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Essentials
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So what's it like?
Walking
Chamonix is a great place for walkers of all abilities, from pleasant strolls along the valley base to some more challenging hiking routes around the Brevent and Flegere area.
Jump on the Mont Blanc Express train from Chamonix to Argentiere and return by foot to Chamonix. There are a few different paths to choose from all leading back to Chamonix. The Petite Balcon Sud path will take about 2hrs, the path will lead you back to Chamonix via a well marked path just above the valley floor. There are a number of refuges or mountain huts to grab a bite to eat on the way For a more challenging half day walk take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to Plan d'Aiguille. The walk offers great views over the Chamonix valley and traverses round the Aiguille du Midi at around 2000 metres. As you arrive at the Montenvers top train station you will see the amazing Mer du Glace glacier and valley. From the station you can take a short cable car journey to the glacier and enter the man made ice caves. Why not try -- Have lunch on Montenvers hotel's sun terrace before deciding whether to walk or catch the train back down to Chamonix
- Discover more about the region's plants, animals and history by hiring a walking guide
- Hire some mountaineering equipment and book yourself onto a Glacier Discovery walk
Culture
Chamonix is one of the must go to places for mountain enthusiasts. Visitors from all over the world come to witness the sheer size of Mont Blanc and its surrounding glaciers.
Take time to relax in one of Chamonix's cafés and watch the world go by. After a coffee delve into the wide selection of shops which cater for the chique with designer labels, the cool with snowboarding labels, the adventurer with outdoor pursuits and of course the visitor wanting to take home a memento. If you like a good drop of beer the MBC will be right up you street. With its own microbrewery locals and visitors converge on the terrace throughout the summer to enjoy good drink, food and times There is a good selection of place to eat in Chamonix, from La Caleche serving regional favourites to Munchies and Tiger Tiger serving Asian food.
To discover more about how Chamonix has grown up to be the mountain resort it is, visit the Musée Alpin. The museum documents the first ascents of Mont Blanc and has a fascinating selection of photographs dating back over many years. The safety equipment of the pioneering climbers (or lack of) will send shivers down your spine.
Why not try -- Climb by cable car to the 'Roof Top of Europe' - keep an eye out for mountaineers on their way to the magical summit
- Taking the Montenvers rack and pinion railway to the Mer du Glace and visiting the railway museum
- Visit Annecy and its lake - have lunch by the waterside before enjoying a lakeside stroll or swim
Active
For mountain activities Chamonix comes second to none - it's a world renowned activity resort for good reason. Why not try -
- Mountain biking: No matter what type of rider you are Chamonix has got something for you. There are cross country routes all around Chamonix from easy routes like the Petite Balcon Sud path to technical uphills such as the Col du Mont-Lachat. For downhillers not many resorts compete with Chamonix, there are dedicated runs on Flègere, Vallorcine and Les Houches. Les Houches also has a bike park with a range of challenges to get beginners started and for experts to get their teeth into.
- Rock Climbing: The climbing in Chamonix is great for all levels. Gaillands is the nearest crag to town with a range of climbs from 3s (easy) to 6.7s (almost impossible). For beginners there is climbing school nearby to show you the ropes. For the experienced climber Chamonix is your oyster, you can be on a different face everyday. So squeeze into your climbing shoes, chalk up and get climbing.
- Golf: Under the watchful eye of Mont Blanc you can play the picturesque 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior.
- Parapenting: Take to the skies above Chamonix, under the reigns of a qualified pilot, swirl around in the thermals and descend from one of Chamonix's mountains. It's even possible to fly from the Aiguille du Midi
- Rafting: Evolution 2 will take you under the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy and the Dora Baltea river. Widely regarded as one of the best rivers to raft in Europe, you'll have a barrel load of fun as you take on the 30 km stretch.
- Hydrospeeding: Get close to the white water as you take on the rapids on a floating board (the hydrospeed). You'll be equipped with a padded wet suit, life jacket, a pair of flippers and professional guide to swim and surf you down the rapids near Passy.
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