We would like to stay in one of these mountain town for 3-4days in September. They are look amazing. Anyone have any suggestions on which town is best? Chamonix, Courmayer, La Thuille? Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32351 posts
I suspect you'll find more to do in Chamonix than in the other towns. You could take the cable car to the Aguille du Midi, take the train to the ice tunnels or even try your hand at Paragliding (depending on what time-of-year you'll be there).
Posted by
Reno, Nevada
1025 posts
Courmayeur isn't really a town, but rather a collection of hotels. Chamonix is amazing, winter or summer, with decent food and activities for the out-doorsie folks or the cuddling up beside a fireplace group.
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
Nobody mentioned La Thuile yet: I would not recommend it. It is a smallish ski resort town, and not much else. Chamonix is a much better choice, and has better accessibility too (car unneeded).
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17427 posts
When and why? Skiing, hiking, shopping or sightseeing? Would you rather eat and speak French or Italian?
Posted by
OP
161 posts
We would like to go in September.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I really liked Chamonix, haven't been to Courmayer or La Thuille. If you want to go up to Mont Blanc, Chamonix is convenient (not sure if the Hellbrunner gondola is back online?). The train to the (underwhelming) ice cave is convenient too. The lifts to various hikes are probably no more or less convenient than other towns. Chamonix is lovely and has a good choice of restaurants/shopping.
I was also there in September and was pleasantly surprised at the price I got on a small studio apartment through Airbnb (under 50 euro a night - traveling solo). There was a laundromat convenient to the apartment (my apartment didn't offer washer/dryer). I'd guess not every town offers laundromats.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1117 posts
I've done both, but for a base definitely recommend Chamonix. There is very little in Courmayeur.
My #1 all time European experience is the three-legged cable car route from one to the other. We started our day in Courmayeur. Took a local bus to La Palud. Cable car #1 to the top of the Hellbronner (Italian / French border). Cable car #2 from Hellbronner to Aiguille du Midi (like flying over a glacier). Aiguille du Midi is about 13,000 feet up and you can really feel it in the air. On a clear day you can see the Matterhorn. Then cable car #3 down to Chamonix.
Posted by
OP
161 posts
@darrenblois! Wow, sounds amazing. Will definitely add this to our list!