Vallot refuge and bivouac hut (4362m)
Small bivvy hut situated between Dome du Gouter and Mont Blanc
Open all year this very basic, unguarded hut sleeps up to 12 people (although in busy periods there tend to be a few overspilling onto the benches and floor areas).
At an altitude of 4,362 metres, this is one of the last places you can stop on the way to tackle the summit of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
More of a small bivvy hut than an actual refuge, the facilities are basic and it's meant for emergency use rather than a planned overnight stop. It's mainly for climbers in trouble or taking on longer routes in the area.
Although in a fantastic remote spot, here are a few things to think about if you end up near this hut:
- it is officially not allowed to plan to bivvy there, the hut is reserved for climbers in a case of emergency (think about it!)
- the hut is totally remote, if the weather is changing, you're caught in a bad place
- located at an altitude of 4,362m - if you're not well acclimatised you'll have problems the next day
- the hut is sometimes unfortuantely left very dirty
You're asked to pay a small fee per night if you do use the hut to go toward upkeep and maintenance of this emergency site.
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Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Introductory Tandem Paraglide
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
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Chamonix Holiday Planning & Travel Scout - Teresa Kaufman
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
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Cross Country Tandem Paraglide
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.
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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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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.
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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.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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Fลhn Restaurant
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flรฉgรจre ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
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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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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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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, itโs a favourite with both locals and visitors.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Tramway du Mont-Blanc
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.
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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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Step Into the Void
Step into the Void is a visitor attraction on the Aiguille du Midi, a reinforced glass boxย suspended 1,000m above the void.
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Les Bossons glacier
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.
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Montagnard museum
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.
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
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Les Houches Foyer de Ski de Fond (Cross-country Skiing)
Les Houches has 2 cross-country ski areas, both of which are free to use.
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Bellevue Ski Pass Office
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.
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Prarion Ski Pass Office
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.
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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 Vallรฉe 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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Brรฉvent Ski Area & Lifts
The Brรฉvent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
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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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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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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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Argentiรจre
Argentiรจre 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.