Chamonix is so much more than just mountains. The mighty Mont Blanc and its surrounding peaks are at the heart of everything you can do in this wonderful French alpine town. Bustling market town, off-piste powder mecca and beautiful summer resort with walking, climbing, paragliding and endless other fun activities. Chamonix wears many hats. When you come and what you do dictate the adventures you have here.
Why is Chamonix so popular?
Chamonix’s not just a great winter ski resort, it’s the home of alpinism and a superb spot for summer too. That’s why, year-round, so many people come on holiday. It’s why here at Chamonix Homes we’re ready to welcome you to our favourite place in the world, all year round.
World renowned for its extreme skiing and high altitude mountaineering adventures in any season. Chamonix is also a great place for families, groups of friends, and sporty types. It is also great for those who prefer shopping and a spa day, all with great restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Everything you need for a successful summer or winter holiday is here. As well as offering a range of self-catering chalets and apartments to rent, there’s loads of useful information on the Chamonix Homes website to help organise your holiday.
A little look at the history
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, to give the town its full name, sits at the foot of the permanently snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif. Attracted by the impressive summits, tourists have been visiting the valley for hundreds of years. With the arrival of the railway line in 1901, Chamonix blossomed as a tourist destination. It’s sleepy pastoral villages into transforming into bustling resorts.
Hosting the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924 put Chamonix firmly on the map as a winter sports destination. Ever since, hundreds of thousands of you come every winter to slide down snow on bits of wood. Or in summer to climb, trek or just bask in the incredible mountain scenery.
Where is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?
This question isn’t as daft as it sounds. Chamonix sits in the Haute-Savoie region of France, nestled under the slopes of the Mont Blanc massif that straddles France, Italy and Switzerland. The summit is actually in the commune of neighbouring town Saint Gervais les Bains and has one foot in France and the other in Italy. Most people however, who want to see or actually climb Mont Blanc do so from the Chamonix Valley.
Despite being in France, most people who visit Chamonix arrive via Switzerland, with Geneva airport being the closest international airport. Equidistant, in France and Italy respectively are Lyon and Milan airports at around two hours’ drive each.
Discovering the Valley
The valley is made up of the town and several villages that line sides of the Arve river . Servoz and Les Houches are the gateway villages to the valley and are particularly popular with families. The town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the beating heart of it all. Further up the valley you’ll find Argentiere, the home of the famous Grands Montets ski area, and Le Tour offering amazing views of the whole valley from its winter ski pistes and summer hiking and mountain bike trails.
Head along the twisting road up and over the Col des Montets and you’ll arrive at Vallorcine. This hidden gem of the Chamonix Valley is in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve and Berard valley, just 4km from the border with Switzerland.
Whether you want an apartment with quick access to the slopes on foot, peace and quiet in a typical alpine hideaway chalet, a place with a view and hot tub, or a rental close to all the apres-ski fun in the town centre, we’ve got somewhere for you to stay in Chamonix that you’ll love!