« A week in Chamonix »

 

I’m on holiday in Chamonix and I wanted an easy way to explore the Valley and its surroundings.

So, I have therefore chosen the MONT-BLANC MultiPass for 5  consecutive days.

 

It gives me unlimited access to all the lifts in the valley with only 1 visit to the ticket office.

 

Day 1: Exploring Montenvers-Mer de Glace. 1913m

 

This historic site can be reached by rack railway and offers a splendid view over the Mer de Glace, the Drus and the Grandes Jorasses. While I’m there, I’m going to look round the Crystal Gallery, the alpine fauna museum and the Grand Hotel du Montenvers museum that retraces the history of the place. And to visit the Ice Cave, I’ll take the telecabin and the steps up to the glacier.

 

My lunch break on location!

 

I’m eating at the Grand Hotel du Montenvers

Situated at an altitude of 1913m, the Grand Hotel-restaurant du Montenvers, scene of the adventures of the « 1 ^st roped climbing team », reflects the atmosphere of the great mountaineering conquests of the turn of the 20^th century. From the terrace, I’ll be able to admire such legendary peaks as the Drus, the Grandes Jorasses and the Mer de Glace glacier. A local dish, a slice of myrtle tart or a hot chocolate, depending on the time of day and what you fancy, you will enjoy quality cuisine.

 

Day 2: Exploring le Brévent. 2525m

 

Le Brévent faces due south towards the Mont-Blanc chain and offers one of the finest views of the massif. On arrival, I’ll be able to admire the whole Mont-Blanc chain, with Mont-Blanc itself (4810 m), the Aiguille du Midi and the Aiguilles de Chamonix on one side and the view of the les Fiz chain and the Diosaz Valley on the other.

The really unusual thing is that you can reach the site direct from the town centre by the Planpraz telecabin. Then I’ll go up to the top of le Brévent with its 360° view courtesy of the cable car that takes you up to an altitude of 2525m.

 

My lunch break on location!

 

I’m eating at the Restaurant « Le Panoramic », situated at the top of le Brévent.

Its big attraction is its sunny terrace seating about 80 people, looking out at an unequalled panorama of the whole of the Mont-Blanc chain – the ideal spot to get away from it all and daydream over a meal!

 

Day 3: Exploring the Aiguille du Midi (3842m)

 

The most famous and highest of Chamonix’s aiguilles is somewhere not to be missed, a real gateway to the high mountain world. In twenty minutes, the Aiguille du Midi cable cars, the highest in Europe, will take you on a trip between the sky and the earth up to the various panoramic terraces opening onto a world of snow, rock and ice. Departure point for the Mont-Blanc way via the 3 Monts, throughout the summer, mountaineers, guides, and tourists from all over the world rub shoulders with one another on this unique rocky needle.

 

My lunch break on location!

Before starting my trip or on my way down, I’m going to stop for lunch at the Vertical Café and Shop!

As often as possible, I can enjoy the terrace set up in front of the station at the foot of the cable car. From a selection at very affordable prices, the chef can offer me a different main course and dessert every day, home-cooked with care from produce the ingredients of which have been rigorously selected! Depending on the time of day, a hot chocolate, a cup of tea, home made soup, quiches or pastries …there’s something for all tastes!

 

Day 4: Exploring Balme-Le Tour

 

I’m going to discover another magnificent view of the Chamonix Valley by going to this area for a more « nature oriented » and peaceful day around this typical hamlet with its huge alpine pastures. A few kilometres from the Swiss border, I’ll be able to admire the Chamonix Valley and its 2 slopes with the Mont-Blanc chain and its glaciers, opposite the Aiguilles Rouges massif. A breathtaking view. I can also, if I choose, explore the area from the charming little village of Vallorcine.

 

My lunch break on location!

 

By taking the le Tour telecabin, I can reach the Chalet de Charamillon directly.

On the ground floor, this big chalet, both traditional and modern at the same time, houses a self-service restaurant (hot dishes and specialities) and a take-away (sandwiches, drinks…).  On the lower floor, a kiosk sells crêpes, ice-creams, souvenirs…

Its large terrace with its steamers will enable me to relax while drinking a cup of tea or coffee in an outstanding setting overlooking the whole of the Chamonix Valley.

 

Day 5: Discovering the Mont-blanc Tramway

 

I’m going to discover another rack railway near Mont-Blanc! Established in 1909, the Mont-Blanc Tramway is the highest mountain rack railway in France. Starting from Saint-Gervais or le Fayet, in 1 ¼ hours it reaches Bellevue

at an altitude of 1800 m, at the foot of the imposing Bionnassay glacier.

I shall enjoy a retro journey that offers a panoramic view over the Chamonix Valley and les Contamines amongst alpine pastures and forests!

At its terminus at the « Eagle’s Nest », I shall be able to watch numerous mountaineers setting out on their way to follow the majestic route up Mont-Blanc.

 

My lunch break on location!

 

I’m stopping at the Col de Voza for lunch at the « Le Courant d’Air » restaurant.

A warm welcome, an individual style, fast food, salad, croque-monsieur, chips, ice-cream… just a few steps from the train to make the most of the location!

 

OUR TIPS:

 

With the MONT BLANC MultiPass for 5 consecutive days, I only have to go to the ticket office once! I’ll be saving time!

 

A number of privileges at the Aiguille du Midi!

-          Cabin reservation is free

-          I can board directly from the time it opens until 9 o’clock

-          Use of the lift at the summit is free!

 

I benefit from a special rate on the little tourist train which enables me to look round Chamonix

 

At the Chamonix Leisure Park, one passenger goes free for every downhill journey paid for.