How to get to Avoriaz?
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How to get to Avoriaz
Dreaming of discovering Avoriaz, this iconic pedestrian resort perched at 1,800 metres above sea level? Nestled on a plateau above Morzine, the resort is easily accessible from anywhere in France thanks to several eco-friendly means of transport: train, bus or carpooling. Combine them easily via Tictactrip for a smooth, economical journey.
The most popular journeys to Avoriaz
- Paris - Avoriaz via Cluses: around €80 to €120
- Lyon - Avoriaz via Cluses: around €40 to €60
- Geneva - Avoriaz via Cluses: around €30 to €50
The main means of transport
- Bus to Avoriaz: direct or connecting services are offered from many French and European cities via BlaBlaCar Bus. These services serve Cluses and Thonon-les-Bains stations, with a shuttle up to the resort. Book easily on Tictactrip.
- Train to Avoriaz: the closest stations are Cluses and Thonon-les-Bains, both served by direct TGVs from Paris and regional trains from Lyon, Geneva or Annecy. From the station, regular shuttles run up to the resort.
- Carpooling: an economical and friendly option to get directly to Avoriaz's outdoor car parks or nearby stations before taking the shuttle. Search for your journey on Tictactrip to compare prices and routes.
- Plane: the closest airport is Geneva, around 90 km away. Shuttle or taxi transfers are available to the resort via the Cluses or Morzine (Prodains Express) stations.
The closest stations to Avoriaz
| Station | Company | Trains/day | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cluses | SNCF | ≈15 | 74300 Cluses |
| Thonon-les-Bains | SNCF | ≈20 | 74200 Thonon-les-Bains |
| Annemasse | SNCF | ≈30 | 74100 Annemasse |
| Genève | SNCF & CFF | ≈40 | 1201 Genève, Suisse |
Avoriaz: a unique and innovative pedestrian resort
Avoriaz (postcode 74110) is a visionary ski resort, imagined in the 1960s by Olympic champion Jean Vuarnet. The Alps' first 100% pedestrian resort, it is renowned for its organic architecture, in harmony with the alpine relief and environment. Cars are banned there: you get around on foot, by ski, horse-drawn carriage or electric snowcat depending on the season.
This sustainable and unique approach has earned Avoriaz a worldwide reputation, symbolising responsible and innovative mountain tourism. Even today, the resort attracts travellers seeking a car-free stay, at the heart of nature.
The history of Avoriaz
Avoriaz, an iconic ski resort perched at 1,800 metres of altitude, is located in the Haute-Savoie department, in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its postal code is 74110.
With an area of 4.22 km² and a permanent population of around 180 residents, Avoriaz transforms every winter into a top destination for alpine tourism. Entirely pedestrian, it captivates visitors with its unique car-free concept, warm atmosphere and wooden architecture blended into the mountain.
Wondering how to get to Avoriaz by train, bus or carpool? Several options are available, often combinable via Tictactrip for a simple and optimised journey.
The closest train stations to Avoriaz are Cluses and Thonon-les-Bains, accessible by train from Paris, Lyon, Geneva or Annecy depending on the season. Shuttles and buses then take you to the resort. You can also reach Avoriaz via the Prodains Express cable car from Morzine.
Carpooling is an economical and friendly alternative, ideal for reaching Avoriaz's outer car parks or the nearby train stations directly before taking a shuttle. In winter, the access road requires snow tyres or chains, as the resort is entirely pedestrian.
📍 Good to know: Combined train + bus or train + shuttle journeys can be booked in a few clicks on Tictactrip.
To better understand Avoriaz's fascinating history, here are the key stages of its creation and development:
- 1950s: The town of Morzine sought to expand its ski area, which had become too limited.
- 1960: Olympic champion Jean Vuarnet envisioned a visionary, car-free resort entirely dedicated to skiing and in harmony with the mountain.
- 1963: Construction of the Prodains cable car, linking Morzine to the Avoriaz plateau.
- 1962–1966: Three young architects – Jacques Labro, Jean-Jacques Orzoni and Jean-Marc Roques – designed an organic architecture, with shapes inspired by the alpine relief and covered in local wood.
- 1966: Official inauguration of Avoriaz, the first 100% pedestrian resort in the French Alps.
- 1990: Avoriaz joins the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, offering 650 km of slopes between France and Switzerland.
- Today: A global reference in sustainable tourism, Avoriaz embodies a model resort respectful of its environment, accessible by train, bus or carpool.
The name Avoriaz comes from the evolution of the name of the former communal lands "Rovorée", which became "Avorée", then "Avoriaz" over time. A heritage that still connects the resort to its Savoyard roots today.
In 2025, Avoriaz remains an exemplary resort, combining innovation, nature and soft mobility. Entirely car-free, it favours getting around on foot, on skis or by horse-drawn sleigh, offering a peaceful stay at the heart of a preserved environment.
Finally, if you visit the resort outside the winter season, you'll discover a peaceful, restorative place, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or simply relaxing in the mountains. A true haven of peace between modernity and nature.
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