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The resort offers many excursions, hiking and walks
in the mountains being surrounded by forests and at
the gates of the Aiguilles Rouges and Berard Valley
nature reserves.
Facilities in the Vallorcine village itself are
blessedly limited. There are a handful of
simple restaurants. However if you’re
looking for a livelier night out or more extensive
facilities, it’s easy to get Chamonix.
Chamonix (10 miles away) is indeed a fascinating
traditional resort with a bustling atmosphere thanks
to the presence of over 100 shops, bars and
restaurants. The picturesque town also has a casino,
Olympic ice rink, sports complex, tennis courts,
climbing wall, bowling, Alpine museum, seven night
clubs and three cinemas. Also in the region you
can try paragliding or take a helicopter sight-seeing
flight.
Describing all the activities that are available in
Chamonix area would be long but with more than 46
different sports activities you will be spoilt for
choice. There is even an incredibly scenic 18-hole
golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones senior.
With 350km of signposted walking area and many lifts
operating throughout the summer the choice for hiking
and rambling is endless. Sunday is market day in
Chamonix.
The Multipass Mont-Blanc chip card is the best way to
enjoy many of the world-renowned facilities in the
Chamonix Valley. It gives you free access to
all the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc facilities and will
save you valuable time by avoiding ticket
queues. Facilities include the Aiguille du Midi
(inc. booking fee), Montenvers train to the Sea of
Ice, Mont-Blanc Tramway, Brevent, Flegere &
Grands Montets cable cars, Planards & Le Tour
lifts. You will also get 5% off at the
restaurants and shops of the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc
plus discounts on the summer luge and Chamonix
tourist train. Pre-book with Peak
Retreats.
View here for full prices
Places of interest in Chamonix Valley
·
Europe's highest cable car in Chamonix will take you
to the fascinating Aiguille du Midi. The views from
Europe’s highest cable car station (3842m) are
literally breathtaking. It is the closest you can get
to the Mont-Blanc without climbing training!
View here to watch a mini-film of Chamonix’s
Aiguille du Midi. From there you can walk back to
the famous ‘Mer de Glace’ with ease and
catch Montenvers train back to town.
·
The Montenvers romantic red train journey to the
famous ‘Mer de Glace’ or ‘Sea of
Ice’ is also captivating. Discover what a real
glacier is: 7km long, 40 sq km in area, 200 metres
thick. Also available on site is a crystal gallery, a
wildlife exhibition and the famous ice grotto.
·
Argentières’s cable car to Les Grands
Montets glacier also offers the starting point for
superb walking itineraries. Reach Italy by cable car
with the Helbronner cable car, which flies over the
glaciers for more than 5km from the Aiguille du Midi.
The Mont-Blanc tramway is the highest rack &
pinion train in France and takes you from
Saint-Gervais to the Eagle’s Nest (‘Nid
d’Aigle’) at 2372m.
View here for
Chamonix Valley cable car opening dates
Why Vallorcine?
·
Small, unspoilt resort that’s less crowded than
Chamonix
·
Traditional village
Childcare in Chamonix
·
Several kids and adventure clubs for 6 to 13 yrs old
·
Animal parks, husky breeding centre, pony rides
·
Miniature Golf, Skate park
·
Leisure park with summer toboggans, trampolines,
electric motorbike track, playground
·
Climbing school
Multi-Activity
courses
Daily and weekly programmes
offeer children the opportunity to discover a wide
choice of sports and nature activities in the company
of professional guides and leaders: Cross-country
biking, rock-climbing, adventure hikes, canyoning,
rafting, tyrolean traverses.
See companies -
‘Cham'Aventure’ – ‘Evolution
2’
Mountain Biking: The
perfect opportunity to discover both valley and
mountain trails in the company of a qualified
mountain bike leader.
Paragliding: Tandem flights from
Planpraz (Brevent), from 8 years of age.
Rafting: Arve river
descent, introduction to navigation techniques. From
10 years or age (minimum height 1.40 m)
Hydrospeed: Arve river
descent, introduction to white water swimming. From
12 years of age (minimum height 1.45 m and competent
swimmer)
Canyoning: Swimming, high
jumps, water slides and abseiling...in mountain
rivers. From 10 years of age.
Cham’Aventure
Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53
00 88 – Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 53 48 04
Cham’Kid (8-12
year olds) & Cham’Ado (13-17 year
olds)
Daily & weekly
programmes (rock climbing, hiking, orienteering,
canyoning, mountain biking….) supervised by
local professionals.
Cham’Kid
– c €55 per day, c €230 for the
week
Cham’ Ado
– c €72 per day, c €140 for the
week]
http://www.chamonix-guides.com/
Evolution 2
Adventure School
Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 55
93 03 – Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 55 91 33
Junior
multi-activities: mountain bike outings, rock
climbing, rafting, donkey hikes, adventure courses
(transport included)
5 x ½ days
– c €159
5 day multi-activity
course: horse riding in the mornings, various
activities in the afternoon (meals & transport
included) – c €350
Richard Bozon Sports Centre
+33 (0)4 50 53 09 07 – 2 +33 (0)4 50 53 71 70
214, av. de la Plage. e-mail:
sports@chamonix-mont-blanc.fr
Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room
Every day, July/August: 10am to 7pm. only the indoor
swimming
pool and park are open (outdoor pool closed for
work). TENNIS AND SQUASH ) +33 (0)4 50 53 28 40 19
courts (hard or clay) including 4 indoor, 3 squash
courts.
Climbing wall +33 (0)4 50 53 09 07
http://sports.chamonix.com
MJC
For children from 6 to 12
years
Sports weeks are organised
throughout the summer. Inscriptions on a weekly or
daily basis, subject to availability: tennis, volley,
gym, hiking, swimming, outdoor
activities...
Please book at the welcome desk
of the MJC from Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 noon
and from 3pm to 6pm.
Compagnie des
Guides de Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53
00 88 – Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 53 48 04
Climbing
school for 6-12 year olds every day (morning
and afternoon) at the Gaillands site: 3 hour session.
Junior orienteering course: 5 days, from initiation
to advanced levels.
Parc de Loisirs de Chamonix - +33 (0)4 50 53 08 97
www.planards.com – planards@wanadoo.fr
Open from April to October. Every day in July and
August from 10am to 7.30pm. Summer toboggan: 2
slides, each 910 m long.
Tree acrobatics: 70 activities in the trees (Tyrolean
traverses, Tarzan rope swings, etc.). Small
children’s route, from 3 years. Trampolines,
tractor
game, electric motorbikes for 3-12 year olds. 3 new
activities, for thrilling experiences: Nautic Jet,
Sky Dive and Loopi, from 7 years upwards. Free play
area. Bar-restaurant. Free entry. Paying activities
from € 1.50 to € 23 depending on activity.
Activities in Vallorcine
Hiking
80 km of marked trails for all levels from the
village.
The trail map Vallorcine is offered upon request at
the tourist office for free. Trail map of Chamonix
Valley is €4. Dogs are not permitted the nature
reserves of Aiguilles Rouges and Vallone Berard.
Climbing
10 min walk from the village
Maison des guides de Vallorcine au 04 50 54 60
69
www.maisondelamontagne-vallorcine.fr
E-mail : guides.vallorcine@wanadoo.fr
Mountain Biking
Opening of the gondola
Vallorcine in July and August for pedestrians and
mountain bikers.
On the Balme area: several
circuits for all levels. Piste de la Forêt
Verte, col des Posettes, col de Balme, Le
Tour..
At the top of the gondola, black
track down fitted with wooden modules for
experts.
Fishing
This river is worth seeing for its waters ranked
first category but also the mountainous nature of its
framework, through which we take pleasure in walking.
Map of fishing on sale at the Tourist Office.
A fishing guide graduate offers fishing trips on
rivers, streams and mountain lakes. Contact:Marc
on 06 15 11 77 58 or: www.maisondelamontagne-vallorcine.fr
Fly fishing
Discovery Stage with Mark, beginners or
advanced.
In Haute-Savoie, Switzerland and Italy
1 / 2 day, 1 day course 1 to 5 days
Come and relax while discovering the pleasures of
fishing in the mountains.
Mountain lakes with night shelter, rivers and
mountain torrents. Relaxation is guaranteed!
As an accompanist in assembling and fishing guide, he
offers rando-release fishing in mountain lakes over
several days with nights in a shelter.
1hr30 walk around to access various lakes or streams
(Possibility of access 4X4). Possibility of loan
equipment.
Amenities in Chamonix
Taxis, doctors, pharmacy, dentist, bank, alpine
museum, library, ice garden, ice grotto, bowling
Eating out in Vallorcine
Restaurant du Camping des Montets: 04 50 54 60 45
(open in summer)
Creamery in the Cascade Berard: 06 11 42 37 42 (open
in summer)
The Val'Horse inn - Place de la Gare 06 82 11 53 21
(summer)
Snack "The Moon-Tine" in Buet 06 17 48 34 83 (open
all year)
You can also enjoy the specialties of the country,
mountain, both in shelters or campsites. Open
mid-June to late September, the keepers offer crusts
with cheese, melted, and tartiflettes in a splendid
setting.
Eating Out and Entertainment in Chamonix
Chamonix hosts a wide
selection of typical cafes and tempting pastry shops
along with 18 bars, 80 restaurants, 100 shops and 7
discotheques. The world famous casino in the centre
of town will tempt the gambler in you with black
jack, roulette and slot machines of the purest
tradition. The Vox cinema delights moviegoers
with all the latest films.
Chamonix activities highlights and contacts
Mountaineering, hiking, climbing, mountain biking,
paragliding, and lots more. Chamonix’s
reputation in terms of outdoor pursuits is
far-reaching.
Chamonix is also an exceptional nature park to
discover and enjoy: the summit of Mont-Blanc, the
Aiguille du Midi, and the Mer de Glace glacier.
The chair lifts and footpaths take you to admire one
of the most famous landscapes in the Alps. Discover,
too, a rich and protected animal and plant wildlife.
(Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve).
Montenvers-mer de Glace
The Montenvers rack railway climbing up the Mer de
Glace (1913m) is one of the highest trains in the
Alps, with a never ending view of the Mer de Glace,
Les Drus, La Verte & Les Grands Jorasses.
Discover the ice garden, ice grotto, crystal garden
and alpine fauna museum
Tramway du Mont-Blanc
Here is where you find the higest rack and pinion
train in France! Leaving from Le Fayet/Saint Gervais
and terminating its voyage at Nid d’Aigle
(2372m), the starting point for ascent of Mont-Blanc
at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier under the
Aigulle du Gouter.
Walking – Gradually make your way up the
footpaths, from the valley floor to the higher
altitudes. Explore a number of trails including
the Chalet du Cerro, the Cascade du Dard, the Chalet
de la Floria. For a full list of routes and
maps please visit the tourist office.
'Mont Blanc Walks' from Guide publisher Cicerone
is worth acquiring
visit
www.cicerone.co.uk
Alternatively use the lift systems in the valley to
take you to the doorway of the high altitude
mountains, where a number of activities including
hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and
paragliding are all at your disposal.
The Chamonix valley offers endless hiking
opportunities. Almost 350 kilometres of middle
mountain paths (the largest network in the Haute
Savoie) enable you to discover the mountain at all
altitudes: from easy family walks to longer and more
technical routes, through the forest, on small or
large balconies, or glacier approaches. Some examples
that lead to refreshment chalets are given on page
25, you can find some hiking itineraries that start
from the chair lifts. You can also buy the route map
(€ 4) or the guide + map (€ 12.50) from the
tourist office.
Feel free to walk your dog along many of the paths
throughout the valley (information at the Tourist
Office), however, even on a lead, dogs are not
permitted in the Nature Reserves. Dogs are accepted
on the lifts and in the trains with the exception of
the Aiguille du Midi cable car. For complete freedom,
the Tourist Information Office offers a dog-guarding
service (either “dog-sitters” or
kennels): Further information and listings from
the reception in the Tourist Information Office.
The Aigulle du Midi – the highest and
most impressible aigulle in Chamonix offers you an
exceptional view of the entire Mont-Blanc massive and
the Chamonix Valley.
Brevent – South facing and directly
above Chamonix, this domain offers an exceptional
view of Mont-Blanc and its chain of mountains.
Flegere – South facing in full sun, the
panorama embraces the Mont-Blanc massive with a
beautiful view of the Mer de Glace & Aigulles de
Chamonix.
Grands Montets - In Argentiere, 2 stages
by cable-car serving Lognan (1900m) and the Grand
Montets Aigulle (3300m)
Le Tour-Vallorcine – Situated at the far
end of the valley on the Swiss border, with vast
alpine meadows and a view of the whole of the
Mont-Blanc chain, the Chamonix valley and the Swiss
Alps.
View here
for Chamonix mountain biking trail map
Mountain climbing – Chose between a
personal guide, or instruction courses for all ages
and levels.
Tel 0033 (0) 4 50 53 00 24
Association Internationale des Guides du Mont-Blanc
Open July-August from 10am-12pm and 2pm-7pm.
Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 27 05 www.guides-du-montblanc.com
5 day mountaineering initiation course –
Glacier hiking, Glacier trek or with an emphasis on
rock climbing.
There is also a climbing wall in Chamonix sports
centre, which boasts more than 800 grips. Over
14s only £2 entry.
Canyoning Yannick Seigneur – Tel: +33
(0) 4 50 53 05 16 www.canyoning.fr
Chamonix Hydroglisse - initiation in
rafting, canyoning, hydro or Arveyron – Tel:
+33 (0) 4 50 53 55 70 www.hydroglisse.com
GOLF CLUB DE CHAMONIX - +33 (0)4 50 53 06 28
– 2 +33 (0)4 50 53 38 69
info@golfdechamonix.com –
www.golfdechamonix.com
Les Praz de Chamonix.
Open every day from May to November (depending on
snow conditions).
18 hole Trent Jones Senior. Length 6,076m. Par 72.
Open-air practice green with roof. Individual and
group lessons. Courses. Numerous competitions –
open to visitors (handicap and green card required).
Handicap lower than 36 required during “peak
season”.
www.golfdechamonix.com
Benji Trampoline – For children from 3
years to adults. Open everyday (only in good
weather)
The Leisure Park Les Planards - Summer
toboggan (2 runs of 910m in length). Nocturnal
in July & August, Mondays & Thursdays from
8.30pm to 10.30pm. 50 tree top activities
(Tyroliennes, rope swings….) 4
‘mega-jump’ trampolines, a mechanical
digger and electric motorbike track for the 3-12 year
olds, playground. Free entry. Activities
payable.
Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 53 08 97 www.planards.com
- planards@wanadoo.fr
Huskydalen – Greenland Husky breeding
kennels. Guided visits & explications of
their way of life.
Tel: +33 (0) 4 50 47 77 24 www.huskydalen .com
AD HAUT VOL PARAPENTE - +33 (0)4 50 53 98 01
hautvol@orange.fr – www.guides-du-montblanc.com
Open every day, year-round.
Ski Set (at the base of the Aiguille du Midi cable
car)
Tandem paragliding flights with a
government-certified instructor. Accessible to all
(certificate included). Tandem paragliding flights:
from € 60
High mountain private guide: ask for details.
All the above information is for information only.
For up-to-date info please visit the resort tourist
office website
Vallorcine Tourist
Office
Vallorcine tourist information
Le Betté Chef Lieu
74660 VALLORCINE
Tél +33 450 54 60 71
Fax +33 450 54 61 73
www.vallorcine.com
info@vallorcine.com
Chamonix Tourist
Office
Tel: +33 4 50 53 00 24 - Opening times:
• From June 28 to September 13 – 8.30am to
7pm every day.
• Up to and including June 27 and from September
14 – 9am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6.30.
www.chamonix.com
Office de haute montagne – 00 33 450 53 22 08
Compagnie du Mont Blanc
www.compagniedumontblanc.fr
By Road: Driving distance from Calais to
Vallorcine 530miles (8hrs)
Direct access by the 'Autoroute Blanche' (Motorway),
connected to the European motorway network, all the
way to Chamonix. Then on the RN 506 to Vallorcine (17
km), heading towards Switzerland.
By Rail: TGV (fast train) to Saint-Gervais.
Mont-Blanc express Saint-Gervais - Vallorcine.
Airports:
Geneva Airport is 116km from Vallorcine (1 ½
hours)
www.gva.ch/en
Chambery Airport is 149km from Vallorcine (1 ¾
hours)
www.chambery-airport.com
Lyon Saint-Exupery is 236km from Vallorcine (2
½ hours)
www.lyonairport.com
Grenoble Airport is 243km from Vallorcine (2 ½
hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Need an Airport Transfer? Private return taxi
from Geneva Airport to Vallorcine from £79pp.
Call our reservations team for details on 0844 576
0170 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk
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