Le Vaffieu, Le Pleney
Favoured by locals, walkers and families alike, Le Vaffieu is a traditional Savoyard chalet tucked away at the top of Le Pleney, the mountain above Morzine bordering Les Gets.
A large terrace is bathed in sunshine throughout the day, where lunch can easily turn into a long, lazy afternoon. Friendly staff serve classic dishes rooted in the mountains – local charcuterie, perfectly cooked steaks, and generous cheese specialities. For dessert, the café gourmand offers a beautifully indulgent selection of mini desserts served with coffee.
Walking notes: Access via hiking trails from Morzine, or by the Pleney gondola followed by a short 20-minute walk.
Les Chevrelles, Mont Caly, Les Gets
Perched at 1,490 metres on Mont Caly, high above Les Gets village, Les Chevrelles is a charming mountain restaurant with sweeping south-facing views towards Mont Blanc. Its standout panorama and strong reputation make it a firm favourite with walkers and locals alike. It’s bustling at weekends, so book ahead to guarantee a table.
The menu focuses on Savoyard and family-style regional dishes, including fondue, tartiflette, delicious omelettes, and croûte (a popular dish of bread, ham, cheese and white wine baked until bubbling). For dessert, the homemade tarte aux myrtilles ranks among the best in the region.
This is an ideal stop after exploring the trails around Mont Chéry. An ancient hamlet sits nearby, and a stunning 360-degree viewpoint can be reached via a short but steep climb.
Walking notes: Access via a circular walk from the Mont Chéry gondola in Les Gets (around 2.5 hours total). It can also be reached by road from Les Gets, with parking a short walk from the restaurant.
Le Refuge
Perched high above Morzine on the slopes of Nyon, Le Refuge combines spectacular mountain views with generous, modern alpine cooking. Surrounded by forest and ski pistes, the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, with a sunny terrace perfect for long summer lunches.
The menu brings a contemporary touch to traditional Savoyard flavours, with dishes such as trout with wild garlic, grilled pork ribs with barbecue sauce, hearty cheese and charcuterie platters, and rustic tartines. Classic comfort dishes like tartiflette also feature, with most meals served alongside salad, crispy potato fritters or sweet potato fries.
Walking notes: Reach Le Refuge from Morzine via the Chemin du Renard trail behind the fire station, then take the Nyon téléphérique to the Nyon Plateau. It’s around a 30-minute walk to the restaurant. You can also combine your visit with the spectacular Pas de l’Aigle viewing platform, reached via the Pointe de Nyon chairlift. From there, either hike down to the restaurant (steep in places, so walking poles are helpful) or return by chairlift.
Ferme Auberge de Fréterolles, Lac des Mines d’Or
Rustic, friendly and wonderfully authentic, Ferme Auberge de Fréterolles is a joyful stop on a mountain walk in the wild and untamed Mines d’Or area at the far end of the Vallée de la Manche.
The farm is reachable via a gentle 20-minute walk from Lac des Mines d’Or, but for a rewarding half day hike we recommend testing your legs on the Col de Cou — a historic smugglers’ route and high mountain pass reaching the Franco-Swiss border with magnificent views across the Chablais mountains.
Family-run and refreshingly simple, the auberge serves generous platters of cheese and charcuterie, omelettes and tartiflette, followed by homemade tarte aux myrtilles and ice cream. Most of the produce comes directly from the farm, and you can purchase cheese to takeaway.
Walking notes: From the parking at Lac des Mines d’Or, follow signs for Ferme Auberge des Fréterolles (around 20–25 minutes uphill). For a longer adventure, continue on the Col de Cou loop hike (approximately 3.5–4 hours return).
Auberge du Bout du Lac, Lake Montriond
When staying in Morzine, you don’t need to head up a mountain to find an extraordinary view. Set at the peaceful far end of Lake Montriond, Auberge du Bout du Lac offers a panorama that stretches the full length of the lake, framed by dramatic cliffs and distant alpine peaks. Formed by a historic landslide thousands of years ago, Lake Montriond is one of the largest natural lakes in the Chablais region. In summer, its emerald waters draw swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders alike.
This auberge is the perfect place to take it all in. And if you happen to be caught in a summer thunderstorm, settle inside and watch it roll across the lake through the huge bay windows. The setting is captivating – but this isn’t a restaurant that relies on the view alone.
Recognised as a Maître Restaurateur, the venue upholds the highest standards of French cuisine, showcasing seasonal ingredients from the surrounding mountains and lakes. Expect beautifully composed dishes featuring alpine herbs, wild mushrooms, freshwater fish and locally sourced meats, all presented with a contemporary, refined touch.
Walking notes: Auberge du Bout du Lac makes an excellent starting or finishing point for the easy walk around the lake (around 2.5 miles). For something longer, follow the forest trail up to the Cascade d’Ardent, a spectacular mountain waterfall.
From gentle lakeside walks to full mountain days with long lunch stops in the sun, Morzine offers endless ways to combine walking with exceptional Alpine fayre. For a unique place to stay close to Morzine’s hiking trails, and with free shuttle access to the ski lifts, Hotel Coutettaz is a boutique hotel with a rich 250-year history. Exquisite inside and out, it sits in the oldest quarter of the village, enjoying peaceful rolling views from the garden.
