Chamonix And Its Villages Wheres Best To Stay In Most Ski Resorts Its Reasonably Straightforward You Want To Be In The Centre Near The Lift But Chamonix Is Different
Its not a purpose built resort but a real mountain town, surrounded by small villages. As its much more spread out, the pros and cons are a bit more varied some parts of Chamonix can be quite central to the town, but a long walk to the lift. All of them have spectacular scenery, and each has its own appeal. Ive put together an overview of the different areas to help you get a feel for them.
Romantic Corners In Chamonix
High snow-capped peaks, deep luscious forests, white snow-filled fields and cosy wooden chalets with roaring fires a ski break can be the most romantic of holidays. In Chamonix, youll be able to make all your fairytale escapade dreams come true.
Whats the best place to stay in Chamonix for couples?For the quintessentially picturesque Alpine holiday, there’s nothing better than Les Praz or Les Bois. Picture large, modern ski chalets nestled between the trees where you can relax in the hot tub at the end of a hard day on the pistes and enjoy wonderful panoramic mountain views.
Where To Shop For Outdoor Gear In Chamonix
If youll be partaking in any of the many outdoor adventures Chamonix in the summer has to offer, chances are youll need to pick up a few supplies.
Since my friend and I flew over from the U.S. and did not check any bags, we needed to pick up trekking poles and sunscreen in Chamonix, among other things.
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Recommended Activities In Chamonix France:
- Winter Dreamland Private Snowshoe Hike For something unique to do, put on your snowshoes and head out for a hike in the snow. This hike through the Vallon de Berard nature reserve will leave you mesmerized. Along the trail, youll also take a break to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.
- Alpine Museum Get an insight into Chamonixs past at this museum in the center of town. A visual display of prints and photographs will take you through the history of the town as you explore a bygone era.
Best Cheap Hostel In Chamonix Chalet
- $
- Self-catering kitchen
- Views of Mont Blanc
This small and comfortable hostel has one of the lowest bed prices in Chamonix. Youve got the choice between dorms of 4, 6, 8, and 18 guests, and youll be using a shared bathroom. Not only is it suitable for travellers on a budget, but those who are solo, too. Its super easy to meet people here! Breakfast isnt included in all room rates, but its a good idea to splash out a few euros extra to fuel up before hitting the slopes or mountain biking trails. Those who arrive with their own transport will be delighted to know the parking is free.
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Information About Staying In Chamonix
Read these important travel tips before booking a hotel in Chamonix
How long do people stay in Chamonix?
Visiting Chamonix for 4 nights is the most common choice for our users.
How much does a hotel cost in Chamonix?
$105 per night is the average rate for a room when booking a hotel in Chamonix. Prices will differ depending on factors such as star rating, time of year and location.
When is the best time to book a hotel in Chamonix?
In November prices are at their lowest and represents the most cost effective time to book a hotel room in Chamonix. You may find the cost of your room has decreased by 49%.
Which day is cheapest to stay in Chamonix?
At the moment the cheapest day to stay in a hotel in Chamonix is Saturday, with Friday being the most expensive.
How much does a hostel in Chamonix cost?
Chamonix Hostels typically cost in the region of $63 a night for each person. This price is taken from hostels and hotels with a 2 star or below rating. Hostels are very economical and come out on average $43 cheaper than the average price of a hotel in Chamonix.
Based on the weather in Chamonix, what attractions are popular during August?
With generally low rainfall expected and an average temperature of 66.2 °F, those staying at a hotel in Chamonix may want to take some time during their visit to go see popular landmarks in the area. Considering the weather during August, attractions worth visiting near Chamonix are Chamonix Church, Place Bellecour, and Parc de la Tête d’Or.
Camping & Glamping In Chamonix
There’s a good number of campsites and motorhome areas in the Chamonix Valley. Although most are open only in the summer, there’s a few open in the winter and even during the off-season it’s better to enquire before you book.
Are there any campsites in the Chamonix Valley?Yes! The Chamonix Valley is a popular destination for campers and there are campsites dotted around the Alpine pastures on the slopes of the valley. Some are remote and idyllic, whereas others are a mere stone’s throw from the shops and bars of the nearest town. Some have only a cold shower and a toilet block while others boast restaurants and leisure facilities.
Are there any motorhome areas in Chamonix?France is famous for its well-equipped motorhome areas or ‘aires de camping-car’ and Chamonix is no exception. The valley has one motorhome area located in Argentière, on the Grands Montets car park. Free to use, there’s a waste disposal area and water available.
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Luxury And Boutique Accommodation In Chamonix
For those with a taste for luxury, the 4-star Residence Pierre & Vacances Premium La Ginabelle has beautifully appointed rooms and Tanpopo restaurant nearby. For those wishing to explore some of Chamonixs natural scenery, book a room at Mercure Chamonix Centre that is next to parks and mountains. You could also opt for Hameau Albert Premier, 5-star accommodation that offers all the benefits of a chain hotel and location 1200 feet from the center.
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Les Houches Ski Resort
At the foot of Mont Blanc, this family-friendly ski resort is one of the largest Chamonix ski resorts, with 55 kilometers of ski runs. There are 28 ski runs that traverse forests and wide fields of powder snow dotted with chalets. Les Houches also boasts gorgeous views of the Aiguilles mountain peaks.
Les Houches is ideal for all levels of skiers, including beginners. There is a specially equipped space for new skiers at the top of the Prarion lift. Other areas are designed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Tightening Of Health Control Measures At Borders With The United Kingdom
In response to the extremely swift spread of the Omicron variant in the UK, the Government has decided to reintroduce compelling reasons for inbound and outbound travel with the UK, as well as tighten the testing requirement on departure and arrival.
Accordingly, effective from 18th of december, the following rules apply for all travel between the UK and France:
- A compelling reason must be given for travel to or from the UK, for both unvaccinated and vaccinated persons. These reasons will not authorise travel for tourism or business reasons. However, these compelling reasons will not apply to French nationals and their spouses and children, who will still be able to travel to France and rejoin their UK residence.
- On departure, vaccinated persons must present a negative test result dated less than 24 hours, which amounts to aligning with the rules already in force for non-vaccinated persons.
- Prior to their trip, all travellers from the UK shall be required to register on a digital platform allowing them to enter the address where they will be staying in France. This platform will be used to generate prefectural decrees requiring all travellers, whether unvaccinated or vaccinated, to be isolated in the place of their choice. This isolation obligation can be waived after 48 hours, subject to presentation of a negative test result .
Therefore, each time the border is crossed, the traveller will need to comply with the three different regulations which all apply:
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Le Refuge Des Aiglons
The comes high on our recommendation list. The 4-star hotel is centrally located giving great access to most of the lift stations.
There’s a spa area where you can relax with a soak in a hot tub. Or enjoy the popular bar where you can grab a drink after a day’s skiing. On selected nights the in-house DJ steps up and the party gets underway.
There is also a ski hire shop located in the building which makes a short weekend break even easier to manage.
For Access To The Slopes
- At the Auberge du Bois Prin there are only 10 rooms, it’s traditional and owner managed. Iit’s got great access to the slopes via the Brevent-Flegere piste, only 300ms away, and is also a good choice for summer walking trips,
- Le Jeu de Paume has a traditional alpine lodge feel, with woody decor, lots of big open fires and generous leather armchairs. This hotel also has its own mini après-ski scene, and a restaurant with a reputation for being one of the best in the Chamonix valley. Plus it’s just five minutes from the Grands Montets ski area.
- Hotel Oustalet is another charmingly traditional feeling hotel with a chalet feel. Just a few steps from the Aiguille du Midi cable car, this hotel also has lovely, sunny terraces.
- The Hotel Eden is ideal if you’re looking for a home way from home – but with spectacular views. Only 100ms from the Flegere cable car, this hotel has rooms, family suites or self catering options.
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Les Chapieux And Les Contamines
Les Contamines is spread out over 2km along the valley bottom and has a handful of hotels. There are also hotels in le Lay, on the outskirts of the town. Les Contamines is a ski resort and there are many apartments, but these are not generally available to trekkers.
Les Chapieux is a tiny hamlet and presently has just one Auberge that gets booked up very quickly. They have three large dorms and 11 smaller rooms with 2-6 beds. There is talk of a new Auberge being built in Les Chapieux. 4km from Les Chapieux and also directly on the TMB is la Ville des Glaciers that has a refuge, but also a recently built block with twin rooms. This is good alternative if Les Chapieux is full.
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Best Party Hostel In Chamonix Rockypop Hotel
- $
- Live music
- Food court
While this isnt strictly a party hostel, this innovative accommodation does have some of those elements and its super easy to have a good time! The restaurant is in the style of a food court, meaning you can pick up dishes from around the world and enjoy them with other guests. After dinner, you can choose between arcade games , live music, or sipping on a carefully prepared cocktail at the bar. Theres something for everyone!
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Guide To Planning A Chamonix Trail Running Vacation
All opinions are our own and never influenced by brands. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
Welcome to the first in our runcation running vacation series. This is our guide on planning a Chamonix trail running vacation and spend some days playing in this magnificent runners paradise in the French Alps and home of the famous UTMB and
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Cheap Accommodation In Chamonix
Chamonix may not be well-known as the cheapest resort in the French Alps but you can still enjoy a budget-friendly holiday here, especially if you know where to look.
Whats the cheapest area to stay in Chamonix?The infamous buildings of Cham Sud, located just behind the Aiguille du Midi lift, still offer the best prices in the valley. Fear not, however, most of the apartments here have been tastefully renovated and trendy bars and restaurants have opened their doors in the pedestrianised square.
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What To Wear In Chamonix In The Summer
When visiting Chamonix in the summer, youll need to pack a wide array of items to coordinate with the unpredictable weather. Summer in Chamonix is mostly warm and sunny, but theres always the chance of rain, wind, clouds, and even snow in June.
Youll need casual clothes for time in the town and appropriate outdoor gear for hiking and all the other adventures. Youll want to bring sturdy hiking boots and casual sneakers, as well as tops for hiking in the hot sun and a fleece for the Aiguille du Midi.
Ive written a full post on what to pack for Chamonix in the summer. Check it out here. It covers everything from what to wear in Chamonix top to bottom, what outdoor gear to pack, the best shoes to pack for Chamonix, and all the other things youll need to bring with you. It even includes a free printable packing list.
We Were There During Summer So We Enjoyed Hiking In The
We were there during Summer so we enjoyed hiking in the hills and walking in the valley. The walking/hiking trails are well signposted, with ski lifts and cable cars giving easy access to the higher slopes. There is a full range of eating/entertainment options in the centre of town and a nice friendly atmosphere.
- From £75 per night8.7Fabulous586 reviews
The staff was kind and professional. We stayed here after we finished hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and it was the perfect place to rest and recuperate. The hotel unexpectedly upgraded our room which was very much appreciated! The hotel is right next to a bus stop which runs every 30 minutes during the summer . The beds were very comfortable as well and it has a bar and restaurant downstairs to eat at. We highly recommend and would stay again.
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Rock Climbing At Rochers Des Gaillands
Many extreme mountain climbers aspire to climb the granite rock face at Chamonix. There are extremely challenging mountain climbing routes along the north faces as well as boulders for amateur climbers and beginners.
About two kilometers south of Chamonix next to the Gaillands Lake, the Rochers Gaillands offer a range of climbing routes from easy to difficult. The legendary mountaineer, Roger Frison-Roche, created the first mountain climbing school at Les Gaillands in 1936.
Where To Stay In Chamonix
Chamonix is primarily made up of five key areas, Chamonix Town, the centre, Les Pelerins, Moussoux, Nantes, and La Frasse. Entering from the South West, Les Pelerins is situated on the right hand side, it is relatively close to the centre, typical a ten to fifteen minute walk into the town centre. This is a predominantly residential area with lots of traditional chalets. There are no ski areas near by, but in the summer Lac Gaillards, popular for walking and climbing is a short walk away. Moussoux is situated above Chamonix, a highly desirable area due to its close proximity to the town centre, and being south facing. The nearest ski station is Brevent, and many chalets are within five to ten minutes walk of the gondola. Nantes is just above the back road leading to Flegere. It is a quiet residential area, with a variety of luxury chalets, and traditional Chamonix houses, all typically only a short walk to the town centre, as well as the sports centre . La Frasse was once a mainly residential areas, but has evolved over time. Close to town, and sports facilities again, it is a great location, close to town, bars, and restaurants.
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Grand Hotel Des Alpes
Like many hotels in Chamonix, France, the Grand Hotel des Alpes also beautifully combines classic elegance with country comforts. The upscale hotel has a gorgeous, inviting vibe and a great location right in the middle of the town. It towers just over the quaint plaza below, a short distance from the lifts.
A delicious breakfast is served either inside or on the terrace in the garden by the river. Its not included in the rate so youll have to pay an extra fee. The hotel has a beautiful garden with a view of the Mont Blanc range. It also has a swimming pool and Jacuzzi with a sauna traditional steam room. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a glass of wine or delicious aperitif in the lounge area.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars In Chamonix France:
- Hameau Albert ler If youre looking for a Michelin star experience, this restaurant near Chamonix station is where you should head to. Besides the delectable food served, you can also enjoy a good selection of wines from their cellar.
- Micro Brasserie de Chamonix This Canadian run microbrewery is renowned for its huge burgers and in-house craft beers. You can look forward to some great live music here on most nights or enjoy watching your favorite sport on a large screen.
- Le Matafan Located in the luxurious Mont Blanc hotel, this restaurant specializes in contemporary, elegantly presented dishes prepared from seasonal ingredients. The stylish interiors add to the experience of dining here.
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