What to do

On Site

There is a small playground with swings, table tennis and table football at the entrance to the campsite.

Campers have use of a picnic room next to the playground, which contains a selection of books and games which are free to use.

Barbecues are available from behind reception, please return in the same condition you expect to find them.

The wi-fi is free, (currently within 50m of reception) ask at reception for a passcode.

At reception you can buy ice creams, soft drinks, wines, homemade jams, gas cartridges and basic supplies.

A washing machine and tumble dryer are also available, ask at reception to purchase tokens,

The toilets and showers have hot water and are open all hours, a baby bath is available.

In the Valley

CHAMONIX capital of mountaineering, yes, but that’s not all, you will also find:

  • Paragliding : The team at Les Ailes de Mont Blanc (“The wings of Mont Blanc”) offer tandem flights as well as full paragliding courses. 
  • The Parc de Merlet (in french) :Visit a parc with animals in semi-liberty, you will walk-around among ibex, marmots and other animals of the alps, with yet another magnificent view. 
  • Helicopter flights over Mont Blanc, 
  • Summer Luge
  • Golf – in Les Praz is an excellent golf course, that has swallowed more balls of mine than I care to remember! There is also a driving range for those of us who need more practice. 
  • White Water Rafting
  • Canyoning 
  • Hydrospeed – white water rafting without the raft! 
  • Rock Climbing – http://www.chamonix.com/climbing,34,en.html
  • Mountaineering – yup you can do this here too! 
  • Hiking
  • Adventure parks – tree level courses for all ages and levels of fitness including rope bridges, tarzan swings and ziplines 
  • Mountain biking everything from easy cross country trails to full on terror enducing downhill runs 
  • The Cinema Vox in Chamonix with films in French and English http://www.cinemavox-chamonix.com
  • Tennis http://chamonixtennis.com
  • Fishing, wait. What? Where! 
  • Swimming Pool & Sports Centre. (in french) Please note: swimming shorts are not allowed, you need to wear Speedos ( “Budgie Smugglers” as they are known in Australia ) to use the swimming pool 
  • Ice rink (in french) 
  • Fitness trail – Situated in the woods by the side of Lac Gaillands half way between Chamonix and Les Bossons
  • Orienteering in the Bois du Bouchet 
  • Trail Running – There are 18 waymarked routes between Servoz and Vallorcine
  • Regional market – There is a market in the Place du Mont-Blanc in Chamonix on Saturday mornings
  • Museums
  • Tairraz Centre – Crystal Museum situated at Parvis du parking Saint-Michel, Chamonix 
  • Alpine Museum – 89 Avenue Michel Croz, Chamonix 

This is far from a comprehensive list of activities available in the valley. The Tourist Office in Chamonix at 85 Place du Triangle de l’Amitié has further information.

After all that you may need to refuel, here are a few of my personal favourite bars and restaurants in Chamonix:-

Restaurants

  • La Moraine – a traditional Savoyard restaurant in Chamonix, with a contemporary twist 
  • Cool Cats – artisanal hotdogs and vegetarian cuisine on the Rue des Moulins 
  • Le Boccolatte – The Pavé steak is my favourite
  • La Poele – if you thought an omelette was just eggs, think again 

Bars

  • Bar’d up – spit n sawdust bar, great staff situated on the Rue des Moulins

Transport in the Valley

You can use your vehicle, the buses and panoramic train are free within the valley. The more we use these services the better the service will get.

Bus stops are located at approximately 150 meters from the campsite, the bus stop to Chamonix is opposite the railway station “Les Bossons”. Chamonix centre is a 5 minute ride. Les Houches is around 12 minutes away in the opposite direction. The main bus to and from Les Bossons is the number 1, this usually runs every half an hour, but check the timetable at the bus stop for last bus times.

Upon your arrival, you will receive a Carte D’Hote (guest card). This entitles you to free transportation and discounts for museums in Chamonix, so enjoy these benefits!

It is also possible to visit some sites by means of:

  • Chair lifts (operating in both summer and winter)
  • Cable cars (Aiguille du Midi, Brevent, Flégère, etc …)
  • Funicular (the rack and pinion railway Montenvers to access the Mer de Glace)