Aiguille du Midi · Chamonix
CHAMONIX IN A WORD
What to do in Chamonix, world capital of skiing and mountaineering
What to do in Chamonix? The town is best known as the world capital of skiing and mountaineering.
As a destination, it has a reputation for the extreme and, although this is undoubtedly true, it can hide a wide range of sports and leisure activities, peace and quiet, lively nightlife, entertainment, things to do and superb scenery that can be enjoyed at whatever pace suits you. There really is something for everyone here.
The lively streets of Chamonix are colourful, with a mix of sports shops, guide offices, restaurants, bars and cafés. Every Saturday morning, the town hosts an open-air market full of crafts and local produce.
On bad-weather days, there is a brand-new spa with hot springs, a cinema, a bowling alley, an ice rink, a large sports centre and a fantastic indoor climbing wall.
Chamonix valley
THE VALLEY
Between Switzerland and Italy, at the foot of Mont Blanc
Located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix borders Switzerland and Italy and is dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain range, which culminates at the summit of Mont Blanc (4,810 m), the highest in Western Europe.
Chamonix has a local population of around 10,000, but this figure is multiplied almost tenfold with the influx of tourists, climbers, mountaineers, backpackers, students and sailors.
Chamonix has 4 schools: families have come together here from all over the world to enjoy an endless choice of sports, culture and magnificent nature, 365 days a year. There are two distinct seasons here, summer and winter, but the whole valley is busy for most of the year.
Chamonix is home to around 300 mountain guides, who are there to share the spectacular and unique alpine terrain, accessible to all levels and all ages.
While the main town has the same name, "Chamonix" often refers to the whole valley, which stretches 28 km from Le Fayet to Switzerland. It is made up of several distinct and charming villages, including Servoz, Les Houches, Les Bossons, Les Praz, Les Tines, Argentière, Montroc and, at the top of the valley, Le Tour and Vallorcine.