Chamonix-Mont-Blanc the sporty

Renowned resort in Savoie, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc remains a true mountain village at 1035 meters altitude. An hour from Geneva airport, it has kept its old-world charm, always evoking the time when the first pioneers began to storm this mythical mountain and its sea of ice in the White Valley. Very international, Chamonix has everything for an idyllic stay: a pedestrian center, shops among the most prestigious brands, starred tables, a thermal spa, a casino, a jazz club and regular music events throughout the year.

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A station at the foot of Mont Blanc

Covering an area of 400 km2, the Mont-Blanc massif is spread over the French, Italian and Swiss territories. Climbing paradise, the massif is of course famous for its eponymous summit, the highest in Western Europe, which rises to 4810 m altitude. Other mythical peaks punctuate the massif: Mount Maudit, the Grandes Jorasses, the Aiguille Verte, or the Aiguille du Midi, to which goes the famous and impressive Chamonix cable car. The highest point in the alpine chain, Mont Blanc is the third most visited natural site in the world. His climb is a challenge for all mountain lovers. It starts from Chamonix or from the Eagle's Nest, itself accessible by the famous Tramway of Mont Blanc, an authentic cogwheel train. The highest train in the country, the Mont Blanc Tramway is used by pedestrians for a family walk, as well as by skiers and mountaineers. Chamonix mountain guides accompany you in the ascent of Mont Blanc, or in other activities in the massif or the white valley: ascent of a waterfall of ice, ski or surf on the flanks of Mont Blanc, hiking in snowshoes, or discovery of the Chamonix glaciers.

A charming village and popular surroundings

Quiet neighborhoods are coming around the village. Each has its own asset, such as the proximity of the ski slopes or bike paths (Le Tour or Les Grands Montets), optimal sunshine, or the famous view of Mont Blanc (Les Bois and Les Praz) with extraordinary natural scenes, which makes the charm and the attraction of the real estate in Chamonix. About ten minutes from the center of Chamonix in Haute Savoie, the village of Les Houches also offers a typical mountain environment, magnificent panoramas, exceptional natural scenes and centuries-old alpine chalets. Mythical village, cradle of winter sports and stays in the mountains, Chamonix guarantees you to spend unforgettable moments in a high-end lifestyle, in perfect communion with nature. The ideal place for a holiday rental or a weekend in Haute Savoie. The station is accessible in 1 hour from Geneva airport (check airport transfers).

Tourism in Chamonix Mont Blanc

At the heart of a mythical massif, Chamonix is surrounded by exceptional natural sites. Roof of Europe, Mont Blanc is of course the essential giant that dominates the valley, south of the village of Chamonix. Another world famous site, the Aiguille du Midi is the highest needle of Chamonix. From the center of the village, the highest cable car in the world takes you to the assault of this mountain, at nearly 3800 meters above sea level. In 20 minutes, you reach the first terraces of the needle before reaching the highest terrace by elevator at 3842 m. The attraction of "not in the void" awaits thrill seekers. The tube, a steel gallery 32 meters long, allows you to go around the top of the needle to offer a 360 ° panorama of the massif. From Chamonix, the little cogwheel train takes you to the Montenvers site, which offers breathtaking views of the sea of ice. We visit the ice cave, a real immersion in the bowels of the glacier. Around Chamonix, waterfalls and sublime lakes are legions. Among the must-sees is the white lake, which offers, from the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, a unique view of the Mont Blanc massif.

In the surroundings, also discover Megève, Saint Gervais, Aix les Bains, the Aravis, the surroundings of Geneva and Lake Annecy.

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What to do in Chamonix all year round

Winter and summer resort, Chamonix is the kingdom of outdoor sports, and especially mountain sports. In winter, the four ski areas are a paradise for skiing. Non-skiers also have a wide range of winter sports: ice waterfalls, dog sled rides, skating rinks, tobogganing, or snowshoeing. Hiking, trekking, climbing, mountaineering, cycling and mountain biking are the most popular summer activities. Trails are developed and marked trails for beginners and experienced practitioners throughout the Chamonix Valley. For the summer hike, there are 350 km of trails and more than 170 marked trails awaiting walkers. High mountain refuges allow enthusiasts to take long walks of several days. The lifts also facilitate the practice of paragliding, for which many take-off areas are quickly accessible. At the bottom of the glacial valley, the Chamonix golf course contrasts with a flat course, surrounded by an exceptional mountain panorama. The numerous sports facilities of Chamonix also allow the practice of tennis, swimming, fitness and bodybuilding. One can also attend the hockey math league magnus in the vicinity.

The ski areas of Chamonix

In winter, the resort enjoys a network of incredible trails, with breathtaking views and maximum snow, since more than 80% of its ski area is above 2000 m altitude. The Chamonix ski area is very versatile and suitable for expert skiing as well as for discovering winter sports with the family. You can practice downhill skiing as well as snowboarding, freestyle, speed riding or off-piste. In the surrounding area, one can also attend hockey league magnus games. The Chamonix Valley actually gives access to 4 distinct areas: Brévent, La Flégère, Domaine de Balme, Les Grands Montets and Les Houches. The Domaine des Grands Montets, snowy until May, offers the most important elevations and many off-piste. There are in all 17 tracks, a snowpark and a boardercross. The domain of Balme has 20 tracks of which very accessible for beginners, as well as pretty off-piste. The connected areas of Brévent and La Flégère offer a beautiful southern orientation and include 32 tracks of all levels. From the center of Chamonix or from Argentière, cross-country skiers will finally find an extensive network of Nordic ski slopes, very well maintained and snow-covered with many lifts.

Leisure for the whole family in Mont Blanc

Often presented as the most sporting resort in the Pays du Mont-Blanc, Chamonix is also a destination for relaxing moments with family or friends, and a paradise for après-ski. Chamonix breathes with the seasons and offers a wide range of activities in winter and summer: paragliding, heliskiing, freeride, climbing, golf, tennis, swimming, but also hiking trails and walks to lakes and waterfalls. The ideal destination for a holiday rental, a week or a weekend in the mountains. For family outings, discover animal parks, adventure trails and theme parks. The resort also has paintball, laser game and, more traditional leisure, petanque. With a media library, museums, a school of music and a dynamic cultural service, Chamonix offers in every season a rich cultural life to its inhabitants. For your evenings, the city also has bars, restaurants, discotheques, cinemas and a casino. Spas and other wellness facilities provide relaxation. Chamonix is of course also a shoppers' paradise, with luxury shops, art galleries, craft stores and designer boutiques.

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