sightseeing excursions

GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
WWW.CHAMONIX.COM
1
1
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
WATER SPORTS
RAFTING
With the spring months the melt waters swell the rivers that pass through wild,
rocky gorges and the waters remain high well into summer months. An
exhilarating summer activity for families and adventurous groups a like!
Operating months April_ May _ June_ July _August _ Sept. _ Oct.
Duration : 2 hours ½ day or full day
HYDROSPEED
You are led by a professional guide to swim/surf the alpine rivers and rapids for
the best white water experience.
Operating month : April _ May _June _July _August _Sept. _ Oct.
Duration : 2 hours ; Afternoon session
CANYONING
Canyoning takes you through the river’s course - climbing over rocks, abseiling
through waterfalls and plunging into rock pools.
Operating month : April_May _June _July _Augst _Sept._Oct.
Duration : Half day / full day
CANOERAFT (or AIRBOAT)
Seating 2 people and more nimble than a white water raft, the inflatable canoe
raft gives passengers the opportunity to navigate their own boat. With an
instructor close by for support, you will be let loose on the river Arve to
experiment in the currents and various sections of white water.
Operating month : April_May _June _July _August _Sept. _Oct
Duration : Half Day or Full Day
FISHING
Fishing permits on sale at the Tourist Information Bureau in Vallorcine village.
Organised fishing trips with a professional guide are available, in rivers, mountain
streams and lakes. Courses and trips are available for beginners to the seasoned
angler and range from a ½ day to 5 day stay.
For further information contact Marc
www.pecheetrando.com
2
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
MOUNTAINEERING
HIKING
CHAMONIX : THE CAPITAL OF MOUNTAINEERING
http://www.chamonix.com/mountaineering,33,en.html
THE MONT BLANC CLIMBING
Often described as the roof of Europe, every year the Mont-Blanc Massif attracts
millions of visitors who come to admire, this exceptional natural site.
Above all, one must remember that the Mont-Blanc constitutes a serious highmountain route necessitating the presence of a guide
The ascent of Mont Blanc is stuff of mountaineers.
Brochure « Climbing Mont Blanc is best left to experienced mountaineers »
GLACIER WALKS
This is an amazing once in a lifetime experience! Armed with crampons, harnesses
and ice axes, your guide will lead you to one of the most
beautiful phenomenon's on earth.
Operating months : June ; July; August
Full Day - Several days
MOUNTAIN HIKING
The valley offers 350 km of superbly maintained hiking trails, with 160 different
itineraries offering walks adapted to all.
Guide-book and map of Mont Blanc hiking paths) on sale at the Tourist Office and
on the online store.
Add cultural discovery to your walking. A daily program where the pleasure of
walking secret pathes allows us to discover history, culture and environment
(climate, lakes and glaciers)
Operating months : April _May_June_Jul y_August _Sept.
Half day – Full day – Several days (courses)
THE NOTORIOUS “TOUR OF MONT BLANC”
An exceptional trek 200 km around the Mont Blanc massif, which can be
completed in 7 to 10 days passing through Italy, Switzerland and France.
It is suitable for all trained hill-walkers who are used to hiking on varied terrain,
carrying a heavy back-pack.
We strongly recommend inexperienced hill-walkers to join a club or a group led by
a mountain leader.
3
TRAIL
MOUNTAIN BIKING
THE TRAIL RUNNING VALLEY
18 waymarked routes between Servoz and Vallorcine
Far away from the standard hiking trails, 18 routes of varying lengths are reserved
only for trail runners:
- S route lasting between 1 and 2 hours
-M route lasting between 2 and 4 hours
-L route lasting between 4 and 8 hours
Route guide sheets are available and can be downloaded free of charge from:
www.valleedutrail.com
3 major races:
The Mont Blanc Marathon: 6 race formats attract, 5,500 runners of 50
nationalities.
The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® : 168 km and 9,600m total ascent.
6,000 racers, 74 nationalities.
Le Trail des Aiguilles Rouges : 50 km, 4,000Bm total ascent
MOUNTAIN BIKE
Two sites are dedicated to downhill mountain-biking in the Chamonix Valley. The
Balme site with its two traced and marked tracks is located at the bottom of the
valley and borders Switzerland
The Houches site with its brand-new blue downhill track, which at 4km connects to
Prarion in Maisonneuve offering a return route to the departure point by gondola
lift (opening in mid-July)
Thanks to double chair-lifts, you can easily access the downhill slopes
CLIMBING
The Gaillands rocks : at 2km south of Chamonix, next to the Gaillands lake offer a
wide variety of easy to more difficult routes. In 1936, the illustrious mountain
guide, Roger Frison-Roche founded the first official climbing school at les Gaillands.
Operating months : june_July _August
Half Day -Full day - Several days
Col des Montets Bouldering : 10 km from Chamonix, before Vallorcine village
and Swiss boarder, the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve offers ideal bouldering
terrain with different sized granite blocs for climbing with and without ropes.
Operating months : April_May_June_July_August_Sept._Oct.
Half Day -Full day - Several days
INDOOR CLIMBING WALL at the sports centre
180m² climbing surface, 800 holds, height 3,60 m.
Rock shoes must be worn in the climbing hall. Climbing chalk is not permitted.
No admittance to children aged under 6, and 6 to 14 year-olds must be
accompanied by an adult.
1 admission 4.80€
4
GOLF
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
AIR - PARAGLIDING - PANORAMIC FLIGHTS
GOLF
The 18 hole golf course was designed by the world famous architect Robert Trent
Jones Senior in a wonderful setting .
The golf course features numerous bunkers, water holes, woodlands and streams,
but is on flat ground. Only two teeing grounds are on a hill, just to remind you that it
is a mountain golf course.
18 hole golf course - 6076m long course - Par 72
From 15 to 620€ (for courses)
Operating mounth: April_May_June_July_August _Sept._Oct._Nov.
T.+33 4 50 53 06 28 - [email protected] /www.golfdechamonix.com
PARAGLIDING
Enjoy a birds-eye view of Chamonix as you fly over the Valley, securely harnessed to
your canopy and with a qualified paragliding instructor ; witness some of the most
spectacular scenery in the Alps. Don’t forget your camera!
Operating month : April_May _June _July _August _Sept._Oct.
Half Day – Full Day – Several days (course)
HOT AIR BALLOON
As you follow your shadow over the alpine countryside, the silence and beauty is
overwhelming... Panoramical flights: Half day activity including balloon preparation
and inflation (1h30 flight)
Operating month : April_May _June _July _August _Sept._Oct.
EVOLUTION 2 : www.evolution2-chamonix.com
PANORAMIC FLIGHTS
To discover in total safety the majesty of the Mont-Blanc Massif :a helicopter flight!
Depart from the base in Argentière (7km) and soar like and eagle over Chamonix's
mystical summits with CMBH.
From 75€ to 200€/pers. Group or individual trips on reservation
Operating month : all year round
T. +33 4 50 54 13 82 - Mail : [email protected]
Web Site CMBH : http://chamonix-helico.fr/en/
5
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
TREES ADVENTURES
ACCROPARK
Next to the Gaillands climbing crag, visit the just recently opened Accro'park. the
new adventure tree parc of the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix
For all ages and all preferences; for children or beginners to outdoor thrill addicts.
Over 70 adventure stations available! Come and enjoy our 260 meter zip-line ,
Himalayan bridges and pendulums.
Equipment provided
Rates 2013 :
- 8€ : for children from 3 to 7 years old and 1 m to 1,30 m tall. (approx. 3.5 ft)
- 17€ : for children from 1,30m to 1,45 m tall (approx 4.5 ft) (green and blue
circuits only)
- 21€ : for groups (5 people and more), and teenagers (starting at 1,45 m tall)
- 24€ : for adults (starting at 18 years old)
Operating months : April_May_June _July_August
Duration : 1hour - half day
Entry fee allows unlimited number of loops in a 3-hour period of time maximum.
Location : Chamonix - Les Gaillands
Groups : on reservation
TREE ADVENTURE PARK – “LA FORÊT DU MONT-BLANC”
For adults, 7 circuits of various levels : 75 aerial challenges from tree to tree on a
trail covering 3 hectares. Introduction and accompaniment by a professional
instructor for the 5 first activities. Technical equipment provided.
Minimum height 1m35 (4 ft 5).
Rates :
- Adult : 22€
Different circuits for children only :
- "Special Kid" circuit : A safe children's trail (height 105 to 135 cm) – 16€
- "Little Kid" circuit : For children from 2 years old (maximum height 105)-10€
Operating months :
January_February_March_August_May_June_July_August_Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.
June and September, and another dates : on booking only.
Duration : Half day
Location : Les Houches
Email : [email protected]
Web : www.indianaventures.com
LE PARADIS DES PRAZ
A beautiful place along a small river with an outdoor play area for kids : pony
rides, snow rafting…
Small restaurant servingf drinks and snacks.
Location : behing the golf-course in the village of Les Praz
Opening month : open from June 15th till Sept,10th between 10am to 6pm
6
ANIMALS & FAUNA
HORSE RIDING
- Horse rides for novice or confident riders (one hour or two hours)
- Trekking on horseback (half-day, full day or several days)
- Special requests (wedding, birthday …)
All year long – rates: 25€ (1 hour)
Half Day - Full day - Several days (courses)
HUSKY WALKING
Experience the thrill of learning to control these beautiful mountain dogs with
various voice commands and technics. Equipped with safety harness, helmet and
your very own Husky leading the way, you will set out together on a journey to
explore the flora and fauna of the valley floor. Half-day outings.
Operating months: June_July _August
MERLET ANIMAL PARK
Situated at 1500 m, in front of the Mont Blanc, face au Mont-Blanc, the animal
park of Merlet is a magnificent 50 acres park where ibex, chamois, marmots, stags,
deers, hinds and llamas move around in freedom !
Entrance fee : 4 to 7€
Groupe : min 15 pax
Open from : May to September
GORGES DE LA DIOSAZ (Classified Natural site)
The gorges were listed following their environmental development, accessible by
foot to everyone and allows visitors to wander into the heart of the water-made
gorges. Non-guided visits lasting on average 1½ hours
Operating month : May_June_Jul_August_Sept.
Opened daily from End may to -End Sept.
Rates : children (less 5) : free ; (5-12) : 4€ ; adults : 5.5€ ; seniors 5€
AIGUILLES ROUGES NATURE RESERVE
The reserve is open to the public, enabling visitors to see the mountain fauna and
flora: botanical trail on the edge of the Col des Montets, looking at things through a
microscope, permanent exhibitions, film showings, lectures, etc…
Half day – free entrance - www.rnaiguillesrouges.org
From 18/05 to 10/11/13 : open daily
From 17/05 to 02/11/14 : open daily
MAGICAL PLANTS
An association created by two ladies with a passion for medical plants and flowers.
Valérie and Caroline are like two Tinkerbell fairies who want to share their passion
and create “magic potions” ( or in other words our grandmothers’ remedies ) by
using natural plants.
Outings – come and collect pine buds to make a syrup, pick wild garlic to make
pesto or harvest birch saps with a picnic basket in your hands !
Workshop - create your own cosmetic products and organic elixirs (creams,
ointments, syrups, teas…)
Cost for non members is only 10 € - very reasonable if we look at the prices for the
essential oils and the containers that are used to achieve the final results.
7
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
LEISURETIME AMENITIES
TENNIS - SQUASH
Courts adjoining the Sport Centre
2 covered tennis courts, 2 squash courts, 8 clay courts, 5 quick courts and 1
practice wall
Rates: 10 to 24€
Tel +33 (0)4 50 53 28 40
Open all year
SWIMMING POOL – SAUNAS - STEAM BATHS
Indoor and outdoor pools, 50m training pool, paddling pool with water features,
recreational pool with massage jets and 17m water slide, 130m flume, water
garden, Jacuzzi, aqua gym
Rates : Adult : from 5,40 to 6,70 € /Child : 4,30 to 5,30 € (From 6 to 17yrs old.)
Swimming shorts and Bermuda not permitted
Open all year
INDOOR ICE RINK
Operating mounth: May_June_July _August_Sept._Oct._Nov.
Tel +33 (0)4 50 53 12 36
Rates: Adult 4,40 € child : 3,30 €4 to 6€ with Guest card
Ice skate rental : 3,90 €
SKATE PARK
More than 800m², with a bowl, slope, various features, table top and ramps. Also
includes a beginner’s area. Free admission. Located at the Bois du Bouchet, near
the paragliding area.
Do not forget… protections (helmet, etc.)
LUGE - ALPINE COASTER
A fun attraction for the whole family, a Rail track 1300m long with jumps, turns,
spins at 540 ° ... Fun & thrills! Placed in the center of Chamonix.
Maximum security, operating in all weathers and heaps of fun!
Operating month : All year round - check days on Alpine Coaster Luge
AGE : From 8 years old (from 3-7 with an adult)
Rates : 1 ride : single : 5,50 € - double : 7,50 €
6 rides : single : 31 € - double : 40 €
10 rides: single : 46 € - double : 60 €
CHAMONIX AMUSMENT PARK
You will find everything you need to relax, have fun and enjoy with family,
friends or groups. Slides, trampolines, electric bikes, the rides tolooping, the
boat splash outdoor playgrounds, giant swing, indoor playground,
rope mechanics
Operating month : May_June_July _August_Sept. _Oct.
Location : Les Planards
Tel : +33(0)4 50 53 08 97 - Email : [email protected]
Web : www.chamonixparc.com
8
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
LEISURE FACILITIES
PAINT BALL CHAM
Located in the Bois du Bouchet in Chamonix. (5 min walking for town center).
A 1 hectare terrain, with lots of natural obstacles that make the paintball even
more interesting.
Open all days if booking in advance
18 persons maximum - 12 years old minimum age.
Equipment: included Cost : 16€ pp
Duration : Half day
Do not forget… closed shoes
CHAMONIX TOURIST TRAIN
Circuit : discovery Tour of Chamonix town : Sites, monuments, architecture,
history, activities, views
Duration : 35 mn approx.
Operating time : From Thursday 1st of May 2014 to Sunday 5th of October 2014
Individual fare : Adult : 6.00 € - Children : 4.00 €. / Contact us for groups
Web : http://www.traincham.com/en/train-touristique-chamonix.php
LIFTS
– SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS
AIGUILLE DU MIDI 3,842m
In 20 minutes, a vertiginous cable car trip to reach the panoramic platforms
overlooking the fabulous high-mountain universe (snow, rock and ice ) and
contemplating the roof of Europe (4 810m) .
New : « the step into the Void »
a panoramic glass space on summit terrace to comtemplate a breathtaking
panorama in all seasons and weather.
With more than a thousand metres of nothing beneath your feet inside this glass
box. Thrills are guaranteed!
Half day
NB : Not recommended for babies (under 3y-o), dogs not permitted
Do not forget… hot clothing, sunglasses, solar cream
9
LIFTS
– SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS
MONTENVERS – MER DE GLACE GLACIER
A romantic 20mn journey by the Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace
glacier (1,913 m), the France’s largest glacier (7km long, 200 m thick).
Rates : From 27.40€ - Half day
Open all year except from sept 30th to oct 18th, ice cave & gondola until dec 20th
Visits :
• The ice cave to penetrate into the depths of the glacier itself.
• The crystal gallery to admire unique pieces, which have been found in the
Mont-Blanc Mountain Range.
• The Grand Hôtel du Montenvers’museum todiscover the history of the site.
• The Glacorium : new exhibition centre. An interactive visit for a better
understanding of the birth, the life and the future of glaciers…
TRAMWAY DU MONT-BLANC
Starting from Le Fayet or Saint-Gervais, “Anne,” “Jeanne “and “Marie”, our 3 cog
railway trains reaches Bellevue (at 1,800m) through pastures and forests, and
enables you to gradually reach the Nid d'Aigle (2,372m) under the Aiguille du
Goûter peak, at the bottom of the Bionnassay glacier. It is also first stage for
mountaineers who start out on the ascension of Mont Blanc.
Starting point of easy walks from the intermediate stations of Bellevue and the
Col de Voza.
Open: in summer
PLANPRAZ-BRÉVENT CABLE CAR
With its southerly exposition, overlooking the Mont-Blanc range, the Brévent
site is the ideal departure for classic treks and refreshing trails to magnificent
mountain lakes offering turquoise waters and unique panorama facing the Mont
Blanc . Not to be missed : Paragliders taking off from Planpraz, the breathtaking
panorama on the Mont-Blanc mountain range and Chamonix needles, mountain
restaurants…
FLÉGÈRE
Facing due south and looking onto Mont Blanc, the La Flégère site is the
departure point for classic major hikes to magnificent mountain lakes such as the
famous “lac blanc”,
New this year : Stroll through the Flégère Alpine botanical garden and discover
unique species in their natural environment as well as their uses in medicine and
cosmetics!
LOGNAN-LES GRANDS-MONTETS
The cable car from Argentière brings you to Lognan plateau (altitude 1972m)
then the Aiguille des Grands Montets (3295m), from where there is a spectacular
panoramic view of Les Drus, Aiguille Verte, the Aiguilles de Chamonix and
Argentière glacier. A footpath brings you to the viewing point for an impressive
cascade of ice-pinnacles. In the summer in Les Grands Montets, you will discover
the world of the High Alps in total safety, just a few metres from Europe’s largest
glaciers.
10
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
LIFTS
– SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS
BALME – VALLORCINE
This very sunny Franco-Swiss ski area reaches a height of 2,186m at Col de Balme
pass. This bucolic area is made up of vast high mountain pastures, among the last
ones in the valley still being grazed. It is also the ideal area for mountain biking.
LES BOSSONS GLACIER
The chair lift transports you over meadows and alpine chalets to an altitude of
1400m, where you can enjoy exceptional views of the Bossons glacier also called
Mont-Blanc glacier, the « largest ice fall in Europe » ! At the top you have a
welcoming and colorful refreshment chalet and access to a theme trail which
relates the history of the glacier.
From its terrace, there is a fabulous view of the glacier’s terminal tongue and the
ice-pinnacles of Plateau des Pyramides.
PRARION & BELLEVUE LIFTS
An opportunity for bikers and walkers to explore the mountain pastures and
enjoy an outstanding 360°panorama with an uninterrupted view of MontBlanc.
For bikers : the Prarion gondola lift has plenty of room to take mountain bikes,
and there are bikewashing facilities too.
For walkers: lots of footpaths in a unique and wild setting opposite the Mont
Blanc range.
For mountaineers: the departure point for the ascent of Mont Blanc via the "Voie
Royale".
For sightseeing: the "Bellevue" stop on the Tramway du Mont-Blanc is just a 2minute walk from the top station of the cable car.
THE MONT-BLANC MULTIPASS
Your passeport for sightseeing excursions with unlimited access to all lifts in the
Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley
HTTP://WWW.CHAMONIX.COM/SUMMER-PASS,79,EN.HTML
11
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
ART - CULTURE & HERITAGE
GUIDED HERITAGE VISITS
A walking tour around the village centre led by a Heritage Guide. Discover
Chamonix and its fascinating history, its grand town houses, its heroes and its
hidden treasures…
Guided visits for individuals and groups on request ( 2 hrs, half and full days)
Weekly visits on Thursday morning – Inscription at the Tourist Office (2hrs -8€)
Bespoke visits on request
MUSEE ALPIN
the Musée Alpin records the development of Chamonix – from when the first
tourists came to admire the glaciers right up to when the cable cars were built.
Opening hours from 1 April: daily from 2pm-7pm, closed on Tuesdays / school
holidays: daily from10am-12pm and 2pm-7pm, closed on Tuesdays.
Admission: adults €5 / reduced rate €4 / free for under 18s.
ESPACE TAIRRAZ – MOUNTAINEERING CENTRE
A place of discovery designed on the basis of electronic and mechanical systems for
a unique, playful experience through a long journey in the Alps from former times
to today.
Every Thursday, during French holidays, at 02:30pm and 4:30pm : guided tour with
a “crystal hunter” to learn more about crystal, included in your entrance fee –
duration about 1hour)
Admission : Adult 5€
Opening hours in July and August daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm
Other periods daily 2pm-6pm (+ 10am-1pm during school holidays)
MUSEE DES CRISTAUX – ESPACE TAIRRAZ
This facility is intended as a "site" museum that gives pride of place to minerals
from Mont Blanc, which are known throughout the world, particularly smoked
quartz and pink fluorspars
PHOTOGRAPHIC RAMBLES
Teresa Kaufman is an experienced photographer who invites you on a series of
walks, designed to develop a photographic eye while discovering the character of
the valley’s hamlets in their unique settings.
Duration : Walks last 2 to 2.5hrs
Price : adult 20€
GLACIORIUM
New exhibition center on the Mer de Glace’s site. An educational space which uses
the latest ‘augmented reality’ technology and gives us a better understanding what
the future holds for these impressive alpine glaciers. The creation and evolution of
the glaciers over the centuries is explained in detail. These ‘rivers’ of ice, which
advance by many meters each year, remain one of nature’s mysteries.
http://www.compagniedumontblanc.co.uk/
12
RELAXATION & SPA
After a day full of emotions and sensations, your muscles are still sore!
It’s probably time to offer yourself a special moment of relaxation in one of
the Valley’s spas
SPA VINOTHERAPIE® - LES GRANGES D’EN HAUT *****
Enjoy 600 m2 of light-filled elegance with : indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna,
tropical showers, five treatment rooms , fitness room & outdoor terrace.
NEW in 2014 : Spa, stream room and sweedish bath on the terrace.
“Caudalie” brand of beauty care & Vinotherapy treatment
Rates : 30€ - Spa and Lunch : 35€ / Good deal : Spa & Lunch offer for 35€
Opening : From 21/12/13 to 01/04/14 : open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.
SPA LE BACHAL - HAMEAU ALBERT 1er *****
If you book for care at our center, you can also benefit from our indoor and outdoor
swimming pools facing Mont Blanc, as well as our jacuzzi and hammam steam bath.
“Anne Semonin” range of products
Opening : daily all year round except on november
DEEP NATURE SPA - AIGLONS RESORT &SPA****
Outdoor heated pool facing Mont-Blanc, sauna and steam room in outdoor wood
cabins, multi-sensory showers, an interior steam room with a galaxy ceiling and
relaxation room, four treatment rooms and a double treatment room to share
moments of relaxation. Treatments for children (6 to 15 years old).
“Algotherm” products - Rates : spa entrance 12€
DEEP NATURE SPA - RESIDENCE LA GINABELLE****
Heated indoor swimming pool, saunas, hammam steam baths, and a cardio-training
room Opening : From 14/12 au 26/04
SERENITY SPA - PARK HOTEL SUISSE & SPA****
On the roof top of the hotel with a panoramic view over the Mont Blanc: patio,
outside heated pool & jacuzzi, two saunas, turkish bath, massage rooms and a
relaxation room.
Product range : “Payot”
Rates : Spa entrance : 20 € / Good deals : One night for two people with breakfast,
welcome drink and a relaxing massage of 25mn per person : 290 €.
Opening :From 21/12/13 to 13/04/14 : open daily from 10.30 AM to 7.30 PM.
HELIOPIC SWEET &SPA
treatment rooms, pool, relaxation area with fireplace, tea lounge, onsen, hammam,
banya, ice cave, tub with cold water leading to a tepidarium and rustic bucket
shower. Nuxe Spa treatment
REFLEXOLOGIC
Caroline WIJNKOOP - EFT Pratitioner and Reiki Master.
Reflexologic Balance of the Body and the Mind
13
GUIDE DE L’ORGANISATEUR
14