Walking across Chamonix town centre

The expectation of Chamonix to be like a typical Ski Town might actually turn itself over. Chamonix is a collection of villages which all service the ski region in the Alps that surrounds this beautiful town. Chamonix Mont Blanc is the main town and most often this is where one ends up staying on a visit to Chamonix. It is atmospheric, what with the towering white mountains to one side, a network of paved pedestrian roads, and buildings that retain the charm and character of a bygone era. Chamonix has many pedestrian streets and all of these, but naturally, have a large number of shops. You can spend a day and your entire wallet here as there are some of the most prestigious brands on display. The paved Rue du Docteur Paccard has interesting stores, antique shops, bookstores, cafés, coffee shops, fine dining restaurants and shopping options. Place Calmat and Rue Joseph Vallot are other areas to walk around. As with such bustling nerve centres, parking is a problem, so be duly warned if you have hired a car for your holiday. There are other small villages around that can also make for a good exploration like Argentière, Les Houches and Vallorcine. All of these also have accommodation options.

There are atmospheric, buzzing local markets almost everyday in one of the villages, though some are open only during season so enquire at the tourism office. If you wish to further your discovery of this lovely town and its neighbouring villages then take a walk from the tourism office to learn more about the town’s beginning and history. Teresa’s Photo Walks offers specialised and even customised walks that gives a great flavour of this region and you might meet local artists, cheese makers and locals in their homes.