About Chamonix
Chamonix is probably best known as the alpine capital of the world.
As a destination it has a reputation for the extreme and this, whilst undoubtedly true, can mask a wide array of sporting and leisure activities (particularly in summer), peace and quiet, great nightlife, and superb scenery which can be enjoyed at whichever pace suits you. Chamonix is equally suited to a weekend break, a week's holiday, a season, or just come and live here!
Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the spiky mountain chain which peaks at the top of the Mont Blanc (4811m) - the highest in Western Europe. There are two distinct seasons: summer and winter, and the area is busy for most of the year with different activities at the fore-front of people's minds. If you don't like to be bored Chamonix is the place to come.
 Whilst the principal town is of the same name 'Chamonix' is often used to cover the whole valley, stretching over 55km to the Swiss border. It is, however, made up of several distinct and charming villages including Servoz, Les Houches, Les Bossons - the 'base-camp' of alpinism, Les Praz, Les Tines, Argentiere, Montroc, and at the top of the valley: Le Tour.
Servoz (814m) has been built on the site of an ancient lake which over the centuries was eventually filled in by landslides. The village is extremely picturesque and there is a superb gorge to visit and wander through.
Les Houches (1010m) is the first big settlement really in the valley. With it's own lift-system and identity it is the starting point for many attempts to climb the Mont Blanc. The village hosts Le Kandahar World Cup ski race on its famous La Verte.
 Les Bossons (1000m) is perhaps the 'base-camp' of alpinism, where the first excursions used to depart from. The village is calm nowadays with several chalets and hotels looking straight up on to the Glacier du Bossons and that of Taconnaz.
Les Praz (1050m) is home to the Chamonix Golf Course, several fine hotels and chalets, and of course the Flegere cable-car giving access to the ski area and Les Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Situated a short drive or 20 minutes walk to Chamonix Town, Les Praz is bordered by woodland and is the start or end of some great walks, runs, or hikes.
Les Tines is a small development of charming, some luxury, chalets again bordering on the golf course and giving superb views of the Mont Blanc and down the valley. On the plateau just above you will find the delightful hamlet of Le Lavencher, which is more than suited to a quiet getaway whilst remaining in easy reach of all there is to do.
Argentiere (1250m) is the biggest village and sits at the foot of Les Grands Montets (1250-3300m), and has a great character of its own, with brightly coloured buildings, notable bars and restaurants, and several choice chalets, hotels and apartments. For locations you can't go far wrong and Argentiere provides a far more laid back atmosphere than Chamonix Town.
For more information about Chamonix you can visit resort information site Chamonet.Com. |
