Chamonix

Set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is Europe's foremost alpine area and is one of the most visited natural sites in the world. From the town centre Europe's highest cable car will take you to the spectacular Aiguille du Midi at 3,842m and the start of the famous Vallee Blanche 16km ski run. The views from here really are literally breathtaking.

A destination with a reputation for the extreme and this, whilst undoubtedly true, is matched by a wide array of sporting and leisure activities, peace and quiet, great nightlife, and superb scenery that can be enjoyed at whatever pace suits you. There really is something for everyone here. The lively streets of Chamonix are colourful with a mix of sports & fashion shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Every Saturday morning the town hosts an outdoor market brimming with local crafts and produce. There is a cinema, a bowling alley, an ice rink, a large sports centre with a pool, gym and indoor climbing wall and numerous museums in which to while away the day.

Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc (4810m) - the highest in Western Europe. The local population of Chamonix numbers around 10,000 inhabitants but this figure swells to nearly ten times that with the influx of tourists, climbers, alpinists, backpackers, students and seasonnaires. There are two distinct seasons here: summer and winter, but the area is busy for most of the year. Whilst the principal town is of the same name, 'Chamonix' is often used in reference to the whole valley, stretching over 28km from Le Fayet to Switzerland. It is, however, made up of several distinct and charming villages including Servoz, Les Houches, Les Bossons, Les Praz, Les Tines, Argentiere and at the top of the valley the ancient village of Le Tour.

 

 

 

Recommended:

 

Bistrot des Sports
182, rue Joseph Vallot
74400 Chamonix
T: +33(0)4 50 53 00 46
Really good value traditional Savoyardfood. fondue etc. Friendly and huge portions..

 

Chambre Neuf
272, av Michel Croz
74400 Chamonix
T: +33(0)4 50 55 89 81
Up by the Chamonix train station. Lovely rustic cool pub with a lively atmosphere.

 

Bar Le Derapage
17 place Jacques Balmat
74400 Chamonix
T: +33 (0)4 50 53 36 41
www.lederapage.com
Cool bar down the alley by Mojo's in the centre of town

 

La Terrasse
43, place Balmat
74400 Chamonix
T: +33(0)4 50 53 09 95
This bar is on the square opposite the Post Office. Upstairs is unchanged since the 1920s! the huge art deco windows offer a panoramic view towards Mont Blanc.

 

Micro Brasserie de Chamonix
350 Route du Bouchet
74400 Chamonix

T: +33 (0)4 50 53 61 59
The first Micro Brewery and Restaurant in Chamonix

 

Le Tour

Le Tour is an ancient village at the top of the Chamonix valley at 1500m altitude with one of the best snow records in the alps and a very sunny aspect with fabulous views of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Aiguilles Rouges and the Le Tour Glacier. It is a traditional Haute Savie hameau with three restaurants and a cafe.

The Le Tour lift system at the top of the village has an ESF and takes skiiers (or bikers) to extensive beginners and intermediate areas. Next to the village is the Vormaine debutante ski area - ideal for small children or those on skis for the first time.

In the summer many walking and mountain bike trails start in Le Tour and take you down the valley to Chamonix past the most spectacular scenery imaginable.

There is a shuttle bus (free with the carte d'hote card) regularly connecting Le Tour with the rest of the valley throughout the day.

 

 

 

Recommended:

 

L'Olympique Hotel, Bar & Restaurant
Le Tour
74400 Argentiere
04 50 54 01 04

Next to the cable car with a fabulous sun-terrasse overlooking the valley underneath the Le Tour Glacier.
Owned and run by an eccentric (Basil could not compete) French family as ancient as the hills - truly Savoyard.

 

 

Chalet Alpin Du Tour

Chemin Du Rocher Nay
Le Tour
74400 Argentiere
04 50 54 04 16
Hotel, bar & restaurant, next to the Vormaine debutante ski area.

 


Le Passon
180 Place de Tour
Le Tour
74400 Argentiere
Cafe & takeaway near the telecabine.


Le Pcheu

A small Savoyard restaurant facing the Le Tour Glacier
188 Place de Tour
Le Tour
74400 Argentiere
T: + 33 (0) 4 50 54 33 04
Very busy in season - reservation advised.


Argentiere

Argentiere is one of the foremost alpine resorts due to its enviable location at the base of Les Grands Montets - an immense ski area offering an array of pistes for beginner, intermediate and expert skiiers and vast powder fields of off piste in the winter and a universe of extraordinary beauty in the summer. It's height gives it the most reliable snow record in the Alps with good skiing conditions usually through to mid May.

The old village is in a spectacular setting towards the head of the Chamonix valley and beneath the Argentiere Glacier. The village retains a picturesque mountain feel with a large number of traditional wooden houses, as well as ancient farmhouses. There is a newer side too with all the modern shops and services, a variety of cosy bars and restaurants. A free shuttle bus runs into Chamonix (4km) from Argentiere every 15 minutes throughout the day.

 

 

 

 

Recommended:

 

Le Rusticana
216 rue Charlet Stratton
74400 Argentiere
04 50 55 88 28

Popular with locals, seasoners, and tourists alike, the Rusticana (or the Rusty as it is affectionately known to regulars) offers great food, excellent beers, wines and spirits and an unbeatable atmosphere.

 

Stone Bar

Italian Bar Pizzeria & Restaurant.
Le Stone Bar
390 rue Charlet Straton
74400 Argentiere
04 50 54 13 17
At the top of the village this bar has a pool table.

 

Office Bar
274 Rue Charlet Straton
74400 France
T: + 33 (0) 450 541 546
The Office Bar has lots to offer! Loads of live Sports, SKY TV, live bands, DJs, bar snacks, special events.

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