Le Lavancher to Refuge Buvette du Chapeau

• Drive to hamlet of le Lavancher
• Continue driving up the road until you can’t drive any further … park your car [here]
• Then walk up and back on same track to the refuge buvette du Chapeau .. approx 45 mins each way
• The refuge is open for refreshments and is also a good spot for lunch / dinner with great views over Chamonix Town (reservation recommended).
• Option to continue to a viewing platform of Mer du Glace (approx. 15 mins past buvette).
• Check the following links – Instagram 1 | Facebook | Instagram 2

(For a longer option, you can also take the walking track Petit Balcon Nord from Argentiere to le Lavancher … plan for 1hr extra each way from Argentiere to le Lavancher and back to Argentiere again)

Les Nants Chamonix to Refuge Floria

• Start in Chamonix in the hamlet of les Nants – google maps coordinates [here]
• Look for hiking track to chalet de la Floria
• Nice, easy and scenic walk up and back on same track … approx 45 mins each way … incredible panoramic views along the track with lots of shade for hot sunny days … refreshments and lunch options available at chalet de la Floria
• Check the following links – Instagram or Facebook

Le Buet to la Cascade de Berard

• Drive or take train to hamlet of le Buet (over col des Montets)
• Park at le Buet train station – google maps coordinates – [here]
• Walk up the Berard valley approximately 15-30 mins until you reach the scenic waterfalls – la cascade de berard
• You will also find the buvette de la cascade de berard for refreshments and food options [here]
• Historical cave to visit behind the buvette de la cascade
• Via Ferrata de la Cascade de Berard is also located here – very scenic and highly recommended.
• Check the following links – Instagram or Facebook

(From the cascades you can return the way you came or you can complete an easy scenic route as explained below)

• Continue past the cascades and go up the Berard Valley approximately 15 mins before crossing the river at trail point marked Fontana Freda alt 1518m.
• After crossing the river bridge, loop back down the valley and follow hiking trail signs to hamlet of Sur le Rocher
• At Sur le Rocher you can descent back to le Buet or continue a little higher to hamlet of les Granges before heading back to le Buet again.
• Upon return, take a beer or snack/meal at the iconic Le Buet Hotel … this historical hotel dates back to days when there were no roads but only a hiking trail that connected Le Buet to the Chamonix Valley (ask back tender for a look at the photo album that outlines history of the hotel). The outdoor beer garden is a fantastic place to have a small relax after your hike.  A chosen destination of Anthony Bourdain in his visit to Chamonix.

Argentiere – le Planet – Argentiere

• Start point … chemin du vieux four, Argentiere … begin hike by walking in the direction of Chamonix
• Turn left at chalet le Marti into chemin de la moraine
• Continue straight ahead about 500m’s and continue under train bridge onto chemin des Rambles (gravel road)
• Go up track and take the walking track (behind the 2nd chalet on the left)
• Follow hiking trail signs and continue to the hamlet of le Planet in direction of le Tour
• At le Planet, go down thru the residential part of the hamlet and follow the hiking trails signs that take you back into Argentiere whereby you return in a loop manner via chemin du vieux four.
• Check following link for hiking route – Argentiere -> le Planet -> Argentiere– approx 40mins

(For a picturesque extension, take the route ‘Randonne de Peclerey’ to ‘Le Tour’ and then loop back on the petit balcon to le Planet and then onto Argentiere).

I hope this helps … HAPPY ADVENTURES!!!!!!

Click [here] for Best Hiking Trails in Chamonix and Argentiere

Click [here] for The 5 Best Day Trips from Chamonix

Summer chalet accommodation options available here – Luxury Summer Chalets in Chamonix

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The Alpine region of Chamonix, nestled in the beautiful mountain scenery, offers something for everyone all year round. From adrenaline-fuelled water sports to relaxing with a spot of fishing or gentle hiking, there are plenty of activities to enjoy when staying in a Chamonix mountain chalet. Here are just a few to inspire you.

Cycling

Cycling in the Alps is pretty extreme, and Chamonix or surrounding areas are frequently a part of the Tour de France. If you’d like to give mountain biking a go, then you should be able to hire a suitable bike from a place in the town. Check out the difficulty of the route before you set off!

Water Sports

During the summer, Chamonix comes alive with exciting water sports which can be enjoyed in the fast running rivers and lakes in the area. Ride the rapids in canoes or on a special white water rafting float. Alternatively, find a canyoning guide and use the river as an obstacle course. You’ll have to plunge into deep waters, abseil down rocky descents and ride the river rapids – it’s great fun for all the family as long as you all have good swimming skills.

Bungee Jumping

Want to see the stunning scenery from another angle? Nearby in St Gervais, you can bungee jump off a very high bridge – if you dare! Not many people think of Chamonix as an adrenaline activity destination during the summer, but there is plenty to choose from.

Golf

If you’d prefer some relaxation on your holiday, then perhaps a round of golf would suit? The golf course here offers incredible views of Mont Blanc and other Alpine peaks, so let the scenery inspire you on the course.

Paragliding

Have you ever wanted to know how it feels to fly? Paragliding is very popular in Chamonix, and there are a number of companies which allow visitors to try a tandem paragliding experience. The instructor will steer the parachute as you glide from the mountaintops, so all you have to worry about is sitting back and enjoying the view!

Whatever you’d like to arrange for your mountain chalet holiday, we can help. We have plenty of local contacts and years of local knowledge to pass onto you!

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Are you ready to get wet and feel the rush of white water rafting this summer? Whether you’re a beginner and want to try a tame river or you’re craving an adrenaline packed experience, here are the options in the Mont Blanc mountain region.

Chamonix and Passy

If you’re not an experienced rafter or you have young children in your group, then you’ll want to try out the beginner rapids on the lower grade Dranse River. If you choose the Chamonix experience you should be able to walk to the starting point, and the excursion provider will drive you back in a minibus. Children 10 years and over can take part in the Chamonix rafting trip, but if you have younger children then you’ll have to book onto the Passy trip. This route is a little bit calmer and the gentle waters can be enjoyed by anyone aged seven or over.

Courmayeur

Rafting in Courmayeur is not for the faint hearted! You’ll ride the action packed waves on the Dora Baltea in Italy – one of the most powerful rivers in the Alps. Your guide will help you navigate the wild rapids of the river and enjoy the roller coaster, but you must be a good swimmer. Many white water rafting companies in Chamonix offer day trips to the Italian side of the Alps with transport included in the price. If you want to raft as a family, bear in mind that you must be at least 15 years old to raft the Dora Baltea.

Ready to ride the rapids? Book a luxury chalet with us and we’ll help you organise all your activities. In addition to white water rafting you can also try hydrospeed, canoe rafting and canyoning for an action-packed holiday!

The post White water rafting options in Chamonix and Courmayeur appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

Take a look at Marmotte Mountain’s round up of summer 2017’s most exciting events.

21^st June – Fête de la Musique

Each year on the 21^st June, the summer solstice, France throws a huge celebration of music. This musical event started in 1982 to celebrate all kinds of music and promote free performances in public places, and has since grown into an international experience. There’s a real party atmosphere all over the country, so why not indulge in some live music while holidaying in Chamonix?

22^nd – 25^th June – Mont Blanc Marathon

This busy event is enjoyable for keen runners who would like to get involved as well as spectators. Staged on the highest and most majestic mountain in the European Alps, the Mont Blanc marathon includes six different races and trails, ranging from children’s races to the very challenging 80K. Of course it’s a marathon with a difference – vertical gains!

30^th June – 2^nd July – Chamonix Yoga Festival

This inclusive yoga festival returns to Chamonix for the 4^th times, attracting yogis from all over the world. The three day event programme includes yoga classes by 27 different teachers, massage sessions, kids workshops, acro yoga classes and body painting. If you like to relax in between full days of activities then book a slot and take part.

22^nd July – 30^th July – Cosmo Jazz Festival

Open air jazz performances in the stunning mountain region of the Chamonix valley…need we say more?! The Cosmo jazz festival takes over the valley for nine days and you can expect to see musicians performing all day and night in a range of settings – in a cable car cabin, at an altitude site with panoramic views or in bars in the town centre.

5^th August – Fête de Lac

If you’re staying in Chamonix at the start of August, it’s well worth a trip to Annecy for the Lake Annecy Festival. It’s a beautiful place to visit by day, but in the evening it hosts Europe’s largest pyrotechnic show. The annual event welcomes around 200,000 spectators each year for this magical show combining fireworks, music, lighting and special effects.

For more top tips when planning your summer holiday to Chamonix, get in touch with our local experts.

The post Chamonix Summer Festivals and Events appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.

Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve – Lac Blanc

If you’re looking for stunning summer views then this walk should be top of your list. From the Flegere cable car lift, the hike to the lake is around two hours and manageable for most levels. On reaching the lake you’ll enjoy breath-taking views of Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi and it also overlooks the Mer de Glace. It’s a fantastic spot for a picnic, or alternatively there is also a hut to buy food and refreshments.

Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve – Lac des Cheserys

Another beautiful lake trail, this one is accessible from Argentiere. Take the right-hand path towards the Bois du Plagnolet, and then follow the steep uphill trail into the forest. It takes two hours and a half to reach the lake with panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

Tour du Mont Blanc

The ultimate hiking tour of the Mont Blanc massif, this 170km trek takes a number of days to complete. Hardcore hikers can finish the tour in four days if pressed for time, but if you want to take a slower pace and really enjoy the scenery – perhaps you’re a hobbyist photographer – then you can spend 9-11 days on the TMB. There are two options – you can do the trails self-sufficiently, with camping gear and your own food, or you can choose to stop off at mountain huts. If you’d like mountain hut accommodation then it’s advisable to book a bed during the busy season of July-September.

Mont Blanc Summit Climb

If taking in the Alpine trail of Mont Blanc isn’t enough, and you want to reach the summit, then you’ll need to be extremely fit and have mountaineering experience. There are two ways to climb Mont Blanc – the Cosmique route or the Gouter hut route, which is the most popular.  Choose which route you’d prefer to conquer the highest mountain in Europe, and reserve a spot at the refuge hut.

If you’d like to relax in luxurious accommodation during your hiking holiday in Chamonix, take a look at our range of beautiful mountain chalets.

The post Top Walking Routes in Chamonix appeared first on Marmotte Mountain.