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Charousse

Charousse – le silence et la nature..

Charousse is one of my favourite places in the valley. Lupins run riot in the high alpine meadow surrounding twelve perfect chalets of old larch and stone, against the incredible backdrop of the Mont Blanc massif.

Though easy to access, it’s surprisingly little known and generally very quiet – we first came across it when mountain biking at Les Houches. After about ten minutes, the trail suddenly opens up and curves round into the meadow

Mont Blanc behind Charousse
Mont Blanc behind Charousse

There’s something more than a postcard-perfect view here – it has a very special atmosphere, timeless and peaceful.

Lupins in Charousse
Lupins in Charousse

June is the best time to catch the lupins and the whole meadow seems alive with flowers.

Lupins
Lupins

After a picnic by the stream, a last look back before returning

Charousse meadow
Charousse meadow

Heading back down through the woods

Sunlight in the beeches
Sunlight in the beeches
Woods on the way
Woods on the way

Afternoon sun filters through the beech leaves

It’s equally lovely in winter when it’s a point on several snowshoeing and ski touring trails.

You can either take the Prarion cable car and walk or cycle down to it, or drive – head up from Les Houches towards the Ecole de Physique, park at the top and it’s a 15-20 minute walk, slightly uphill, through the beautiful old forest of beech and pine.

There are no amenities, no cafe, nothing in particular to do – just a peaceful meadow and the mountains – sometimes, it’s all you want.

Map and details of Charousse on Chamonix.com

On Google Maps