Destination Guide: Chamonix
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan towns in the French Alps.
Since the growth of tourism in the early 19th century, visitors have flocked to the resort of Chamonix in their millions, drawn by the breathtaking scenery which surrounds the valley and the myriad of activities which take place in, on and around it.
If you’re an active type, almost every conceivable outdoor pursuit can be experienced around Chamonix – from skiing and ice climbing, to paragliding and mountain biking. Brave participants can enjoy the thrill of climbing up, sliding down, or jumping off Mont Blanc (at 4808m it’s Europe’s highest mountain), the less lofty Le Brévent range, or the Aiguilles Rouges; all within easy reach from Chamonix town itself.
Those with more sedate tastes can sample picturesque hiking and snowshoe trails. The cable cars and cog railways that traverse the entire Mont Blanc Massif, with captivating viewpoints lead to many mountain restaurants with can be found dotted around the pistes of the Chamonix Valley.
If all that sounds too much like hard work, Chamonix town itself has plenty to occupy the visitor: super cool art deco hotels, quaint alpine farms and charming baroque churches provide the backdrop to the bustling centre, and punctuate a sea of cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Soak up the culture in the Alpine Museum, lose yourself in the shops and boutiques, or sooth away aches and pains in the swimming pool and spa.
Sites about Chamonix:
www.chamonixinfo.com Comprehensive guide to Chamonix, featuring info on travelling to and staying in Chamonix as well as details of activities, events, nightlife, shopping and more.
www.lepetitcanardchx.com The number one guide to Chamonix nightlife. Find out what’s happening in the clubs and pubs throughout the summer and winter seasons.
www.naturalchamonix.com An extensive range of rental accommodation throughout the Chamonix Valley; from self-catered apartments to fully catered chalets.
Things to see and do in Chamonix
There's plenty to keep you occupied and entertained in Chamonix, but we'd definately recommend adding the following to your 'must do' list:
• Montenvers Railway: Spectacular cog railway from Chamonix to Montenvers, above the Mer de Glace. Experience the heights and sights without the hard work.
• Le Panoramic: Restaurant at the top station of the Brévent cable car, with top class cuisine and a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc Massif. Well worth a visit.
• Grotte de la Mer de Glace: Carved every spring since 1946, the ‘ice cave’ takes three months to make, and has in interior temperature of around -2 to -5 degrees Centigrade.
• Le Lapin Agile: Our favourite apres-ski and chilling out bar in Chamonix with an ever-changing selection of fine wines served by the glass and handpicked by the Italian owners Stefania and Gianluca. Be there around 18:30 and enjoy the tasty free nibbles!
• Chamonix Golf Course: Enjoy 18 holes on this challenging golf course with stunning views, or practice your swing and aim at the driving range, open until 19:00 each day in Les Praz
Upcoming events in Chamonix
Chamonix has a full and vibrant calendar of events throughout the year. As we move from the summer season to the winter season, here's a pick of some of the events taking place in Chamonix:
Nissan Freeride World Tour 2012 - Chamonix Mont Blanc
21st - 27th January 2012
Now firmly established as the premier freeride competition in the world, the Nissan Freeride World Tour will once again come to Chamonix and this season the resort will be hosting the opening event. With Chamonix local Aurelien Ducroz taking the Men's Ski crown last winter, it'll be a glorious home-coming gig for him. Expect lots of action both on and off the slopes as the Tour takes over the main square in Chamonix with stands and events each day.
FIS World Cup Skiing - The Kandahar 2012 - Les Houches
3rd Feb - 5th Feb 2012
FIS World Cup skiing comes to the Chamonix Valley AGAIN this winter with the famous Kandahar events in Les Houches this winter season. Last year the atmosphere was fantastic, with thousands of spectators lining the Piste Verte to watch all the big names in men's skiing.
Crowd favourites Didier Cuche and Ivica Kostelic took the Downhill and Super Combined titles respectively, can they do it all again this year? We can't wait to find out and what's more it's free to go and watch, with lifts open so you can access the start gate area and edges of the piste to spectate, or head to the finish line to watch the arrivals.
Marathon du Mont-Blanc 2012
29 June - 1 July 2012
Organised by the Chamonix Club des Sports, the Chamonix Mont Blanc Marathon attracts thousands of runner who are eager to pound the mountain paths in the Chamonix valley. There are five different races over the weekend with a kids' race, the vertical kilometre, the 10km, the cross (23km) and the full blown marathon at 42km.
Race registration is NOW OPEN ONLINE (from September 2011) and you can sign up online for the race of your choice. There is a fee, which is 49€ for the marathon and 32€ for the cross. For more information on the different race, take a look at the Chamonix Mont Blanc Marathon website.
