France contd… Chamonix - Introduction

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A vibrant resort with a strong mountaineering tradition at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc. chamonix Chamonix nestles on the narrow valley floor beneath Europe's highest mountain and is surrounded on all sides by towering mountain peaks. The awe-inspiring glaciers radiating from Mt. Blanc provide a magnificent backdrop to this lively Savoyarde town. There is also a fantastic range of activities on offer for everyone, making Chamonix a perfect mountain resort. INFORMATION Airport: Geneva. Local Transport: There is a local bus service around the town and to the mountain lifts in Chamonix and Argentière. There is also a good train service connecting the villages along the valley and offering services to Switzerland, which is useful if you wish to cycle or mountain bike back along the valley to Chamonix. Transfers: We have included an AVIS car type `A' in the holiday cost to the hotels in Chamonix, picked up and dropped off at Geneva airport. Private transfers can be arranged at a supplement on request. 1 2 3 4 1 Stunning Chamonix and Mt. Blanc from La Flegère cable car 2 The Montenvers railway 3 Views of Mt. Blanc from hotel Mont Blanc 4 Pool and `La Ferme' at Le Hameau Albert Premier Chamonix is undeniably one of the greatest mountain resorts in the world. Whether you simply wish to relax and admire the scenery or relish the opportunity of enjoying the superb array of activities from climbing to canyoning, the choice is yours. The bustling town plays host to an eclectic mix of lively bars, restaurants, cafés and shops. Superb hiking and biking opportunities include gentle paths on the valley floor to steep climbs and descents. Meanwhile the Montenvers rack railway and Aiguille du Midi cable car offer superb panoramic views. see & do FOOD & DRINK Chamonix offers a vast choice of gastronomic delights from high class restaurants to rustic mountain refuges. Nightlife is lively with a wide choice of bars. CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS Chamonix has a rich architectural heritage, with a priory, alpine farms, baroque churches, and art deco buildings. The Alpine Museum and Exhibition Centre traces the town's development. Cultural and sporting events take place throughout the year including the Mt. Blanc Marathon, June, International Climbing Festival, July and Fête des Guides, August. WALKING There are over 200 miles of well maintained hiking trails for all levels, including gentle valley trails through the forest and high alpine routes accessible by cable car (June to mid September). Walking guides and maps are available from the tourist office. Mt. Blanc Multipass 3 days £59, 6 days £89 includes all lifts in Chamonix. 40 experiences AIGUILLE DU MIDI £33 per adult, £26 per child (4-15 years). Departs: Daily, (mid May to late September). The Aiguille du Midi cable car rises to a staggering 12,600 feet and offers a unique 360° panorama of the Mont Blanc chain. MONTENVERS RACK RAILWAY £18 per adult, £14 per child (4-15 years) £54 per family (2 adults and 2 children) This famous rack and pinion railway takes you to the spectacular Mer du Glace glacier. With steps and lifts to the ice and grotto. CLIMBING Chamonix offers a superb range of climbs for all levels with a wide range of terrain including the Gaillands Rock and boulders in the Aiguille Rouge nature reserve. MOUNTAIN BIKING There are mountain bike trails for all levels including long trails along the valley floor from the Le Tour and downhill biking trails at La Balme and Le Brévent. RIVER RAFTING £30 per adult, £22 per child (6-12 years). Departs: Daily. Duration: Half day. Gentle river rafting on the river Arve. WHITEWATER RAFTING £94 per person (minimum 15 years) Departs: Daily. Duration: Full day. The ultimate rafting experience on the Dora Baltee, a grade 3 to 4 river in Italy. CANYONING £54 per person (minimum 12 years) Departs: Daily. Duration: Half day. A real adrenaline rush! Abseil down waterfalls and jump into pools of water. TANDEM PARAGLIDING £78 per person. Departs: Daily. Fly with a qualified guide from Planpraz or Plan de l'Aiquille (lift ticket required).