Chamonix

Chamonix is probably best known as the alpine captial of the world. As a destination it has a reputation for the extreme and this, whilst undoubtedly true, can mask a wide array of sporting and leisure activities (particularly in summer), peace and quiet, great nightlife, and superb scenery which can be enjoyed at whichever pace suits you. Chamonix is equally suited to a weekend break, a week's holiday, a season, or just come and live here!


Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the spiky mountain chain which peaks at the top of the Mont Blanc (4811m) - the highest in Western Europe. There are two distinct seasons: summer and winter, and the area is busy for most of the year with different activities at the fore-front of people's minds. If you don't like to be bored Chamonix is the place to come.

Whilst the principal town is of the same name 'Chamonix' is often used to cover the whole valley, stretching over 55km to the Swiss border. It is, however, made up of several distinct and charming villages including Servoz, Les Houches, Les Bossons - the 'base-camp' of alpinism, Les Praz, Les Tines, Argentiere, Montroc, and at the top of the valley: Le Tour.