|
|
Chamonix... the original and best...
Chamonix is claimed to be the original and best of the Alpine mountain resorts... and not many would argue that the name is synonymous with the all that is good about mountaineering and winter sports. The resort is the birthplace of mountaineering, and indeed, the village lies at the foot of the towering Mont Blanc, with the highest summit in Europe. In winter or summer, the scenery is nothing less than spectacular, and the village itself is packed with character and traditional charm, as well as a multitude of things to do and see.
|
A real Savoyard village
Chamonix, despite being home to some 10,000 permanent residents, is a traditional Savoyard village at heart. No purpose built resort this, it retains its village charm despite its size and scope for attracting tourism. There are many old buildings still in existence, and the traditions are still held dear to the hearts of those who have been born and bred in Chamonix. Festivals are held throughout the year in celebration of the Savoyard way of life, and information about these can be obtained from the tourist office in the village.
|
Shopping in Chamonix
Chamonix has a wealth of shops (at least 100!), and many of these sell specialist ski and mountain clothing and equipment, so if you haven't arrived with everything you need, then there is no need to panic. Equally, there are a great number of shops catering for those whose interests extend beyond the sports for which the resort is best known. If you enjoy, for instance, the glorious traditional gastronomy of the region, then you will find no better place to buy a genuine Savoyard fondue set... or the cheeses and wines to blend to make the perfect fondue!
|
Aprés ski...
Chamonix is as renowned for its extensive aprés ski as it is for its skiing. There are around fourteen bars, seven discotheques, a casino and some eighty restaurants to choose from! The restaurants cater for everyone from those wanting the finest gourmet experience to those with young children, and to groups of teenagers wanting pizza... there is fast food, slow food, fine food, fun food... in short, whatever you fancy, Chamonix can supply. The aprés ski scene in general is excellent and lively.
|
Snow sports and so much more...
Chamonix cannot be discussed without mentioning the skiing first and foremost. Considered to be the best in Europe, the resort caters for everyone, from the most skilled and experienced black run skiers to beginners, young children and everyone in between! It's not just skiing, either, as at Chamonix there are many other snow sports to try. Snowboarding is very popular with the young, and there are snow parks where they can hone their skills and practice riding the rails and half pipe to their heart's content. Other winter sports include snowshoeing, ice skating, ice climbing, telemarking and dog sledding.
|
Summer in the Alps
Then, of course, there is summer... which offers mountaineering, climbing, tennis, sailing, hill walking, mountain biking and even golf.
|
Other leisure activities
Non skiers and the less than sporty can also find that there is plenty to occupy them whilst their friends and family are away on the slopes. Chamonix offers the amazing chance to take a seat in a helicopter to view the mountains from above, or sit back and enjoy the highest cable car ride in Europe. If it is a little pampering that grabs you, you can take advantage of the excellent health facilities in the resort and enjoy a relaxing sauna, steam room or bubbling jacuzzi. The latter is even better with a glass of bubbling champagne in your hand! Chamonix also has a museum, a cinema and frequent art exhibitions.
|
How to get there
To reach Chamonix from the UK there are a number of options. The simplest is probably to fly or to take a TGV to Lyon, from where there are a number of services to link up to the resort. Lyon is served by Air France, bmibaby, British Airways, easyJet and bmi. It is also possible to fly to St Etienne (Ryanair) or to Geneva (British Airways, easyJet, flybe, Jet2 and Aer Lingus).
|
Property prices and availability in and around Chamonix
If you want to own a property in Chamonix then you will have to find some pretty serious money, as the Alps and in particular, Chamonix, are popular and pricey these days. Chalets and chalet style apartments are usually available, and these can range from small and fairly basic to the sort of luxury pad usually owned by film stars.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
HOTELS IN CHAMONIX
* online booking & great prices
* up-to-the-minute availability
* unbiased hotel reviews
* full confirmation with directions |
|
 |
|
|
|
AGENTS WITH PROPERTY IN THIS AREA |
|
|
|
4/5