Why Chamonix is cool

Chamonix town from above
Lots of people think Chamonix is the bee’s knees when it comes to skiing. I’m not one of them simply because I haven’t skied there enough to decide. However, it’s a pretty amazing place in all seasons. Pictured is the view from the rack and pinion train that takes passengers up to la Mer de Glace and back down to town. Chamonix town is nestled in a valley between two massively high mountain ranges. From town, you can see the Aiguille du Midi and the two cable cars to transport people there, and if you look in the other direction, you can see the huge cable car that transports people between two high peaks on the BrĂ©vant side. Add in the various trains and car routes and Chamonix provides some of the most picturesque views of nature I’ve ever seen.
Meanwhile, up at la Mar de Glace, there’s more to do than visit the ice cave. The Grand Hotel du Montenvers, built in 1880, is open for meals, drinks and overnight stays, and it even has a museum of history and miniature railways inside. There are loads of walking routes of varying lengths, including one that takes you back down to Chamonix, and if you don’t see any real animals on your walk at the top, you can always pop into the museum of stuffed dead animals ranging from little marmots to large birds. The views from the train are fantastic and this photo just doesn’t do it justice. Chamonix is currently one of my favourite places in France.

About

I'm a technical author, journalist and writer from Australia who has been living in Europe since 2000 and exploring the world from there. My passions are writing, snow sports and travel.

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