Mont Blanc, France
Chamonix the city below Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is a must-see location in France if you love nature and great food. To get to the 'city' can be a little bit difficult as it is a small town tucked away into a valley surrounded by the French Alps. It is spectacular!
Renting a car would make life a lot easier and the drive is beautiful so it is worth it, except for the Mont Blanc tunnel (if coming from Italy). However, once you come through the dismal tunnel, you arrive with a view of the town against a background of snow-frosted mountains.
Not a budget trip
This trip is not for the poor traveler. You could manage but I think that to really experience everything you should have a bigger budget for this town. Also, if you are not an outdoors junky Mont Blanc might not be the best location for you mind you it is gorgeous no matter what. All around the town, you will find hikes markers. No matter where you are there will be suggestions on activities. The mountains and surrounding areas are adventure friendly. I can't even list all the sports so just assume if you have something in mind, they do it.
Most of the hotels are expensive, I recommend you look into an Airbnb. If you stay outside the city center, there is a lovely path to take you downtown. Most people use this. The dress code is your best outdoors attire.
What to do:
Sooo much to do in this small mountain town. Hikes at every turn, bike trails, climbing, etc. One of the things I wish I had done but didn't have time was paragliding through the Alps. It looked so scary but such an epic ride.
The other must do is going up Mont Blanc summit. It is fairly costly but completely worth it. (see photos) Such a stunning view, however, if you are scared of heights really bad idea. It was also extremely cool and windy in the winter seasons.
If you are a big-time skier, you can ski down the alps onto the glacier or even down the top of Mont Blanc. Watching the elite skiers slide sidewise towards the prominent cliff genuinely scared the crap out of my mom and me.
The Ice Cave under the glacier. It was spectacular! While hiking down you meet a lot of skiers coming up the steep steps after skiing down the ice fields. I have so much respect for these people.
If you go to the ice cave, definitely try the restaurant that is located on the alp above the Ice field, Panoramique Mer de Glace (link in where to eat). If you go in the summer months the deck is an excellent place to sit. After spending time in the cold cave and walking 960 steps the rich food makes you feel like you aren’t going to die. The hearty stews are particularly good.
Another thing for the summer months is the Chalet de La Floria (link in where to eat). A short hike up to a vista point but also at the top is a small wine shack. Unfortunately, when we went it was closed but I got an ear full of wine on our way back down. Needless to say, mom and I will be going back when it is open.
At the summit there are two restaurants, one is very famous for being the tallest restaurant in Europe and another smaller store to get snacks + something to warm (link is where to eat). Another awesome feature is the glass box. You can stand comfortably inside a glass box hanging off of the cliff. If you looked down, groups of climbers are ascending the last stretch of the mountain. My mom refused to go even slightly close to the glass.
Where to eat:
Honestly, it's all good. There are several Michelin restaurants located in the downtown area right on the river. I almost cried over how good the good was. All the restaurants are expensive but the quality of the food is out of this world.
Atmosphère - Located next to the river, this is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Every single thing that was served was breathtakingly good.
Restaurant La Moraine - Hardy food. So flavorful and fun. When I say fun, I mean they take traditional food for that area and put a twist on it. We also had a that came in a teapot (of sorts) with many different places to drink from, and was set on fire. It tasted like jet full but it was so much fun!
Panoramique Mer de Glace - Above the ice cave. Amazing food and wine.
Chalet de La Floria - (summer stays) Short hike to a cute little restaurant.
Le 3842- Mount Blanc summit restaurant.
Many nice pubs for those looking for a ‘cheaper’ option.
Also, The stores had very interesting things in them. One of my things to do in a new area is to check out the local food. France always gets me <3!
