Amenities | Attractions & Activities | Market | Ski lifts | History | Discover More | Accommodation
Morillon lies in the picturesque Haute-Giffre Valley in the Haute Savoie region of France. Just 50 minutes drive from Geneva airport, Morillon is one of the most easily accessed destinations in the Alps.
Morillon stands apart from typical alpine resorts with its authentic village atmosphere. Despite its growing reputation as a top destination, it retains a unique character that reflects its status as a real working village. Open year-round, Morillon offers a vibrant community, a wealth of amenities, and a calendar full of events and attractions for every season.
The area is a paradise for lovers of nature, with glacier-fed rivers, lush forests, vibrant pastures full of flowers, magnificent mountain peaks, abundant wildlife, mountain lakes, and waterfalls, the list is endless! If you like a little adventure on your holiday, you are spoiled for choice with endless mountain-based sports such as skiing, hiking, and biking.
Morillon and the Haute-Giffre valley also offer a fantastic range of village-based activities and attractions, ideally suited to families and those who prefer to take it easy, wander the charming streets, enjoy the local cuisine, sunbath by the lake, breathe in the fresh air and take inspiration from the stunning scenery.
Morillon can be separated into two distinct villages, both great options but catering to slightly different tastes:
Morillon Village
Located on the valley floor at an altitude of 657m, Morillon village is the original and most easily accessible of the two villages. It also provides the easiest access to Lac Bleu, and the other valley floor attractions of Morillon and the Haut-Giffre valley. It is linked to Morillon 1100 via the Morillon telecabine and a ski piste.
Morillon 1100 Les Esserts
Morillon 1100, also known as Morillon Les Esserts, is a ski in, ski out satellite village perched directly above Morillon village at 1100m altitude. It’s piste side location. traffic-free centre and excellent creche make it a favourite for families and those seeking convenience. It can be accessed by road, or via the Morillon telecabine from Morillon village.
Alps Accommodation offer a wide selection of premier accommodation in Morillon and the Haut-Giffre Valley, hand-picked by our dedicated local team to ensure they meet the highest standards. Enjoy fantastic in-resort discounts on ski passes, equipment rentals, lessons, and activities.
Morillon village offers a diverse selection of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Most dining options are conveniently clustered around the village centre, with one excellent restaurant located by Lac Bleu, providing breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
In Morillon 1100, visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants scattered throughout the village centre and along the edge of the pistes, making it easy to indulge in delicious meals after a day on the slopes.
Morillon village features a great selection of bars, primarily located near the base station of the telecabine. Whether you’re after après-ski, a relaxed drink, or late-night live music, there’s something to suit every mood.
In Morillon 1100, bars are conveniently situated around the village centre and at the foot of the pistes ideal for apres-ski entertainment.
No French holiday would be complete without a visit to a local boulangerie!
In Morillon village, enjoy the delights of Tiffanie's bakery which serves a great selection of lunch options and treats, and is open year-round.
Throughout the ski season and peak summer season, a great boulangerie, Aux Délices Des Esserts, can also be found at Morillon 1100, where a small terrace is the perfect place to enjoy their delicious produce.
In the centre of Morillon village you will find Vival, a relatively small but well-stocked grocery store offering many of the essentials, including a cheese counter. A second supermarket, Sherpa, is located in Morillon 1100, again providing everything you will need.
A large Carrefour supermarket and fuel station are available on the edge of Samoëns village, a Super U in Taninges, and a little further away, there is a large selection of supermarkets in Cluses.
Our Morillon village map provides more information on local amenities such as butcher, pharmacy, and medical centre.
Throughout the peak winter and summer periods, the village offers a great selection of organised activities and events in both villages. The Morillon tourist office publishes a weekly entertainment guide available on their website, or in the tourist office.
A beautiful lake named after its stunning emerald colour, Lac Bleu provides a wealth of year-round relaxation and fun. The lake itself, and the surrounding area, offer an incredible amount including swimming, walks, picnics, sunbathing, horse rides, pump track, volleyball, adventure park, tennis, mini golf. In winter, enjoy cold water swimming (if you're brave enough!), a wood barrel sauna, or both! A fantastic lakeside bar and restaurant offers drinks, meals, and ice creams.
The glacier-fed Giffre river passes just a few hundred meters from the centre of Morillon village. In winter, its banks are home to cross-country skiing pistes and shoeshoeing trails, while in summer you’ll find gentle walking and hiking trails to Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. The river is a playground itself, with rafting, kayaking, and paddling, all to an incredible alpine backdrop.
Dating back to 1577, the church takes centre stage in the centre of Morillon village with its bell tower and onion-shaped dome visible from around the village and the surrounding mountains. It's well worth a visit during your next stay.
Surrounding Morillon are three beautiful chapels - 16th-century Les Miaux, 17th-century Le Chatelard and 19th-century Le Verney - which are certainly worth a visit and can be included in a gentle walk or bike ride.
The weekly market takes place year-round on the main street through Morillon village, where you’ll find a great selection of local produce including cheese, meat, fruit, vegetables, crafts and more.
The market takes place every Sunday from 8am to 1pm.
Located in the very heart of the village, the Morillon telecabine links Morillon village to the ski in, ski out satellite village of Morillon 1100 Les Esserts. From there, two chairlifts take you higher on the mountain.
In winter, Morillon 1100 serves as the main entry point into the vast and varied Grand Massif ski area with several pistes, including the incredible 8km green piste of the Marvel, while there is also one piste linking Morillon 1100 to Morillon village, fully covered in snow cannons and open when conditions allow. At Morillon 1100 you will also find the nursery slopes, creche, sledging area, and the lift is also accessible for non-skiers.
In the summer, the Morillon telecabine and Sairon chairlift are both open for the peak holiday period, providing access for mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing, picnics and more. It also provides quick access to the excellent mountain restaurant called Chalet, offering refreshments, lunches, as well as some family games, such as table tennis.
Morillon, a charming village in Haute-Savoie, France, is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Located in the upper Giffre Valley, it is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Its picturesque streets feature traditional houses, the 15th-century Saint-Christophe church, and historic chapels such as the 16th-century Miaux, 17th-century Chatelard, and 19th-century Verney, which contribute to its authentic Alpine character.
The village’s origins can be traced to 1276, when it was first mentioned in a notarial deed. Over the centuries, Morillon transitioned from governance under the Lords and Barons of Faucigny to becoming part of the County of Savoy in 1355. A pivotal moment came in 1369, when a landslide formed the Crêt de Morellons, which lent its name to the village and established its current centre.
Morillon’s history is marked by resilience and enterprise. Its residents adapted to a harsh Alpine climate through agro-pastoral practices, making use of the region’s fertile pastures and developing a tradition of craftsmanship. By the 18th century, the village was renowned for its skilled masons, carpenters, and artisans, who worked on construction projects across Europe, earning recognition from figures like Vauban and Napoleon Bonaparte.
The village’s history also saw periods of upheaval. The French Revolution brought challenges, including the banning of emigration and persecution of the clergy. The church spire was famously cut down because it "offends the republican eye", but Morillon's spirit remained unbroken. Education became a cornerstone of the community, with schools founded in 1741 and 1842.
Today, Morillon balances its rich heritage with its role as a premier summer and winter destination, offering access to the Grand Massif ski area’s 265 kilometers of slopes. The village retains its historic charm while welcoming visitors, a testament to its enduring legacy and adaptability.
Morillon is the home of the Olympic downhill gold medalist Antoine Dénériaz.
