The French Alps are a wintertime hotspot, the world class slopes attract ski and snowboard enthusiasts from all over the world. However, the villages in the valleys of the Alps also deserve attention in the spring and summertime. The beautiful weather, the relaxed atmosphere and the fabulous food make the Alps just a worthy warm weather destination. Here are a few spots you should check out when visiting Chamonix, France.
For Amazing Views
Le Panoramique Mer de Glace
Le Brevent, 74400, Chamonix, France
https://www.chamonix.com/le-panoramique-mer-de-glace,6-46095,en.html
Le Panoramique is located at the top of the Brevent Cable Car and while during the wintertime this spot is filled with skiers taking a break before heading down the challenging “Piste Du Charlie Bozen”, in the summertime it is just a beautiful place to enjoy a meal in the sunshine. The vast semi-circle patio overlooks all the distant snowcapped peaks—it is easy to see why they named it the way they did! Must tries here are any of the classics, just be sure to pair them with a refreshing spritz! Be sure to allow plenty of time for a visit here because you will need to time your ascent and decent with the running of the Brevent Cable Car, of which the ride is an activity all within itself, so to switch your phone to video mode to capture the climb all the way up (and down!).
For a Party
La Folie Douce Chamonix
191 Avenue du Savoy, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
https://www.lafoliedoucehotels.com/en/
Another skier’s paradise in the wintertime, the brand new La Folie Douce Hotel is the heart of the après scene in the colder months. And for their first summer season they are bringing the party back with their “Summer Festival.” This year they are hosting daily (beginning June 15th) activities to bring a ‘festival’ vibe to Chamonix. There will be special performances, drink specials, music and more to entertain guest all through the summer season. In addition to the festival, there are several dining options on site. There is an outdoor terrace, an indoor night club, and several full-service restaurants to choose from.
For Date Night
Hotel Aiguille du Midi
479 Chemin Napoléon, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
https://www.hotel-aiguilledumidi.com
Even if you will be staying in downtown Chamonix, you have to head a few miles down the road to the charming family-run Hotel Aiguille du Midi. You can take the bus or the train right to its doorstep. Book a table at their restaurant one evening for a romantic night out or head there for lunch on the terrace on a sunny day to enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks. And if you do decide to stay here for a few nights, don’t skip breakfast, the pastries are expertly made each morning, so grab a few and take your time to enjoy your cappuccino alfresco.
The vibe of Chamonix in the summertime is really quite the same as it is in the wintertime: fabulous views, friendly people and lots of outdoor fun!
