Le Praz: A Charming Alpine Village at the Foot of Courchevel

Welcome to Le Praz, a tranquil haven nestled at the base of Courchevel, where the spirit of the Alps weaves its magic into every snowflake. At 1,300 meters, this authentic French Alpine village exudes a charm that’s both timeless and vibrant. Imagine wandering through winding lanes adorned with traditional wooden chalets, each one a testament to the village’s picturesque ‘chocolate box’ allure.

But Le Praz ski resort is more than just a postcard-perfect setting. It’s a gateway to adventure, offering direct lift access to the slopes and a world of possibilities. As the very first village you encounter in Courchevel, it seamlessly blends old-world Alpine allure with modern ski conveniences. Here, you’ll find not just excellent accommodation and fine dining but also a warm, welcoming community that embraces visitors like long-lost friends.

Picture yourself carving down impeccable pistes, the wind whispering tales of exhilarating escapades. In Le Praz, the skiing opportunities are as boundless as the surrounding beauty. With access to 600 km of interconnected pistes, including links to the larger Three Valleys resorts and the intriguing ‘fourth valley,’ your skiing adventures stretch as far as your imagination. Le Praz isn’t just a destination; it’s an invitation to explore, to discover, and to fall in love with the pure essence of the Alps. Your extraordinary alpine odyssey begins here.”

Le Praz Highlights

• Le Praz is a charming, traditional Alpine village offering exceptional skiing experiences
• The village features picturesque chalet accommodations, fine dining, and friendly locals
• Convenient transport links allow you to explore the larger Three Valleys’ ski resorts easily

Le Praz Skiing Experience

Ski Slopes

Le Praz, part of the Courchevel ski resort, offers a fantastic skiing experience with a range of slopes catering to various skill levels. You’ll find yourself surrounded by picturesque, traditional Alpine charm as you make your way down the mountain. The village sits at an altitude of 1,300 metres, providing easy access to the slopes throughout the winter season. Try your hand at the long, winding blue runs, take on the challenging red slopes, or if you’re an expert skier, tackle the exhilarating black pistes including the recently added Eclipse World Cup slope! 

Ski Lifts

Getting around the ski area is made simple with its efficient ski lift system. The village offers direct lift access to Courchevel 1850 in less than 7 minutes, as well as connections to the main ski area. Speedy gondolas and chairlifts transport you to higher-altitude slopes and pistes in no time, enabling you to maximise your time on the snow. Le Praz is also served by a free ski bus service, which connects the village to its neighbouring La Tania and Courchevel villages.

Ski Hire in Le Praz

From skis to snowboards, boots to helmets, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your time in the mountains in the village. The White Storm ski hire shop in Le Praz offers friendly expert advice and high-quality gear for a perfect fit for your skiing ability. Don’t forget to book your equipment hire in advance to take advantage of discounts!

Accommodation in Le Praz

In this delightful destination, you’ll find various types of accommodation to suit all tastes and preferences. In this section, we’ll discuss the three main types of accommodation available: hotels, chalets, and apartments.

Hotels

For a comfortable and convenient stay, you can choose from several hotels in Le Praz. One option is the Hotel les Peupliers, a 4-star hotel situated in the heart of the village. It offers a true alpine experience with its authentic Savoyard architecture and is located near the foot of the forest, perfect for nature lovers.

Chalets

If you’re looking for a more traditional alpine experience, renting a chalet in Le Praz is an excellent choice. A number of chalet companies offer a stunning choice including hosts, chefs, and even a private spas, all just a couple of minutes from the piste and ski bus which links to other resorts in the Three Valleys. With cosy interiors and great views, a stay in a chalet will make your holiday memorable.

Apartments

For those who prefer more independence and flexibility, apartments are another popular choice for accommodation in Le Praz. There are various properties available to rent from smaller apartments for couples to larger flats for families and groups. Take your time to browse through the variety of accommodation options available, and choose the one that suits your holiday preferences the best. Enjoy your stay in Le Praz!

Food and Dining in Le Praz

In the village, you will find a variety of food and dining options to suit your tastes. From delightful restaurants to cosy cafes and lively bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Restaurants

Choose from a diverse range of restaurants, offering mouth-watering dishes to savour. One such restaurant is Le Bistrot du Praz, which is known for its consistently good food. On a sunny day, you can sit and enjoy your food and wine on the outside decking just a few metres from the lake.

La Petite Bergerie is tucked away in the streets but is not to be missed. The small restaurant is known for its delicious cuts of meat cooked over an open fire. It’s a heartwarming atmosphere, friendly staff, and you won’t leave hungry.

For a laid-back experience L’Elephant is a lively spots bar serving hearty burgers and pizzas alongside a pint of local beer. Plus, stay a little later and the music will have you dancing into the early hours.

On The Slopes

For the best ‘snow side’ lunch, the Bouc Blanc is the top pick, situated just at the top of the Foret chairlift from Le Praz. The sprawling deck is bathed in sunshine where you can fill up on the Plat du Jour, burgers, steaks and much more. Adding to this, you’ll often find live music to enjoy with a bottle of rose!

Transportation to Le Praz

How to Get to Le Praz

To reach Le Praz, you can fly into Chambéry, Geneva or Lyon airports. From there, you can hop in a transfer to reach your final destination.

There are various companies offering airport transfers to Le Praz. These services typically include meet and greet at the airport, luggage handling, and comfortable vehicles for your trip. Private transport options can accommodate groups of various sizes, from luxury sedans to minibuses, and often include free child seats and ski equipment carriage.

Le Praz Community

Local Culture

Furthermore, Le Praz is renowned for its Tremplin du Praz ski jumping hill, built for the 1992 Winter Olympics and still in use today – it even gets used for the epic Red Bull 400! You can’t help but marvel at the huge jump which overlooks the newly redeveloped lake and lift station.

While exploring this enchanting village, you’ll discover a range of local shops, cosy restaurants, and friendly bars. Enjoy a taste of the region’s culinary delights as you mingle with the locals and share stories from your skiing adventures.

Festivals and Events

Le Praz hosts several festivals and events throughout the year that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Among these is the annual FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix held at the ski jumping hill.

Additionally, during your stay, you may have the opportunity to participate in local festivities and celebrations. These events often include live music, traditional food, fireworks and fun-filled outdoor activities for all ages. 

Le Praz in Different Seasons

Winter

In winter, you’ll find Le Praz at its snowiest and most magical. With direct lift access to Courchevel and the broader Three Valleys ski area, you can enjoy the world-class pistes. The resort itself offers skiing options for everyone, from the easier forested runs to more challenging red run. Aside from skiing, you can wander around this traditional Alpine village and enjoy the cosy atmosphere in local bars and restaurants.

Spring

As the snow begins to melt, Le Praz transforms into a lively and colourful destination. Spring is an ideal time to explore the area on foot, with several hiking and walking trails becoming accessible. The village itself remains charming, with traditional wooden chalets surrounded by blossoming trees. 

Summer

Summer in Le Praz offers a different taste of the French Alps. With the snow now gone, an array of outdoor activities becomes available, such as mountain biking, fishing, and hiking. The warmer weather allows you to fully appreciate the stunning natural plateau that this Alpine village sits on. You can also indulge in the regular local events and festivals that are held in the area during the summer season.

Autumn

As the leaves change colour and the air becomes cooler, Le Praz transitions into a picturesque, serene environment. Autumn presents an excellent opportunity for leisurely walks and hikes through the colourful forests surrounding the village. The peaceful, traditional atmosphere is maintained throughout the town, providing a relaxing escape from busier urban areas. 

Frequently Asked Questions