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Summer
Chamonix is one of the world capitals for outdoor activities,
for short breaks or long holidays. The Chamonix valley is also
an area of outstanding natural beauty - discover the protected
wildlife and plants, and the impressive glaciers. As you gain
altitude, you will enjoy the wonderful views of one of the best
known areas in the Alps. See Links.
 Hill
walking and hiking
The majestic setting of the Mont Blanc massif offers you an
immense diversity of walking routes in a unique setting. There
are a multitude of footpaths and trails departing from Les Houches.
Maps detailing these routes can be found at the Tourist Office.
Mountain
bike trails
There are many mountain bike trails in Les
Houches to Chamonix. Try out the mountain bike trail from the
top of the
Bellevue cable car.
 Glacier
trekking
This is the greatest possible chance of viewing spectacular
scenery as you find yourself in the heart of the most beautiful
glaciers in the Alps. You will need to take a guide.
White
waters activities
Canoeing, kayaking, rafting, hydrospeed and canyoning activities
are all offered in the Chamonix valley.
Rock
and indoor climbing
Why not make the most of being in the world capital of mountaineering
and rock climbing. Local Mountain Guides and the Mont-Blanc
Escalade indoor climbing arena offer introductory, intermediate
or refinement courses.
 Nature
and discovery
The association of Natural Reserves in the Haute Savoie region
arranges numerous outings with scientific animators to explain
the local nature from a geological or botanical point of view,
in exceptional surroundings. Visit the Carlaveyron protected
nature reserve and discover the vast glacial bowl in the upper
region, and the beautiful mountain forest.
Gallery
Midnight
Visit
Gallery Midnight and view paintings of the area buy local artist
Johny Reid. Splash out and by an original or perhaps a print.
Information on the gallery can be found at www.gallerymidnight.com
The
Market
The market is held every Monday in Les Houches village. There
is a multitude of local produce: traditional cold meats, cheese,
wines, seasonal fruits and aromatic herbs…
 Golf
The Chamonix golf course is open to the public. This high altitude
golf course is located alongside the River L'Arve and offers
fabulous views of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouges.
This is an in expensive golf club and information on playing
a round of golf can be found at the Chamonix or Les Houches
tourist offices. Green fees cost between 30 and 60 euros depending
on the season.
The
Mountain Museum
This museum lies in the heart of Les Houches village. A guide
of ancient local heritage, the history of the village and the
valley are well presented in several traditionally furnished
rooms. There are also several museums and topical art galleries
in Chamonix town.
The
Merlet animal park
Discover the mountain animals in the Merlet Animal Park, roaming
freely within the grounds. With the Mont-Blanc massif directly
opposite, you will have the opportunity of viewing the spectacular
scenery and seeing alpine fauna such as mouflons, mountain goats,
lamas, marmottes, chamois and deer. Take a picnic!
The
Diosaz Gorge
The waters of Les Gorges de la Diosaz have scored a narrow passage
through a verdant crack in the rock face. These waters tumble
down no less than seven waterfalls. Classed as a site of natural
beauty and among the most beautiful gorges in France, they are
accessible on foot. Not to be missed!
 The
Mont-Blanc tramway
This is the highest running tram in France. Running through
the valley from Le Fayet towards the mountains above Les Houches,
it passes by the aigulles and glaciers, reaching the snow covered
Massif. The tram will take you to an altitude of over 7,780
feet. The Mont-Blanc tramway is accessible from Les Houches
village, either via the Bellevue or Prarion lift systems.
Children
Chamonix valley offers a wide range of walks for all the family:
strolls along the valley, hikes on the lower and upper balconies
(mountain terraces), and approaches to glaciers. Examples of
walks can be found in the apartment or at the Tourist Office.
In the heart of one of the Mont-Blanc forests lies a Tyrolienne
Traverse - an adventure course of 50 different activities: rope
ladders, beams and bridges, Tibetan bridges, rope walks, Tarzan
swings…
Other
activities
 Dog
trekking, paragliding, St Bernard kennels, flower fairs, donkey
trekking, visits to local Savoyarde farms and local craftsmen/artists,
golf, horse riding, swimming, tennis, squash, ice skating, saunas
and jacuzzis, massages, fishing, bowling, fitness centres, paragliding,
panoramic flights, etc.
For
further information on all the above activities contact the
Les Houches Tourist Office. Tel 0033 450 55 50 62, website www.leshouches.com
or e-mail info@leshouches.com
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