Mont Blanc (4,808m) dominates the skyline above Les Houches village center (1,000m altitude), creating the paradox: traditional Savoyard chalets sitting at the BASE CAMP for Europe's highest mountain. This is where the Kandahar downhill run—one of skiing's most feared descents—starts, and where experimental vineyards test climate change's impact on Alpine viticulture. From Place de la Mairie, walk toward the church (Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste, 17th century) and look UP at Mont Blanc, then around - you're standing at the altitude where phylloxera traditionally couldn't survive. Ask locals: 'Où sont les vignes?' Some will point you to experimental plots where vignerons test high-altitude varieties in living wine research for 2050.
🔄 BACKUP: If weather is bad, visit the Maison de la Montagne (village center) for Mont Blanc exhibits and ask about the experimental vineyards.