CHAMONIX- STAY FOR LESS "EURO"

CHAMONIX is Frances legendary Mountaineering & Ski Centre lying in the narrow River Avre Valley , over looked by Europe's highest Mountain – MONT BLANC (MB) 4807 mtrs . This is an impressive location with Snow Capped Mountains with Glaciers below. There's plenty to do here from easy low level to more challenging walks by Train or Cable Car to higher altitudes, or just go window shopping & relax in the Town Centre – the choice is yours!

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – CHAMONIARD VOLANT HOSTEL, at 45 Route de la Frasse (15 mins from the Rail Station, on the flat) tele 33 450 531409 – www.hostelbookers.com - E14 in 4 bed dorms (sheets extra E4) with separate w/c's & shower room downstairs. Basic S/C Kitchen with fridge, gas hobs plus utensils (it does provide breakfasts for E5 & dinner E12) Reception offers a sitting area with slow Internet m/c but only open 10 to 10. This is a large Rustic Hostel in a great setting, clean & tidy, & easy for the Town Centre.

Reserve – Chamonix YHA, at 127, Montee Jaques Balmat, Les Pelerins d'en Haut (2km from Rail Station & need to take infrequent Bus #5) tele 33 450 531 452 www.fuaj.org - E17 in Summer dorms with all mod cons. A large Hostel in great location below MB but too far away from Chamonix Central

FOOD, best value, is found in the SUPER U Supermarket in the Centre with daily fresh baguettes & Camembert cheeses for lunchtime treats, but go to Casino S/M for cheaper Rhone wine

TRAVELLING AROUND – getting here from Geneva is easy with the 2 x daily SAT Bus service direct from the Airport or City for E35 or E55 return. Onward to Switzerland is via the Monte Blanc (panorama)Express to Martigny. In & around Chamonix you can take advantage of your free GUEST PASS (given at the Hostel) to use all the local Busses & Trains within the Valley area – great! The Mountain Trains & Cable Cars have, however, to be paid for

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. TOWN CENTRE WALK – by the rushing Avre to the smart Shops & Restaurants & good Info/C
2. MONT BLANC VIEW – initially confusing till you know MB's exact location; see postcards
3. MONT BLANC TUNNEL – entrance high up on a twisting Motorway with good view into Valley
4. BOSSONS GLACIER WALK – on from MBT up Bridle Path to end of Flow with Ice Crevasses
5. LES PRAZ WALK – to Golf Course, into Forest & wild strawberry path to La Flegere Gondola
6. PARA GLIDER FIELD – relax & look upward to see Floating Sheets descend & land near Hostel
7. AIGUILLE DU MIDI VIEW – another great Mountain Peak near MB with summit viewing Tower
8. TRAIN RIDES – use Guest Pass to visit picturesque Valley Villages - to Les Houches or Argentiere
9. PARC ADVENTURE WALK – just behind Hostel in Forest, then cross Luge Bridge to Ski Fields
10. BIBLIOTEC – no Internet here but good selection of local Mountain picture books & cool rest

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. MONTENVERS “RED” TRAIN – classic journey to 1880 Grand Hotel with Glacier & Cave
2. PARC DE MERLET – in Les Houches to see Mammots, Chamois, & other Alpine creatures

* Matt & Gary ( York , Mont Blanc), Mike & Haden ( UK , Mont Blanc ) Colette (Meds S F) Rolls Royce

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