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Originally a farmhouse this rustic mountain refuge has an intimate feel
The Auberge de Bionnassay refuge is a converted farm building from the late 18th century. It offers a traditional cosy feel with stone fire places and beautiful views from the terrace.
The refuge can sleep up to 45 people, with one dormitory of 20 beds and smaller rooms for 2, 4 or 6 people. It is advisable that you book in advance through the website. For groups of 10 or more people, you will need to contact them via telephone.
Accommodation can be booked on a half-board, B&B or bed-only basis; children under the age of 12 are welcome and private rooms can reserved according to availability.
The Auberge de Bionnassay is open from June to September. Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
The refuge is easily accessible.
By car, once in St Gervais, take the road towards les Contamines followed by the Routé de Bionnay which will lead you straight into Bionnassay.
You can also travel to St Gervais by train and then take the Tramway du Mont Blanc to the Col de Voza and then walk to Bionassay (25 mins).
This two to three training course is followed by a three-day ascent and is for people with a high level of fitness. An unforgettable experience, to reach the summit will test the skills you have learnt along the way.
Enjoy a longer flight than the usual tandem paraglide and experience an amazing trip above the mountains to give you an incredible feeling of flying like an eagle.
'The best photo class you will ever take', is Teresa's bold strapline for her unique photo walk classes, which take place in the incredible outdoors of the Chamonix Valley and offer an opportunity to photograph the major mountains and viewpoints.
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day on the mountain, Big Mountain Bar has you sorted. Settle into the relaxed bar area or soak up the sunshine from the terrace.
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
The Tramway du Mont Blanc runs from the bottom of the valley in Le Fayet all the way up to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,380m above Les Houches.
Les Houches sits at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley and is a popular place for hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers in the summer months.
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
This little museum is housed in the same building as the post office and library in the village centre of Servoz.
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
Bellevue is a cable car lift located in the centre of Les Houches, easily accessible by bus or by car, it has a large car park.
The Prarion gondola gives access to the whole of the Les Houches ski area; the local bus stops right outside and there is a car park within just a few minutes walk.
Les Houches has 2 cross-country ski areas, both of which are free to use.
The Brévent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
The Aiguille du Midi summits at a height of 3,842m and is the starting point for the famous Vallée Blanche off-piste route. There is a dedicated lift pass office here which can sell you tickets not only for the Midi but also any of the other lifts in the valley.
This ticket office not only sells tickets for the Montenvers train but also all other lift passes for the area that Compagnie du Mont Blanc cover.
Les Houches is one of the largest towns in the Chamonix Valley, spreading over 8km from Vaudagne and the Col de Voza at one end, towards the bottom of the Taconnaz glacier and the Merlet Animal park at the other.
Les Bossons is a sleepy little village just a five-minute drive from the centre Chamonix on the road to Les Houches. It is fairly spread out and consists mainly of chalet-style properties and is popular with families due to its school.
Chamonix is a lively market town known as both a world-class ski resort and mountaineering destination. Consequently, it is bustling with activity, in both the winter and summer seasons. Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc (4,810m) - the highest in Western Europe.
Les Praz is a small picturesque village on the outskirts of Chamonix. The village is surrounded by forests and streams making it an idyllic mountain hideaway and a popular place to live. You will find many chalet-style properties in this area. It is also home to a number of good bars and restaurants.
Argentière is a picturesque village within the Chamonix Valley and is just a short 10-minute car journey from Chamonix town. This charming village has been less affected by wealthy tourists and ex-patriots from various countries who have chosen to make their living in the mountains. It therefore retains a lot of authentic French charm and has a beautiful unspoilt high street with patisseries, boulangeries and wine bars.
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix Valley in the Domaine de la Balme area. Take a stroll around the back streets to see some of the classically Alpine-style houses and the church dome. Look up to see the glaciers reaching down towards you, which are really impressive even in the height of summer.
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
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