The magnificent Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi, the Vallée Blanche and La Mer de Glace, the Kandahar Ski World Cup Race, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, the Montenvers Train, Les Grands Montets ski domaine, the Mont Blanc Tunnel, the Helbronner …. these are just a few of the many famous names associated with Chamonix that sets its reputation as one of Europe’s premier mountain destinations.
So much more than just a ski resort, since the 1800’s Chamonix has been well known for many different reasons to people all over the world, and truly is a town of many faces, ranging hugely in what it has to offer its visitors.
From a delightful historic town centre providing excellent shopping, beautiful views, and top quality restaurants, to a premier ski resort with unparalleled off-piste access and a wide variety of pisted ski areas, to a bustling summer resort offering wonderful mountain trails for all levels, exciting sporting activities and hosting world renowned sporting events.
Whether your interests are hard core sports, gentle mountain pursuits, culture, history, views or pure relaxation and shopping, Chamonix always has something to offer you.
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Chamonix Sud is a mini-centre of its own only a minute walk to the main shopping street and centre of Chamonix, housing a number of different residences in addition to shops, restaurants, cafes, supermarket, and bars all situated around a central square, and the street leading to the famous Aiguille du Midi lift. The 10 pin bowling, mini-golf and snooker centre makes entertaining the kids an easy job.
Chamonix Sud is the perfect place to stay as it now comprises the bus station and has a train stop just a minute away.
The area was constructed in the 1970’s and was supported by Edmond Desailloud, general adviser to the canton of Chamonix Mont Blanc, whom the main square in Chamonix Sud is named after. Much of the accommodation in the area has been upgraded and updated by the private owners in the past few years, and it is now possible to find very good quality, yet still very affordable accommodation.
The famous Aiguille du Midi lift station is also located in this area. Built in 1955 and going up to a height of 3842m, this lift enables visitors access to the highest point possible to view the peak of the famous Mont Blanc; highest mountain in Europe. A must to do whilst in Chamonix (don’t forget to ask us about lift tickets!).
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Bustling and full of atmosphere, this location offers a huge selection of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, tourist information, cinema, ski bus stops etc right on the door step. A main bus stop is no more than a 5 minutes walk from any property located here, and there are a couple of train stops and a train station located in this area.
As with everything in Chamonix, the centre has been upgraded and improved over the past number of years to provide the modern facilities you would expect of a town of it’s stature, but sympathetically so as not to lose the high mountain cultural experience, or the history that the town is steeped in.
You can learn a little of this story of Chamonix from the amazing trompe l’oeil (trick of the eye) mural which depicts 20 of the most famous pioneers of Alpinism who shaped the history of Chamonix, or share the line of sight of the famous Mont Blanc with Jacques Balmat, first man to reach the summit from his statue right by the post office.
Here, also, in the wide square with the river Arve rushing through it, often coloured bright jade green from the glacial minerals, you can enjoy the simple pleasure of watching the world go by whilst sipping a Genepi; the local herbal digestif.
Or heading to the Place du Mont Blanc you can, on a Saturday, enjoy the local market or drink in the atmosphere of one of the many sporting festivals and events that are held here.
Ultimately, staying in the centre of Chamonix is an excellent choice for convenience and for experiencing the high mountain town at its charming best.
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Le Savoy describes the area directly surrounding the Savoy beginner slopes at the bottom of the Brevent lift area, and is the closest ski area to town. The great advantage of being in this area is being within walking distance to the Brevent ski lift, and to town centre.
Les Moussoux is a delightful area elevated above Chamonix town centre looking directly out towards the magnificent Mont Blanc. As you can imagine, properties here have the most wonderful views, and are highly sought after as they benefit from the best of all worlds; enjoying the peacefulness of being located outside the town centre yet just 5 minutes walk away, and only a few minutes walk from the Brevent lift.
Traditionally an area where the great and good of Chamonix would build their homes, there are many large buildings set in generous leafy grounds that reflect the various eras of building in Chamonix. Many of these have now been renovated giving rise to statuesque chalets and apartment buildings.
A very convenient and characterful area to stay in Chamonix.
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This area is located between Chamonix and Les Gaillands climbing wall and lake, on the opposite side of the river to Les Pecles. Apartments located here are typically within 5-10 minutes walk of the centre depending on where they are located.
Les Gaillands at one end contains a very famous bolted rock climbing wall and pretty lake which is ideal for hosting barbecues and picnics in the quiet surroundings of the woods. Its an excellent choice in the summer as the wood is a lovely place for a walk and is a good start point for accessing the Petit Balcon Sud and the hikes on that side of the valley.
This area has the river running though it and well suited for those who want a quieter pace of life, yet are within easy walking distance of Chamonix, it’s restaurants, shops and attractions. There is also a small supermarket close by along with a good transport links, bus stops, the Moussoux train stop to get you up and down the Valley or into Chamonix itself.
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This area is located between Chamonix and Les Bossons spanning from the end of the main shopping area of Chamonix to the Les Gaillands climbing wall and lake and apartments located here are within 5-20 minutes walk of the centre depending on where they are located. Les Pecles and Les Pelerins being closer to town than Les Gaillands.
Les Gaillands contains a very famous bolted rock climbing wall and pretty lake which is ideal for hosting bbq’s and picnics in the quiet surroundings of the woods. Its an excellent choice in the summer as the wood is a lovely place for a walk and is a good start point for accessing the Petit Balcon Sud and the hikes on that side of the valley.
This area is ideal for families or those who want a quieter pace of life, but still contains a few restaurants and bars for a bit of choice at night. There is also a small shopping centre with supermarket, newsagents and bakery close by.
Typically many of the properties here have good views to the Les Bossons Glacier and there are some lovely large chalets in addition to apartment buildings. It is typically quite a residential sector of Chamonix.
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Just on the outskirts of Chamonix centre this is an extremely convenient area to stay both summer and winter, and is only 5-10 min walk from the town centre, and the Place du Mont Blanc which hosts the Saturday Market and many events year round.
This area is in the immediate area of the main public sports facilities of Chamonix, including the municipal pool which has an outdoor section in summer and also contains public spa facilities, gym ,running track and 10 tennis courts! In the same area you will also find the skating rink where you can watch the excitement of the local team competing whilst relaxing over a beer and the public library which has an excellent section for entertaining young children. Here you are also on the doorstep of Les Bois wood, where the main cross country ski track begins, the valley level mountain biking, walking tracks and the parapente landing field where it is interesting to watch all the parapenters coming in from their flights.
It is also within walking distance of the large beginner ski area of Les Planards which in summer turns into a kids park with a luge that operates both winter and summer and is great fun for adults and kids alike. Being on the route to Argentiere and Les Praz the bus links for Flegere, Les Grands Montets and Le Tour are excellent.
There are also a number of excellent bars and restaurants in the area, most notably the Michelin starred Albert Premier restaurant.
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Les Praz is nestled between Chamonix and Argentiere on the banks of the river Arve. A cute little village with some lovely restaurants, post office, and shops and within easy reach of Chamonix town by foot on an enjoyable walking track, bus or car.
Ringed with woods and mountains, it is also home to the Flegere lift station and so gives access to some of the most spectacular walking and ski sports in Europe.
The Chamonix golf course, also in the village, provides a world class eighteen hole course with magnificent views, along with a fine dining restaurant, a suitable setting for many a wedding.
It’s one of the sunniest parts of Chamonix, and is a deservedly popular place to stay or just enjoy.
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Along with Les Moussoux, Les Bois is one of the most highly desired property areas of Chamonix due to it’s ‘chocolate box’ chalets and windy streets, quiet and calm, and easy access to the ski areas of La Flegere and Argentiere.
There are surprises around every corner in Les Bois, hidden restaurants and traditional style farmhouse chalets, not to mention the woods that this area is named after, providing excellent walking, running and mountain biking trails.
In winter this area is linked with Chamonix via the cross country skiing tracks. A blissful way to see the valley, using as much energy as you wish to use, from a gentle saunter to a full on Lycra requiring athleticism!
This area provides some of the most prestigious chalets in Chamonix and is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
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ARGENTIERE
A famous village in its own right for its contribution to mountain pursuits. Argentière is located at the foot of the Grands Montets ski area and is the starting point for the Telepherique du Lognan cable car up to Les Grands Montets (3,295m).
Therefore many of the properties here are ski to door or only a short walk from the lift which makes it very popular amongst snowsport enthusiasts.
Whilst the town itself is not as large as Chamonix, Argentiere is favoured by many as the town is quaint and personal but contains many of the facilities you need, albeit on a much smaller scale than Chamonix.
Aprox 7 km from Chamonix, Argentiere is located at the head of the valley, on the way to Switzerland via the Col des Montets pass.
The village is an equally popular summer and winter; the skiing area famous for its steep and demanding slopes, both on-piste as well as off-piste, but is also very close to the large family ski area of Le Tour, famous for its beginner slopes and wide easy pistes. The terrain also offers incredible hiking, climbing and ice-climbing possibilities.
LE TOUR
A small village at the bottom of the Balme lift offering great access to the family and beginner ski areas of Chamonix, excellent mountain biking and walking trails, within short driving distance of Argentière, on the route to Switzerland.
Due to this village being directly at the bottom of the lift, the area houses a few restaurants and cafe/bars, however its far from a bustling metropolis, so if peace and tranquility is something that you look for in a holiday, then look no further, as this is the ideal place for you.
Its obvious that the roots of Le Tour village lie strongly in farming, with many of the barns now posing as chalets. In the summer a common sound is the ringing of the cowbells of the cows put out to pasture.
HIGHLIGHTS ARGENTIERE
HIGHLIGHTS LE TOUR
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