Châtel is a traditional Savoyard village that has retained its rustic charm. The friendly local people welcome visitors, and although many of them are involved in servicing tourist related activities, they retain their roots within the village. Families such as Cruz, Trincaz and Crépy are representative of old Châtel families who occur on the 'Town role' of Mayors but also local businesses, restaurants, garages and shops.

Shopping
There are three supermarkets in the town, Casino in the centre, Sherpa on les Candres off the Route de Linga, near the centre of town and Intermarché on Route de Vallapeyron, towards La Chapelle D’abondance. There are plenty of boutiques and small craft shops, a local toy maker as well as specialist food shops, a butcher, baker and wine merchant.

Bars and restaurants
Pizza bars, créperies, burgers and Tex/Mex or a sophisticated French meal, all are available in the town. The Tunnel bar, linked with La Flambé Pizzeria and Le Chesery, are English run by friendly helpful staff and always have a good atmosphere, even in the off season. The Grizzli Bar is small and cosy with friendly French staff and traditional food. The Avalanche bar offers the added facility of internet access and is popular, but for a really good meal, try Le Kandahar on Route de Villapeyron, 5 mins walk down the hill from the chalet, or Le Castellan 5 mins walk up the hill. In La Chapelle D’Abondance the Hotel Les Cornettes not only boasts arguably the best cuisine in the valley, but an interesting museum and wild marmots in a specially designed reserve in the garden.

Winter attractions
Include ice skating on a rink next to the Vonne lake, Paragliding, Ice diving in the Vonne Lake, Snow shoeing, X country skiing, night skiing , bowling, 2 cinemas, a salto trampoline, merry go round in the town square and organised family events through out the season. See Tourist Board for information.

Local crafts
There is a local wood painter who paints pictures , furniture and signs, all depicting mountain scenes, wild flowers and country life. His work is prolific about the town on outside walls and in restaurants, with the initials JLD (Jean Luc Danel). There is a toy maker, a wood carver and potter all situated in and around the town. It is possible to visit several farms to buy the local Abondance cheese made on site. The nearest farm is 5 minutes walk from the chatlet heading towards town. There is a sign outside advertising cheese for sale from the farm.

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