FranceApril 30, 2024, by Romy Schouten

With Decathlon into the mountains: the Mont Blanc valley

France, April 30, 2024, by Romy Schouten

With Decathlon into the mountains: the Mont Blanc valley

Mont Blanc in France is the highest peak of the Alps, and has its feet in three countries: France, Switzerland and Italy. A great area, and certainly known among winter sports enthusiasts, but also among hikers and avid mountain climbers. A true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. And in the middle of this valley you will find the design center Decathlon's own outdoor brands, completely surrounded by mountains, and therefore the perfect place for this active outdoor wear brand. The place where they all... outdoor gear design, develop and test yourself. Part of the center is The Mountain Store. This gigantic store has absolutely everything for all (outdoor) sports and stuff for avid campers.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

You will stay in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Chamonix is ​​a village at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountains. Because of its nice location, this village is the perfect base for going into the mountains, whether you are on the slopes in the winter or going for a relaxing walk in the summer. You're in the right place here. Chamonix is ​​located on the French side of Mont Blanc, as you probably guessed from the name. Read our hotel tips in the area here.

The Mountain Store

The Mountain Store

Found a place to sleep? Check. But you don't have all of them yet gear collected? Then you are there The Mountain Store at the right place. In addition to all your winter sports equipment, they have everything for camping; in all shapes and sizes, from the easy easy two seconds tent till the XXL tent for 8 people. Or how about mountain climbing? They are experts in that too: from ice hooks to... carbineers. Is it a little colder than you expected? Then drop by for a windstopper and thermal underwear, so you can get back to it! This mega store from Decathlon really has everything and is definitely worth a visit. And don't forget to stop for a bite in the restaurant. The view is also not bad, because this Decathlon Basecamp has panoramic views on three mountain ranges.

Decathlon Mountain Store
170 avenue Léman Mont-Blanc, 74190 Passy

Aiguille de Midi

Aiguille de Midi

One of these is the Mont Blanc mountain range, where you will find this large peak, one of more than 3800 meters high. From the village of Chamonix you board the large gondola and ascend in 20 minutes. The rapid change in altitude may make you feel dizzy for a moment, but that's it to be honest more than worth it; the view is breathtaking. Perhaps the most beautiful view in the Alps. That says something!

And then you're at the top: what now? Step into the glass cage, not in a vacuum, where it seems like you are floating. Quite a bit exciting. At the top you will also find a museum and a small restaurant called '3842'. Yes, you really have lunch there at an altitude of 3842 meters. Bucket list, check!

Skiing from the Aiguille du Midi is for experienced skiers only free riders. Walking in the summer is just that little bit easier. Take a short walk around the gondola station, or try one of the nice walking routes that take between two and three hours.

Mer de Glace

Mer de Glace

In other words, the 'sea of ​​ice'. Why? Well, it's a 12 km long glacier, completely covered in ice. In some places the ice is even 300 meters thick. If mountain climbing with ice hooks is your thing, Decathlon Mountain Store is the right place to purchase your equipment. But if you prefer to skip that, you can still enjoy the breathtaking view from the Montenvers train. It starts well, because the start is already beautiful: from the terrace you can admire the great view while enjoying a hot chocolate. Then you get warmed up and board the nice red train. It's a short drive, but if you're in the area, we would definitely do it.

Another activity is a visit to the special ice cave La Grotte de Glace. Keep in mind that you have to descend 400 steps to enter the cave, and of course climb back up again.

Layers, layers, and more layers

Layers, layers, and more layers

But what are you wearing? The same question every day in the mountains. The solution: layers. We start with the bottom layer. Summer or winter: merino wool thermal clothing is the answer. Not too hot, and not too cold! Also a nice t-shirt for everyday use. With nice trousers underneath you can easily sit down to dinner. Cold feet, yuck, that can ruin the whole day. Of these sporty socks Made from merino wool you don't have to worry about that.

The weather can change suddenly in the mountains, so you better be prepared. Of this raincoat you're in the right place (also useful for the Netherlands by the way). You are protected against rain, but also wind and snow. We don't mind an extra layer of warmth either. That's what it is for this down jacket great because down is nice and warm, but also compact and light. When the sun comes out, you can easily put the jacket in your bag with the included bag.

Speaking of the bag, this backpack from Decathlon is also ideal for mountain hiking: light, comfy and goes with everything! And Last but not least: sturdy walkers especially in this beautiful sea green color. Certainly not wrong.

We stay a little lower

We stay a little lower

With the right clothing you can go uphill, but if that seems a bit too much, or too high, we should say, no problem. Passy lake is the answer. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake without having to climb any higher. Take a walk around the lake, take a dip in the summer, or channel your inner Wim Hof ​​in the winter. Don't feel like getting wet: pedal boating is also an option! Fun for the kids. When the sun is shining, a picnic on the large lawns around the lake is also a nice idea. And plenty of trees to provide shade. Decathlon also has nice stuff for a picnic (or for when trekking), because when it comes to good food, we don't want to compromise. Take a hot meal with you in this insulated cup and a hot cup of good coffee or tea in one thermos flask.

Lac de Passy is wonderfully close to Chamonix, but Lac Vert, White Lake en Lacs des Cheserys are also a great tip!

 

Decathlon

Whether it is for a tent for a festival, that handy snorkel mask for the kids, or comfortable yoga leggings: Decatlon has something for everyone. Or better said, for people with an active view on life, because Decatlon is really a paradise for that.

Decathlon has its own brand for each sport (group). Their camping brand Quechua is one of their first brands and you probably know them from their tents. The two seconds tent (yes, that festival tent) is the most famous, but nowadays they also have a crazy one Bubble tent en roof tent. In addition to camping, Quechua is also the brand for hiking, trekking and backpacking. If you are looking for winter sports gear, you should go to your own winter sports brand wedze and its own climbing brand Simond. For the real daredevils!

And all these outdoor Decathlon products are all designed, developed and tested in-house in the Mont Blanc valley. From field tests – yes, Decathlon goes into the mountains itself to test the products – to lab tests. Decathlon ensures that all products are in tip-top condition before they enter the store.