Are you looking for an ideal base for your mountain holiday stay? Summer and winter, the charming resort village of Praz-sur-Arly promises you magical moments in the sumptuous setting of the country of Mont Blanc.
In the heart of Val d’Arly, just four kilometers from the prestigious Megève destination, Praz-sur-Arly combines all the assets that make it the ideal place for family holidays throughout the year.
In a preserved natural setting, the small family resort, with its 1,200 inhabitants, offers an attractive living environment, far from stress, an authentic alpine village where life flows gently to the rhythm of the seasons. This is what makes the unique charm of Praz-sur-Arly!
Not surprising that it was the first commune in France to welcome snow classes in March … 1950! She perpetuates this vocation with happiness still today, which makes her a destination particularly suited to a family clientele.
Proud of its roots, the Haut-Savoyard village has managed to keep its traditions and preserve its historical and cultural heritage, while becoming an attractive ski resort, with all the services and local shops in the center of the village and a multitude of leisure to offer.
We walk the alleys flanked by wooden dwelling and nicely decorated to stroll in front of local products and discover a whole local culture and a rich terroir on a gastronomic level.
It will be difficult for you to resist as much in front of the cheese stalls as for a sandwich at the top of the slopes, the buttocks in the snow, because Praz-sur-Arly is the village of France which has the largest number of cheese brands, with four names of controlled origin (AOC), from Beaufort, Reblochon, Abundance and Chevrotin, and three protected geographic indications (IGP), with Tomme, Savoie Emmental and Savoie Raclette.
The revival of the village center
Too often perceived as a “village-street”, Praz-sur-Arly is reinventing itself! The municipality has decided to develop a new pedestrian district in the heart of the village, around the church square.
With the residence Les Chalets Saint-Victor and the new residence under construction, the Pratz, here comes a revitalization sketched since 2018 for an even more beautiful and more friendly village, with new pedestrian spaces and the opening of new shops (including a delicatessen), craftsmen and services, including a medical center.
Activities all year round
It’s winter, Praz-sur-Arly puts on its white coat and opens its doors to the largest ski areas in Europe, with a total of almost 750 km of tracks at your disposal! Take advantage of the Val d’Arly space (90 km of slopes), Diamond (192 km) and the Escape Mont Blanc (445 km) at your will. A game to practice with family with 60 % of green and blue slopes.
January is a particularly lively month. The most enduring who wish to keep in shape during the winter will be able to participate in the Givré (frozen) White Trail, the brand new Snow Trail challenge (7 km, 2,700 m elevation), organized by the Tourist Office.
And above all we should not miss the Montgolfiades, an international hot air balloons annual meeting, which has just celebrated its 33rd edition. Every year, this meeting of air giants for two days makes Praz-sur-Arly the essential spot of mountain aerostation in France, a reputation that begins to expand worldwide.
Tourists can also rise throughout the year to discover the Mont-Blanc massif in a hot air balloon, the Aravis chain and Beaufortin.
Beautiful days are coming. The moment when the mountain becomes a vast playfield for athletes and nature lovers. Mountaineering, hiking, mountain biking, hot air balloon, paragliding, walks, there is something for all ages and for all desires!
Take the chairlift for hikes on the heights, between forests and mountain pastures. You will be welcomed by the sound of cows’ bells. Treat yourself to a nature break, between disconnection and contemplation. A little hungry? Take advantage of the many altitude restaurants with their incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif.
After a busy day, it’s time to go back down to the Praz Lac Adventures site, the new aquatic space perfectly integrated into the natural setting, with its crystal and fresh water. With the leisure pass, take advantage of the Aquapark, the Mini-Golf and the unlimited chairlift.
Multiple activities await the most intrepid, such as tree climbing, zipline and inflatable structures, and for the quiet, a relaxation and nature space or just enjoy the pleasure to wander on the promenade that runs along the Torrent du Nant du Praz, with its new shared gardens.
For athletes, diversity is there: whether it is the trail challenge of the Crêt du Midi or the MB Race, quite simply the most difficult mountain bike in the world (8 courses up to 240 km, more than 3,000 participants each year).
Also not to be missing for lovers of heritage and culture, the visit of the Sainte-Marie Madeleine church built in 1803, the Festival of Baroque Music in the open air (in July) and the famous Retromobile event that drains each August thousands of visitors to admire 60 vintage cars from the valley!
In short, you will spend a most surprising stay in Praz-sur-Arly and may even be pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the reception of Pralins and Pralines (and yes, this is how we name the inhabitants)! One thing is certain: you will forge full sensations all year round. Enough to leave with unforgettable experiences. And you would surely want to come back.