La Forêt January 7th, 2008
Although not strictly in Les Praz, I’ve included this as it’s well worth a mention. It’s about ten minutes walk away in the village of Les Tines, and has a lovely garden with a swimming pool, which you can use if you go for lunch. It would be a particularly good place to stay in summer as it’s in a very pretty situation and the garden terrace with the pool looks really gorgeous.
Over the last few years, it seems to have made huge improvements in the food. The menu sounds delicious, and I have heard very good reports from friends that have eaten there. I’ll try it this summer and report back , purely in the interests of research, you understand!
Excelsior website
La Forêt May 9th, 2007
(Summer only)
There’s lovely food on the pretty terrace at La Bagna, with occasional barbecues for special occasions. If it’s chilly, eat inside, which is warmly decorated in rich reds. There’s usually a particularly good choice for vegetarians and some deliciously fresh salads - perfect for when you’ve had enough cheese and potatoes and want something a bit lighter. The terrace is a good place for families as there’s plenty of room beside it for kids to play.
They also offer bed and breakfast accomodation.
In winter, the same building becomes becomes Chalet Lounge
Auberge La Bagna
La Forêt April 14th, 2007
An excellent hotel, British and Swedish run. It’s very reasonably priced with bright, modern, unfussy interiors. They now have apartments on offer as well, which I haven’t stayed in but look very nice. In summer, the terrace bar is a good spot for a glass of wine.
The restaurant is one of the best in Chamonix - fresh, modern food, beautifully presented, and the maître d’ is superb - he’s been there for decades and really knows his stuff. There’s usually a good choice for veggies too.
Hotel Eden
La Forêt April 14th, 2007
A super location on the central green of Les Praz, next to the Flegere lift with a view of the church and Mont Blanc. The terrace is a lovely place to watch the sunset on Mont Blanc with a drink. The hotel is very traditionally French with some rather peculiar decor in some of the rooms, but it’s inexpensive and quiet. The views are lovely, especially if you can get one with a balcony at the front.
The restaurant, like the hotel, is very traditionally Savoyarde and is a good place for a fondue. They also do an excellent trout meuniere. It’s especially nice on summer evenings when you can eat outside on the terrace lit with torches. Ideal for families in summer, as there’s a play area for children, and plenty of room for them to run about on the green.
