the winter sports tip of the year: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France
The. is for the experienced skier Aiguille du Midi here is a true highlight. In addition to being the highest peak possible, it is also the starting point of the famous ski route Vallée Blanche, which has a length of 20 km and a height difference of 2800m. Are you writing?
So far the facts for the die-hards, now on to what really makes winter sports fun: lunch with too much Chardonnay, apres ski in a cozy 'stube', drinks by a crackling fire and then a rosy dinner, followed by dancing on a table in a sweaty hole.
And we know where to go... Because Chamonix is vibrant. The charming village is uniquely situated between the beautiful eternally snow-capped mountain peaks. Busy streets, fashionable boutiques, beautiful caterers, luxurious cheese & macaron shops and the local market on Saturdays is a true gastronomic mecca. There are terraces, bars and restaurants on every street corner. From the local Indian and the local cheese fondue restaurant for the whole family, to fashionable fancy dining & party places. Saint-Tropez meets the versatility of a real city, so to speak.
Not open for long, but this place seems to have been taken straight from the Parisian Art Deco era: here you eat from large fruit-de-mer bowls, a glass of bubbles in your hand, sitting on a large – but extremely cozy – heated terrace under a luxurious wool blanket. The menu is delicious and thoroughly French refined, the wines délicieux and de vibe tres romantique.
From the local Indian and the local cheese fondue restaurant for the whole family, to fashionable fancy dining & party places. Saint-Tropez meets the versatility of a real city, so to speak.
Also just opened, but of a completely different order: Cool, very spectacular and hip decorated and above all very 'place to be'. Besides the fact that you can of course stay there, this hotel is vibrant and it is also ideal for a Martini at the bar in your cocktail dress or a fancy dinner a deux. Be sure to keep an eye on their party calendar!
Pics by @terminalneige
Hotel Gustavia on the other hand, it has been around since 1890 and is therefore one of the most iconic places in Chamonix. With its equally legendary bar Room Neuf which is known as the address ski bar of Chamonix; also a must do in town!
La Bergerie de Planpraz has been one of the nicest restaurants on top of the Chamonix slopes for 20 years: no long lines to the takeaway counter where you then take wilted fries on a plastic tray back to your not-too-fresh table for too much money. No, here you enter a warm, cozy and charming log cabin.
Sheepskins on the chairs, sawn hearts in the wood of the toilet doors, white table linen and shiny polished wine glasses. The service is impeccable, just like the menu.
This special place can only be reached by the Montenvers cog railway; a centuries-old train that departs from the train station in the centre of Chamonix. After 20 minutes you are at the top of this mountain where you end up in a fairytale setting of eternal snow. You literally feel like you are alone in the world and on top of the world. The 'Inn' is very tastefully decorated and serves as a hotel as well as a restaurant. The interior is stylish but very atmospheric with lots of wood, comfortable armchairs, a large fireplace and vintage graphics on the wall. In the restaurant area there is an immense glass facade, which looks out over the impressive 'terminal neige'.
Also impressive is the amazing view you have on the other side of the train station. This is where the spectacular is Mer-de-Glace (or Sea of Ice, with 12 km one of the longest glaciers in the Alps). If the entire group does not want to be on the slopes every day, a day trip to this peak is really worthwhile. You can descend via a huge staircase all the way to underneath the glacier, where there is a real ice cave. Success guaranteed for young and old (well, not too young or too old because of course the stairs have to go up again).
If you can't make it this winter, Chamonix also seems to be extremely worthwhile during the rest of the year. Just saying…
x, Maud
