La Crèmerie du Glacier
Last updated: 23 December 2025
A quaint alpine hut-restaurant hidden in the woods near the Argentière glacier trail. Renowned for its rustic charm and cheese specialties (fondue, raclette) since 1926, La Crèmerie du Glacier offers an authentic mountain experience with outdoor terrace seating and a cozy interior – perfect for a vin chaud or local beer after skiing or hiking.
Key takeaways
- Best for: a scenic hike stop, daytime coffee/crepes, summer terraces.
- Vibe: simple, alpine and outdoorsy.
- Location: Argentière.
- Map: Open in Google Maps.
Full guide
Location & Heritage
La Crèmerie du Glacier is a true hidden gem of the Chamonix Valley. Nestled in the pine woods above Argentière, near the path to the Argentière Glacier, this ferme-auberge (farm inn) has been serving weary travelers and adventurers since 1926. Reaching it feels like a mini
adventure
in winter, many skiers take a short off-piste detour or snowshoe walk from the Grands Montets area; in summer, hikers find it along a scenic trail. It’s tucked away from roads – you can’t drive right up (except maybe by 4×4 for deliveries). When you arrive, the sight is storybook-worthy: a small chalet hut with a snow-covered roof (or flower-decked in summer), smoke gently puffing from its chimney, and picnic tables outside. A wooden sign “Crèmerie du Glacier” and old milk churns by the door hint at its dairy-rich history. Indeed, it originally started as a place to enjoy fresh milk, cream, and simple mountain fare – hence “Crèmerie” – and over near a century, it has maintained an old-world authenticity that’s increasingly rare.
Ambiance & Specialties
Stepping inside, you feel transported in time. The interior is tiny, rustic, and
utterly charming
rough-hewn wooden tables and benches, a crackling cast-iron stove, low ceilings adorned with old farming tools and aged cheese rounds, and candlelight or soft bulbs adding to the glow. It can maybe seat a few dozen people snugly. The menu is, fittingly, all about cheese and hearty Savoyard dishes. They are famous for their fondue – a rich concoction of local cheeses melted with wine and garlic, served in a big caquelon pot to dip bread. Another highlight is the “croute au fromage” – like a deluxe open-faced cheese toast often with sautéed mushrooms and cream, which many say is the best in the valley. Raclette is also offered, where you warm your own half-wheel of cheese and scrape the gooey goodness onto potatoes (they even have a traditional stove for it, adding to the experience). For variety, there are omelettes, rösti potatoes, and charcuterie platters – all simple, farm-style and delicious. Given the name, don’t skip dessert: the tartes aux myrtilles (wild blueberry tarts) and crème brûlée are beloved, and true to “crèmerie”, they serve hot milk with honey and other old-fashioned treats, though many prefer a vin chaud (mulled wine) or local genepi liqueur to finish.
Seasonal Experience
La Crèmerie is typically open both winter and summer (closed in spring/autumn off-season). In winter, it’s a special stop: you might come after a ski tour on the glacier or even arrange a nighttime fondue on snowshoes (some guiding companies do this – hiking up by moonlight, then eating at the Crèmerie). The atmosphere inside then is jovial; skiers with rosy cheeks rubbing elbows, steam on the windows, everyone bonded by the adventure to get there. In summer, the vibe
shifts to a lazy afternoon refuge
you can sit outside on the terrasse under tree shade, with the distant sound of glacier meltwater and cowbells. Perhaps you’ve hiked from Argentière or taken the train to Le Buet and walked down – either way, a cold local beer or a bowl of ice cream with blueberries tastes divine in the alpine heat. They often close by sunset (since getting out in dark forest isn’t ideal), so lunchtime and afternoon are prime. Despite its out-of-the-way locale, the spot is quite popular (especially with locals, who treasure it as an insider secret), so it’s wise to reserve ahead for lunch, particularly on weekends or peak weeks – yes, they do have a phone and you can book, which is recommended since seating is limited.
Tips
Cash is king here; sometimes they don’t take cards due to spotty mountain signal (though this may have improved). Dress appropriately – even in summer it can be cooler in the shade of the forest near the glacier. If you’re not sure how to get there: in winter, ask the Grands Montets staff or a local off- piste guide for directions (it’s off the beginner home run, with some poling); in summer, follow signs from the Argentière village (it’s about a 30–40 min hike gently uphill through woods). The effort is
absolutely worth it
authenticity like this is hard to find. Lastly, be ready to unplug – there’s no WiFi, and your phone likely has weak service. This is deliberate: La Crèmerie du Glacier invites you to slow down, savor mountain life as it used to be, and leave with not just a full belly but a warm heart. Many guests cite a visit here as a highlight of their Chamonix trip.
Practical info
- Address: Chemin du Glacier d’Argentière, 74400 Argentière, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
- Phone: +33 4 50 54 07 52
- Website: https://lacremerieduglacier.fr/
- Google Maps: Open map
FAQ
Where is La Crèmerie du Glacier?
La Crèmerie du Glacier is in Argentière. Address: Chemin du Glacier d’Argentière, 74400 Argentière, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. Use the Google Maps link in this guide for turn-by-turn directions.
Is La Crèmerie du Glacier good for après-ski?
Yes. La Crèmerie du Glacier is a popular après-ski option in Argentière. Expect a simple, alpine and outdoorsy vibe and it can get busy straight after the lifts close in peak season.
Do I need to book?
For drinks only, walk-ins are often fine. If you want a table for food (or you’re a group in peak winter weeks), booking ahead is recommended.
