Chamonix, France | WAVEJourney Travel Tip
Chamonix, France | WAVEJourney Travel Tip
Eglise St Michel © Monica Dalmasso
We would rather be gazing in awe at Mont-Blanc from Chamonix in the Rhone-Alpes region of France!
Bordering Switzerland and Italy, this town in the Alps is a delight to visit at anytime of year. Site of the first winter games in 1924, Chamonix offers access to a multitude of slopes for skiers of all ability levels and guaranteed to keep the thighs burning all day long.
One of the most popular summer activities is to take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up 3842 m (12,680 ft) for breath-taking views of Mont-Blanc, surrounding mountain peaks and the Chamonix valley. Typically, the summer lifts are open from mid-June until early November. At this time of year, hiking is possible and well-worth the effort. It is possible to take a cable car over the mountains and into Italy. For 2012 the tariff for this cable car start from Euro 14.20 for winter and from Euro 26.40 in summer for a return trip.
WAVEJourney’s favorite summer activity from Chamonix is to take the Brevent cable car (walk to the base of the lift from the village) to the top of the mountains on the other side of the valley facing Mont-Blanc. The 360 degree vistas are absolutely spectacular! For 2012 the tariff for this cable car ride will be Euro 26.40 for a return ride. If you’re fit and adventurous take a one-way ride for Euro 20.30.
If hiking or skiing are not your bag, not to worry as the alpine town itself is home to plenty of other not so physical activities: history; culture; restaurants; bars; a casino and shopping opportunities galore.
Getting to Chamonix: The nearest international airport is in Geneva, Switzerland (88 km/55 miles away). Easy access is available by train from areas throughout France, bus from Geneva, car on the auto-routes or drive through the Mont-Blanc tunnel from Italy.
If you only have a few hours, Chamonix is worth a visit. But if you have a few days or more to spend in this location you will be glad of the time you spent here. Either way, Chamonix will leave you wanting more in what is sure to become a favorite location for all the family.
If You Go:
– Chamonix Mont-Blanc Website.
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