Chamonix

We love Chamonix---spent a week there in 2006, and had a wonderful time hiking and exploring. But I do not think april would be a good time---it is between ski season and summer; the snow could be melting and everything grey and muddy. Or it could still be very snowy---great if you are a skier, but not so good for general tourism interests.

Check out ricks show - or even the offical Chamonix website. That may help you narrow down your questions for more specific answers. Its a great place for hiking if you love alpine towns and outdoor adventures! check it out!

Actually, we were there in April 2006 and loved it. We arrived lated Saturday afternoon by train from Nice. We had two or three changes, and the last leg of the trip was on a very ... hmmmm ... historic (old) car that was rickety sounding but quite safe. It was fun because we could lower the window fully, which we did (since we were the only ones in the car). The change is elevation was dramatic, melting snow everywhere, brisk mountain air. We loved it.

We arrived late in the day and took a taxi to the Hotel Gourmet et Italy. We did this because we had several pieces of luggage and we weren't sure how far it was from the station. It isn't far at all, and would be easily managed with less luggage. We made arrangements for the taxi to pick us up for a very early departure on Monday morning as well. Again, with less luggage, it would not be necessary.

(continued on next post)

Upon arrival late in the day on Saturday, we settled into the hotel. We had a nice view of a mountain (but not the best view according to RS). However, we had to rearrange the bed because there was only one outlet and the hotel didn't have an extension cord. At least the surly nightclerk said they didn't. (Note: Only the night clerk was surly; everyone else was wonderful at the hotel.)

We strolled through the town, which was lively, before deciding to eat supper at a Savoyard-style restaurant called Le Serac. Absolutely delicious! We ordered Crouton Savayard and Fondue Savoyard and creme caramel.

We went back to the hotel and slept peacefully with the windows open. We could hear the river below and the brisk air made our downy comforters even more cozy.

(continued in next post)

We awoke Sunday morning to that beautiful mountain (not Mount Blanc), whose summit we saw for the first time since our arrival. We ate a good breakfast at the hotel before navigating the cleared streets to find the tramway to the Aguille d Midi. The portion that takes you to Italy was still closed for the season, but the Aguille d Midi was an adventure nonetheless. They warned us that visibility was bad, but since that was our only chance to do go, we went anyway. We are soooooo glad we did.

We rode up with a bunch of skiers. It got colder and colder. When we disembarked, it was windy and snowing. We couldn't see much farther than about 50 feet out on the observation decks, but we enjoyed it anyway. After puttering about from deck to deck, we had hot chocolate and I wrote a postcard, which can be mailed from the mailbox on the Aguille.

Suddenly, the sky cleared and the sun broke out. From the decks and could see the valley and Chamonix far below.

(continued on next post)

The snow was all a-flurry. Magical. We forced ourselves to leave the numbing cold and return to the valley. I think we paid 30 euros each, maybe more or maybe less, but it was worth every euro.

We returned to Le Serac for lunch and ate Crouton Savoyard again. This time we got a banana split crepe for dessert.

We walked and shopped. We wanted to take a carriage ride (the horse and driver were in native costume) but the 90 euro price was too much for us. That was the price for the carriage and had we had friends to join us, it would have been reasonable. I think the carriage held 6 or 8.

I went back to the hotel to nap away a headache. Hubby happened upon the casino and won 400 euros.

We strolled again and shopped. We ate dinner at Le Monchu and it was absolutely delightful. Our main course was the boueff pierraade (sp?). They brought a hot stone to our table and we "cooked" it ourselves. The food and drink were excellent, as was the wait staff.

(continued on next post)

After strolling through town and people watching (and there were a lot of people to watch, even on a Sunday evening), we went back to the hotel for another restful night.

We ate breakfast quickly and then left to catch a very early train to Salzburg ---- but that's another adventure.

As you can tell from my multiple posts, our quick trip to Chamonix on an April weekend was WORTH it to us. We have treasured memories that we recall often, particularly the delicious food at Le Serac and the not-so-incredible-turned-very-incredible views from the Aguille d Midi.

GO ... you'll be glad you did.

Thank you so much Elizabeth. Your post was so informative and provided me with what I really wanted to know. We, my daughter and I, will be arriving Chamonix from Paris. Any help you can offer about this would be greatly appreciated. We will go on to Italy after Chamonix. Thank you again. Fran

http://www.chalet-beauregard.com/index.php?lang=en

.... You may find the above URL a helpful reference.
bon
voyage
P.

Perry---thanks --that's a great web site. I just called my daughter to tell her to look up the website. This looks like just what we were looking for. It's such a well put togather site -- not at all like the ones that seem afraid to let you know anything. Thanks again -- Fran

Well, I've never been so pleased to learn I was wrong. Elizabeth's posts tell a wonderful story of a place I would not have considered going in April. Be sure and try Tartiflette if you find it---a wonderful Savoyard dish of potatoes, cheese, wine, etc.

If you have a full day with bad weather, head to Montreux and Chateau de Chillon. The train journey alone is worth the time, but the castle is wonderful.

Frances,

Everything we knew about Chamonix prior to visiting we learned from RS -- first his television show about the place and then his guidebooks. Our time was limited so we knew we'd only be able to do one or two things, which we did. Check out his books and I'm sure you'll find plenty to keep you busy.

Have fun!

Hi Elizabeth--you are so right about Rick's books. He says to travel light -- I'll have to take just a few articals of clothing just so I can take my books. Thanks again --Fran

I took my daughter on a trip to Europe after her senior year in high school. One of our day stops was Chamonix, where we rode the gondola up to the pinnacle (can't recall its name), got out on the wood deck and soaked in the sun and enjoyed the views to the Matterhorn in SW. It was most interesting to look down in the crevasess of the glaciers, and to see people on guided hikes below. You can also ride the gondola into Italy. My daughter still asks if we can go back to Chamonix. I would highly recommend if the two of you enjoy the outdoors.