Chamonix, France, is considered by many people around the world to be one of the best resorts on the planet for alpine sports. Some of the finest skiers and mountain athletes come here, attracting by its beauty and challenging slopes. In fact, Chamonix is best known for being the venue for the first winter Olympics in 1924. This commune is located in south-eastern France, in the Rhone-Alpes Region. It has a steady population of about 10,000 people. Apart from it’s reputation as a top ski resort, frantic shopping in numerous specialty stores may be the next most demanding activity here.

The region between Chamonix and Mont Blanc consists of villages and hamlets, the most notable being Les Houches, Les Bossons, and Argentiere. Once a small village, Chamonix still has cobbled streets, although the town center now has many shops and restaurants. Because of its size, about two miles by half-a-mile, it gets quickly crowded during the peak ski seasons, from January to March, then from July to August, although its fast becoming popular year round.

Art & Entertainment

There is always much to do in Chamonix. Of course, the main attraction is the mountain and the ski area. Then there is the Flegere cable car in the valley’s heart which gives access to the finest high Alpine paths in Europe; the Montenvers train that takes visitors from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace glacier; the specialty shops in the Chamonix Leisure park area like the Cha’Cha’Cha; and the local bars like the Bar National that has a strong international atmosphere. There are also numerous activities available here in the various parks: boat flying, swing giant, electric motorcycles, adventure parks, chair lifts, summer sleds, trampolines, toboggans, slides, and so on. Ultimately, Chamonix is a family place where people come to have a good time shopping, dining, playing, sauntering around, and skiing or mountain climbing.

Food and drink

Savoyarde Specialties, regional dishes of meat, cheese, fondues, and raclette, can be found in several restaurants. They can be found in the heart of the town centre, La Caleche, also called La Maison des Specialties; on Place Blamat, close to the Casion is La Monchu; and in cosy, intimate restaurants like Le Bivouac and Le Bergerie. Further up the valley, for year round lunch and dinner meals, there is Hotel Lanchers in Les Praz de Chamonix

The Alps.

The postcode for Chamonix is 74400

Chamonix HC was created in 1910.

Chamonix is pronounced as "sha-mo-NEE."