Richemond Hotel

Chamonix & The Mont Blanc Trail

by JC-B

"Chamonix"

We began and ended our backpacking trip in Chamonix with two nights stay at the Hotel Richemond. The owner greeted us and told us stories of the hotel’s history including some very interesting tidbits involving the siege of the hotel by the Gestapo. I rarely have bad dreams, but the Gestapo story made for a restless night.

The rooms were nicely kept and most had amazing views (how could they not, given their location). Everyone at the hotel was extremely accommodating and the owner allowed us to leave our excess baggage (one small duffel) in the back until we returned a week later. They will pretty much do this for anyone who asks as was apparent when we returned and were lead into a room jammed from floor to ceiling with spare duffel bags.

Sometimes criticized as France’s Aspen (minus the overly expensive motorized vehicles, of course), Chamonix is packed with hikers, climbers and those just wishing for a little down time. As a result, travelers should shoot for the earliest cog-rail train (Mont-Blanc Express) to Chamonix as they fill up fast.

Photo is from our room in the Hotel Richemond

Skiing / Boarding

by healy_ger

There are some nice runs at Les Houches. The sport shops there rent out all the necessary gear. Be prepared for long queue's for the telepherique, especially when kids are off school. Usual ski gear and warm clothing

World or Euro Cup Climbing in July

by firechick

In mid-July (usually coinciding with the French Bastille day on the 14th) is a European Cup or World Cup climbing competition. This lasts 3-4 days and includes bouldering, speed climbing and sport climbing. A great way to watch some of the top people in this sport.

When the competition coincides with Bastile Day, there are fireworks immediately following the final event.

Check the Chamonix tourist office calandar for dates (dates are also advertised on the roadsigns as you are coming into Chamonix).

Get up early and see the view of a lifetime

by Summer33

Aguille du midi is in my opinion the essence of Chamonix, I can still remember how hard my heart was beating in that cable car on the way up, the locals were standing there with no problem ready to go, and my knuckles were white from holding onto the poles inside the cable car so tight. It's absolutely breathtaking and I won't even attempt to explain it in any other words.
This picture is the crossing from the cable car to the carved out rock where the climbers begin and elevator is located to the upper deck where I am standing (far from the edge) taking this picture.
Just be sure to wake up extra early the lines get long early, we were there around 8 or so and it was perfect!

Le Brévent

by robertgaz

Le Brévent is a well known ski slope in Chamonix and it is a short but steep walk from the town centre.

Le Brévent is at the southern end of the range and from Planpraz there are sensational views of the valley some 2,500m down below.

Planpraz also has a very steep paragliding ramp which is a point of no return once you start your run.