Best Bars in Chamonix

Our resident reporter, in Chamonix, lists her 5 best bars in Chamonix (with an added bonus). Enjoy!

Élévation 1904 – 259 Avenue Michel Croz

The small café and bar by the train station doesn’t look like much from the outside, but Elevation 1904 is one of the most famous après ski bars in Chamonix. It laid back suntrap terrace is the place to relax and watch the crowds spill out onto the streets after a hard day on Chamonix’s world famous off pistes runs, returning from the Aiguille du midi or the Montenvers railway. It’s also one of the more “French” places in Cham and has a very cool vibe, great cocktails and is a little less hectic than Chambre Neuf, just over the road. It’s open early for an espresso or a hearty breakfast and is one of the only places still lively out of season.

Élévation 1904, Chamonix.

Bar de Moulin, 80, Rue des Moulins

Tucked away on the historic Rue des Moulins, you may not notice this cosy little cellar bar with stone walls, wood beamed ceiling, comfy sofas and booth like seating areas, nestled beneath the Cap Horn restaurant. In the summer you can sit outside on the cobbled street that’s packed with bars and restaurants or on the other side, looking out onto the river l’Arve. It’s clientele are both French and English and in the night, comes alive with live music and DJs.

Monkey Bar- Chamonix Sud

Monkey bar is the seasonaires bar of choice, attracting a fun crowd with its live music, Happy Hours, pool table and “local legend” bar staff. The other big draw to Monkey Bar is their full roast dinner every Sunday and curry night on Tuesdays. It’s a real party place with awesome DJ’s and is a great pre-night out or place to end up – and open until 2am it’s just a stone’s throw away from Amnesia nightclub if you still want to party.

MBC (Micro Brasserie de Chamonix) 350 Route du Bouchet

Run by three Canadians, MBC Micro Brasserie is renowned for its beer brewed on-site using water from the Mont Blanc glacier; their burgers Monday night “chicken wing night” when all wings are half price. It’s slightly out of town but its 5 beers on tap and the MBC beer of the month, as well as great live entertainment; mean it draws the crowds out on a 10 minute walk from the centre of town.

Chambre Neuf, 272 Avenue Michel Croz

Cover bands, raucous après-ski drinking and Swedish blondes dancing on the tables. Chambre Neuf is one of Chamonix’ liveliest party haunts. Its infamous happy hour is from 8:00-10:00 pm and you can buy a two cocktails or shots for the price of one. But it also attracts the alpinists and “extreme skiers” and banter about off-pistes epics can often be heard. Despite being lively, during the daytime the bar becomes a cosy restaurant with outside seating.

Chambre Neuf, Chamonix.

La Terrasse – 43 place Balmat

La Terrasse is probably Chamonix’s most central bar, sitting on the edge of the river, with a south-west face terrace overlooking the central square and the Mont Blanc. And it’s the other key place to go for lively après ski, with bands and DJ’s. The main bar hosts several popular live music evenings and the more refined art-nouveau upstairs bar serves as a lounge and cocktail bar.

La Terrasse, Chamonix.