Insider Guide to Chamonix Mont Blanc

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Chamonix Mont Blanc

A Vacation Insiders Guide


Hello, and welcome to Chamonix!

Chamonix All Year is a holiday rental company based at the foot of Mont Blanc in the French Alps. Owned and operated by Jo and Nick Saw, it is now the area's largest family-run accommodation provider, with more than 80 carefully selected properties.

We're here whenever need you us! Website|TripAdvisor Facebook|Instagram|Twitter +44 (0) 203 384 1801

OUR STORY From the time Jo first vacationed in Chamonix in 2002, she was drawn to this year-round adventure destination and wanted to share it with others. She purchased and renovated her first Chamonix apartment, and by the following year, opened its doors to more than 20 weeks of holiday bookings! With that, Chamonix All Year was born. Along with the overwhelmingly positive guest response came a slew of requests from fellow property owners who wanted to rent their homes with Chamonix All Year. Jo and Nick met in 2006, and together, they expanded their offering to 80+ properties with full concierge and resort services. We are delighted to live and work in Chamonix, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Each home in our collection is handpicked and approved by us to meet our own high standards. It is our genuine pleasure to provide a comfortable and memorable holiday experience for you, and we look forward to welcoming you to Chamonix!

OUR HOMES Whether you’re seeking a relaxing weekend escape or an immersive holiday experience, Chamonix All Year offers quality accommodations to suit every traveller. From cosy studios in the heart of town, to luxurious ski chalets at the foot of Mont Blanc, find your ideal holiday home in Chamonix. Select individual resort services for a tailored-to-you holiday, or choose an all-inclusive holiday package and leave the rest to us. Full concierge service is available before and during your stay, and a friendly member of our team will be on site to greet you upon your arrival. From airport transfers and lift passes to ski hire and day trip recommendations, we’re here to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your stay.


THE REAL CHAMONIX... The moment you arrive in Chamonix Mont Blanc you’ll notice there’s something special about this mountain-high town, from the cosmopolitan feel of the bustling town centre, to the majestic beauty of the surrounding French Alps, to the countless adventures awaiting all year. Unlike purpose-built resorts designed to attract tourism, Chamonix has evolved naturally since the 1800s into the year-round destination that it is today. Residents and visitors alike are pouring in to experience its authentic alpine charm—and it’s easy to see why. Historic and architecturally stunning, Chamonix is steeped in rich heritage and bursting with cultural influences from around the world. When you stroll its cobbled streets, you’ll hear conversations unfolding in many different languages and a diverse range of people and perspectives coming harmoniously together. Spend time perusing the upscale shops and eclectic boutiques, delectable bakeries, and local farmers markets, and in the evening, discover vibrant bars, clubs, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

“There is a sense of adventure at the very soul of this town - a sensation you’ll want to immerse yourself in and share with the ones you love.” There's a sense of adventure at the very soul of this town - a sensation you’ll want to immerse yourself in and share with the ones you love. Whether you’re visiting us in the winter or summer, you’ll find there’s no shortage of ways to get active. Head to local sports centre and fitness facilities with hard and clay tennis courts, indoor climbing walls, an ice skating rink, and indoor and outdoor pools with diving areas and slides. You can also tee-off on an 18-hole golf course with stunning views. Hit the ski slopes for a thrilling day on the mountain. Follow hiking trails to breathtaking alpine lakes. Soar through the sky on an exhilarating parapente flight. Glide through the snow on a husky sled or paret sledge. Take to the rapids for a water rafting excursion. And seek panoramic views on Europe’s highest cable car. Whichever adventure you choose, return home to a Chamonix All Year accommodation that’s perfectly suited to your needs. Get a glimpse of the peaks you hiked from the balcony of our apartments. Warm up after a day on the slopes with a soak at our ski chalets. Or wind down with a roaring fire after enjoying the town's vibrant nightlife scene. We are honoured and humbled to be a part of your Chamonix holiday experience, and we hope you will create lasting holiday memories here.



5 SUMMER EXPERIENCES... 1

Seek Aerial Views

2

Hike to Lac Blanc

3

Hear Live Jazz

4

Take to the Skies

5

Go Water Rafting

Anticipation builds as you board Europe's highest cable car and travel to the peak of Aiguille du Midi. Glide through the sky in your panoramic cable car, and admire the breathtaking vistas at your feet. Make your way to the viewing platforms at the top, and for a truly thrilling experience, visit Step Into The Void, a glass box suspended 3842 metres above sea level.

Venture along one of the most scenic hiking trails in Chamonix Valley. Begin your ascent from the top of the Flégère cable car, or take an additional chair lift and make Index your starting point. Follow the well sign-posted trail across the hillside to beautiful Lac Blanc, where mountain peaks are reflected in the serene blue waters. Dip a toe in the lake to cool off, and reward yourself with a delicious picnic lunch.

If you’re visiting Chamonix in late July, the CosmoJazz Festival is a must! Catch a free, finger-snapping jazz concert with the majestic mountains as your backdrop, and discover a wealth of music rooted in jazz from around the world. These concerts at altitude are not to be missed. In the evenings, the live music continues around town at Chamonix's jazz clubs, hotels, and bars.

Soar through the sky amidst snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys on a scenic parapente flight, with excursions departing from Planpraz (Brevent). With stunning vistas as far as the eye can see, there's no better way to admire the majestic beauty of the Mont Blanc mountain range. Travellers age six and above can enjoy a tandem flight with a fully qualified instructor.

Race down the rapids of Italy’s Dora Baltea for an adrenaline-pumping ride in Europe's highest grade river, or plan a more family-friendly trip along Chamonix’s Arve River. Whether you’re looking for reprieve from the summer heat, or seeking an activity suitable for rainy weather, a rafting excursion is sure to be a thrilling ride. Take to the waters, and end your holiday with a splash!


5 WINTER TIPS... 1

Hit the Slopes

2

Go Husky Sledding

3

Experience Igloo & Fondue

4

Ride a Paret Sledge

5

Daytrip to Italy

Whether you’re an advanced skier seeking a challenge, or a beginner looking to get better acquainted with the sport, you’ll find a skiing adventure to suit all levels in Chamonix. Hit the beginner slopes conveniently located in town, head to the intermediate pistes at Le Tour, Brévent-Flégère and Les Houches, or challenge yourself at Les Grands Montets and the famed Vallée Blanche.

For a truly magical and lasting family memory, go for a ride on a husky sled and be pulled through fields of fresh snow in La Vormaine or Les Praz. Enjoy the ride of a lifetime as you glide through a stunning winter wonderland, and afterward, snap a photo with the sporty huskies who are as eager to get out there as you are! Book your journey in advance, as this is one of the most popular winter activities in Chamonix.

Nestled in the forests of the Chamonix valley, this handcrafted snow igloo is accessible by skiing or snowshoeing. Sip mulled wine by the warmth of an open fire, and step inside the igloo to enjoy a delicious three-cheese fondue meal. Sheepskins and candles adorn the igloo, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Pair your Igloo & Fondue adventure with a Swiss sledging ride for an even more unique experience.

For a light-hearted activity the whole family can enjoy, catch the last ski lift up to the mid-station in les Grands Montets and ride a traditional wooden paret sledge back down the home run. This exhilarating mountain endeavor is the perfect way to end an adventurous day on the slopes at one of Chamonix's most challenging ski areas. Paret sledging is easy, hilarious, and 100% fun!

Cross the Mont Blanc Tunnel and the border into Italy to spend a day cruising down the wide ski slopes of Courmayeur, or pamper yourself with a luxurious afternoon at the thermal spa, complete with a healthy snack buffet and a multitude of relaxing pools, saunas, and hammams. If wine and cheese is more your scene, indulge in a tasting tour in the beautiful Aosta Valley.



OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS... Eat like a local in a town that’s bursting with bakeries, patisseries, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are our five favorite places to dine out!

1

Chez Constant

T: +33 4 50 53 96 74

Nestled at the end of the pedestrian high street on Avenue Ravanel le Rouge, Chez Constant is a hidden gem serving traditional French cuisine with a creative twist. Seek out this dining institution for its excellent service, extensive wine selection, and beautifully plated dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

2

Maison Carrier

T: +33 4 50 53 00 03

Cosy and quiet with exceptional cocktails, Maison Carrier offers Michelin-starred quality dining at an affordable price point. We recommend stopping in mid-day to enjoy perfectly prepared French dishes from the two-course lunch menu. If you have a sweet tooth, choose a main course and dessert—save room for Grandma's Tarts!

3

Munchie

4 5

T: +33 4 50 53 45 41

Munchie is without a doubt the local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Adored by residents and visitors alike, the food is a fabulous fusion of Asian flavors with traditional European flare. Reserve a table in advance, and treat yourself to the signature dish: Duck Teriyaki. Trust us - it’s worth the hype!

Cool Cats

T: +33 6 37 81 96 96

For hot dogs, look no further than Cool Cats. This casual eatery offers locally sourced, artisanal street food and a no-frills dining experience. Grab a quick bite, or take a seat on the sunny riverside terrace and make it a leisurely afternoon. Set along bustling Rue des Moulins, the place is perfect for people watching.

Bizes

T: +33 9 51 92 25 03

Savor delectable dishes prepared in a Josper BBQ oven at Bizes, our personal favorite restaurant. Whether you choose a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows, or dine al fresco on the canopied terrace, the water views are spectacular. Plus, the friendly staff is accommodating to any dietary requirements you may have.


WHERE TO STAY... Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, a short break or an extended holiday, select services or the whole package, find your perfect accommodation among our hand-curated collection. From catered and self-catered chalets at the foot of Mont Blanc to charming bed & breakfasts in the town's bustling centre, your home away from home promises an authentic Chamonix experience.

Chamonix Apartments Find your ideal self-catered home among our handpicked selection. With ample space for up to eight guests, our apartments offer a comfortable stay for the whole group. Choose from options like a cosy space at the foot of the ski slopes, luxe accommodations in the heart of town centre, or a quaint apartment in walking distance to Chamonix’s shops and cafés

Self-Catered Chalets We offer a wide range of self-catered homes to suit your group, including one-bedroom romantic cabins, sixteen-guest ski chalets, and plenty in between. Guests with all kinds of goals for their holiday have found their home-away-from-home at our properties, including couples looking to explore Chamonix town centre and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in the valley.

Catered Chalets Treat yourself to a holiday in one of our catered chalets, and find total relaxation with everything taken care of for you. Think home-cooked meals prepared by your own private chef, afternoon tea served in the comfort of your holiday home, and award-winning wine waiting for you on the terrace. Book a stay in one of our catered chalets, and let us handle the rest.

Bed & Breakfast With our flexible Bed & Breakfast options, you can book one room that’s perfect for couples and small families, or reserve an entire chalet to accommodate the whole group. In fact, any accommodation in our collection can be upgraded to include breakfast each day. Our hosts are on hand to make sure you always start the day on the right note.


Thanks for exploring with us!

Produced with Guest Hook GUEST HOOK LLC © 2016 | www.guesthook.com


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