Chamonix Valley

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Welcome to the Chamonix Valley

Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix valley is made up of several resorts accessible by lifts that leave from the villages below. Each resort offers unique advantages, which means that the Chamonix valley really does have something to offer all types of visitor.

Chamonix has long been a popular destination, providing year-round entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts. In recent years, with the growth of its café culture, its high-end boutiques, and its exciting annual events calendar, the attraction is no longer limited to those seeking high adventure. The streets are now filled with a true melting pot of visitors looking to experience the high energy the valley has to offer.

Les Houches is well known as a family-friendly ski destination with its tree-lined slopes, its location at the foot of the Valley offers a more gentle gradient than the Valley’s other ski areas. However the village also has much more to offer.

In summer, the Les Houches ski area transforms into the best mountain biking destination in the Valley, with downhill trails for every level. A popular spot for hikers, the village is also home to the start point of the Tour du Mont Blanc, an epic multi-day hike around the Mont Blanc Massif taking hikers through France, Italy and Switzerland. Scattered around the village itself are a number of family friendly restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere.

The village of Les Praz sits at the base of the Flégère ski area which can be easily reached via the brand new Flégère Gondola in the village centre. At just 30 minutes walk to Chamonix it’s an excellent base for those who want a peaceful village location yet with quick access to the bustling Chamonix centre.

As well as epic hikes such as the famous Lac Blanc, Les Praz also offers easy access to some more family friendly areas for more gentle strolls. Le Paradis des Praz is a shaded area with a children’s playground. streams to play in and pony rides, from here you can also take a picturesque stroll or bike along the river all the way up the valley. The village is also home to the Chamonix golf club as well as a popular cross country ski area and a handful of restaurants.

Towards the head of the valley, the village of Argentière is home to perhaps the most famous of Chamonix’s ski areas, Les Grands Montets. This resort offers the most challenging skiing in the valley, yet the village is also well placed for skiing the Le Tour (Blame) ski area too.

Being further up the valley the village offers a slower pace of life than Chamonix and retains its original French charm. The village still offers all the amenities you might need with a supermarket, restaurants and two excellent bakeries with an amazing selection of patisseries. Hiking and biking is on offer in the forests around the village and there are excellent views down the valley from some of the trails just above the village.

Aerial shot of Argentiere village in the Chamonix Valley

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The highlights of Chamonix

Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc – UTMB

Generating a vibrant atmosphere in town, UTMB week sees thousands of trail runners descend on Chamonix to take part in one of the eight gruelling races. The main race, the UTMB covers 170km, passing through 3 countries and with a positive altitude gain of around 10,000m it takes competitors between 22 – 44 hours to complete. Starting and ending in the centre of Chamonix cheering the runners to the finish line is a unique experience everyone can enjoy.

The UTMB race route can also be done as a multi-day hike, known as the Tour du Mont Blanc. An epic trail for those who want to take in the mountain sights at a slightly slower pace than the racers.

Aiguille du Midi

Towering above Chamonix at 3842m, the Aiguille du Midi is a must-do whatever time of year you are visiting the Chamonix Valley. Accessed via two cable cars, there are numerous viewing platforms giving you incredible panoramic views and a unique perspective on the glaciers beneath you.

In winter, it is the start of the iconic Vallée Blanche ski route. A spectacular 20km run over glaciers and alongside huge ice seracs. In summer, from the mid-station the ‘Grand Balcon Nord’, an undulating 5km trail to the Mer de Glace, is a hike not to be missed.

CosmoJazz Festival

Taking place in July each year, the CosmoJazz Festival proves Chamonix isn’t just for those looking for a mountain adrenalin hit. Talented artists from around the world take part in a week of concerts around the valley, many of them free.

The unconventional venues of the concerts change each year and in the past we have seen performances at the edge of the Argentière Glacier, in the pastures in front of the Loriaz mountain refuge as well as in the Parc Couttet in the centre of Chamonix. You’ll also find plenty of musicians in the bars and restaurants in town, a perfect excuse to enjoy an apéro.

World Cups – Climbing & Skiing

Both climbing and skiing world cups take place in the Valley. Each February, Les Houches hosts the world’s best skiers as they compete in the men’s slalom Ski World Cup on the famous Kandahar piste, an event which draws 20,000 spectators and promises a great atmosphere.

For a week in July, in the centre of Chamonix, a large climbing wall is built on the main square to host the IFSC world climbing cup. During these few days some of the best climbers in the world descend on the resort. You can’t help but stop and watch if you walk by.

Aerial shot of Auguille du Midi in Chamonix

Band performing at Cosmo Jazz in Chamonix

Reviews

Don't just take it from us

Our Chamonix accommodations are carefully selected for their ability to provide good bases from which you can experience the best of the Chamonix Valley. Take a look below to see what our customers have to say.

Fantastic hosts who were always available and responsive. Helped us with all our needs. Comfortable home with lots of amenities. Perfect location!

Anneliese, Apartment Cosmique

Really appreciated the clear and timely communication from the owners. We were met as we arrived and shown around. Great apartment, well equipped, well located and a very enjoyable stay.

Simon, Apartment Ensa

Great host in Chamonix: highly responsive, place was brand new and very well equipped. They also managed to turn around an unexpected situation at the last minute and upgraded us. Highly recommended !

Francois, Apartment Cry

Thank you for the welcome Matt! Very responsive and pleasant Accommodation very well located to discover Chamonix and the surroundings - Swimming pool and view of Mont Blanc very appreciated:)