Alpine towns on the Tour du Mont Blanc
23/02/2018
Steeped in history Chamonix is the mountaineering & off-piste skiing capital of the world. It is truly a stunning place tucked in under the shadow of Western Europe’s highest peak. For century’s explorers, scientists & mountaineers have travelled here to get up close to this impressive environment.
Chamonix has expanded under the influence of tourism and has developed through several different architectural periods. The town is dotted with a rich and diverse architectural heritage where traditional and modern styles rub shoulders. Wander through the town and outlying villages and you will discover baroque churches and protestant chapels dating from several hundred years, hotels and palaces from the golden age, « Art Deco » facades, traditional farmhouses, colossal villas and chalets contrasting with modern constructions. It is this architectural diversity that contributes to Chamonix's unique and indefinable charm.
For more information visit www.chamonix.com
Aiguille du Midi From the center of Chamonix, a 20 mins ride in the Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you to the gateway to the high Alps at a height of 3,842 m.
Montenvers mountain railway The Montenvers rack railway starts from Chamonix and, in 20 minutes and in total safety, reaches the bottom of the Mer de Glace (1,913 m), France’s largest glacier (7km long, 200 m thick). This historic site marked the start of Alpine tourism in the 19th century and offers a panoramic view of famous peaks such as Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses.
Town center Enjoy wandering streets of Chamonix, browsing the shops & having a coffee with the back drop of Mont Blanc as you sit and relax.
Eating out
Here are a few suggestions from some of the top restaurants in Chamonix to good value hearty meals.
Restaurant Albert 1er- Gastronomic. With its two stars in the Michelin Guide, the Albert 1er restaurant proposes subtly modernised French cuisine
influenced by Mont-Blanc and the nearby Piedmont region of Italy. See: www.hameaualbert.fr
L’Impossible- Organic vegetarian - Italian – Gastronomic. An atmospheric restaurant set in a genuine 1754 farmhouse, magnificently decorated with its large chandeliers and its fine fireplace. See: www.restaurant-impossible.com
Caleche- Traditional Savoyard dishes. A delight for the eyes and the palette! This authentic "Chamoniard" restaurant is decorated with a thousand artifacts from a bygone era.
The menu offers a refined choice of traditional Savoyard dishes and French Cuisine, not to mention an extensive wine list.
See- www.restaurant-caleche.com
Satsuki- Asian cuisine - Japanese Authentic & unique in the region, here is your Japanese restaurant of choice!
In its pure & air-conditioned surroundings, where tranquility reins, you can enjoy the classic dishes that are Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura, Tonkatsu, Sukiyaki... prepared by our Japanese chef Tatsuya Ishizaki, and brought to your table by charming and friendly staff; if you prefer, all our dishes are available to take-away. See: www.satsuki.eu
Le Munchies- Asian fusion, 87 Rue des Moulins. Swedish owned which always has an interesting menu and a great atmosphere.
Néapolis - Pizzeria – Italian, 79 Galerie Alpina. Great atmosphere, good service and good value food.
Chambre Neuf - Traditional – Brasserie, 272 av Michel Croz. Lively atmosphere, good value food.
MOÖ Bar Cuisine - Organic vegetarian, 239 avenue Michel Croz. Recently opened with lively atmosphere.
COURMAYEUR
Charming alpine town Italian style, definitely on a par with Chamonix with great food, wine & Italian coffee. Located at the meeting point of three countries, Italy, France and Switzerland, Courmayeur (1224 m.) is the essence of the Alps. With its international character and a deep-rooted alpine identity, Courmayeur is a place of encounters and contrasts.
The spectacular views on the southern side of Mont Blanc is a backdrop of amazing landscapes, Courmayeur is a product of centuries-old alpine culture committed to its environment and dedicated to offer the best to all those that love mountains.
For more information visit https://www.lovecourmayeur.com/
Helbronner cable car This amazing piece of engineering is 15 km long and includes 3 sections and links La Palud to Punta Helbronner & the cable-car was first open to the public in1948. In 2015 the new state of the art Skyway cable car was opened to the public, see here for further information: http://www.funiviemontebianco.com/it/
Open air Spar at Pre-St Didier Since 1700, thermal waters have been part of the history and traditions of the valleys of Mont Blanc. Do not miss a visit to the spa at Pré-Saint-Didier, located just a few kilometers from Courmayeur. Take a dip in the warm waters flowing from the heart of the mountain. With a temperature of around 37°C, the waters are famous for healing rheumatic and muscular disorders, skin ailments and blood circulation problems.
There is also a broad range of spa treatments including: swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, massage.
Town center Enjoy wandering streets of Courmayeur, browsing the shops & having a fabulous Italian coffee with the backdrop of Mont Blanc as you sit and relax.
Eating out
Here are a few suggestions of where to eat out in Courmayeur, good value hearty meals and great Italian food.
Pizzeria l'Etoil- Restaurant-Steak House: An excellent restaurant, decorated with great taste, overlooking the Massif du Mont-Blanc, and a summer terrace. A wide selection of pizzas, meat dishes, desserts and regional and Italian wines. See: http://www.pizzeriaetoile.net
Pizzeria du Tunnel Restaurant: Main courses, Pizza, Pasta and specialties: the oldest Pizzeria in Courmayeur. You can enjoy delicious pizza by wood-fired oven cooking. The restaurant offers a wide range of specialties from the local to the international cuisine. See: http://www.pizzeriadutunnel.it
Restaurant Chalet Joli Characteristic for its stained-glass windows, offers a simple cuisine but tasty. The flavors stand out in both classic dishes that are typical of the region. See: http://www.chaletjoli.com
Pizzeria La Piazzetta In the center of Courmayeur, in the pedestrian street. Valle d'Aosta and Italian delicacies with a fine selection of fine wines with a great atmosphere. See: http://www.ristorantelapiazzetta.info
For further information on Chamonix & Courmayeur contact me at: sara@montblanctreks.com
Find out more information on our Tour du Mont Blanc Guided & Self guided treks see our website:
Tour du Mont Blanc: The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the world’s top ten 'must do' treks & it's not hard to understand why as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day.
