Chamonix Mont Blanc (Haute-Savoie)

Chamonix Mont Blanc (Haute-Savoie) mini guide

August sees the "Ultra-trail Tour du Mont-Blanc".  This event crosses 3 countries on foot (France, Italy and Switzerland), covers 158 kilometres and an 8,500 metres climb all in one go.   The race has a time limit of 45 hours and the current record is 21 hours and 6 minutes.

The popularity of this challenge has lead to the creation of a second race on a shorter circuit from Courmayeur in Italy to Champex in Switzerland and on to Chamonix - 86 kilometres with a 4500 metres climb with a time limit of 24 hours. 

Chamonix organises a large number of cultural and sports events throughout the year. At the end of January, the best downhill skiers meet in Chamonix for the famous Kandahar World Cup. This race has  technically one of the most difficult descents of the circuit.  In May, the Earth and Science Festival, brings together renowned scientists from around the World to debate and discuss with an enthusiastic public.

During the summer months the "Musical Weeks" present a number classical concerts with international musicians.  In August, the traditional "Mountain Guides Festival" is a moment of sheer magic evoking past and present history of this prestigious "Compagnie". Atmosphere guaranteed with a tremendous sound and light show followed by an open-air concert.

Chamonix also offers a number of permanent cultural activities: cinemas, alpine and crystal museums, Frison-Roche exhibition hall, a library etc.

The mountain scenery surpasses one's wildest expectations and the Mont-Blanc which is the jewel in the crown, watches over the Chamonix valley.

The lifts and cog railways transport visitors into the very heart of the Mont-Blanc Massif for contemplation and admiration of the exceptional panoramas.

Sporting activities for all levels are catered for with something for everyone, apart from the usual winter sports there are hiking trails, mountain bike tracks, rock climbing, mountaineering, rafting, canyoning, paragliding, an 18 hole golf course and much more.

For children there are chld friendly activities - an adventure park with tree acrobatics, summer toboggan and dardevil rides, rock climbing, pony trekking or hiking with donkeys.

The sports centre caters for all ages with a number of swimming pools and a water toboggan.  There is also an indoor climbing wall, fitness centre and spa, an olympic sized ice-rink and a cinema complex.

A vibrant alpine town with a lovely architectural heritage a wealth of history. The cosmopolitan atmosphere captivating and enchanting.

There is an excellent alpine museum and exhibition centre.  By taking advantage of the free public transport, discovering the outlying villages and hamlets is easy.

Retail therapy is available in the form of a pedestrian centre with its wide selection of attractive boutiques. Watch the world go by, at one of Chamonix's sunny street cafés.

There is a large gastronomic choice, from rustic mountain restaurants serving specialities, to Michelin star restaurants.