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Travel guide – chamonix

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Overview

Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc and offers some of the most challenging skiing in Europe. The town is in the centre of a string of villages spread out along a valley cutting deep through the Alps; the village of Argentiere is six miles (10km) up the valley, beneath the renowned Grands-Montets slopes, and Les Houches is a small resort a few miles below. The huge variety of on- and off-piste skiing in Chamonix attracts ski bums and serious weekend skiers (the town is only 50 minutes drive from Geneva) and this is reflected in the sportive atmosphere in the bars and restaurants.

Shopping

Chamonix is a year-round town and is packed with a selection of shops - though most are aimed at skiers and climbers. There are plenty of supermarkets and delicatessens for self-caterers.

Restaurants

Chamonix is alive with restaurants, ranging from first-class French restaurants to Indian, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. For Michelin standard food book Albert Ist et Milan in the town centre. Argentiere has some good local restaurants but much less choice than Chamonix. There are some fine restaurants on the slopes too, including Le 3842, the highest restaurant in Europe.

Nightlife

Chamonix is known for its ski-hard-party-hard atmosphere and the nightlife won't disappoint. The Bumble Bee and the Mill Street bar in Chamonix and the Office Bar in Argentiere are popular choices for après-ski drinks, and Wild Wallabies is an essential stop for hard-drinking Brits and Scandinavians. There is a casino for those wishing to try their luck on the tables.

Activities

Chamonix has a swimming centre - with pools, a sauna and Turkish baths, and an indoor ice rink and bowling. Paragliding can be arranged when the weather's good.

Climate

The French Alps offer lots of sunshine, but cold weather from November to April when the ski season is in full swing. The resorts are generally high and the snow is excellent, although the weather is relatively mild in comparison to the North American resorts. During the summer months the cool, sunny weather attracts hikers and climbers, particularly from July to September when the weather has settled and the high snows have melted.

Health

French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. There have been increased reports of hantavirus (caused by rodents) in the Ardennes, Aisne and Jura regions. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.