Budget Indian Travelers today I will take you to a winter wonderland called “Chamonix” .Chamonix (also known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc) is a town in south-eastern France, situated at 1035 metres, at the foot of Mont Blanc. It’s located in the northern side of the Alpes, very close to the border line with Switzerland and Italy. This french town also has a great history. It is one of the world’s earliest ski resorts and it actually hosted the first winter Olympic Games, in 1924. Chamonix is internationally appreciated for its location but also for its activities – it is well known as a perfect place for winter sports.
How to get to Chamonix?
There are many ways to get to Chamonix. It depends on your preferences and your plans for the journey. You can get there:
- By train
This option is good for those who don’t have a car, but it is quite restrictive if you want to wander around and visit other places in the same area. If you are a family, maybe it’s a complicated option, but if you are a couple or an adventurous solo traveller it may become a good choice. It depends if you are willing to stay in one place or if you want to see more places around.
- By plane + transfer
The closest airport is Geneva (at 80 km), but also, based on your departure town and your itinerary, you may consider other airports, like Lyon, Grenoble, or Turin. From all these locations there are many transfer opportunities. These are popular because they usually take care of everything and they make sure you’ll get from point A to point B with no hassle. That’s why airport transfers could be much more relaxing than other travel options.
- By car
There is always a possibility to travel by car, but it depends where you come from and how long you are willing to drive for. If your departure point is not very far away, this may be a good option. But otherwise, you have to think about advantages and disadvantages. Pay attention to details like: who’s driving, how many drivers there are, how many hours you will have to drive for, and how easy are the roads, what are the toll and petrol costs, etc. These are very important, in order to make the best decision for you.
2. Activities and attractions
Even if the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a recommended place for winter sports, that doesn’t mean that this is all you can do. The town itself it’s a great place to visit and it can offer great activities during both summer and winter. This location is perfect for many types of travellers – families, single travellers, couples, and groups. We, Budget Indian Traveler went for Aiguille du Midi.
Aiguille du Midi 3842m – Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
The Aiguille du Midi is a 3842m peak in the Mont Blanc massif of the French Alps. This is the closest you can get to the summit of Mont-Blanc without hiking or climbing.
The Aiguille du Midi is the highest mountain peak served by an aerial lift system. The name translates literally to “Needle of the Mid-day”. The mountain lies to the south-east of Chamonix and when viewed from in front of the church it indicates that it is noon when the sun passes over its summit.
The Aiguille du Midi Cable Car – Journey
The Aiguille du Midi cable car leaves from the centre of Chamonix Town (1035m) up to the summit of the Aiguile du Midi (3842m). You can see here the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car opening closing dates and times and summer – winter prices for the Aiguille du Midi lift, Montenvers train and the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car to Point Helbronner.
It is a two-stage journey. The first leg brings visitors to the Plan de l’Aiguille (2,317m). The second stage, without any support pillar, traverses Les Pelerins glacier before rising up the North Face of the Aiguille du Midi at the top station (3778m). A footbridge connects the cable car top station with the Central Piton terrace. An elevator inside the rock rises the visitor the final 42m to the top terrace at an altitude of 3,842m.
From the terraces of the Aiguille du Midi, there is a departure point for the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car, the highest cable car in the world, which connects France to Italy. The 5km journey goes across the Mont Blanc Massif, from the Aiguille du Midi to Point Helbronner. From Point Helbronner, the Funivie cable car line descends into the La Palud area of Courmayeur, Italy. Rebuilt and re-opened in 2015, the Italian top station is a nice place to visit, with a sunny terrace with 360 degree views of the Mont Blanc massif, and a different perspective of the mountains.
The Aiguille du Midi cable car holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent: 2807m (from 1035m to 3842m). This is the closest you can get to the Mont Blanc on a lift system. From here, there is no cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc.
Christmas in Chamonix
Christmas in Chamonix is a magical time of year – officially declared when the lights are turned on at the beginning of December. The opening night is a traditional one, complete with vin chaud, hot chocolate and live music, and marks the beginning of a season filled with festivity and fun. In Christmas Budget Indian Traveler we witnessed a big christmas carnival.
To really take time out and relax, you can visit one of the many world-class spas in the resort and treat yourself to some luxurious pampering. What better way to accompany it than with a shopping spree in the town’s high-end boutiques and designer stores. You can also browse the Christmas markets, sampling local crafts and produce whilst sipping on some hot mulled wine.
Food and drink in Chamonix is also of the highest acclaim, with many restaurants putting on special Christmas menus so you can really dine out in festive style. From traditional, local dishes to gourmet cuisine – Chamonix has it all.
Chamonix is a winter wonderland in France. If you visit France don’t miss this place, an advice from Budget Indian Traveler. Chamonix is also the birth place of the luxury band Mont blanc. The famous Mont Blanc Pen is from this place.
