chamonix, France, Europe
What comes to mind when you think of the Alps? Knee-deep powder, steaming glu wein and icicles precariously hanging off log cabin roofs – not 30C heat, miles of flower-spotted meadows and kayaking. However, the Alps are a year-round destination for families and adrenaline junkies alike.
Grungy and gritty, rough-cut Chamonix is where the serious Alpine action kicks in with bags of natural panache! It's legendary mountaineering centre where world-class skiers, boarders and climbers push themselves to extremes on Europe’s most challenging, adrenaline-pumping pistes and rock faces. This is the stuff of James Bond movies: yes, that spectacular stunt-riddled ski chase by 007 in The World Is Not Enough (1999) was filmed in Chamonix. |
Chamonix is ensnared by scenery, mind-blowingly spectacular. It was here that the first Winter Olympics happened in 1924. But there’s no obligation to overdo it: a once-in-a-lifetime-experience of a cable car, a little red mountain train leading to an ice cave carved in a glacier, and a tramway nearby means this incredible overdose of natural magnificence can also be revelled in without barely lifting a finger.
The most popular summer activity here is walking, which could mean anything from a gentle stroll from one gastronomical delight to another, to serious hikes along sky-high peaks. |
Mont Blanc
Aiguille du Midi, a rocky peak near Mont Blanc with year-round snow on a two-stage cable car. Be awed by the spectacular panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps! On a clear day, you may even see Mattherhorn. There are many terraces and balconies at the Aiguille du Midi summit, where you can enjoy the alpine views and watch skiers zooming down toward the glacier. There's also a cafe, where you can have a hot chocolate or enjoy a light snack. |
Mer de Glace
Board the charming red train cars of the scenic rack railway to Montenvers – a railway that has been moving passengers through the mountains since 1908. In Montenvers, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of the Mer de Glace. This magnificent glacier is 4 miles (7km) long and averages just under a mile wide. Surrounded by the impressive summits of Les Drus, Les Grandes Jorasses and Les Grands Charmoz, Montenvers is the perfect place to learn about the glacier and other features of the Alps. |
Musée des cristaux
A very nice crystals museum, exhibiting an impressive collection of crystals, mostly from Chamonix, but also from the rest of the Alps and worldwide. Created and maintained through a paternership between the city council and the local Mineralogical club , it is both very aesthetic and scientific, displaying pedagogical posters. |
Parc de loisirs de
Chamonix Leisure park Enjoy yourselves at feet of Mont Blanc! The Leisure park of Chamonix is an ideal place to spend a good moment, in family or in group, in the country of Mont Blanc. More than 15 activities and games wait for you with an unlimited access! Panoramic tower, slides, toboggans, trampolines, summer sled, chairlift, adventure park... But also: electric motorcycles, areas of games outsides, Swing giant, boat flying... |