With May now here and spring fully settled in the valley, the days are getting longer and the temperatures warmer. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the fresh air of the Chamonix Valley and discover the best spots for an outdoor lunch.
This blog offers a selection of the top places to enjoy an al fresco meal in the Chamonix Valley. Whether you’re with family, friends or your significant other, you’ll find the ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors — it could be while you’re on a hike, out shopping or simply when you fancy lunch in the sunshine. In this article, we’re sharing our top tips to please everyone’s tastes…
For food lovers looking to lunch in the sunshine in Chamonix, the terraces are ideal spots to make the most of the midday valley sun. One of the easiest ways to find a sunny terrace in Chamonix is to stroll along the pedestrianised Rue du Docteur Paccard in the town centre — you’ll be spoiled for choice!
photo credit: La Terrasse des Tennis / Olly Bowman Photography
In Chamonix Town Centre
If you don’t want to spend time wandering through the pedestrian streets at lunchtime, head straight to:
Le Moö, L’Élévation 1904 or Chambre Neuf
Step out of Chamonix train station and you can’t miss these sunny terraces lining Avenue Michel Croz. These three bar-restaurants offer great value lunch menus, including vegetarian options, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere for a midday break.
Avenue Michel Croz, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
L’Atelier Café
Set beside the river, this café boasts a large, sunny terrace with a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the Bossons Glacier. Just next to Place Balmat in the heart of Chamonix, it’s a great spot to enjoy a snack while the kids play nearby.
12 Quai d’Arve, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
La Télécabine
Right by Parc Couttet in central Chamonix, this restaurant features a spacious, south-facing terrace that’s sheltered from the wind. With several lunch menus to choose from, you’ll enjoy a high-quality outdoor meal in peace and quiet.
27 Rue de la Tour, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
La Terrasse des Tennis
Just a five-minute walk from Chamonix town centre, the Terrasse des Tennis serves bistro-style cuisine and regional dishes. You can get there by enjoying a short walk along the riverside, or park for free on Route des Praz. Whether you’ve just played tennis, squash, been swimming or rafting, or simply want a break from town, this green oasis is the perfect lunch escape.
540 Promenade du Fori, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
L’Oustalet
Perhaps Chamonix’s best-kept secret, this spot is just off Rue du Lyret, a short walk from the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Treat yourself to delicious homemade cakes in the hotel garden, complete with pool and mountain views.
330 Rue du Lyret, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
In Les Praz
Easily accessible by train, bus or car and near the Flégère cable car, you’ll find:
La Cabane des Praz
On weekdays, the chef serves up lunchtime menus for under €30. Enjoy inventive, refined cuisine and a wide selection of wines on the sunny terrace overlooking the golf course.
23 Route du Golf, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Le Castel
With its large, south-facing terrace offering views of the Mont Blanc range, Le Castel is a great choice for lunch with an Italian twist that blends seamlessly with the local culture.
100 Route des Tines, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Getting Out of Town – Lunch in Nature
For a change of scene and a more natural setting, head to:
Paradis des Praz
From Les Praz, follow the river upstream and stop at this lovely spot beside the water. The snack bar is open daily in summer (weather dependent – check ahead), offering light bites for lunch. It’s ideal for families, with a large play area and activities for children.
Promenade du Paradis des Praz, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
photo credit: Paradis des Praz
Lunch at altitude
High-altitude restaurants and mountain huts — bustling in winter due to their proximity to ski slopes — are also open to hikers in summer. The vibe is more tranquil, but the terraces remain welcoming, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding nature. Whether you’re in Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière or Le Tour, the various lift-served areas offer options for dining. Some restaurants or snack bars may require a short hike to reach
Montenvers :
Chalet Buvette du Caillet (organic, homemade, vegetarian-friendly – highly recommended! Accessible on foot via the Mer de Glace trail) / Restaurant du Montenvers
Brévent : Bergerie de Plan Praz / Le Panoramique
Flégère : L’Adret
Grands Montets : La Table de Plan Joran / Le Spot de Lognan
Balme-Le Tour-Vallorcine : Chara (sandwiches) / Refuge de Loriaz
Les Houches : La Kitchenette (open all year long)/ Les Vieilles Luges
Make sure to check the weather before heading up, as some sites close in poor conditions and not all restaurants or snack bars will be open. Mountain refuges are usually open but do respect their lunch service hours, just as you would in town (especially for places like Refuge de Loriaz).
Bon appétit in the Chamonix Valley!
photo credit: Les Vielles Luges
