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Chamonix is one of France’s top resorts for advanced skiing - but it’s not just the action on the slopes that’s excellent.
Unlike many modern purpose-built ski resorts in France, Chamonix is a proper town which dates back almost a thousand years, meaning there’s loads going on.
There is a huge variety of bars and nightlife in this historic town which has beautiful buildings and breathtaking views, as well as a lovely fast-running river through the middle.
It’s also big enough that you can find either peaceful or very lively spots - keep reading for our best recommendations, and remember there are plenty more than we’ve got space for here!
READ MORE: If you're keen on a lively French resort, then why not have a look at Tignes's après ski and nightlife.
Our must-visit après-ski bars and nightlife hotspots in Chamonix are:
2. La Terrasse
3. Chambre Neuf
4. South Bar
6. L’Amnesia
7. The Pub
8. Micro Brasserie de Chamonix
10. La Maison des Artistes Jazz Club
Best place for club-style après
- Folie Douce Hotel
Down at the bottom of the Savoy slope on the Brevent side of Chamonix town, the Folie Douce Hotel awaits skiers who are craving a good time. Folie Douce is France’s leading après-ski chain when it comes to slopeside mountain party huts.
This one’s a hotel though, and they have a huge sun terrace out the back with views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille Midi, while there are also the ‘official’ après shows that the hotel puts on from 5pm - 8pm, with plenty of live music, dancers and performing.
There’s also a nightclub inside the hotel - more on that later.
Best bars for live music
- Chambre Neuf
- La Terrasse
These are two of the biggest names in town and tend to always have a lively atmosphere.
Chambre Neuf is the classic crowd-pleasing après spot which gets in lots of live bands to play familiar bangers that gets the whole crowd bouncing - and definitely up on the tables!
You’ll find live music every day (apart from Saturday, the typical transfer day) from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, and there’s a happy hour from 8pm to 10pm. It also doubles up as a lovely brasserie restaurant during the day, and is just outside the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc train station.
La Terrasse is another that gets in lots of live bands, with a happy hour from 4pm-6pm every day, and insane views from their big sun terrace.
Literally hanging over the river, you’ll recognise its gorgeous pink façade in art deco style, with the live music kicking off from about 7pm most days - meaning it’s the natural next stop after Chambre Neuf.
More bars for keeping the night going
- South Bar
- The Pub
Other options for the night might include the South Bar, which is at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi on the south side of town. It’s got a lovely south-facing terrace with generous happy hours, a good amount of live music, DJs and a wide range of tasty food. Open until 2am, it’s a lovely alternative to the town centre and well worth a visit.
You might have guessed that The Pub is a taste of home. Designed like a classic British pub, it’s located on the high street and has a heated terrace outside, too. It can occasionally turn a bit raucous, with dancing on tables until 2am - these nights aren’t really planned, they just happen!
Best bar that also does great food
- MOÖ Bar/Restaurant
Named after the initials of the owners (and managers) of the institution, the MOÖ Bar combines tables that have pour-your-own beer pumps with lovely cuisine, including home-made burgers, ribs and various other meat, fish and veggie options.
They also do a daily après-ski session with live music and DJs - doors remain open until 1am!
Best nightclubs for partying ‘til the early hours
- L'Amnesia
- 1969 Club (Hotel Folie Douce)
These 2 are Chamonix’s ‘proper’ nightclubs and are perfect for proper night-time sessions.
L’Amnesia is found in Chamonix Sud and is popular with all nationalities - you’ll find lots of top DJs from around the world here, with various themed nights and lots of dancers. It really is quite raucous, with doors only opening at midnight, and usually staying open until 4am - although sometimes later.
The 1969 Club is found inside the Hotel Folie Douce and is free entry for everyone (apart from special nights). There’s a stage with live performances from singers and dancers, while DJs light up the night with. The atmosphere is similarly chaotic, and the interior is Gatsby-esque, with big chandeliers and grand staircases.
Best bar for craft beer
- Micro Brasserie de Chamonix
If you enjoy indulging in some fancy beers, then Chamonix has got you covered. The Micro Brasserie de Chamonix is found a bit north of the centre of town, on the Route du Bouchet, and has a great selection of naturally produced real ales and lagers - no additives or preservatives.
They also put on great food and often have really good bands playing for a bit of après-ski entertainment - it can really be the best of both worlds.
Best bars for watching sports
- The Pub
A repeat of an earlier pick, The Pub is a British-style pub that is very reliable for live sports.
That being said, there are definitely more options for seeing the football (etc) that won’t be hard to find.
Best bars for something a bit more relaxed
- Élévation 1904
- La Maison des Artistes Jazz Club
With an iconic red-fronted facade, Élévation 1904 is found just opposite the Chambre Neuf - and has the opposite energy, too. While it’s still chatty and vibrant, things are more sophisticated, with a nice interior and heated terrace.
La Maison des Artistes Jazz Club is another place which won’t have the raucous energy that some places have - instead providing beautiful music with views of Mont Blanc.
What to do if you’re after a slopeside party experience up in the mountains
If you’re dead set on the ‘classic’ idea of après-ski (ie a hut high in the mountains with a packed sun terrace that you can ski up to and away from), then Chamonix might not be the best option for you - have a look at our best après-ski resorts in Europe for that.
Having said that, if Chamonix is definitely where you’re going, then you could try the Folie Douce over in Saint-Gervais.
Let us be clear - this is not in Chamonix, although it is part of the larger Mont Blanc Unlimited ski area that Chamonix lies within.
The Folie Douce is located at the top of the Mont Joux chairlift in Saint-Gervais. To get back to Chamonix, you’ll have to ski down a bit then take the consecutive “Bettex-Arbois” and “St Gervais Bettex” gondolas down to St Gervais town, from which you need the bus back to your part of Chamonix - this bus could take about half an hour, although possibly longer.
Give Chamonix’s après-ski a shot with Iglu Ski
If pretty Chamonix and its lively bars and clubs are calling your name, then get in touch with us so we can help you secure your ideal ski holiday.
We’re the UK’s largest ski travel agency and have been doing it for more than 26 years - our team is full of ski experts who can give you endless knowledge and recommendations.
All of us have done seasons in the mountains, and will help you with whatever questions you may have. Resort choice, accommodation, ski hire, things to do, restaurants, après-ski - you name it, we’ll give you advice.
You can also book online. Check out our top Chamonix ski holidays – we have deals on catered chalets, as well as apartments and hotels to suit all needs and budgets.
Booking a group ski holiday and not sure where to start? Have a look at our group booking guide, which will point you in the right direction.
Find out what the après and nightlife scene is like in other resorts: