champraz, the sought-after stretch of flat land between Chamonix and Les Praz. The Swiss timeshare residence was discreet and largely unnoticed by visitors. Behind its modest exterior sat an ageing hotel and serviced apartments that no longer matched the quality of the location.
That location, however, was always exceptional. Set beside a small lake, the site enjoys sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif on one side and the Brévent–Flégère range on the other. Following a complete renovation, the complex has been transformed into 80 contemporary luxury apartments — making the most of one of the valley’s finest settings.
Hapimag prior to renovation
The complex was redeveloped by Cardea, a Chamonix-based property developer, after they acquired the site in December 2015. What was once an ageing hotel and timeshare residence has been completely transformed.
Residence La Cordée
The name “La Cordée” was chosen to reflect Chamonix’s mountaineering heritage. In alpinism, a cordée is a rope team — climbers connected together for strength and safety. The logo echoes this idea, with rope-like threads forming the outline of mountain peaks.
Today, Résidence La Cordée comprises 80 one- to four-bedroom apartments, including six penthouses. Built with high-end finishes, the residence offers a contemporary take on alpine living. The first apartments went on sale in 2017, and Chamonix All Year began managing selected rentals from 2018.
Each apartment has been individually furnished and styled by its owner, with carefully chosen fixtures and finishes that give every property its own character while maintaining a consistently high standard throughout the complex. The result is a polished yet welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a home than a hotel.
One of the standout features of La Cordée, however, is the range of facilities available to guests staying here.
Available daily from 10.00 to 21.00, residents and guests have access to a wide range of on-site facilities designed for both relaxation and activity. These include a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam and a dedicated relaxation room. For those who prefer something more active, there is a fully equipped gym, a workout studio, a climbing room and a games room with a pool table and table football. Younger guests are also well catered for, with a dedicated children’s play area.
There is also a cosy communal lounge with a large fireplace — the perfect place to unwind after a day in the mountains.
Practical details haven’t been overlooked either. In addition to secure underground parking, each apartment benefits from a spacious private ski locker complete with boot dryers, making winter mornings that little bit easier.
The Garden
The landscaped garden surrounds the residence and overlooks the small lake, creating a calm, open space to relax, stroll or let children play. The lake itself is not fenced, so young children should be supervised, but the grounds provide plenty of space for exploring and fresh air.
A wooden deck with tables and chairs offers a peaceful spot to sit and take in the views across the water to the surrounding mountains. There is even a telescope available, allowing you to admire the peaks in closer detail on a clear day.
Location
Very few properties enjoy such a private yet central setting. Champraz is a quiet, predominantly residential area known for its high-end chalets and open space, despite being just minutes from the heart of the valley. With cross-country ski tracks, running routes and cycling trails right on the doorstep, La Cordée combines tranquillity with easy access. It’s around a 20-minute walk along the riverside path to Chamonix town centre, or just 10 minutes on foot to Les Praz.
Les Praz is the first village as you head up the valley from Chamonix. It’s home to the Flégère cable car, which provides access to the Brévent–Flégère mountain area for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The small church at the centre of the village is one of the valley’s most photographed landmarks, and is often open to visitors.
Also located in Les Praz is the Chamonix golf course, an 18-hole course designed by architect Trent Jones Sr. Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, it sits beside La Cabane des Praz, a well-known venue for weddings and events.
Paradis des Praz is a short walk along the riverside, opening up into a kids’ play area that is open all year round. In summer there is a buvette serving food and drinks and pony rides for the children.
For skiing Flégère is the nearest cable car and is just 5 minutes drive away with car parking at the bottom, this links you to the Brévent-Flégère ski area.
History of Les Praz
Les Praz has been woven into Chamonix’s story from the very beginning.
1091
The first recorded mention of Chamonix appears in a parchment donated to the monastery of Saint-Michel-de-la-Cluse. It notes that monks had settled along the banks of the Arve, building a farm at La Mollard and a mill at Les Praz — clear evidence that this small hamlet was part of valley life from the outset.
Early 1900s
As tourism developed, accommodation began to evolve. No longer limited to grand hotels, the valley saw the emergence of private chalets, with Les Praz becoming a particularly desirable location thanks to its open land and views.
1914
Chalet Floria was built by M. Simond beside a traditional cow path leading up to the pastures of La Flégère — a reminder of the area’s agricultural roots before ski lifts and golf courses arrived.
1934
At the request of major hotel owners seeking to entertain their Anglo-Saxon guests, a four-hole golf course was created in Les Praz. Its popularity quickly led to expansion, with five additional holes added the following year. Today, the course has grown into a full 18-hole layout.
1945–1965
At the end of the Second World War, local residents requested the construction of a chapel in Les Praz. Built from granite with a slender steeple and steeply pitched roof, the church was completed in 1965. It remains one of the most photographed landmarks in the Chamonix Valley.
Visiting Cordée
Chamonix All Year has been managing La Cordée apartments since 2018 with a range of sizes available. We currently have the following apartments available to rent for your holiday, watch the fireworks at New Year from the balcony of Cordée 612, relax on the terrace of Cordée 504 in the sunshine, take a romantic break in Cordée 412 or take a luxury family holiday in the Penthouse Cordée 221, the options are endless.
1 bedroom apartment – La Cordée 412
2 bedroom apartment – La Cordée 703
3 Bedroom apartments – La Cordée 124, La Cordée 504 and La Cordee 612
Penthouse Apartments – La Cordee 221
Our properties are available all year round, if you’re not sure when is best to visit, check with our blog the best times of year to visit Chamonix.
