Chamonix – a beautiful alpine town at the bottom of Mont Blanc
Chamonix is a beautiful Alpine town set against some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery to be found anywhere in the world. The jagged peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif which surround the valley have become an adventure sports playground earning Chamonix the nickname of European Capital of Extreme Sports. While Chamonix undoubtedly deserves its reputation there is also lots more to see and do at a slightly more relaxed pace!
Chamonix is a fully functioning town year round with a normal population of around 10,000 which can swell to 10 times that amount during peak season. It has a very cosmopolitan feel with a large number of British and Scandinavian residents as well as visitors from all over the world. Chamonix attracts mountain enthusiasts from all walks of life, it is not uncommon for the person serving your coffee to be a qualified scientist and the person sat next to you is the freeride world champion.
There are a number of beautiful buildings dotted throughout the town and the alpine museum and guides office are great places for exploring Chamonix’s rich history. Chamonix has a full range of amenities including a number of bars, restaurants, cafes, a great selection of shops, a cinema, ice rink, swimming pool, climbing wall, sports centre and a full range of medical services. For more information on Chamonix town centre check out the things to do tab above.
The valley is a superb location for a number of activities suitable for all abilities and all set against a stunning backdrop. The lift network is extremely impressive and offers great access all around the valley. The pinnacle of the lift network is the Aiguille du Midi which rises for 2800 vertical metres giving unparalleled access to some truly high mountain terrain. The Aiguille du Midi is worth a trip in itself just for the spectacular views it offers of the entire mountain range including the majestic Mont Blanc. For the more adventurous the Aiguille du Midi is the starting point for all manner of alpine adventures including the infamous Valle Blanche. For more information on the various activities available in check out the summer and winter tabs above.