At the foot of Mont-Blanc (4,800 m), Chamonix, or Cham to its friends - and please don't pronounce the x! -now known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, boasts 16 villages and hamlets. This highly touristic high-mountain commune is reputed to be a Mecca for mountaineers and the headquarters of the mountain guides, a brotherhood whose ethics and courage command admiration. You're here at an altitude of over 1,000 m, on the border with Switzerland andItaly, which share the vast Mont-Blanc ski area with France. In summer, hikers and tourists flock here, in winter, skiers. And English is spoken all year round. Many English mountaineers have made this their home, even their second home. Every year since 1924, the famous Guides' Festival has been held here, with the proceeds going into the relief fund. At the end of August, it's The North Face Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc, a foot race following the route of the Tour du Mont-Blanc. In summer, tourists parade past the Mer de Glace (France's largest glacier, retreating every year with global warming), the Lac Blanc. And, accessible via a picturesque cogwheel train, Montenvers offers a breathtaking view of this Mer de Glace. This historic site also features a sculpted ice grotto and exhibitions on glaciology.
In winter, skiers flock to the Vallée blanche. Here, the pristine mountain is a distant memory. But in the evenings, the party goes on, and genuine mountaineers continue to flock, backpacks, crampons and ice axes in hand, to set off for the summits. Mountain lovers are also sure to pay their respects at the graves in the town's cemetery, dedicated to the pioneers and great mountaineers.
Looking up, majestically dominating the Chamonix valley, theAiguille du Midi is an emblematic summit of the French Alps. Accessible via an impressive cable car, it offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. Head off to the popular Brévent-Flégère ski and hiking area, which connects two magnificent zones offering pistes for all levels and exceptional panoramic views of the Mont Blanc chain. Then, thrill to the dynamic festival that blends music, mountain sports and culture in Chamonix's breathtaking setting. Attracting international artists and party-goers alike, the Chamonix Unlimited Festival is a not-to-be-missed annual event for music and mountain enthusiasts.
And for families, Domaine des Planards is a ski and leisure resort with slopes suitable for beginners and children, as well as a variety of fun activities, including a summer toboggan run and an adventure park. Did you know that theBossons glacier is one of the largest in Europe? Visitors can explore trails that wind around the glacier, discovering icy landscapes and learning about glacier dynamics.
Located in Chamonix, theMusée des Cristaux displays an impressive collection of minerals, including quartz crystals and other rare specimens. The museum fascinates visitors with its geological treasures and information on the mineralogy of the Alps.
Your favorite travel guide will come in handy to help you discover the wonders of this destination: restaurants, hotels and, above all, points of interest to visit!