CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC VALLEY

Transcription

1 THE MANY FACES OF A GIANT SUMMER 2012 CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC VALLEY Servoz Les Houches Chamonix Mont-Blanc Vallorcine

2 Is Mont-Blanc really white? Yes, even in the height of summer its pristine white dome is with you wherever you are in the valley. But from the explosion of spring flowers to the flaming colours of the forests in the autumn sun, our valley produces a firework display of colours, a unique collection of sensations, emotions and discoveries. Here, even the silence has a thousand different shades, interrupted by distant cow bells or cracking glaciers. Breathtaking scenery, gorgeous hamlets, starry nights and crystal-clear water experience summer in its purest form. GET READY FOR A SUMMER FULL OF COLOUR 4 High altitude 6 Hiking 8 Nature reserves and untouched countryside Top attractions 14 Outdoors / mountain biking 16 White water, lakes and rivers 18 Cultural and built heritage 20 Events 22 A Mecca for trail running 24 Sustainable tourism 26 Gastronomy and local produce 38 Shopping / nightlife 30 Family holidays Mountain lifts Directory 39 Diary 40 Practical information 42 Tourist Offices 2 3

3 High altitude Profile CHRISTOPHE PROFIT Mountain guide A LONER WITH A LOVE OF SHARING Christophe Profit is a Chamonix guide who was one of the great mountaineering figures of the 1980s. With no fewer than 10 ascents of the North Face of the Eiger and some legendary combination climbs under his belt, he remains one of the great names of solo climbing. Today enjoying somewhat tamer pursuits, he still believes that his solo exploits are of great use to him in his profession as a guide. They have taught me to judge the commitment I am making, the notion of limits and safety. But well before I made those climbs I was obsessed with becoming a guide, of pursuing this very special profession. Today, working as a guide, he gets pleasure out of sharing the experience. What is essential is being in the mountains together, sharing a goal with a partner. That goal can be a very technical face for an experienced mountaineer but also an accessible climb for someone who is new to mountaineering. The main thing is the pleasure it brings. And what gives me pleasure is knowing that it is often a special moment for my clients. And there s no shortage of options: there are other ways of bagging a 4000er than climbing Mont-Blanc! LA CHAMONIARDE DE SECOURS : LIBERTY, RESPONSABILITY AND SAFETY! On occasions the boom in mountaineering resulted in some critical situations. In 1957, two amateur mountaineers Vincendon and Henry died on Mont-Blanc. The drama led to an increase in the resources and role of La Chamionarde de Secours, the company set up by the local council after the war. Today, this organisation is a mountain safety body. It cooperates actively on an international level with its Italian and Swiss counterparts, doing more than taking part in rescue operations. Its missions include prevention, running courses and keeping mountaineers informed in order to bring about improvements in equipment and techniques and remind everyone that responsibility and prudence are the bedfellows of freedom. 4 5

4 Hiking Profile PATRICE LABARBE Photographer and mountain leader GET AWAY FROM IT ALL Patrice Labarbe, who has been living in the Chamonix Valley since 1983, has two jobs: he is not only a photographer but also a mountain leader. These two approaches help his close relationship with the valley that he knows inside out to flourish. A mountain leader is different to a mountain guide in that he doesn t use any mountaineering equipment. But that doesn t mean not climbing to high altitude. Because here, for example, a one-hour walk accessible to anyone will take you up to a viewpoint over the fabulous Argentière Glacier. An opportunity to get close to a rare natural phenomenon and enjoy the cool air when there s a heatwave below. Patrice Labarbe is sometimes asked by clients who are themselves amateur photographers to show them round his secret garden. We get out early in the morning or late in the evening to some magical places, among the rhododendrons or opposite a sheer mountainside. You have time to sit and contemplate the world and get away from the frenetic pace of modern life. It s as much a passion as a job! And when you see his pictures (some of which illustrate this brochure) you can see that this philosophy suits him. TOUR DU MONT-BLANC : EIGHT DAYS, THREE COUNTRIES, ONE GREAT CLASSIC Here s another way to bag Mont-Blanc Walk round it! In 7 to 10 days, this great classic long-distance footpath enables you to get to know the roof of Europe from every angle. You ll experience the charms of the Chamonix Valley s two close cousins, the Val Ferret in Italy and the Trient Valley in Switzerland. And when your legs are aching after a long day on the trail, just remember that some of the competitors in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc complete the same route in less than 24 hours! 6 7

5 Nature reserves and untouched countryside Spying an eagle, spotting a chamois standing still on a ledge, coming across an ibex You don t need to travel to the other end of the planet to enjoy such rare experiences. Between them, the Chamonix Valley s three nature reserves cover an area of 4,400 hectares and offer an unrivalled opportunity for spotting wildlife. The Carlaveyron, Aiguilles Rouges and Bérard Reserves cover altitudes from 1,100 to 3,000 metres. They are packed with wildlife, and also home to lakes that offer an additional attraction for hikers. NATURE IN ALL ITS GLORY DID YOU SAY A RESERVE? A nature reserve is an area of countryside where the conservation of the wildlife, plant life, soil, water, mineral and fossil deposits and natural environment in general is of particular importance. What that means in practice is that any development in a nature reserve is strictly regulated. It is not closed off to hikers; on the contrary. But you have to play by the rules. You are not allowed to camp (only wild camping is tolerated between 7pm and 9am), paraglide over the Aiguilles Rouges (so as not to disturb the birds of prey), make a fire or take a dog with you, even on a lead. The wardens are there to ensure the rules are followed, but also to provide information and help you discover these exceptional places. You can easily find them at the visitor centre on the Col des Montets. 8 9

6 Top attractions THE MONTENVERS TRAIN MER DE GLACE Take a ride on the famous little red train to an altitude of 1,913 m at the foot of the Mer de Glace, a living witness of climate change in the modern age. Visit the glaciorium and learn all about the life of a glacier and how it changes over time Soak up the history of the site, learn about the first tourists who came to the valley and find out which celebrities visited this attraction and fell in love with it, or even found inspiration from it Experience the passion of the crystal seekers who look tirelessly for THE unique piece in these mountains You ll never forget the atmosphere and beauty of this magical place ADVENTURES AWAIT TRAMWAY DU MONT-BLANC One of the last cog railways, the highest in France, takes you up to one of the starting points for the ascent of Mont-Blanc, or to enjoy the amazing and magnificent panorama all the way along your trip THE AIGUILLE DU MIDI Its reputation precedes it This imposing and magnificent peak towering at 3,842 metres above the Chamonix Valley is the flagship attraction of this magical place. It s a gateway to the high mountains, accessible to everyone but still as wild as it ever was. In a 20-minute journey ever higher above the valley you reach a height of 3,777 metres to discover a truly breathtaking view. You can soak up the atmosphere, take deep breaths of mountain air and store up a host of imaginary exploits Take the lift up the final few metres to the summit terrace, a place you will never forget the beauty of the scenery unfolding around you for 360 is simply incredible A must-have experience that makes you realise just how small you are and enjoy the serene vastness of the mountains! 10 11

7 Top attractions FEAST YOUR EYES The scenery is an important part of any show. We have laid on the best for you, offering you the opportunity to experience some unforgettable moments with the entire Mont- Blanc range as the backcloth. And yet these are places you can get to with all the family, like the Parc de Merlet where chamois, ibex and marmots play in the sun. Le Brévent, an amazing balcony viewpoint over the valley, or La Flégère, where the mountain lifts will whisk you effortlessly up to the refreshing Lac Blanc. Here you don t have to give your legs a hard time to give your eyes a treat

8 Outdoors / mountain biking MOUNTAIN BIKING WITH A CAPITAL M Profile CÉCILE ET CÉDRIC RAVANEL Mountain biking champions Professional mountain bikers since 1999, Cédric and Céline Ravanel are a daring duo. They may have found their heart s desire in each other, but mountain biking gets their heart racing too. And we re not just talking metaphorically. On an Olympic trail, explains Cédric, you re constantly on overdrive, your pulse racing at an average of 180 beats per minute. Their sort of all-out mountain biking is physically demanding. On a descent, you have to pull out all the stops and let go. But they still like the fact that the mountain biking is accessible to a huge range of people, and their valley offers everything you need. Here, there are singletracks (narrow trails that are great fun to ride) as well as bike parks and broad tracks for beginners. There s something for everyone. And the icing on the cake? The biking comes with views of glaciers! TRY CHILLED-OUT MOUNTAIN BIKING! The Chamonix Valley publishes a mountain biking guide with details of around twenty biking routes for all abilities. For your first foray into mountain biking we suggest you make the most of the ski lifts that operate in the summer to save your legs. You can also use the local bus and rail services to exploit the valley s potential without necessarily having to ride circular routes. On your bike! 14 15

9 White water, lakes and rivers WILD WATER! Rushing noisily in the mountain torrents, packed with fish in the rivers, thirst-quenching after a long walk, soothing in the mountain lakes: the pure water from the glaciers is the source of a host of activities to fill your summer: rafting, canyoning, fly fishing or quite simply adding to the scenery. THE AMAZING DIOSAZ GORGE In the Diosaz Gorge, water has carved out a myriad of fascinating shapes, wearing away the rock to create an impressive landscape jostling with rushing waterfalls. Next to the natural bridge is an enormous boulder suspended between two rock walls: amazing! 16 17

10 Cultural and built heritage AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM A VALLEY OF MANY ARCHITECTURAL STYLES Here, when the curious visitor looks up, there s more to see than mountains. Superb Belle Époque and Art Nouveau façades remind us all that the mountain tourism industry of the well-to-do of prestige was born at the foot of Mont-Blanc. And they rub shoulders with a host of other architectural curiosities which, from the traditional chalet or the neoclassical Sardinian building to the chapel, tell the story of countless migrations, changes of sovereignty and sociological developments that have left their mark in the streets and hamlets of the valley. Exploring this extremely varied heritage is another way of discovering and getting to know the valley

11 Events BLACK SESSION IN FRONT OF MONT-BLANC A VALLEY WITH NEVER A DULL MOMENT With the Musicaltitude Festival, the traditional Fête des Guides in Chamonix and the free Servoz en Ébullition Festival, there are festive goings-on here all summer long! COSMOJAZZ Cosmo Jazz is a crazy idea: inviting the top jazz artists to play in front of the world s most stunning backdrop. And when the brass blast out in the cool mountain air, the mix is simply magical. An unmissable celebration of jazz throughout the valley and a great experience for those new to jazz thanks to André Manoukian, the brains behind the event

12 A Mecca for trail running A MECCA FOR TRAIL RUNNING Portrait KILIAN JORNET Competitive trail runner The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc might seem like a superhuman challenge strictly for masochists. But three-time winner Kilian Jornet has a big grin on his face even when he s in the thick of the race. He particularly likes this race. Mont-Blanc is a mountain unlike any other. It has a particular feel about it. As for the UTMB, it s first and foremost a friendly get-together of trail runners, a meeting of people who love the mountains. Pleasure is the watchword for this unrivalled athlete, who is convinced that this type of race is won with the head. My driving force is first and foremost my love for the mountains, taking on the elements. Here, you adapt to nature, and never the other way round. A SUMMER OF CHALLENGES Alongside the legendary UTMB, the Chamonix Valley offers trail runners a host of runs and combination races throughout the summer: the Cross du Mont-Blanc, the Marathon du Mont-Blanc, the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges and the Chirvathlon, an original team triathlon event around Servoz. The footpaths that these races use are of course the perfect training ground for anyone who wants to have a go at trail running while on holiday

13 Sustainable tourism A SPECIAL ATTRACTION Profile ETIENNE KLEIN Physicist at the CEA (Atomic Energy Commissariat) Étienne Klein is a scientist well known to the French public, mainly through his popular-science books about matter and time. He lives in Paris but he s been coming to the Chamonix Valley regularly for thirty years. Why do you keep coming back to Chamonix? Lots of physicists seem to be attracted to high mountains, I don t know why, but it s a fact. As for me, I first felt this special attraction, this draw to the mountains at a very young age. In my opinion there are two types of people, and you can spot them in the street here. Some people look straight ahead, and other can t help but raise their eyes to the mountains. I m one of them. A partner of the Chamonix Festival des Sciences for years, Étienne Klein has often taken part in discussions about the future of the valley, particularly about sustainable development. These events that raise awareness and prompt popular debate are important, and this valley is active in this respect. Sustainable tourism is an important issue here, where there is an urban area so close to the peaks. The mountains must remain unspoilt by the fact that they are difficult to get to. It s when you re up there that you realise just how beautiful and fragile they are. 24 PLAN CLIMAT ENERGIE: THE COMMITMENTS OF AN ICONIC VALLEY Aware of the environmental issues affecting its outstanding natural heritage, the Chamonix Valley Community of Communes has adopted the French government s Plan Climat Energie Territorial (PCET) energy plan. This scheme aims to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions in the long term. Rather than unilaterally imposing measures, it has chosen to involve the local players closely in the process: the associations, businesses, institutions and of course the citizens of the valley have come together to discuss and draw up a concrete plan of action for the next ten years. This covers energy saving, managing local industry and new initiatives in the tourist economy. Environmental education has not been forgotten either, because this will form the basis for a future long-lasting change in behaviour. Transport policy lies at the heart of this scheme, with an innovative tram-train project complemented by a sustainable transport programme. We must do everything we can to ensure that the valley s environmental policy is worthy of the unique mountains surrounding it. 25

14 Gastronomy and local produce Fish a hunk of Tomme cheese, some air-cured ham and a crusty cob loaf out of your rucksack and you re already experiencing the valley s gastronomic reputation. But don t stop there! The local produce is about more than cheese and saucisson. Some top restaurants await you, and we have no shortage of ways of encouraging you to try the international produce of Mont-Blanc, from the wines of Switzerland to the produce of the Aosta Valley. And those looking for more exotic flavours also have lots of tasty treats in store in Chamonix s Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese and Swedish restaurants. MOUNTAINS WITH A CAPITAL MMMMMM! 26 27

15 Shopping / nightlife CHAMONIX: THE SHOPPING FACE OF MONT-BLANC GREAT OUTDOORS, AND GREAT SHOPPING! There are lots of good things about living in a town close to the countryside, and although not large, Chamonix offers all the benefits of a large town, a stone s throw from Mont-Blanc. Here, there s no off-season. Both summer and winter tourists from all over the world throng to shops that have nothing to envy those in Europe s great capitals, in a place at a human scale. France s second highest profile city to foreigners after Paris, Chamonix keeps all its promises to those who don t think that the Great Outdoors and shopping have to be mutually exclusive

16 Family holidays Adventure trail SPENDING YOUR HOLIDAY NEXT TO A GIANT HELPS YOU GROW BIG AND STRONG! Mont-Blanc may be a giant but it is very accessible to budding mountain explorers, who can take advantage of a host of easy options for days out that will leave a big impression It s also a marvellous childhood memory factory : the marmot on the lookout beside its hole, the chamois careering down a dizzying slope, the mountaineers decked out in all their gear setting out to take on a legendary face Here, there s adventure around every corner! Walking with donkeys Family rambles Horse-drawn cart rides Climbing school Water sports centre St Bernard farm Summer tobogganing Paradis des Praz Kids mountain biking 30 31

17 Mountain lifts ON HOLIDAY, GO AS YOU PLEASE FOR THE RIGHT PRICE Get the MONT-BLANC MultiPass and use the lifts to get to everywhere in the Valley whenever you want without ever having to buy another ticket. You choose the duration and option (consecutive or non-consecutive days) and organise your sightseeing and trips the way you want to, all for a great price. Avantages You pay only once Unlimited access to all the attractions run by Compagnie du Mont-Blanc: - Aiguille du Midi (not including the Mont-Blanc Panoramic gondola lift), - Montenvers Mer de Glace - Mont-Blanc Tram Tramway du Mont-Blanc - Grands Montets - Brévent/Flégère - Balme area - Le Prarion gondola lift - Bellevue cable car Free place reservation on the Aiguille du Midi cable car and on the lift at the top of the Aiguille du Midi Informations Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, Tel.: +33 (0) Ipad, Iphone and Android applications MONT-BLANC MultiPass summer 2012 Consecutive days Adult 16 years + Reduced rate Child (4-15 years) Family 2 Adults and 1 Child 1 jour 52,20 44,00 148,40 2 days 65,90 56,00 187,80 3 days 76,10 64,00 216,20 4 days 91,30 77,60 260,20 5 days 101,40 86,20 289,00 6 days 111,60 94,90 318,10 7 days 121,70 103,40 346,80 8 days 131,80 112,00 375,60 9 days 142,00 120,70 404,70 10 days 147,10 125,00 419,20 11 days 152,10 129,30 433,50 12 days 157,20 133,60 448,00 13 days 162,30 138,00 462,60 14 days 167,30 142,20 476,80 15 days 172,40 146,50 491,30 Non-consecutive days Adult 16 years + Reduced rate Child (4-15 years) Family 2 Adults and 1 Child 2 days* 76,10 56,00 208,20 3 days* 91,30 64,00 246,60 * To be used over a period of 7 consecutive calendar days 4 days** 101,40 77,60 280,40 5 days** 111,60 86,20 309,40 6 days** 131,80 94,90 358,50 ** To be used over a period of 15 consecutive calendar days 10 days*** 162,30 125,00 449,60 15 days*** 213,00 146,50 572,50 Personal and not transferable photo obligatory (***). Use until november 30th 2012 BRING THE FAMILY! 2 adults + 1 paying child = your other children FREE Compulsory hands-free card: 3.00 * ** Photo required for passes valid for 4 non-consecutive days or more and for 10 consecutive days or more. Document not legally binding. The information and prices quoted by Compagnie du Mont-Blanc are for information purposes and may be subject to change. General terms and conditions of sale are available at all ticket offices.

18 Mountain lifts Aiguille du Midi (3 842 m) Accessible from Chamonix by cable car in just 20 minutes, the viewing terrace and visitor facilities on the Aiguille du Midi provide a spectacular 360 view of Mont Blanc and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Return trip: Adults (16 years and over): Children (4-15 years): Family*: Opening periods and access to the Panoramic Mont-Blanc: please contact us for further information. THE AMAZING ATTRACTIONS OF CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC VALLEY Lifts are accessible with the MONT-BLANC Multipass Montenvers-Mer de Glace (1913 m) The Montenvers cog railway runs from Chamonix up to the foot of the famous Mer de Glace (1,913 m) in 20 minutes, for access to the grotto cut into the heart of the glacier every year. Return trip: Adults (16 years and over): Children (4-15 years): Family*: Tramway du Mont-Blanc (2380 m) (Saint Gervais - Le Fayet) Setting out from Le Fayet, enjoy an amazing panorama of the Bionnassay Glacier on a cog-railway trip to the threshold of the high mountains. Return trip: Adults (16 years and over), journey up to the Mont Lachat: Children (4-15 years): Family*: Grands Montets (3275 m) Starting from Argentière, the cable car trip to the Plateau de Lognan (1,972 m) and on to the Aiguille des Grands Montets (3,300 m) provides a magnificent panorama of the summits of the Mont Blanc range. Return trip: Adults (16 years and over): Children (4-15 years): Family*: Brévent-Flégère (2525 m) Facing due south across to the Mont Blanc range, Brévent-Flégère is the starting point of some accessible classic long-distance footpaths that lead to several mountain lakes. Brévent: Return trip: Adults (16 years and over): Children (4-15 years): Family*: Flégère (L Index) : Adults (16 years and over): Children (4-15 years): Family*: Balme (2270 m) (Le Tour - Vallorcine) Access vast Alpine meadows just a few kilometres from the Swiss border. Le Tour - Col de Balme: Adults (16 years and over): Children (4-15 years): Family*: Vallorcine gondola lift: Adults (16 years and over): Children (4-15 years): Family*: Mountain lifts in Les Houches Both lifts are accessible with the MONT-BLANC MultiPass. Le Prarion gondola lift F Les Houches Tel : + 33 (0) Fax : + 33 (0) info@ski-leshouches.com Panoramic 8-seater gondolas take you up in just a few minutes to the Plateau du Prarion, the starting point of some great mountain biking and paragliding routes! Walkers have the opportunity to explore the Alpine meadows of La Charme, stock up on cheese and take the forest road back down to the traditional chalets in Charousse. Please note, this lift is one of the first in France designed and built to accommodate mobility-impaired visitors in complete comfort. Bellevue cable car F Les Houches Tel : + 33 (0) info@ski-leshouches.com For mountaineers, Bellevue is the main access point to Mont-Blanc. It s the starting point of the famous Tour of Mont-Blanc, a walking route accessible to everyone which takes 7 to 10 days. It is also a great way to get up high and admire a 360 panorama of the Mont-Blanc range, the Aiguilles de Chamonix and the Fiz Mountains. Experienced and beginner mountain bikers also frequently use this lift and the playground of energetic biking trails here. Categories Mountain lift fares for Les Houches, summer 2012 Tickets for Le Prarion and Bellevue lifts Single Return Day pass Adults from 16 years 11,50 14,00 16,00 Children 4 to 15 years inclusive 9,80 11,90 13,60 Family (2 adults + 2 children from the same family) - 42,00 (+ 7.00/ additional child) Tickets for Les Houches-Bellevue-Mont-Lachat (with the Tramway du Mont-Blanc) Single Return Day pass Adults from 16 years 19,10 26,70 - Children 4 to 15 years inclusive 15,90 22,50 - Document not legally binding. Prices quoted are for information purposes and may be subject to change. Special rates and other products: information and sale directly at all ticket offices. - *Family: 2 adults (parents or grandparents) + 2 children from the same family

19 Directory Resort Service provider Mountaineering Kayaking Canyoning Orienteering Rock climbing MOUNTAIN PROFESSIONALS Hydrospeed Nordic walking Paragliding Fishing Rafting Horse riding Servoz Odyssée Montagne l +33(0) Les Houches Chamonix Adventure Canyoning Escalade Jean Ladurelle Glacier hiking Via corda Via ferrata Mountain biking Telephone Web +33(0) Cham Aventure +33(0) Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix Mont-Blanc Évolution 2 AA haut vol, paragliding, skiing, mountain activities Absolute Chamonix, paragliding, speed riding, high altitude activities Ailes du Mont-Blanc Antecimes Summits, paragliding Association Internationales des Guides du Mont-Blanc +33(0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) (0) Aventure en tête +33(0) Cham Aventure +33(0) Chamonix Experience +33(0) Chamonix parapente +33(0) Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix Mont-Blanc +33(0) Mountain biking school +33(0) Evolution 2 Oxo Mont Blanc Canyoning +33(0) (0) Peak Experience +33(0) Peak Powder +33(0) Prestige outdoors specialists +33(0) Stage expéditions +33(0) UCPA Cosmique +33(0) Argentière UCPA Glaciers +33(0) Vallorcine Canyon-club du Mont-Blanc +33(0) vallorcine.fr Chamonix Aventure +33(0) Maison des Guides de Vallorcine +33(0) vallorcine.fr OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Resort Activities Telephone Web Servoz oz Diosaz Gorge Attraction visit +33(0) Les Houchesches Playgrounds Chamonix Société de pêche et de protection du milieu aquatique Lake and river fishing +33(0) Servoz Tennis Club Tennis +33(0) Les Chavants and the lake Arbre Aventure treetop trail Adventure park +33(0) Bike park Mountain biking +33(0) Indiana Kid Adventure park +33(0) Downhill mountain biking runs Mountain biking +33(0) P tit kid Adventure park +33(0) Société de pêche et de protection du milieu aquatique Lake and river fishing +33(0) Tennis Club Tennis +33(0) Union de Pétanque du Mont-Blanc Pétanque (boules) +33(0) Playgrounds in Chamonix Behind Chamonix Town Hall, MJC, and in the moraine at Argentière Rock climbing Les Gaillands, La Joux, Pierre d Orthaz, etc. Golf Golf +33(0) Miniature golf Minigolf course +33(0) Huskydalen Canirando (summer dogsled) +33(0) Summer tobogganing Summer tobogganing +33(0) Paint ball Paint Ball +33(0) Parc de loisirs de Chamonix Leisure park +33(0) Adventure trail Treetop trail +33(0) Fitness trail Fishing Les Gaillands Rivers, lakes and mountain torrents Pétanque (boules) Pétanque (boules) +33(0) Outdoor swimming pool Pool - Water garden - Water slide +33(0) Athletics track Skate park Tennis Clay and artificial courts + squash +33(0) Argentière Chamonix Mont Blanc hélicos Panoramic helicopter flights +33(0) Mountain biking Downhill, enduro, cross country +33(0) Vallorcine La Ferme de Vallorcine +33(0) Marc Van Leynseele Mountain fishing guide +33(0) Downhill mountain biking runs Downhill mountain biking +33(0) Société de pêche Sale of fishing permits +33(0) Municipal tennis courts Tennis +33(0) INDOOR ACTIVITIES Resort Activities Telephone Web Les Houches Cinebus - Espace Olca Mobile cinema +33(0) Directory Mont Blanc Escalade Indoor climbing wall +33(0) Chamonix Bowling centre Bowling - Pool - Indoor mini-golf +33(0) Casino Slot machines - Table games +33(0) Water sports centre Pool - Sauna - Steam bath - Water garden +33(0) Cinema 3 screens +33(0) Climbing wall Rock climbing +33(0) Skating rink Ice skating - Ice hockey +33(0) Weight training room, fitness and gym Weight training Fitness Gym +33(0) Tennis Tennis - Squash +33(0)

20 Directory MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES Annuaire CHILDCARE FACILITIES Resort Activities Telephone Web Servoz Rose bonbon Ages 2 months / 4 yrs +33(0) mcrosebonbon@orange.fr Les Houches Club enfants touristique Ages 18 months / 10 yrs +33(0) enfancejeunesse@leshouches.fr Day nursery Ages 3 months / 3 yrs +33(0) creche@leshouches.com Events org. and leisure centre Ages 3 years / 18 yrs +33(0) enfancejeunesse@leshouches.fr Chamonix CAP Loisirs Minimum age 3 yrs +33(0) Cham Aventure Sports sessions for ages 3 to (0) Evo2 Multi-activities for ages 6 to (0) Paradis des Praz Refreshments, games, ponies, etc. +33(0) Chamonix Leisure Park Summer tobogganing, games, etc. +33(0) Parcours Aventure Chamonix Adventure trail min. age 3 +33(0) Vallorcine Leisure centre Ages 3-11 yrs +33(0) ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS Resort Activities Telephone Web Les Houches Summer sled trip with huskies Activities with huskies +33(0) (0) Payot goat farm Visit and farm snacks +33(0) Saint Bernard farm Visit of the breeding kennels +33(0) paysdumontblanc.chiens-de-france.com La Compagnie des Ânes Walks with a donkey +33(0) Merlet Wildlife Park See the Alpine wildlife +33(0) Resort Activities Telephone Web Servoz Servoz library +33(0) biblioservoz@wanadoo.fr Maison de l Alpage +33(0) maison-alpage@ccvallede chamonixmb.fr Guided heritage tours +33(0) Les Houches Les Houches library +33(0) bibliotheque@leshouches.fr Chamonix Chamonix les Pélerins Chamonix Museum of Mountain and Rural Life +33(0) musee@leshouches.fr Guided heritage tours +33(0) Library of the Amis du vieux Chamonix association +33(0) Library/games library +33(0) Library +33(0) Cloches Artisanales Devouassoud Espace Tairraz - Mountaineering Centre Hand-made bells +33(0) Exhibition of crystals and interactive exhibition about mountaineering +33(0) Alpine Museum +33(0) Musée Wibault Exhibition of paintings +33(0) Little sightseeing train +33(0) Guided heritage tours Guided tours of Chamonix +33(0) Argentière Library +33(0) Vallorcine Vallorcine library +33(0) culture-biblio.vallorcine@orange.fr Visitor centre for the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Musée vallorcin La Maison de Barberine +33(0) (0) com/ Accommodation For details of accommodation availability in Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley log on to the tourist office websites. Brochures are also available on request from the 4 tourist offices. Servoz/Les Houches Chamonix Mont-Blanc Vallorcine Argentière Business tourism Salle municipale Jean Morel - Servoz Tél. +33 (0) Espace Olca - Les Houches Tél : +33 (0) olca@leshouches.com Bureau des congrès - Chamonix Tél. +33 (0) Cinéma Vox - Chamonix Meeting rooms Tél. +33 (0) EVENTS DIARY Thursday 31 May to Saturday 2 June 2nd Mont-Blanc Versant Durable Festival, Chamonix Friday 29 June KM VERTICAL à Chamonix Friday 29 June to Sunday 1 July Mont-Blanc cross-country race and marathon, Chamonix Thursday 12 and Friday 13 July Climbing World Cup and climbing Festival, Chamonix Friday 13 July Bastille Day celebrations - Fête Nationale and fireworks, Chamonix - Concert and Fête Nationale with the Les Houches municipal wind band, Servoz Saturday 14 July Bastille Day celebrations - Fête Nationale and ceremony, Chamonix; firework display, Argentière - Refreshments, firework display and Dance at the Lac des Chavants, Les Houches Saturday 14 July Vallorcine: concert by Echo du Buet in Place de la Gare, dance and firework display Tuesday 17 July Concert, Baroque festival, Vallorcine Church Thursday 19 and Friday 20 July Servoz en Ébullition Music, meal and film showing, Servoz Monday 23 July to Saturday 4 August Festival Rencontres et Nature, Les Houches & Servoz - 16th Festival Wednesday 24 to Sunday 29 July Cosmojazz Festival, Chamonix Valley Thursday 2 August Piano concert with Véronique Thual Chauvel, Vallorcine Church Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August 45th minerals fair, Chamonix Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 August Musicaltitude Festival, Chamonix Sunday 12 to Wednesday 15 August Fête des Guides, Chamonix Wednesday 15 August Village fête and festival of artisan traditions, Vallorcine Wednesday 15 August Craft market, Servoz. Monday 27 August to Sunday 2 September The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, Chamonix Valley 15 and 16 September European Heritage Open Days Chamonix Valley Sunday 30 September Trail des Aiguilles Rouges Sunday 7 October Chirvathlon: running, road cycling and mountain biking race, Servoz Sunday 14 October Sheep Fair, Servoz Horse riding Horse rides +33(0) Vallorcine Evasion Nordique cani rando Summer sledding with huskies +33(0) Val horse inn Pony rides +33(0) Friday 10 to Sunday 12 August Mountain Film Festival, Chamonix 38 Espace Tairraz 39

21 Practical information Practical information G E T T I N G H E R E Road Road travel information Tel +33 (0) Via France Accessed directly via the Autoroute Blanche (A40), which connects to the European motorway network. Via Switzerland Motorway to Martigny, Col de la Forclaz, Col des Montets. Via Italy 15 km from the border via the Mont-Blanc Tunnel. Lyon Londres Paris Genève Annecy Rail SNCF railway stations in the resorts St Gervais - Le Fayet / Vallorcine / Martigny (CH) line. TGV Connections: Annecy, Bellegarde, Genève, Lausanne SNCF information: Vallorcine Servoz Les Houches Lausanne SUISSE Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Mont-Blanc 4810m ITALIE Milan Air Geneva International Airport (88 km) Tel +41 (0) Lyon - Saint Exupéry International Airport (220 km) Tel +33 (0) Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Airport (Annecy - 90 km) Tel +33 (0) Coach services & airport transfers Daily connections with Geneva and Italy. SAT Tel/Fax +33 (0) LOCAL TRAVEL Alternatives to the car: unlimited use of rail and bus services throughout the Valley Mont-Blanc Express Train The SNCF line serves all the villages from Saint Gervais / Le Fayet to Martigny (Switzerland), via Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine. Travel on the SNCF line from Servoz to Vallorcine is free and unlimited to holders of a Carte d Hôte guest card provided by your accommodation provider on arrival. Trains run approximately every hour. Information: at SNCF railway stations Or on the websites: Bus / Shuttle services Scheduled urban transport services throughout the valley (free between Servoz and Le Tour to holders of a Carte d Hôte guest card provided by your accommodation provider on arrival). Chamonix Bus Tel +33 (0) Fax +33 (0) chamonixbus@transdev.eu CAR PARKS / TAXIS PRIVATE TRANSPORT Car parks in Chamonix 4,000 parking spaces. 3 covered car parks: Chamonix sud, Saint Michel and Place du Mont-Blanc. Parking for up to 1 hour: free. Free Les Mulets shuttle service around the town centre. Chamonix Parc Auto Tel +33 (0) Car parks in Les Houches Le Tourchet: 60 spaces Village centre: 80 spaces Les Chavants: 200 spaces Taxis, private transport A list of taxi firms and private transport operators is available on request from the tourist offices. WEATHER / SAFETY Météo France 7-day forecast updated 3 times a day +33 (0) cdm74@meteo.fr Weather bulletins posted at the Maison de la Montagne and Tourist Office. Météo Chamonix 5-day forecast Pôle montagne risk Mountain weather information and safety display. Free admission.. Maison de la Montagne Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm. polemontagnerisk@chamoniarde.com Office de Haute-Montagne A central point providing comprehensive information on conditions and safety in the mountains. Maison de la Montagne Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm. Tel +33 (0) ohm-info@chamonix.com EMERGENCY NUMBERS / USEFUL NUMBERS Fire service 18 SAMU (medical emergencies) 15 International emergency number from a mobile phone: 112 Ambulances Tel +33 (0) Chamonix Hospital Tel +33 (0) , route des pélerins - Chamonix Sallanches Hospital Tel +33 (0) , rue de l hôpital - Sallanches (has a haemodialysis centre) Medical analysis laboratory Tel +33 (0) , rue Helbronner - Chamonix P.G.H.M (mountain rescue) Tel +33 (0) , route de la Mollard - Chamonix Overnight, Sunday and public holiday service Out-of-hours doctor and pharmacy 15 Out-of-hours dentist Tel +33 (0) There are general practice surgeries in Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix and Argentière, plus many specialists: paediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, etc. Full list available on request from the Tourist Offices. Document not legally binding Prices are for information purposes and in euros.photograph & illustration rights: Bozon J-Chappaz S-Poirot JCH-Labarbe P-Dalmasso M-Cie du Mont Blanc- Colonel M-Esope-Cosmojazz-Music Altitude-Club des Sports Chamonix-UTMB-Goy B-Hotel Albert 1 er -Parc de Loisirs des Planards-Golf Club Chamonix-Espace Tairraz-Cie des Guides-Ravanel D-Herbke S-Office de Tourisme Les Houches & Servoz sunt-fotolia.com Translation: La Rose des Vents Design/Production: Publicis Activ Annecy +33 (0) Manufactured by Beecom Direct Imprim vert -certified printing 40 41

22 Tourist offices Servoz Les Houches Vallorcine Chamonix Mont-Blanc Argentiere Les Houches and Servoz Tourist Office*** Le bouchet - F Servoz Tel +33 (0) info@servoz.com - >Opening hours July and August: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm Other dates: 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Closed on Sundays and public holidays Les Houches and Servoz Tourist Office*** BP 09 - F Houches Tel +33 (0) Fax +33(0) info@leshouches.com - >Opening hours 15 June to 15 September: Daily from 8.30am to 12pm and 2.15pm to 6.30pm Other dates: 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Closed on Sundays and public holidays Vallorcine Tourist Office** Le Betté - F Vallorcine Tel +33 (0) Fax : +33(0) info@vallorcine.com - >Opening hours July and August: Daily from 9am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm Other periods: 9am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm Closed on Sundays, Wednesdays and public holidays Chamonix Tourist Office**** 85, place du Triangle de l Amitié - BP Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Cedex Tel +33 (0) Fax +33 (0) info@chamonix.com - >Opening hours From Mid-April to the end of June: Daily from 9am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm From July to mid-september: Daily non-stop from 9am to 7pm Argentière Tourist Office **** 24, route du Village Argentière Tel +33 (0) Fax +33 (0) argentiere.info@chamonix.com >Opening hours June and September: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm. Closed on Sundays July and August: Daily from 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm Best of the Alps is the brand shared by the very best holiday destinations throughout the Alps. Each member of this prestigious group meets the most demanding requirements of its international clientèle. An ultra-modern infrastructure, the unspoilt atmosphere of a mountain village, warm, friendly and top-quality service and a full range of services both summer and winter ensure that you will have a wonderful and unforgettable holiday. The Best of the Alps village destinations wish you a cordial welcome! Holiday planner Prepare your holiday in Servoz and Les Houches the easy way with the new online tool available on our websites. Tell us what you re looking for and what you want to do and we ll provide you with various suggestions and all the information you need to personalise your holiday. You can go back to and change your selections at any time. Create your holiday planner at or wwww.leshouches.com Famille Plus Montagne label: The resort of Les Houches is one of the French resorts awarded the Famille Plus Montagne label. This label is granted in recognition of the facilities and services provided for families and children, and the resort undertakes to provide a personalised welcome and events and activities suitable for guests of all ages at great prices, with improved awareness by resort professionals of what children want. Notre Village Terre d Avenir label: This label, awarded by the Association Nationale Notre Village Terre d Avenir (recognised by the French Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and the Sea as an expert body in the implementation of the Agendas 21 by rural local authorities), enables a local Agenda 21 programme of environmental, economic and social initiatives to be pursued. TOURIST OFFICES This brand proves conformity with standard NF X and the NF237 certification rules. It guarantees that the tourist activities and information and the evaluation and improvement of service quality are regularly checked by AFNOR Certification. 11 rue Francis de Pressensé La Plaine Saint-Denis Cedex - France Ces labels concernent l Office de Tourisme de Chamonix Mont-Blanc 42 43

23 EXPERIENCE WINTER IN THE CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC VALLEY