An Alpine Playground for All Seasons

Chamonix is widely regarded as the skiing capital of the world with a reputation for extreme sports and challenging pistes. But in contrast to this, it is also an idyllic setting for those looking for a more tranquil break, particularly in the summer. Situated on the north-west part of the Alps, and lying just 15km from both the Swiss and Italian borders, Chamonix nestles at the foot of the formidable Mont-Blanc. 'Chamonix' is often used to refer to the whole valley, which stretches for over 28km from Le Favet in the south, to Switzerland in the north. The area is made up of several villages which each have their own unique charm, including Les Tines, Les Bossons, Servos, Les Houches, Les Praz, Argentière, Montroc and Le Tour at the top. The vibrant alpine town of Chamonix is home to not only world-class skiing, but also a wide array of leisure and sporting facilities, including an ice rink, an indoor climbing wall, a large sports centre and a bowling alley. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and a great nightlife to enjoy. For those looking for a more cultural break, Chamonix is steeped in history, and there are plenty of places to visit and learn more about this fascinating little town.