The School of Physics in Les Houches (Haute-Savoie)

The School of Physics in Les Houches (Haute-Savoie)

Perched at an altitude of 1,200 meters, in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, the École de Physique des Houches has been training generations of top-tier scientists since 1951. A true cradle of modern physics that has produced more than fifty future Nobel laureates, this high-altitude campus combines the rigor of cutting-edge research with the serenity of the mountains to foster scientific creativity.

A Science Summit in the Heart of the Alps

More than just a place for education and research, the École de Physique des Houches is an international hub for science, famous for having hosted dozens of Nobel laureates.
Far from large concrete lecture halls, the campus is laid out like a small mountain village. Participants live and work in traditional Savoyard chalets, scattered throughout a wooded, sloping park. The absolute tranquility of the mountains, the fresh air, and the site’s relative isolation create an ideal time bubble for focusing on complex theoretical concepts. Cut off from the outside world, the scientists share a communal life that fosters discussion and intellectual exchange. 
Aerial view of the School of Physics in Les Houches.
Aerial view of the School of Physics in Les Houches.
View of the mountains from the buildings of the School of Physics in Les Houches.
View of the mountains from the buildings of the School of Physics in Les Houches.

A one-of-a-kind campus overlooking Mont Blanc

Perched at an altitude of 1,150 meters in Haute-Savoie, the Les Houches campus offers an extraordinary living and working environment. Located in the Chamonix Valley, the site overlooks the Mont Blanc massif. The panoramic view is breathtaking, offering doctoral students and researchers from around the world a complete immersion in the Alpine landscape.
 

Contact Information

Address
140 Chemin de la Côte
74310 Les Houches
GPS
Latitude: 45°54'47.9"N
Longitude: 6°46'08.2"E

Services Offered

  • Housing
  • Catering

Visiting the Campus

By car
Les Houches is easily accessible from France (A41 highway), from Switzerland (Martigny and Col des Montets), and from Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel.

From Geneva and Le Fayet
8 km before Chamonix, 300 m after exiting the tunnel, right next to the first exit for "Les Houches Bellevue." When you arrive at the “Bellevue” cable car station, turn right and continue uphill (about 2 km from the cable car). 500 m past the “Prarion” cable car, turn left and follow the small arrows at the intersection. Continue to the end of Route de la Côte des Chavants.

From Chamonix
Turn right toward “Les Houches-Chef-Lieu,” turn right in Les Houches, and continue to the “Bellevue” cable car station. Then follow the directions above.
By train
"Les Houches" SNCF Train Station.

From there, we recommend taking a taxi to the school, which is 5 km away.
By plane
From Geneva Airport
The school is located 1 hour from the airport. You can reach the school by shuttle service, regular bus service, or train.
www.gva.ch