Access to Chamonix :
The rail connections from Geneva to Chamonix are not very good at present. Although a new line should be finished in 2012, at the moment you have to find Eaux-vives station far from the centre, make 4 connections en route and have a journey time of 3 hours.
It’s much better to take one of the many minibus shuttles from the airport directly to your accommodation. Even if you are travelling to the Alps by train, there is a train from Geneva’s central station to the airport every ten minutes and so the minibus option is still a better choice.
Try:
Mountain Drop-offs
Alpybus
Cham Express
A-T-S.net
Accomodation:
Chamonix has everything to offer from 4 star hotels to campsites. Although I, ll come and pick you up with my comfortable 4x4 wherever you are staying, the Chamonix valley is quite spread out. Without a car you can be a little cut off - you may find it more practical to stay in Chamonix itself.
Gites:
These offer dormitory accomodation from around 16€. You can usually opt for half-board or else there is a communal kitchen where you can cook for yourselves. Chamionard Volant - 00 33 450 53 14 09
Vagabond - 00 33 450 53 15 43 (Argentière)
Le Belvedere - 00 33 450 18 50 66
Bed and breakfast:
My favourite Bed and Breakfast is La Cremerie du Glacier - 00 33 450 55 90 10.
A little out of town and not cheap but very friendly and at the foot of Les Bossons glacier. Their traditional Alpine home cooking is fantastic!
Hotels:
1star - Les Randonneurs - 00 33 450 54 02 80
2star - Rhodendrons - 00 33 450 53 06 39 - Chamonix - 00 33 450 53 11 07
3star - Park Hotel Suisse - 00 33 450 53 07 58
4star - Bois Prin - 00 33 450 53 33 51 (they grow their own vegetables and herbs)
Or else click on www.chamonix.net/english/accomodation/index.htm
Weather:
Chamonix meteo (English/French)
Equipment Hire:
You can hire most stuff in the valley-hiking boots, waterproofs, backpacks etc.
Snell sports - 00 33 450 53 02 17
Sanglard Sports - 00 33 450 53 24 70
Tour Guiding in Paris:
If you are interested, Fleur does tour guiding in Paris which she knows like the back of her hand. She can show you the less well-known atmospheric corners of Paris that you are unlikely to find by yourselves. She may be available in Chamonix in summer to show you the Baroque churches of the region, the famous art gallery in Martigny and so on if you don’t feel up to hiking!
Paris tour guide - 00 33 684 40 17 66
