Chamonix forms part of a
region known as Chamonix/Mont Blanc, comprising half a dozen
neighbouring villages and hamlets - notably Argentiere, Les
Bossons and Les Houches. Chamonix itself was once a small
village but has grown steadily as the surrounding mountains
- the most famous of which is Mont Blanc - attract more and
more visitors. It now measures about 2 mls by ½ ml
with a permanent population of 10,000. Much of the development
is sensitive to the region, although the town centre is rather
commercialised. However you can still conjure up its village
origins in the cobbled streets of the extensive pedestrianised
area around the central square. It is a popular year-round
base and its size and valley location mean it can get excessively
crowded in high season (Jan to March and July to Aug); it
is generally quiet mid to late spring and mid to late autumn.
Suitability:
Sophisticated and expensive, it attracts a high proportion
of well-heeled visitors from USA, Japan and Europe. Plenty
to keep intermediate and advanced skiers happy; not best suited
to beginners.
Accommodation:
Broad choice of hotels and equal number of rented apartments
and chalets. Hotel quality and prices range widely but are
well above average - the rates often considerably higher than
elsewhere in France. |
