Sentier des Chapelles (Chapel Trail)
The Sentier des Chapelles is a 10 km circular trail linking seven historic wayside chapels built by Les Houches villagers between the 17th and 19th centuries to protect their community from avalanches and plague. The path weaves through pine forest, alpine meadows and traditional hamlets with Mont Blanc visible at almost every turn — yet it appears on almost no tourist itinerary.
The Route and Its Chapels
The trail begins at the village church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and climbs gently through the hamlets of Les Trabets and Le Planet before looping back through Le Coupeau and La Griaz. Each chapel is tiny — some barely larger than a garden shed — but they are immaculately maintained, often with fresh flowers left by locals, and the oldest date to 1692.
The most photogenic stop is the Chapelle de Vaudagne, a stone building perched on a small rise with an unobstructed view of the Aiguille du Midi and the Bossons glacier. Arrive in the late afternoon when the light turns the limestone walls gold.
Why It Stays Under the Radar
Most visitors to Les Houches head straight for the cable car or the ski slopes, leaving this low-altitude cultural walk almost entirely to residents. The trail is well-waymarked with yellow signs and gains only about 350 m of elevation, making it accessible to families and anyone who wants mountain scenery without a serious climb.
The full loop takes three to four hours at a relaxed pace. Carry water and a snack — there are no cafés on the route itself — and wear trail shoes rather than road trainers on the steeper forested sections.
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