Requin hut refuge (2516m), Massif du Mont-Blanc
Popular hut that is reached from the Mer de Glace or the Vallée Blanche
With beds for 57 people this is a popular refuge that is fairly easily accessed and gives even better access to some fantastic ski runs, climbs and general fun.
Often known as being the half way point on the off piste Vallée Blanche ski run, this is a good spot to stop for some food and to soak up the views across this magnificent valley and its peaks and glaciers.
"Requin" means shark in French and the hut is named after the fin-shaped rock that towers above it.
The refuge offers half-board, B&B or bed only accommodation and is also open for lunch to anyone passing by. Bedding is included in the price but for hygiene reasons you are obliged to bring your own sheet or sleeping bag liner.
The hut is staffed from mid-January to the end of August. The hut is also open for up to 20 people outside of this period but is unstaffed.
Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
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Directions
In summer the refuge can be accessed from the Mer de Glace; climb up the left bank of the glacier and follow the ladders and fixed ropes until you come to a path that leads you directly under the refuge.
In winter access is on skis via the Vallée Blanche.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
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.
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Photoshoot of You & Your Pet
Here’s an opportunity to let a professional photographer capture the true bond between a man and his dog... cat, or otherwise!
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Cinema VOX
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.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Canyoning
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
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Tandem Paragliding
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.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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L'Adret de la Flégère Restaurant
Their restaurant located in the Flégère ski area has been completely renovated for this winter.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
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Le Mayen Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
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.
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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Step Into the Void
Step into the Void is a visitor attraction on the Aiguille du Midi, a reinforced glass box suspended 1,000m above the void.
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Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi is the highest point that can be accessed by cable car in the Chamonix valley. The station stands at 3,842m and is situated directly across from Mont Blanc.
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Panoramic gondola - Aiguille du Midi
The Panoramic Mont Blanc gondola operates during the summer months, connecting the Aiguille du Midi with the Skyway Monte Bianco lift at Helbronner, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
No trip to Chamonix should be complete without a visit to the legendary Mer de Glace, the longest and arguably the most impressive glacier in the Chamonix valley. It is also the largest glacier in France.
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Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
See all Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix-
Planards beginner ski area and lifts
Les Planards is very much a family and beginner area, with nursery slopes and other fun activities on offer. Situated just beside the Montenvers Train station it's easily accessible.
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Aiguille du Midi Ski Pass Office
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.
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Montenvers Ski Pass Office
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.
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Chamonix Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
The Chamonix cross-country ski trails are easily accessed from the centre of town and are located near to the sports centre.
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Brévent Ski Area & Lifts
The Brévent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
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Flégère Ski Area & Lifts
La Flégère is a large south-facing ski area accessed by a cable car from the village of Les Praz; you can reach this lift pass office at the bottom of the cable care in just 10 minutes by bus, train or car from Chamonix town.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
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Chamonix Mont Blanc
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.
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Les Praz
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.
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Les Bossons
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.
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Les Houches
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.
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Argentière
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.
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Le Tour
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.