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Better known in the UK for winter skiing and summer mountaineering, Chamonix is a hidden gem for the summer. French and Italians have been visiting it for decades on their summer holidays as there is so much to do and fantastic scenery to take in.
It has everything for complete relaxation and taking it easy as well as for those who like good walking and activity sports.
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Summer Apartment Balmat |
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Summer in the valley is beautiful and there are lots of activities to do. Mountaineering is world famous and you can watch the climbers from on high via the cable cars as well as from the road.
There’s something for everyone.
The variety of walking available is fantastic. There are gentle walks along the valley bottom, the river Arve and the golf course. But the most dramatic are up top where views of the glaciers and mountain lakes are not to be missed. There are lots of mountain guiding organisations to take you to the best locations and to show you the flora and fauna on day walks.
One of the loveliest “easy walks” is to take the Montenvers cog driven train up the mountain to the base of the Mer du Glace (restaurant available!) and then walk down the mountain with views of Chamonix and the valley. This takes the strain out of the day and makes for a great afternoon out. An alternative is the mountain parkland above Les Contamines where there is lots of room to park the car, amble and have a look inside the fascinating mountain travellers’ church.
Activities for the less ambitious mountain walkers include: · tennis · swimming · golf on an 18-hole course in the valley bottom · horse riding
And for those with more nerve: · hang-gliding · para-gliding · rafting · canoeing
In Chamonix there are museums, libraries, concerts, gardens, a casino and piano bars. Close to Chamonix are waterfalls and flora & fauna exhibition centres.
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